Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour

Explore Alaska’s Icy Wilderness with a Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour

The Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour offers a rare combination of soaring views and icy water adventures. For $1,416 per person, this 4-hour experience takes you from the Alaska Glacier Lodge over the Knik Glacier, landing on a glacier for exploration. Visitors can also don a dry suit and dip into a glacial lake before paddling across its tranquil waters on a paddleboard.

This tour is especially suited for those seeking an active yet scenic outdoor activity in Alaska. While it involves outdoor time and cold water immersion, the guides’ expertise ensures safety and comfort. It’s an adventure for confident outdoor enthusiasts who want to see Alaska from a unique perspective—both from the sky and the icy waters below.

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Key Points

• Scenic helicopter flight over Knik Glacier from Alaska Glacier Lodge
• Paddleboarding in remote glacier pools with all safety gear provided
• Jump into a cold glacial lake for an adrenaline rush and experience the icy terrain
• Guides are highly experienced, ensuring safety and helpful instruction
• Tour duration is 4 hours, with options to include lunch (food not included)
• Limited to 7 participants, creating a small, personalized group experience

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Knik Glacier from Alaska Glacier Lodge

The tour begins with a helicopter ride departing from the Knik River Lodge. This scenic flight offers spectacular views of the Knik Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in southern Alaska. The flight provides an overview of the wintry landscape and ice fields below, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

The helicopter pilot expertly guides the flight, ensuring passengers enjoy a smooth ride while taking in the stunning Alaska wilderness. The views from above showcase the vastness and icy beauty of the glacier, making it a highlight even before landing.

Landing on the Ice Fields and Exploring the Glacier Pools

Once the helicopter lands on the Knik Glacier, the guides lead you through the frozen landscape. This part of the tour involves exploring the vast ice fields and glacial pools. The guides’ local knowledge helps you appreciate the scale and beauty of this icy environment.

This stop offers an up-close view of the glacier’s surface, with the chance to learn about the glacier’s formation and features. The remote location means you experience a peaceful, unspoiled terrain far from crowds, perfect for nature photography and quiet reflection.

The Cold Dip: Jumping into the Glacial Lake

A key feature of this tour is the refreshing dip into a glacial lake. Travelers are provided with a dry suit and all necessary safety gear such as flotation devices, leashes, and throw ropes. The guides assist with multiple jumps into the icy water, making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.

This activity offers an adrenaline rush and a feeling of connection with the pristine, icy wilderness. The cold water is part of the experience, but your guides are there to support and ensure safety, whether you’re new to cold dips or experienced.

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Paddleboarding in the Calm Glacier Waters

After the dip, the focus shifts to paddleboarding. The tour includes a paddling lesson and safety demonstration so everyone understands how to navigate the serene glacier pools. You get to paddle solo across the still waters, enjoying the quiet of the icy landscape.

The paddleboarding offers a peaceful way to explore more of the glacier’s surroundings, with all equipment included—from paddleboards and paddles to micro-spikes for traction on the ice. This activity provides a gentle, meditative experience amid Alaska’s icy terrain.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour meets at the front desk of Alaska Glacier Lodge, making check-in straightforward. The small group size is limited to 7 participants, which helps maintain a relaxed, personalized atmosphere. This setup allows the guides to give individual attention and tailor the experience to the group’s comfort level.

While transfers from Anchorage are not included, they can be purchased separately by contacting the activity provider. This flexibility suits those who prefer to arrange their own transportation or add it to their broader trip plans.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour package covers all safety equipment, including a dry suit, flotation device, leash, throw rope, and paddleboard with micro-spikes. The guides are experienced and safety-conscious, guiding you through each phase of the adventure.

Participants should bring warm clothing, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. The lunch is included in the price but food is not, so plan accordingly if you want to bring extra snacks or drinks.

Physical Requirements and Weather Considerations

This tour involves outdoor activity for up to 4 hours and requires a moderate level of fitness. Participants should have a tolerance for extreme cold, as jumping into the glacier lake and paddling in icy waters are integral parts of the experience.

Weather conditions can affect the tour’s schedule or availability, so it’s essential to check updates. Guides are equipped with bear safety gear and medical rescue equipment, but participants should be prepared for outdoor Alaska conditions.

Safety and Experience Quality

Safety is a top priority with experienced guides leading the tour. They provide comprehensive safety briefings and instructions for paddling and ice water dips. The small group size enhances safety and personal attention.

The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach receive high praise, making the adventure both fun and reassuring. Their guidance ensures even those new to paddling or cold dips can participate confidently.

Comparing This Tour to Other Alaska Adventures

This tour offers a combination of scenic flight and adventure activities that are less common in other tours. Unlike typical glacier hikes or boat cruises, this experience blends aerial views with hands-on water activity in one package.

While lunch is included, food is not part of the package, and transfers from Anchorage are optional. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an active, multi-faceted experience with a focus on safety and personalized attention.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals to adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Alaska’s icy terrain. It’s perfect for confident swimmers and paddlers, given the cold water immersion, and for travelers who want a small-group, personalized experience.

Since pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and individuals over 280 lbs are not suited for this activity, it’s best suited for those in good physical condition and with a taste for outdoor cold-weather activities.

Anchorage: Knik Glacier Helicopter and Paddleboarding Tour – A Unique Alaskan Adventure

This tour offers a blend of breathtaking aerial views and hands-on icy water experiences in one compact, 4-hour package. The scenic helicopter flight over Knik Glacier sets a dramatic scene for the adventure, followed by the thrill of jumping into a glacial lake and paddling in serene waters.

The guides’ expertise ensures safety and enhances the experience, making it suitable for those comfortable with outdoor cold environments. The small group size and inclusive safety gear add to its appeal, offering a personalized, memorable journey through Alaska’s icy wilderness.

While the price is on the higher side, the all-included safety equipment, transportation options, and guided expertise justify the cost for many travelers seeking a truly exceptional Arctic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the helicopter flight included in the price?
Yes, the scenic helicopter flight over Knik Glacier is part of this tour.

What safety equipment is provided?
All safety gear, including flotation devices, leashes, throw ropes, and paddleboards, are included.

Can beginners participate in paddleboarding?
Yes, a paddling lesson and safety demonstration are provided, making it accessible even for beginners.

What should I bring for the activity?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

Are transfers from Anchorage included?
No, transfers are not included but can be purchased separately.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 7 participants for a more personalized experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
The complete experience lasts approximately 4 hours.

What is the difficulty level?
A moderate level of fitness and a tolerance for cold are necessary.

Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is part of the tour, but food must be purchased separately if desired.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Knik Glacier helicopter and paddleboarding tour offers a distinctive way to see and experience Alaska’s icy wilderness, perfect for those looking for an active, scenic, and safe adventure in the Arctic environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby