Why Glacier Paddleboarding in Alaska is a Bucket List Must
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If you’ve ever dreamed of an adventure in Alaska that feels completely surreal, glacier paddleboarding is it. Imagine flying over jagged sheets of ice and turquoise water in a helicopter before stepping out onto a massive glacier to launch your paddleboard. This is the kind of trip you plan your whole itinerary around!
After visiting Alaska twice in 12 months and finally experiencing glacier paddle boarding with Outbound Heli Tours, I can say without hesitation that it’s one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. From gearing up in a dry suit to gliding through ice-blue crevasses, this is the kind of memory you carry with you forever.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know, from what the tour is really like to practical tips and insider details you won’t find on a booking page, so you can decide if glacier paddle boarding in Alaska deserves a spot on your bucket list, too!
Why Glacier Paddleboarding Belongs on Your Alaska Bucket List
Alaska is full of adventure everywhere you turn, but glacier paddleboarding is on a whole other level. It’s the kind of experience that makes you stop and think, “Did I really just do that?”
You’re not viewing a glacier from the deck of a cruise ship or hiking up for a quick photo. You’re standing on a paddleboard in the middle of it, surrounded by turquoise water and towering ice walls, and there’s no one else around for miles. That perspective alone makes it worthy of a spot on your Alaska bucket list.
What makes it so special is how immersive it feels. The helicopter ride is half the thrill, carrying you over rivers, valleys, and mountains before landing directly on Knik Glacier. Instead of sharing the view with a crowd, it’s just you, your guide, and a few other adventurous travelers. Paddleboarding is something you might have tried before, but on a glacier, it feels brand new. You’re not just looking at the ice, you’re moving through it, listening to meltwater rush past, and even stepping inside otherworldly crevasses - things you could never do on your own without a guide.
When I first heard about glacier paddleboarding, it almost sounded too unreal to be true. Could you actually paddle on a glacier? Would you freeze the second you got on the water? Those were the same doubts I had before booking, but leaning into that curiosity turned into one of the most unforgettable days of travel I’ve ever had.
If you’re considering other options for Knik Glacier tours, you’ll see plenty of hikes and flightseeing packages, but paddleboarding adds something different. Instead of being a spectator, you’re an active part of the glacier itself. That’s what makes this version of a Knik Glacier tour feel so unforgettable. Outbound Heli also offers regular flightseeing tours if you read this and decide that this isn’t for you.
Experiencing a Knik Glacier Paddle Boarding Tour with Outbound Heli Adventures
Glacier paddleboarding is offered by a handful of outfitters throughout Alaska, and I went with Outbound Heli Tours, which is based in Butte, a tiny town just outside of Palmer. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Anchorage, so it works perfectly as a day trip if Anchorage is your home base.
The tour itself lasts around four hours and starts at $989 per person. At first glance, the price might feel steep, but once you realize it includes the helicopter ride, all your gear, a professional guide, and the chance to actually paddle on Knik Glacier, you’ll quickly understand why it’s worth every penny. This isn’t your average Alaska excursion. It’s an investment in a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Keep in mind, glaciers are moving and melting, and could very well one day be obsolete.
When you arrive at the Outbound Heli Adventures office, you’ll check in, meet the team, and suit up in the heavy-duty dry suits they provide. These aren’t optional. They keep you completely dry even if you take a tumble into the glacier water, which means you can focus on the adventure instead of worrying about freezing. They’re a little cumbersome, but the staff are more than happy to help get your gear on properly.
From there, you’ll head inside for a safety briefing, meet the other guests in your small-group tour, and then it’s time to load up the helicopter and start the journey out to the glacier!
The Helicopter Ride to Knik Glacier
One of the highlights of this entire experience happens before you even touch the water. The helicopter ride to Knik Glacier is an adventure of its own and sets the tone for the rest of the day. From the moment the blades start turning, you can feel the excitement building.
If you’ve never ridden in a helicopter, I promise they’re not as scary as they seem. The ride is smooth and lasts about twenty minutes each way, and the views are absolutely breathtaking.
You’ll soar over braided rivers, mountain valleys, and endless stretches of wilderness that remind you just how wild Alaska really is. I was lucky enough to sit up front and had panoramic views that made it hard to put my camera down! You’ll also be wearing a headset so you can communicate with the pilot the entire time, and they’ll point out wildlife if they see any below.
