Sitka, Alaska • Southeast Wilderness

Paddle the Waters
of Sitka, Alaska

Guided kayak tours through some of Southeast Alaska's most breathtaking wilderness — waterfalls, wildlife, and glassy mountain lakes.

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What We Offer

Our Tours & Rentals

Every paddle is different out here. Pick the adventure that fits your crew.

Brown bear on the shoreline of Silver Bay, spotted during a Sitka Sunshine Kayaks wildlife tour

Silver Bay

Wildlife Tour

Paddle along the shoreline keeping an eye out for wildlife. Eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black-tail deer, and bear are often spotted on this tour.

⏱ 3.5 hrs 👥 2–6 guests 〜 Easy–Moderate

$125 / person

2-guest minimum to book

Per-person limit: 265 lbs, 6'6" tall

Book This Tour
Kayakers approaching a waterfall on Blue Lake in the Tongass National Forest near Sitka, Alaska

Blue Lake • Most Popular

Waterfall & Rainforest Tour

Located within the Tongass National Forest, Blue Lake is a beautiful example of pristine Alaskan wilderness, featuring picturesque mountain views and amazing waterfalls. A perfect-weather paddle — if conditions aren't favorable, an alternate tour is offered instead.

⏱ 3.5–5.5 hrs 👥 2–6 guests 〜 Easy–Moderate

$150 / person

2-guest minimum to book

Per-person limit: 265 lbs, 6'6" tall

Book This Tour
Kayak gliding past a rocky, tree-topped islet on the calm waters of Sitka Sound, Alaska

Coming Soon

Island Tour

A guided tour of the Sitka Sound islands is in the works. Check back soon, or contact us directly to ask about availability.

📍 Sitka Sound Islands
Ask About Availability
Kayaks and gear staged on the beach, future rental option

Coming Soon

Rentals

Self-guided kayak rentals are in the works. Check back soon, or contact us directly to ask about availability.

🛶 Solo or Tandem
Ask About Availability
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Season

April 15 – September 15

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Cruise Passengers Welcome

Tours limited to 6 guests

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Weather

Dress for rain — it's Southeast Alaska

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Gear Included

Kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt & dry bag

Custom Experiences

Private & Group Tours Available

Got a crew? Planning something special? We can make it happen.

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Families & Couples

Book a private tour and go at your own pace. Great for families with kids, anniversaries, or anyone who wants a more personal experience on the water. We'll tailor the route to your group.

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Cruise Ship Guests

Cruise ship passengers welcome. Sitka is a popular port stop, and a kayak tour is one of the best ways to experience Sitka while you're ashore. We work with cruise ship passengers to help make your visit fun, and can accommodate larger groups. Contact us to plan ahead.

Contact Us to Plan Your Trip
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Local Guides

We are experienced in these waters — 23 years paddling Sitka's coastline.

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Small Groups

Max 6 guests per tour for a better, safer experience on the water.

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All Skill Levels

Never kayaked before? No problem. We'll get you out there.

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Book Early

July & August fill fast

Come Prepared

What to Know Before You Go

No kayak experience needed — but a little prep goes a long way. We supply bottled water, dry bags, and small phone cases, so you don't need to bring your own.

What to Bring

  • Snacks or lunch for full-day tours
  • Camera (a waterproof phone case is supplied)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Extra layers — temperatures drop on the water

What to Wear

  • Rain jacket (waterproof, not just water-resistant)
  • Wool or synthetic base layers — avoid cotton
  • Closed-toe shoes with grip (water shoes or hiking shoes)
  • Warm hat and gloves in early/late season
  • Pants that can get wet
  • Leave the flip-flops at the hotel
Sitka Sunshine Kayaks guide on the beach with his Valley sea kayak in Sitka, Alaska

About Us

Sitka Is Home.
The Water Is Our Backyard.

We're a locally owned kayak tour company operating out of Sitka, Alaska.

Hello, my name is Patrick Swanson, owner/operator of Sitka Sunshine Kayaks in Sitka, Alaska. We offer guided kayak tours and instruction most Sundays, Mondays, and evenings during the summer season. Our tour locations include Silver Bay, Blue Lake, and the Sitka Sound Islands.

My goal with this business, as an ACA-certified instructor, is to share the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska and my passion for sea kayaking with others — while teaching them how to do it safely, respectfully, and keep it fun at the same time.

ACA Level 2 Coastal Kayak Instructor • First Aid/CPR Certified • 23 Years Experience in Sitka's Waters

ACA Paddlesports certified instructor badge US Forest Service permit badge
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Good to Know

Policies & FAQ

We know Alaska's weather is unpredictable — that's part of the adventure. If conditions aren't safe, we'll reschedule or refund your tour. Some fees may apply.
Your exact meeting point and tour information will be confirmed at booking.
No experience necessary. We welcome first-time paddlers and provide an introductory briefing before every tour.
Yes — however children must weigh 50 lbs or more to meet USCG personal flotation device (PFD) requirements, and paddle with an adult.
Sitka Sunshine Kayaks is an equal opportunity provider, and operates under Special Use Permit from the Tongass National Forest. See the Eligibility Requirements below for the specific physical capabilities every participant needs, with or without the assistance of a companion.
Each participant must be able to:
  1. Not exceed the weight and height requirements for the kayak's specifications
  2. Follow verbal and/or visual instruction independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  3. Wear all protective equipment required or recommended by the instructor/guide
  4. Enter and exit the kayak independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  5. Breathe independently (not require a medical device to sustain breathing)
  6. Independently maintain a sealed airway while underwater
  7. Independently hold their head upright without neck or head support
  8. Manage personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  9. Manage personal mobility independently, or with a reasonable amount of assistance
  10. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddle craft

Get in Touch

Let's Get You
on the Water

Questions about tours, group bookings, or rentals? Send us a message and we'll get back to you fast.

📍 Sitka, AK 99835
Meeting point confirmed at booking
📞 (907) 738-3875
📧 ssunshine99835@gmail.com
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