About
Getting you out on the water
At Kayak Kodiak, our mission is to ignite a passion for the ocean and its wonders in every adventurer who joins us. We are committed to fostering a deep appreciation for the rich history and vibrant ecosystem of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Our aim is to create unforgettable experiences that connect our guests with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this remote and rugged landscape. Through our guided tours, we strive to empower individuals to explore the interconnected realms of mountains and seas, leaving them with a lasting love for the marine environment and its inhabitants.
THE TEAM
Jennifer Gardner (Founder)
Jennifer Gardner is the founder of Kayak Kodiak, a business born from her passion for marine biology and outdoor adventure. With a background as a fisheries biologist for both the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and NOAA Fisheries, Jennifer blends scientific expertise with a deep love for the natural world.
Kayak Kodiak was inspired by her dream to share Kodiak’s stunning landscapes and rich maritime heritage. Through the company, she aims to inspire both locals and visitors to connect with the sea, its creatures, and the island’s unique history. When not guiding tours, she is dedicated to exploring Kodiak’s rugged terrain and fostering a love for the outdoors.
Jeremiah (Shop Manager)
Jeremiah is shop manager for Kayak Kodiak, All star on-call repair man for any issues that come up with the boats, and likely the one you will talk to on the phone if you give us a shout! Stop into our shop at 58 Degrees North, and he’ll be inside fixing bikes, getting folks out on the trails to ride mountains or onto the water with our kayak team. A long-time local and adventurer by mountain bike and sea kayak, he has his fair share of Kodiak tales. Come stop in and say hi to Jeremiah and Banjo anytime M-F 11am-6pm!
Banjo (Shop Dog)
Banjo the shop pup is the youngest and newest addition to our team. She’s also arguably the cutest and most outgoing and one reason why you might want to pop into our local bike shop to say hi. She spends her days hanging with Jeremiah at 58 Degrees North, greeting customers and friends and politely making sure you know she’s down for a belly rub! When she’s out of her puppy years, she’ll co-lead a tour or two, but for now she hangs with her Dad on the shore. Perhaps we can train her to fetch paddles someday.
Danica (Expert Guide)
Danica Majdic is our lead guide extraordinaire! An avid sea kayaker, Danica has been kayaking nearly her whole life and having grown up on Kodiak Island, she offers an unmatched repertoire of Kodiak stories from both land and sea. A jack of all trades, Danica has done it all- from hiking all corners of our remote island, becoming trained as a classical chef in the south of France, and commercial fishing year after year in Bristol Bay, you’re going to love getting on the water with her as your guide. Laid back and easy to get along with, we LOVE having this awesome gal heading up our kayak adventures around the island.
Maya (Expert Guide)
From Dream to Reality
Kayak Kodiak was born from the dream of a marine biologist and kayak guide, inspired by the adventurous spirit of an islander. Our story is rooted in a profound respect for the history and people of Kodiak Island. By kayaking these waters, we connect with the island's ancestors and first inhabitants in a meaningful way. Our company exists to share the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's seas and mountains with visitors and locals alike. We offer guided tours that invite you to explore hidden beaches, encounter playful sea otters, and navigate through kelp beds with confidence. Choose Kayak Kodiak for an authentic, immersive adventure that celebrates the untamed beauty of Kodiak Island.
Why choose us?
We're From Here
Kayak Kodiak was founded by a Kodiak Island marine biologist and kayak guide — not a tourism franchise, not a mainland company with an Alaska branch. Our guides are locals who know these waters the way most people know their own backyard. The wildlife, the tides, the hidden spots, the island's history — you get all of it, not a scripted tour.
A Naturalist on Every Tour
Our marine biology roots show up on every single outing. When a sea otter cracks open a urchin fifty feet from your kayak, or a puffin buzzes your bow on the way back to its nest, you'll have someone next to you who can tell you exactly what you're looking at and why it matters. We keep our company small, and use only the best guides to give you the experience we would want if we were touring the island.
No Two Tours Are the Same
Kodiak's weather, tides, and wildlife are always moving. Our guides adapt every tour in real time — which means the guests who paddled this route last Tuesday saw something completely different from what you'll see today. We are constantly scanning the forecasts and prepping for what the water may bring. This is wild Alaska, and we can't wait to show it to you from the seat of a kayak.
Small Groups, Real Experience
We cap our tours at 8 paddlers. You'll know your guide's name, they'll know yours, and the ratio stays tight enough that nobody gets left behind or lost in the crowd. First-timers get the attention they need. The pace matches our least experienced paddlers so no one feels out-of-depth, and our tandem sea kayaks help equalize the playing field. Private tour offerings help experienced paddlers get the high adventure, faster-pace they might desire, or alternatively, allow novices to relax and get extra guidance out on their Alaskan sea paddling exploration.
Expert Guides
Our team of knowledgeable guides ensures a safe and enriching kayaking experience.
Stunning Scenery
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kodiak's rugged coastline and wildlife.
Cultural Connection
Connect with the rich Alutiiq heritage as you paddle through historic waters.
Discover Kodiak's Untamed Beauty Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island, Alaska, is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural history. Known for its rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, it offers a unique setting for outdoor adventures. Whether you're paddling through clear waters with mountain views or exploring secluded beaches, Kodiak promises an unforgettable experience. Join us at Kayak Kodiak to immerse yourself in the island's untamed beauty and discover the magic of Alaska's wilderness.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Highly recommended! It's helpful to have tours set up at least 48 hours in advance. However- we also accept last minute bookings on any tour where we still have space! We have a limited inventory of kayaks, so try to secure your adventure opportunity well in advance, but if you find yourself in town and want to get out- sign up and join us! Those who try to time perfect weather shouldn’t be surprised when on that sunny day, others have beaten them to taking out our kayaks or renting the SUPs, leaving you stuck on dry land.
Yes, let us help plan your perfect outing on the water. Book any of our tours as a private group. We can reach fringes of pristine, rocky coastlines all along the outlying Kodiak area, and can tailor private trips based on your interests, weather, and time frame. Our pricing is based on the size of your group, either 1-4 paddlers, or 5-8 paddlers. This can be an excellent option if you’d rather not take your chances with your fellow paddling crew. Especially recommended for those paddlers who want to cover more ground, paddle faster, and not be slowed down by novice kayakers.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with one week or more notice of cancellation. Customers will receive a 50% refund for cancellations 3-6 days prior to the tour. No refund can be given for cancellations made at 48 hours or less. Should we have to cancel our scheduled tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, all customers will receive a full refund or credit. If we are able to relocate the tour due to weather, all booked parties will be contacted to ensure the change is acceptable. Contact us by phone (907-512-5112) or email info@kayakingkodiak.com to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price. We have a very short season in our corner of Alaska, so we thank you for understanding our need for these policies.
Email us at info@kayakingkodiak.com or call (907) 512-5112. We're happy to answer any questions you have.