We are your Alaskan pros

Why choose us

The most important part of a trip with SEAK Expeditions is your guide. Veterans in the field, our guides are trained complete with the highest degree of wilderness and technical skills. Our rigorous in-house training program includes kayak safety and rescue, wilderness medicine, and in-depth training in weather, tides, wind, along with current and natural history. In addition, they are trained in the skills of Leave No Trace and many are certified Swiftwater Rescue technicians.

All our guides are:

WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified

Our paddling guides are trained by ACA (American Canoe Association) instructors

Arriving from near and far, our guides are bound together by their passion for the Alaskan wild. From cooking meals, to helping with gear or sharing stories of their lives here in Southeast Alaska, we are here to make your trip safe, comfortable, and informative.

Meet the Owners

Joe Oesterling

Joe first traveled to Alaska in 1998 and finally stayed for good in 2010, when he moved to Haines, Alaska with his wife Tracy and their 4 dogs. He has been an avid mountaineer and paddler traveling throughout North and South America on both personal adventures and as a guide and instructor. Joe is a certified SAR dog handler and trainer with SEADOGS on call 24/7 for deployment throughout Alaska. He holds a Wilderness First Responder and has a 50 Ton Captain’s license with the US Coast Guard.

Tracy Mikowski

Tracy is not just our office manager, but also a children’s book author, the manager of our local animal shelter and to the people of Haines, in many ways, the closest thing we have to a veterinarian. If you don’t find Tracy working to keep things running smoothly in the office or caring for the local pets, then you will probably find her walking on the beach with her 5 dogs and band of ravens that follow her on her daily journeys.

TESTIMONIALS

Our trip with Joe (SEAK Exp) to the "Lost Coast" was outstanding in all respects: planning, information, communication, transportation to La Perouse glacier and back from Lituya Bay, rides back and forth from the airport, food, bear safety, and experience. Joe is personable, honest, listens well, and chuckled at our jokes. I very highly recommend him for any Southeast Alaska outdoor trip. I guarantee you won't be sorry to go with SEAK Expeditions.
Bill Hutton
Bill Hutton
Our family group of six ranged in age from 8 to 78.  In every aspect of our week-long kayak trip, from planning to execution, Joe demonstrated enthusiasm, organization, and flexibility.  His excellent local network enabled delightful transitions for transportation and lodging. He is well qualified and credentialed regarding safety issues, provides up-to-date equipment and a tailored menu, and is downright pleasant to be with.  And, of course, his “backyard” is stupendous.
 Twelve thumbs up!

Walter and Emma Rous
Walter and Emma Rous
Vastly experienced and knowledgeable in the location, helpful and most importantly reliable throughout the prep and filming process. Thanks to you and your team, Joe.
Eddie
Eddie
The Coast trip was truly the experience of a lifetime.


Bob Hutton
Bob Hutton
We were near novice kayakers when we went on a week-long trip with Joe between Juneau and Haines that required many changes of plans/routes due to weather conditions. The trip ended up including a portage, a beach hike, a river fording and a flight in a Dehavilland Beaver – as well as the kayaking. Joe was a great guide: competent, humorous, patient with us and always had a plan (and at least 3 back-up plans).
Dana Lynge/Martha Johnson
Dana Lynge/Martha Johnson
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Find us in paradise

Alaska Map

The base camp for our business and starting point for your adventure is Haines, Alaska. Arrive here by boat on the Alaska Marine Ferry or Alaska Fjordlines or fly in with Alaska Seaplanes. You can also reach us by road on the Haines Highway via Yukon, Canada.

A lively town surrounded by temperate rainforest, deserted beaches and an abundance of waterways, Haines is nicknamed the Adventure Capital of Alaska and with good reason. It really is an outdoor paradise. Ask us about accommodation options in town before or after your tour. We’d be happy to advise!