The landscape turns from grassy meadows and streams to jagged sheets of ice and bright blue pools of water. Once you arrive at a spot on Knik Glacier, the helicopter touches down on the ice itself, and stepping out feels like you’ve landed on another planet. That alone makes this worth it! Plenty of people take sightseeing flights or hikes around Knik Glacier, but very few actually set foot on the ice to start an adventure!
Paddle Boarding on the Glacier
This is the moment the whole adventure builds toward: getting onto your paddleboard in the middle of a glacier. It feels surreal as soon as the paddboards hit the bright blue water.
Before you head into the open channels, your guide will have you practice a few moves in what they call the “kiddy pool.” It’s a small, calm area where you can get used to the boards. These paddleboards are a little different from what you might have used before since they don’t have a rudder fin, which makes steering more challenging. Don’t worry, though - your guide will share tips that make it easier.
Once you’re comfortable, you’ll paddle out into the winding streams and icy blue channels that cut through the glacier. You’ll be with your guide the entire time, and the group stays together. The scenery is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. At one point, we even walked through a narrow crevasse where the ice turned a deep purple hue. It was so otherworldly, I had to stop and remind myself this was real.
Polar Plunge, Hot Chocolate, and Heading Back
Just when you think the adventure is winding down, your guide gives you one last chance to push your limits: the polar plunge. It’s exactly what it sounds like, jumping straight into the icy glacier water (only socks are mandatory). I stayed wrapped in my dry suit on the sidelines, but my boyfriend went for it and came out gasping, laughing, and a little bit frozen. Whether you jump or just cheer from the edge, it’s such a fun way to wrap up the paddleboarding portion of the day.
Afterward, you’ll warm up with hot chocolate and snacks right there on the glacier. It’s simple, but sipping something warm while surrounded by ice and silence feels pretty magical. Once everyone’s ready, you’ll load back into the helicopter for the return flight. On our ride back, we even spotted a few moose and a bear in the valley below, which was the perfect bonus ending to an already unforgettable day!
Practical Details You Need to Know
If you’re starting to picture yourself out on the glacier, here are the details that will help you plan. These are the questions I had before booking, and knowing the answers made everything so much easier.
How to Get There
Outbound Heli Tours is based in Butte, just outside of Palmer. From Anchorage, it’s about a 45-minute drive, so it works perfectly as a day trip. There’s plenty of parking at the office, and the drive itself is beautiful as you follow the Knik River Valley. Looking for where to stay nearby? Bluewater Basecamp near Eklutna Lake is the perfect home base.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
Plan for about four hours total. This includes gearing up, the helicopter flights, time on the glacier, and a little warm-up at the end. It’s a half-day commitment, which makes it easy to pair with other nearby adventures.
Who is This Activity For?
You don’t have to be an expert paddleboarder to join, but you should feel comfortable standing or kneeling on a board. The minimum age is typically 10, and guides are great at tailoring the experience for all skill levels. Being able to swim is required, even though you’ll have a personal life vest, and the dry suits keep you dry if you fall in.
What Happens in Bad Weather?
The weather in Alaska can change quickly, especially around the glaciers. Outbound Heli Tours monitors conditions closely and will reschedule if it’s not safe to fly or paddle. If your tour is canceled, you’ll get a refund or the option to rebook.
When to Book
This tour runs seasonally, usually from the end of May to mid-September. Spots are limited because only a small number of people can go at a time, so I recommend booking as early as you can once your Alaska itinerary is set. Need help planning your itinerary? Let’s work together and make your dream Alaska trip come true!
Is Glacier Paddleboarding Safe?
The short answer is yes, glacier paddleboarding is safe, especially when you’re with an experienced outfitter like Outbound Heli Adventures.
The dry suits are the real game-changer. Slipping into one feels a little like putting on a moon suit - bulky at first, but once you’re zipped in, you feel totally protected. They’re designed to keep you completely dry, even if you end up in the water, which means you won’t be shivering through the rest of the tour. On top of the dry suits, you’ll wear a personal flotation device for extra protection.
I’m pretty comfortable on a paddleboard, but I’ll be honest: I didn’t feel steady enough to stand up on these. Instead, I spent the entire time paddling on my knees, and at one point, I even sat down on my butt when my knees started to ache. It was surprisingly easy to navigate that way, and I never felt like I was missing out on the experience. You are also required to wear a helmet the entire time to avoid bumping your head against the ice - it’s much harder than you think!
