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Kayaking Valdez Glacier

Kayaking out to Valdez Glacier is a truly unique experience. There are only a few places in the world where you can actually kayak right up to a glacier, get out and hike around on it, and we get to spend the day doing it!

We start out with an easy kayak around Valdez Lake, a lake created by the melting waters of Valdez Glacier, a glacier which once stretched all the way to Valdez Bay. With tidal glaciers (glaciers that terminate in the ocean) kayakers must stay at least a 1/4 mile away from the glacier because calving of the glacier can cause large waves that can flip a kayak over into extremely cold waters. But at Valdez Glacier, you get to kayak in and out of ice caves, and right up to the glacier! We dock at the glacier and explore it with a guide, learning about the different properties and geology of a glacier. We break for lunch on the glacier, and our guides serve us hot cocoa or tea to keep us warm and hydrated. It is truly an unforgettable day!