Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks — Local services in Gustavus

Summer 2021 myself and four others went on a 10-day independent, backcountry kayak trip down Glacier Bay. While an experienced camper and kayaker, I had not previously done a backcountry kayak trip in a damp, cold climate. Yes, the equipment we rented was great, reliable, and sturdy; but it was the other resources that made Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks stand out as an exceptional outdoor company. Their website is an INVALUABLE RESOURCE! The website contains everything from understanding tides, how to get permits, where to buy gas after flying in, and packing lists. We all stuck to the pack list and were glad we had! Synthetic sleeping bags which were better when wet and rubber boots were far more essential than we would have ever guessed! I never felt I was a bother when I called with a question prior to the trip. The night prior to our trip staff met with us to review our paddle plan as well as point out good water sources and areas to take particular care. They also gave us an informative safety briefing. I was traveling with two teens and two in their twenties so having this covered just prior to launching made the parent in me very happy. Other companies probably have equally good equipment; but it was the other stuff that made our adventure safe, hassle-free, and perfect! Having the right gear and knowing what to expect made the difference between a good trip and an AMAZING trip!! As a family we are no strangers to outdoor adventures; and I have to say, I am more than a little impressed with Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks' staff, website, gear, and upbeat friendly manner. I would absolutely recommend them to other families or groups looking for a...

I cannot possible recommend GBSK more strongly. I rented a kayak for an East Arm trip with essential gear and navigation tips from Kara -- we must have exchanged 30 emails -- and would not have been able to go without her. While I had kayaked in Alaska many years before, and despite being extensively experienced in outdoor travel, I was forced to cut my trip short for safety reasons and regret I did not simply take a guided trip with GBSK. Multi-day kayaking is not backpacking on the water! The combination of tide, wind, and rain can rapidly unravel even the most detailed planning (like the laminated tide table and travel time chart I created for my trip) and emphasizes the wisdom of seeking a professional GBSK guide. I learned more from a one hour accidental encounter with Leah on a rocky beach -- who had just successfully guided two fellows 30 miles up the east arm -- than in a dozen hours or reading and preparation. So that's how to start a fire with wet wood, and that's how to set up a tarp in the rain! All I can say is --- thank you Leah and Kara. And enjoy your trip in...

Our full day kayak adventure with GBSK was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. We were able to kayak with tons of sea otters, sea lions, and seals, and we were able to spot a wide variety of water birds and eagles, and even got to see a humpback whale surfacing. Kara was easy to communicate with and Leah went above and beyond to help us have a very successful trip! We...