Glacier Paddleboarding Half Day Near Anchorage

Key Points

• Unique combo of helicopter flight and paddleboarding over Knik Glacier
• Approximately 4-hour adventure with a scenic 20-minute flight
• Includes all safety gear, drysuits, snacks, and hot drinks for comfort and convenience
• Limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience
• Suitable for ages 10+, with proficiency in swimming and physical fitness required
• Free cancellation available with 24-hour notice, offering flexibility in planning

The Excitement of Glacier Paddleboarding by Helicopter Near Anchorage

This tour offers a rare chance to combine helicopter sightseeing with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on crystal-clear glacial pools in Alaska’s wilderness. Priced at $1,399 per person, it’s a premium experience that appeals to adventure seekers eager to explore remote, pristine environments. With an approximate 4-hour duration, including a 20-minute scenic flight over the Chugach Mountains and Knik Glacier, the tour provides an exhilarating way to connect with Alaska’s icy landscapes. The small group size of 6 participants ensures a more intimate and personalized experience, while pickup service adds convenience.

While the experience is physically demanding—requiring participants to be proficient swimmers and in good shape—it’s well-suited for those seeking a unique outdoor adventure. The tour’s inclusion of safety equipment, drysuits, snacks, and warm drinks helps guests stay comfortable during this extraordinary day in the backcountry.

Exploring Knik Glacier from the Air: The Scenic Helicopter Ride

The adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight lasting 40-50 minutes. This flight offers breathtaking birds-eye views of glaciers, braided rivers, and the Chugach Mountains. Travelers fly past snow-capped peaks and glacier valleys, with the highlight being the flight over Knik Glacier—one of the largest in Southcentral Alaska at 26 miles long and 6 miles across at its toe. The pilot will select a perfect glacial pool for your landing, ensuring a safe and comfortable paddleboarding experience.

This aerial segment provides an incredible perspective of Alaska’s rugged beauty, setting the stage for the land-based exploration. The flight is an essential part of the adventure, giving a sense of scale and majesty that is hard to match from the ground.

Paddleboarding on Blue Glacier Pools: An Up-Close Encounter

After landing on the glacier, participants are outfitted with all necessary equipment, including paddleboards, paddles, and micro-spikes. The guides provide a water safety briefing and SUP instruction, making this accessible even for those new to paddleboarding.

The main activity involves paddling across crystal-clear glacial pools and glacier-fed streams. The deep crevasses, towering ice walls, and vibrant blue ice formations are stunning sights that truly make this experience distinctive. Guests have ample time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the icy waters, with an option to try a glacier loge run for an extra thrill.

This part of the tour highlights Alaska’s pristine ice landscapes, allowing for close-up views of blue ice formations that are rarely seen elsewhere. It’s a chance to connect with nature in a raw, untouched environment.

Safety and Equipment: Ensuring Comfort in Extreme Environments

Participants receive comprehensive safety gear, including drysuits, personal flotation devices, and micro-spikes to navigate icy surfaces and waters safely. The tour emphasizes safety, with guides experienced in handling the unique challenges of glacier environments.

The drysuits help keep guests warm and dry despite the cold waters, while micro-spikes facilitate footing on icy or uneven surfaces. Snacks and warm drinks like tea and hot cocoa are provided to keep energy up during the exploration.

This attention to safety and comfort makes the adventure accessible for anyone who meets the age and physical requirements, despite the remote and icy conditions.

Meeting Point and Logistics: From Palmer to the Glacier

The tour departs from 3901 S Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK 99645. Guests are advised to check in 30 minutes before departure, with late arrivals risking shortened or canceled excursions.

The activity includes pickup service, easing transportation logistics for participants. The group size is limited to 6 travelers, which enhances the experience by allowing for more personalized guidance and interaction with the professional guides.

Weather conditions are a key factor—if poor weather causes cancellations, guests are offered alternative dates or full refunds. The weight limit per seat is 300 pounds, with options for guests over that weight to request a packraft.

Suitability for Different Guests and Physical Requirements

This adventure is suitable for ages 10 and up, provided participants are proficient swimmers and physically fit. The tour’s physical demands include paddling, walking on icy terrains, and managing equipment in cold environments.

Guests should be prepared for an active experience with some exposure to chilly conditions, even with provided warm drinks and drysuits. The tour’s small group setting ensures focused attention from guides, making it a safe and enjoyable trip for those ready for a physical outdoor challenge.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Glacier Adventures

Unlike typical glacier excursions, this tour combines helicopter flightseeing with paddleboarding, offering a hands-on experience in Alaska’s pristine ice environments. The remote location on Knik Glacier means avoiding crowds and enjoying solitude amid towering ice walls and blue pools.

The small group size, professional guides, and state-of-the-art safety gear contribute to a high-quality, memorable adventure. The inclusion of snacks and hot drinks in the icy setting enhances comfort, making the experience more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Cancellation Policy and Flexibility

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case of weather changes or personal plans. Since the tour depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

This policy helps ensure that participants only take part when conditions are safe and optimal, maintaining the integrity of this exciting experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Adventure Right for You?

This glacier paddleboarding tour offers a rare blend of aerial sightseeing and water exploration in Alaska’s backcountry, perfect for those seeking a unique and active outdoor experience. The scenic helicopter flight reveals breathtaking views, while paddling on blue ice pools immerses guests in the raw beauty of glaciers.

While the experience involves some physical effort and safety precautions, it rewards with stunning vistas and memorable moments. Ideal for adventure lovers with a sense of curiosity and a love for the outdoors, this tour is a compelling option for those eager to see Alaska from a different perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $1,399?
The price covers all safety equipment, drysuits, paddles, paddleboards, snacks, and warm drinks. It also includes the scenic helicopter flight and professional guides.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours, which includes the scenic flight, landing on the glacier, and paddleboarding activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is for ages 10 and up, provided they are proficient swimmers and physically fit.

What should I wear and bring?
Guests receive drysuits to stay warm and dry, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for outdoor cold conditions. Participants should be prepared for physical activity.

How does weather affect the tour?
The tour requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refunded or rescheduled. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure to accommodate weather changes.

Can I request a packraft if I exceed the paddleboard weight limit?
Yes, guests over 250 pounds can request a packraft as an alternative to paddleboarding.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at 3901 S Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK 99645, with pickup included.

What makes this experience unique compared to other glacier tours?
The combination of helicopter flightseeing with hands-on paddleboarding on a remote glacier sets this apart, offering an adventurous and intimate encounter with Alaska’s icy landscape.