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Pangaea Adventures Pangaea Adventures Pangaea Adventures Pangaea Adventures
  • Home
  • Our Trips
    • Sea Kayak Day Tours
    • Glacier Hikes
    • Whitewater Rafting Trips
    • Sea Kayak Camping Trips
    • Multi-Sport Trips
    • Backpacking Trips
    • Alaska Mothership Charters
    • Wilderness Lodge Adventures
    • Kayak Rentals and Instruction
    • Alaska Water Taxi Services
    • Open Trips
  • Reservations
    • Reserve a Trip
    • Reservation Policy
    • Multi-Day Questionnaire
  • Resources
    • Lodging
    • Getting to Valdez
    • Gear Lists
    • Recommended Reading
    • Trip Conditioning
  • Company
    • About Pangaea
    • About Valdez, Alaska
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Equipment
    • Why Choose Pangaea?
    • Web Specials
    • Alaska Partners & Helpful Links
    • Employment
    • Meet Our Guides
    • COVID-19
  • Contact
    • Contact Pangaea
    • Download A Brochure
    • Press Kit
    • Reviews and Feedback
  • Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in a trip?

For all of our day trips, we include all the rain gear and kayaking gear you need for the day. This includes splash pants, rubber rain jackets, pogies (neoprene hand mitts), and rubber rain boots. Paddles, spray skirts, PFDs, and dry bags are also provided.

We do provide dry suits for rafting only.

For our glacier hikes, we provide crampons and helmets, but not rain gear.

What gear should I bring?

You’ll want to dress warm for your trip, and wearing layers is key. You should certainly avoid wearing cotton (jeans are cotton!); synthetic materials are more comfortable for water sports (i.e. polyester, wool, spandex, quick-dry material). Sunglasses, sunscreen, and cameras are always a good idea, too!

On multiday trips, you don’t need much else besides any personal items (toothbrush & paste, contact solution, etc, plus layered clothing as mentioned above, and stout rain gear). Sleeping bags, pads, tents and cookware are included in your trip.

For raft trips, all you need is to dress warm and wear socks!

What kind of food is served?

On all day trips (except for Duck Flats and Rafting), our guides bring some snacks (pretzels & trail mix) and hot drinks, but you’ll definitely want to bring your own lunch with you as well.

On guided multiday trips, leave the cooking to your guide! He or she will provide the tastiest backcountry menu you could think of, catered to your personal preferences.

What are the group sizes?

The guest to guide ratio for day trips is anywhere from 2:1 to 8:1.

Multiday trips are 4:1. Raft trips can take a maximum of 14 guests per run.

Is there a minimum group size for a trip to run?

We need a minimum of 2 guests for all kayaking and hiking day and multiday trips. All of our water taxi services require a minimum of 4 passengers (this includes the Shoup & Columbia glacier tours), and smaller groups are often able to share the ride with other guests so as to meet that minimum. For raft trips, we require at least 4 guests.

What is the minimum age limit?

For our Duck Flats tour, we don’t go younger than 6 years old. For all other tours, we prefer not to take kids younger than 8 years old. With rafting and glacier hiking tours, we require a minimum of 12 years old or at least 5 feet tall.

What kind of kayak will I be paddling?

All guests will paddle from a tandem (double) kayak. You will be paired with another member of your group, another guest, or a guide. We use Wilderness Systems and Necky tandem plastic (sit-in) sea kayaks. For sea kayak camp trips, we use the more voluminous Northwest and Seaward fiberglass kayaks.

Do I require previous experience?

No prior kayaking or rafting experience is necessary for any of our trips!

What is the difficulty level?

Since no experience is required, our kayaking trips are pretty mellow. While it is not necessary to train prior to any trip, you may find it to be a bit of a work out if you are coming in hot off the couch. Ultimately, our guides will paddle at your group’s average pace, and first-timers are totally welcome!

We would not suggest non-hikers sign up for our Worthington Glacier hike.

How far will we paddle each day?

Our day trip paddling ranges from 3-8 miles, depending on the tour and the appetite of the group. Multiday kayak/camp trips range from 8-15 miles/day. When the current is not acting terribly against you, you can paddle at a rate of about 3 miles per hour.

What are your guides' qualifications?

