Alpacka Raft's New Jonah Packraft
Alpacka Raft Launches The New “Jonah”, a Revolutionary Whale-Proof Packraft for a New Kind of Whale-Watching Adventure
Get in the mouth of the whale with Jonah—Experience unmatched buoyancy and durability for ultimate whale-watching experiences
We are excited to announce our new Jonah packraft for the ultimate whale-watching experience. It’s engineered for the intermediate and advanced packrafter navigating open waters with loads of krill and hungry whales. As a new model within the 2025 lineup, the Jonah brings a new element to elevate the paddling experience for seasoned experts and ambitious beginners.
The Jonah is a next-generation whale-proof packraft, combining evolutionary improvements to the new saltwater-style hull with performance features from Alpacka Raft packrafts' unparalleled buoyancy and incredible durability. The result is the fastest, smoothest, and most whale-proof packraft ever made.
"After seeing the news clips of a packrafter in a whale’s mouth, we were inspired to push the limits of buoyancy advancements and explore new possibilities in packrafting," said Thor Tingey, CEO and Co-founder of Alpacka Raft. "While Alpacka Raft packrafts are already built to withstand extreme conditions—including an unexpected encounter with a whale—we took it a step further to enhance stability and durability specifically for planned whale-watching adventures. We know how thrilling it will be for adventurers to experience the awe-inspiring moment of being up close—perhaps even inside the mouth of a whale.”
Weighing just 8 lbs, the Jonah features a larger tube diameter and increased cargo capacity for extended trips—just in case a whale takes a liking to your packraft and you end up staying a while. Designed to withstand countless whale encounters without sacrificing performance, its high-volume tubes surpass those of other whitewater models, enhancing durability, speed, and tracking for ultimate open-water performance.
Available in both a whitewater deck and self-bailing configuration, the Jonah caters to whale waters and saltwater enthusiasts alike. The new model comes equipped with a toggle seat, Alpacka’s patented 4-point thigh straps, a backband, and a whitewater foot brace for the best fit and control available. Pricing for the Jonah starts at $1,400.
"The Jonah represents the pinnacle of our passion and ingenuity. It's light, durable, and handles large open water incredibly well," said Tingey. "We are inspired by the news clips and can’t wait to see where whale-watchers take it next. Perhaps getting closer to orcas? We will see.”
Production lead times for this packraft are April 1, 2032.
A game-changer for the truly adventurous (and the truly gullible). April Fools!