Alpacka Raft Launches The New Jonah, a Revolutionary Whale-Proof Packraft for a New Kind of Whale-Watching Adventure

April 1, 2025

Get in the mouth of the whale with Jonah—Experience unmatched buoyancy and durability for ultimate whale-watching experiences

MANCOS, Colo. (Apr. 1, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Alpacka Raft, the packrafting industry leader, today announced its new Jonah packraft for the ultimate whale-watching experience. The Jonah is 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 exciting updates to elevate the paddling experience for seasoned experts and ambitious beginners.

The Jonah is a next-generation whale-proof packraft. It combines evolutionary improvements to the new saltwater-style hull with performance features from Alpacka Raft’s other innovative models, offering unparalleled buoyancy and incredible durability. The result is the fastest, smoothest, and most whale-proof packraft ever made.

“After seeing the news clip 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 can be for adventurers to experience the awe-inspiring moment of being up close to a whale —especially if they are inside of its mouth.”

Weighing just 8 lbs, the Jonah features a larger tube diameter and increased cargo capacity for extended trips—in case a whale takes a liking to your packraft, and you end up staying a while. The new model is designed to withstand countless whale encounters without sacrificing performance and comes equipped with high-volume tubes that 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 whale-proof model features 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 packrafters that are continuing to push deeper into the jaws of nature and can’t wait to see where whale-watchers take this model next. Perhaps getting closer to orcas? We will see.”

For more information on the Jonah, visit our website here. Production lead times for this packraft are April 1, 2032.

About Alpacka Raft

Founded in 2000 by mother and son team Sheri and Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft makes the world’s best packrafts. With packrafts designed and handmade by a talented group of makers in its Mancos, Colorado facility, Alpacka Raft packrafts have been used and trusted on expeditions by some of the world’s most well-known adventurers. Alpacka Raft is committed to building a diverse community of boaters and is proud to provide high-quality, living-wage manufacturing jobs in a rural, mountain-town economy. For more information, visit alpackaraft.com

Media Contact:  

Sean Van Horn, Backbone Media

Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806

Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media