Based in Haines, SEAK Expeditions offers immersive, small-group day tours by kayak, bike, and packraft. All are led by passionate locals who truly know and love the area.
The small groups allow leaders to customize the tours to the interests of travelers—whether it’s geology, history, photography, or wildlife—so they feel connected to Alaska in ways most meaningful for them. Best of all, no experience is necessary; most everyone can do these tours, from beginners to experienced paddlers.
The Tours
- Chilkook Lake Kayak. This 4-hour, half-day trip is perfect for travelers on a cruise or anyone short on time. You’ll start with a scenic, 20-minute drive along the coast to Chilkoot Lake, where you’ll set off across the glassy water and paddle for 1.5 to 2 hours in the gorgeous remote wilderness. And because the Chilkoot River brings salmon here from the ocean, you may witness bears feeding on the fish. You may also see harbor seals or a catch sight of moose, along with birds, beavers, and otters—all while taking in dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Snacks are included. Tour is also available roundtrip from Skagway for guests arriving by cruiseship.
- Bike & Kayak Tour. During this 5.5-hour expedition, you’ll embark on the kayaking trip above, but instead of riding the van from Haines, you’ll do a portion of the trip—4 to 5 miles—by bike, on a paved surface.
- Day on the Fjord. Enjoy 5 to 6 hours of paddling on this full-day sea kayaking trip. You’ll meet around 9 a.m. for the 20-minute drive to a private beach where there’s a local cannery and a gorgeous, mountain-filled landscape. Paddle out along the shores of Chilkat State Park, where you might see porpoises, seals, river otters, and even sometimes bears along the shore, along with the occasional humpback and orca. You’ll break for a provided lunch (cheese, smoke salmon, veggies, fruit, and hummus) and may paddle around a little island before returning to shore.
- Klehini River Packrafting. This full-day trip includes a 45-minute drive and some packrafting on the fast-moving (but non-technical) Chilkat River. Enjoy floating through the wilderness as you keep an eye out for eagles, moose, and bears; you’ll also pass the Tlingit village of Kluwkan.
About SEAK
Founded by husband-and-wife team Joe Oesterling and Tracy Mikowski, SEAK offers immersive, small-group wilderness adventures that connect travelers to the area. Joe, who started traveling to Alaska in the 1990s and moved to Haines in 2010, brings extensive mountaineering and paddling experience that includes search-and-rescue dog handling, Wilderness First Responder certification, and a U.S. Coast Guard 50-Ton Captain’s license. Tracy keeps operations running smoothly alongside her roles as a children’s author and manager at a local animal shelter.
