Instructors demonstrate important safety skills before getting on the water. Photo: Tracy Baynes

Wildlife and water. Mountain and forest. Since 1971, NOLS students have been exploring the wilds of Alaska in sea kayaks. There’s no better way to take in Alaska’s dramatic coastline than by gliding on the water.

You’ll have an up-close view of stunning scenery and a chance to see plenty of wildlife, including whales, golden eagles, porpoises, sea otters, seals and sea lions. Along the way you’ll learn how to sea kayak, even if you’ve never held a paddle. You’ll hone your wilderness skills, have fun, and practice your leadership as you explore wild, wonderful Alaska.

Southeast Alaska 30-day Sea Kayaking
Your launching point for this course is Petersburg, Alaska, located in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage. This archipelago is a remote land of forest and ocean. Beaches jut up against dense temperate rain forests, where giant spruce and hemlock rise to neck-craning heights. Much of your time will be spent near Kuiu Island, an ancient forest home to black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, moose and river otters.

You’ll learn to plan routes and navigate them using nautical charts, as well as hone technical skills such as paddling and how to make open-water crossings. You may be rewarded by catching halibut or salmon, or seeing the humpback and orca whales that abound in the area.

Prince William Sound 23-and-Older Sea Kayaking
Our 23-and-over courses paddle in Alaska’s world famous Prince William Sound, past towering tidewater glaciers that moan and crackle, crystal-blue icebergs bobbing on the ocean’s surface, and wooded coves perfect for camping.

The sea teems with various forms of life, and you’ll have the ideal vantage point to view it all. Sea birds wheel in the sky overhead while tidal pools with starfish, anemones and other small creatures dot the shorelines. You’ll work hard paddling with all your gear stowed in your boat, but you’ll have opportunities to play as well. There are fish to catch and so many things to learn about in your explorations.

Alaska Sea Kayaking 16 and Older Duration: 30 days Age: 16 and Older Tuition: $3,915 Dates: June 11-July 10, 2009 June 14-July 13, 2009 July 17-August 15, 2009 College Credit: (Optional) 6 Semester Credit Hours 2 Hours Environmental Ethics 2 Hours Leadership Techniques 2 Hours Skills Practicum Course start/end: Petersburg, Alaska Equipment Deposit: $350 Fly in/out: Petersburg, Alaska Downloads: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

Alaska Sea Kayaking 16 and 17 Only Duration: 30 days Age: 16 and 17 Only Tuition: $3,915 Dates: July 20-August 18, 2009 College Credit: (Optional) 6 Semester Credit Hours 2 Hours Environmental Ethics 2 Hours Leadership Techniques 2 Hours Skills Practicum Course start/end: Petersburg, Alaska Equipment Deposit: $350 Fly in/out: Petersburg, Alaska Downloads: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

Alaska Sea Kayaking 23 and Older Duration: 14 days Age: 23 and Older Tuition: $3,160 Dates: June 28-July 11, 2009 College Credit: (Optional) 2 Semester Credit Hours 2 hours Environmental Ethics Course start/end: Palmer, Alaska Equipment Deposit: $200 Fly in/out: Anchorage, Alaska Downloads: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

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