All of our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, and are experienced and knowledgeable about the areas we operate in, always putting safety first. Also, everyone is drug-tested and considered a Senior Deckhand by the US Coast Guard.

Is alcohol provided or can I bring my own?

Alcohol is not provided and it is not permitted on our Coast Guard inspected boats. Sorry! For our overnight trips, however, it is BYOB.

Do you have a size limit?

For safety reasons, participants shouldn’t be taller than 6’6” or heavier than 280lbs to sea kayak. If you wish, please stop by the office to do a dry-fit to see if you qualify.

Will we encounter bears?

Most likely not. Sometimes, we do see them on the shores and hillsides early and late season, but from a multiday perspective, we keep a smart and tidy campsite, so bear encounters are not very common. However, our guides do carry bear spray, just in case!

Bathrooms and washing?

We do have a very basic marine head aboard each vessel, and while they are designed more for an emergency type of situation, please know that they are there for you if you need them. They are operated differently from standard toilets, and you need to follow the instructions on how to use them. Please also note that there should be ample opportunity to duck behind a rock or beached iceberg periodically throughout the day.

Can I fish from the kayaks?

We are not a licensed fish-guiding outfit, and we do not fish on our day tours. On a multiday trip, however, if everyone in the group agrees on waiting for people to fish, then we would support that. While guests need to acquire their own fishing licenses and tackle, and the rods can be awkward to pack, occasionally, the rewards are well worth the hassle.

Can I rent kayaks?

Depending on our availability, we do allow kayak rentals. However, given the consequential waters we operate in, we are pretty strict about who we rent to. Please call to inquire about rentals.

Do you offer any discounts?

The discounts we offer at this time are 10% off to children 13 and under, groups of 8 guests or more, and individuals with an active military ID card. We also offer 10% off the lesser trip if you book more than one tour with us. These discounts cannot be combined.

What do I tip my guide?

Tipping is customary in the guiding industry, and any tips dealt to your guides are always much appreciated. Generally speaking, anywhere from 10-20% of the price of the trip, or $20-$60 per person, per day are good tipping standards to live by. Ultimately, tips are a reflection of the quality of work you think your guides do. Please keep in mind we do not take tips via credit cards, so don’t forget to bring cash for any tips you wish to give. Should you forget the cash, not to worry, there are ATM’s nearby!

What’s included in a trip?

For all of our day trips, we include all the rain gear and kayaking gear you need for the day. This includes splash pants, rubber rain jackets, pogies (neoprene hand mitts), and rubber rain boots. Paddles, spray skirts, PFDs, and dry bags are also provided.

We do provide dry suits for rafting only.

For our glacier hikes, we provide crampons and helmets, but not rain gear.

What gear should I bring?

You’ll want to dress warm for your trip, and wearing layers is key. You should certainly avoid wearing cotton (jeans are cotton!); synthetic materials are more comfortable for water sports (i.e. polyester, wool, spandex, quick-dry material). Sunglasses, sunscreen, and cameras are always a good idea, too!

On multiday trips, you don’t need much else besides any personal items (toothbrush & paste, contact solution, etc, plus layered clothing as mentioned above, and stout rain gear). Sleeping bags, pads, tents and cookware are included in your trip.

For raft trips, all you need is to dress warm and wear socks!

What kind of food is served?

On all day trips (except for Duck Flats and Rafting), our guides bring some snacks (pretzels & trail mix) and hot drinks, but you’ll definitely want to bring your own lunch with you as well.

On guided multiday trips, leave the cooking to your guide! He or she will provide the tastiest backcountry menu you could think of, catered to your personal preferences.

What are the group sizes?

The guest to guide ratio for day trips is anywhere from 2:1 to 8:1.

Multiday trips are 4:1. Raft trips can take a maximum of 14 guests per run.

Is there a minimum group size for a trip to run?

We need a minimum of 2 guests for all kayaking and hiking day and multiday trips. All of our water taxi services require a minimum of 4 passengers (this includes the Shoup & Columbia glacier tours), and smaller groups are often able to share the ride with other guests so as to meet that minimum. For raft trips, we require at least 4 guests.

What is the minimum age limit?

For our Duck Flats tour, we don’t go younger than 6 years old. For all other tours, we prefer not to take kids younger than 8 years old. With rafting and glacier hiking tours, we require a minimum of 12 years old or at least 5 feet tall.

