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Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour

4 Hour Duration

From pick up to drop off

Wildlife Opportunities

Eagles, seals, and whales are seen often!

Off the Beaten Path

Escape the crowds of downtown!

Post-Paddle Snack Included

Plus Alaskan beers for purchase.

Description

Kayaking Ketchikan along the rainforest shorelines of Knudson Cove offers serene beauty, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and the chance to experience Ketchikan Alaska like a true local! The Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour takes you on a slow-paced journey in the protected ocean waterways of beautiful Clover Pass. You will navigate around dispersed islands with enthusiastic and experienced local guides in a small-group setting away from the cruise ship crowds. Furthermore, this excursion is not offered by the cruise lines and limits each group size, ensuring a quality experience for everyone while kayaking Ketchikan. Additionally, the calm waters allow you to enjoy a relaxed paddle along the lush temperate rainforest, which is home to a wide variety of diverse wildlife. Have your cameras ready and your eyes peeled for bald eagles, Pacific porpoises, sea lions, and even whales!

This educational and fun Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour begins with a convenient pickup in town. Once you arrive at the marina, suit up in the provided gear as the guides teach the basics of paddling. These stable tandem kayaks make this tour enjoyable for novice and experienced kayakers alike. Spend just over two hours kayaking Ketchikan and exploring this stunning area of the Inside Passage, where eagles and migratory birds, Sitka deer, and marine life are known to make frequent appearances. After your time on the water, you’ll head to the beach for a picnic-style snack of smoked salmon before going back to town. The Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the incredible beauty and wildlife of Ketchikan in a fun paddle adventure.

For another fun adventure in the waters of Ketchikan, check out the Zodiac Boat Adventure!

What's Included

Round Trip Transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Hearty Snacks

Bottled Water

Equipment & Gear - You will be outfitted with a paddle jacket, rain pants, and dry bags.

Guide Gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a weight limit for the kayaks?

Over the years, we have seen all shapes and sizes! We do not have a set weight limit as the ability to participate depends on size rather than weight. To fit into our kayaks, you must be able to step into a 52" spray- skirt tube and pull it up to your chest: if your girth is greater than 52", you will not be able to participate safely. If you are not sure whether you will be able to participate, please call us for more information.

What should I wear and how to prepare for this tour?

You should not need to bring any special clothing or shoes for kayaking. We provide rain jackets and pants for our guests and have poggies to keep your hands warm on cold days. Even in the summer, we wear 2 layers on most days. Please wear 1 or 2 layers under your coat (on chilly days) as it is best to have a layer or 2 under our paddle jacket. Fleece, wool and technical fabrics are ideal, but jeans or sweatpants and a sweatshirt will work just fine. On cold or rainy days, it is a good idea to pack a warm hat, gloves and an extra layer to put on after you kayak. A baseball cap is helpful on both sunny and rainy days. Despite Ketchikan’s reputation for rain, there are many days when sunglasses and sunscreen are needed on the water. Sneakers, sport sandals or rubber boots are the best shoes for kayaking: your feet will not get wet. Hiking boots can be too bulky to fit in the kayak and make it difficult to use the rudders.

Do I need previous experience? Is kayaking safe?

This tour is a great entry-level kayaking tour and perfect for first-timers or those with experience. The kayaks used for this tour are large, 2-person kayaks that are very stable. Alaska's Inside Passage is scattered with nearby islands which provide calmer, bay-like conditions for the paddle (this isn't on the open ocean). First time jitters are common, but the small-group setting means you'll have lots of personal attention from the accompanying guide.

Can I bring a camera?

Absolutely! There are dry bags of several different sizes to accommodate cameras, binoculars and any other items you would like to bring on the kayaks with you. Waterproof cameras are great but don't be afraid to bring a good digital SLR camera and put it in one of our dry bags. There are plenty of opportunities for photography and you don't want to miss an amazing shot.

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

What if it rains? Do the trips get canceled?

Ketchikan is in the heart of a temperate rainforest, and we would never do anything if we stopped for the rain. Please do not let the possibility of rain deter you from booking. Southeast Alaska is at its most beautiful on misty rainy days.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 6 years old • Maximum Weight: 250 lbs

Guests must be under 250lbs., To safely participate, guests must be able to fit into a spray skirt that is 54 inches around the chest and stomach area and be able to sit in a kayak seat that is 18 inches wide.

Small Group Size.

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Ketchikan

Itinerary • 4h 00min • 5 activities

Your guides will pick you up from your cruise dock for transfer to the north end of Ketchikan where your tour will take place.

Duration

20 minutes

When you reach the marina, your guides will outfit you in rain jackets/pants, dry bags, life jackets & all paddling equipment, before running through a safety briefing and instructions.

Duration

30 minutes

You'll hop in your tandem kayaks to paddle in protected waters and learn about natural & cultural history. There will be wildlife viewing opportunities & stunning scenery along your adventure.

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

At the conclusion of your paddle, you'll head back to the warehouse to use the facilities and enjoy a delicious snack.

Duration

20 minutes

At the conclusion of your tour, hop back in the vans for transportation right back to your cruise docks for easy return before your all aboard.

Duration

20 minutes