Kayak Rental & Instruction Programs 

Kayak rental and instruction programs are conducted daily by reservation at 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM in Bartlett Cove. Our staff consists of avid kayakers with many years experience in Glacier Bay. During these programs, kayaking techniques, safety, distances, weather, tides, and drop-off/pick-up procedures are discussed. You will have ample time to ask questions regarding your trip plans. All programs are conducted at the National Park Service Visitor Information Station in Bartlett Cove, Glacier Bay National Park. Join us to don raingear, PFD's and spray skirts and be prepared to kayak!

9:00 AM Instruction/Rental Programs

At the 9:00 AM instruction programs, we meet all people paddling for the day in the Bartlett Cove area and those paddling into or passing through the Beardslee Island area for a one-way pick-up by the tour boat up bay. Once the kayaks and equipment are introduced, special tide considerations for this area are covered as well as kayaking and camping techniques and safety. This session generally lasts about an hour, and kayakers can then organize their gear and plan their departure from the beach according to the day's high tide.

2:00 PM Instruction/Rental Programs

For those who wish only a few hours of kayaking, or who wish to enjoy the afternoon high tides in Bartlett Cove, we meet again for another group instruction period at 2:00 PM. Instruction is limited to information regarding the kayaking techniques and tides. Our instructors issue you a map, go over possibilities for the afternoon, and send you off. Kayaks should be returned to the racks in Bartlett Cove by 6:00 PM.

5:00 PM Instruction/Rental Programs

We meet all kayakers planning to depart the next day for a camper drop off at 5:00 PM. We begin by introducing the equipment, and sizing everyone for life vests, paddles and raingear (if needed). Following this session and a brief practice paddle, we will help you put your empty kayak on board the camper transport vessel. Once kayaks are squared away for the evening, our staff will discuss tides, distances, safety factors, and answer any trip itinerary questions that you may have. The evening instruction and kayak rental sessions generally last two hours.