What kind of kayak will I be paddling?

All guests will paddle from a tandem (double) kayak. You will be paired with another member of your group, another guest, or a guide. We use Wilderness Systems and Necky tandem plastic (sit-in) sea kayaks. For sea kayak camp trips, we use the more voluminous Northwest and Seaward fiberglass kayaks.

Do I require previous experience?

No prior kayaking or rafting experience is necessary for any of our trips!

What is the difficulty level?

Since no experience is required, our kayaking trips are pretty mellow. While it is not necessary to train prior to any trip, you may find it to be a bit of a work out if you are coming in hot off the couch. Ultimately, our guides will paddle at your group’s average pace, and first-timers are totally welcome!

We would not suggest non-hikers sign up for our Worthington Glacier hike.

How far will we paddle each day?

Our day trip paddling ranges from 3-8 miles, depending on the tour and the appetite of the group. Multiday kayak/camp trips range from 8-15 miles/day. When the current is not acting terribly against you, you can paddle at a rate of about 3 miles per hour.

What are your guides’ qualifications?

All of our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, and are experienced and knowledgeable about the areas we operate in, always putting safety first. Also, everyone is drug-tested and considered a Senior Deckhand by the US Coast Guard.

Is alcohol provided or can I bring my own?

Alcohol is not provided and it is not permitted on our Coast Guard inspected boats. Sorry! For our overnight trips, however, it is BYOB.

Will we encounter bears?

Most likely not. Sometimes, we do see them on the shores and hillsides early and late season, but from a multiday perspective, we keep a smart and tidy campsite, so bear encounters are not very common. However, our guides do carry bear spray, just in case!

Bathrooms and washing?

We do have a very basic marine head aboard each vessel, and while they are designed more for an emergency type of situation, please know that they are there for you if you need them. They are operated differently from standard toilets, and you need to follow the instructions on how to use them. Please also note that there should be ample opportunity to duck behind a rock or beached iceberg periodically throughout the day.

Can I fish from the kayaks?

We are not a licensed fish-guiding outfit, and we do not fish on our day tours. On a multiday trip, however, if everyone in the group agrees on waiting for people to fish, then we would support that. While guests need to acquire their own fishing licenses and tackle, and the rods can be awkward to pack, occasionally, the rewards are well worth the hassle.

Can I rent kayaks?

Depending on our availability, we do allow kayak rentals. However, given the consequential waters we operate in, we are pretty strict about who we rent to. Please call to inquire about rentals.

Do you offer any discounts?

The discounts we offer at this time are 10% off to children 13 and under, groups of 8 guests or more, and individuals with an active military ID card. We also offer 10% off the lesser trip if you book more than one tour with us. These discounts cannot be combined.

Do you have a size limit?

For safety reasons, participants shouldn’t be taller than 6’6” or heavier than 280lbs to sea kayak. If you wish, please stop by the office to do a dry-fit to see if you qualify.

What do I tip my guide?

Tipping is customary in the guiding industry, and any tips dealt to your guides are always much appreciated. Generally speaking, anywhere from 10-20% of the price of the trip, or $20-$60 per person, per day are good tipping standards to live by. Ultimately, tips are a reflection of the quality of work you think your guides do. Please keep in mind we do not take tips via credit cards, so don’t forget to bring cash for any tips you wish to give. Should you forget the cash, not to worry, there are ATM’s nearby!

 

Our season runs May 24 – September 10, and our office is open 8am-8pm,
7 days a week, every day of the summer
!

Call (907) 835-8442 or email info@alaskasummer.com with any questions!

Our Clients Tell The Story

Tracy M10/19/2019
5 star rating
Beautiful day on amazing adventure. We went on the Columbia Glacier day kayak tour. Amazing! Beautiful! Once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Chris was amazing. The... read moreWe went on the Columbia Glacier day kayak tour. Amazing! Beautiful! Once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Chris was amazing. The boat captain had great information on the area and made sure we stopped for all the wildlife otters, seals etc. We had a 2 person for my husband and I. read less
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Contact Pangaea Adventures

  • 107 N. Harbor Dr. Valdez, AK 99686
  • 907-835-8442
  • info@alaskasummer.com

Toll Free

  • 1-800-660-9637

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