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Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking with Alaska Shore Tours

$169.00

4.86363636364 out of 5 based on 66 customer ratings
(66 )

Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking

Arriving

3-Hour Duration

From start to finish


Wildlife Opportunities

Common but not guaranteed


Food Provided

Includes salmon picnic and hot drinks


A High-Demand Tour

With small group size, book early!

Experience serenity and beauty as you explore secluded coves and islands by boat and kayak on the Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking tour! Cruise along Ketchikan Creek on the way out to Orcas Cove, where you’ll move from boat to sea kayak for a leisurely paddle along the shoreline. At this remote location, you’re away from the cruise ship crowds and in a prime location for viewing wildlife. Commonly spotted here are bald eagles, seals, deer, river otters, whales, and sometimes even black bears! Slow down to enjoy a peaceful paddle, accompanied by the sounds of birds singing in the rainforest and the salty smell of the delicate intertidal ecosystem. One of the top Ketchikan excursions for nature-lovers, the Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking adventure puts you up close and personal with the scenic Alaskan wilderness.

The Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking experience is suitable for both beginners and serious paddlers. And, all equipment including weatherproof outerwear and dry bags are provided. Your group of just 6 guests meets a short distance from the cruise docks to board a comfortable catamaran for the 20-minute ride out to Orcas Cove. This is the launching point for your almost two-hour paddle which will be followed by a delicious picnic in this beautiful wilderness setting. This picnic consists of delicious smoked salmon, hummus, crackers, hot drinks, and a complimentary Alaskan beer for those of age. Enjoy this treat aboard a floating Orcas Cove base at the conclusion of the sea kayak adventure! As you savor the peace & tranquility of your Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking adventure, keep an eye out for nearby wildlife. Additionally, your naturalist guide (who has led countless Ketchikan excursions) will share their knowledge of the native environment, making this adventure not only fun but a great educational experience! It’s no wonder why so many guests rate this as one of the best Ketchikan excursions for the whole family.

 

Note: If you’re looking for another exciting Ketchikan water adventure, check out the Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour or Zodiac Boat Adventure!

Port

Ketchikan

Type

Active, Paddle Adventure, Staff Pick

Length

3 hours

Adult Rate

$169

Child Rate

There is no child rate for this tour. All participants are charged at the adult rate.

Minimum Age

This moderate activity is suitable for children ages 6 and older.

Accessibility

In addition to paddling, guests need to be able to climb short sets of stairs; walk to the departure point; climb on and off the transport boats and get into the kayaks, Sea kayaking requires a moderate level of physical activity and is not recommended for guests with back problems or limited upper body strength., The kayaks can accommodate a maximum torso (waist-chest) diameter of 52 inches (132cm).

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 14-days before your tour for a refund, less any non-refundable fees., If for any reason the tour is canceled (due to unpermitting weather, for example), or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund minus any non-refundable fees.

Customer reviews

Rated 4.86363636364 out of 5 stars
66 reviews

66 reviews for Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking

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    How long is this excursion, and is transportation included?

    Answer: The total duration of this activity is 3-hours which includes almost 2-hours in the kayak. The meeting point is located very close to the cruise docks. Of course, you'll receive detailed meeting instructions and planning information in a confirmation email upon booking.

    Do I need previous experience? Is kayaking safe?

    Answer: 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?

    Answer: 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.

    Can Grandma come along too?

    Answer: You are never too old to paddle a kayak. Our oldest participant to date was age 90 and going strong. We use double kayaks to pair people up to make strong paddling teams. Just be aware that kayaking does require some physical exertion, and for the Orcas Cove trip, we have to "climb" aboard the mother ship. Please call or email us if you have any questions or concerns.

    What if it rains? Do the trips get canceled?

    Answer: 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. You'll receive quality paddling jackets, waterproof pants and spray skirts to keep everyone as dry as possible. And don't forget that the wildlife doesn't care about the rain. Of a greater concern to kayakers is strong wind, and if the conditions are unsafe, we will cancel trips with a full refund.

    Is there a weight limit for the kayaks?

    Answer: 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?

    Answer: 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.

    What if our ship is delayed or doesn't make it into port? Refund?

    Answer: It's very rare that a ship is delayed into port, but in those cases, 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, we will refund you.

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