And in case you’re wondering, yes, people do fall in from time to time. It’s usually more funny than scary, and the dry suit does its job. Guides walk you through everything before you start, so you know exactly what to do if it happens.
If you’re comfortable with a little adventure, you’ll feel completely at ease out on the glacier - even if you choose to stay on your knees like I did.
Insider Tips From My Experience
There are a few things I wish I’d known before heading out that would’ve made the day even smoother. Consider this your insider scoop straight from someone who’s been there.
First, the dry suits are snug around the neck and hand openings, and it will take some time to get used to them. You’ll want to wear lightweight, fitted layers underneath so you don’t feel bulky once you’re zipped in. I had on leggings and a long-sleeve thermal top, which worked perfectly. Definitely bring warm socks too because your feet will feel a little cold on the ice. Mine felt like they were wet at times, but they never actually were.
Second, bring a GoPro or waterproof phone case if you can. The glacier channels are stunning, and you’ll want to capture them without worrying about dropping your phone in the water. A polarizing filter also helps cut the glare from the ice.
Third, don’t be afraid to adjust how you paddle. Like I mentioned earlier, I spent most of the tour on my knees, and even sat on my butt for part of it. It was still easy to maneuver, and honestly, it made me enjoy the scenery even more because I wasn’t focused on balancing.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny
I want to be upfront with you: I was hosted by Outbound Heli Adventures for this experience, which means I didn’t personally pay for the tour. That said, you’re always going to get my honest feedback here. And honestly? After doing it myself, I believe glacier paddleboarding is worth every single penny!
You’re getting a semi-private helicopter ride to and from Knik Glacier, gear that keeps you completely dry and safe, and a professional guide who knows the glacier inside and out. You’re not just paying for an activity, you’re paying for access to something very few people in the world will ever get to do.
When you compare it to other glacier tours, the difference is huge. A cruise will show you the glacier from a distance. A hike will let you walk on the ice for a short amount of time. But paddleboarding puts you in the glacier itself, moving through winding channels, peeking into crevasses, and listening to the ice creak around you. Nothing else I’ve done in Alaska has felt this immersive.
This tour is best for adventurous travelers who want a true bucket list memory. If you know you’d rather stay cozy and be less active, another tour might be a better fit. But if you’re someone who loves trying something unforgettable and unique, this is the Alaska splurge you’ll be talking about for years!
Beyond the Glacier: Explore the Area
One of the best parts about booking a glacier paddleboarding tour with Outbound Heli Adventures is its location. Since the base is in Butte, just about 15 minutes outside of Palmer, you’re in the perfect spot to keep exploring after your adventure.
Palmer is one of my favorite towns in Alaska, so far. Yes, I know that some people say that it’s not worth visiting, but I fully disagree. It’s small, charming, and surrounded by mountains that make every drive feel like a postcard. I’ll be sharing a full guide to spending 4 days in Palmer soon, but here are a few highlights to give you a taste.
If you’re craving more time on the water, Palmer is also where I went kayaking on a glacier-fed river, which was such a different vibe from paddleboarding but just as unforgettable. For something completely unique, I also tried a hike and brewery tour, and it quickly became one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Imagine finishing a scenic trail and heading to a local brewery to taste their offering and get a behind-the-scenes tour - it doesn’t get more Alaska than that.
When it comes to where to stay, I’ll also be sharing a post all about private chalets tucked between Anchorage and Palmer. These cozy cabins are the perfect home base if you want easy access to both the city and the mountains without having to pack up and move every night. Plus, my readers get a special 5% discount when they book through my link!
Glacier paddleboarding at Knik Glacier is the kind of experience that will stick with me for a lifetime. Between the helicopter ride, the surreal scenery, and the chance to actually move through the glacier instead of just looking at it, this is one of those Alaska memories that will stay at the top of your list for years to come.
If you’re ready to make it happen, you can book directly with Outbound Heli Adventures and start planning your own adventure. And if you’re mapping out the rest of your Alaska itinerary, I’ve got you covered. You can see the highlights of downtown Anchorage with my guide to 1 day in Anchorage, get packing advice with my What to Pack for Alaska in Autumn checklist, or head to another incredible nearby ice field with Exploring Matanuska Glacier.
Wherever you click next, I hope you’ll keep chasing those bucket list moments. They’re always worth it!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking for more information about Alaska? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!