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Ketchikan Sea Kayak with Alaska Shore Tours
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak
  • Ketchikan Sea Kayak

$99.00

4.88888888889 out of 5 based on 18 customer ratings
(18 )

Ketchikan Sea Kayak

Arriving

2 ½ Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off


Wildlife Opportunities

Whale and eagle sightings possible


Family Friendly

Recommended for ages 6 and up


An Exclusive Tour

Not available through the cruise lines

A Ketchikan sea kayaking experience is a must-do while on a shore visit to this charming Alaskan town and the surrounding islands that lie beneath the imposing peak of Deer Mountain. Take a leisurely paddle up Ketchikan Creek to explore the town’s famous Creek Street historic district from the water, and then pass through the busy salmon fishing port of Thomas Harbor while threading among sailboats and working fishing vessels. Next, head across the East Channel of the Tongass Narrows to Pennock Island, where you’ll learn about the island’s rich history and explore the tidal zone of Snow’s Cove with its rich marine life, including brilliantly colored starfish, sun stars, and sea cucumbers – all of which are visible from your kayak through the crystal clear water. Kayaking Ketchikan also offers many other amazing wildlife spotting opportunities: Depending on the day and the season you may spot jumping salmon, humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, river otters, Steller’s sea lions, bald eagles nesting with their young, or kingfishers and great blue herons feeding along the shore.

The 2 ¼-hour Ketchikan Sea Kayak tour is a fun and active adventure, and no previous kayaking experience is needed. The tour is not sold aboard cruise ships, is limited to just six guests per excursion, and is suitable for ages six and up. On meeting your friendly and knowledgeable guide at the cruise ship dock, you’ll be outfitted for kayaking Ketchikan and provided with dry bags for your camera and personal items. A safety briefing follows before you board your touring sea kayak, which has a rudder for steering and does not require coordinating paddle strokes with your paddling partner. You’ll quickly settle into the peaceful routine of paddling, ready to fully enjoy your stunning Ketchikan sea kayaking adventure!

 

Note: If you’re looking a somewhat lengthier and more remote wilderness experience, you may want to explore the Orcas Cove Kayaking Tour.

Port

Ketchikan

Type

Active, Paddle Adventure

Length

2 ½ hours

Adult Rate

$99

Child Rate

$69.00 (ages 6-15)

Minimum Age

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

Accessibility

No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and you'll be equipped with all the gear and info you need for this gentle activity., To safely participate, guests must be able to fit into a spray skirt that is 55 inches around the chest and stomach area and be able to sit in a kayak seat that is 18 inches wide., Specially adapted kayaks are available for guests over 6’3”. Please let us know if one is required for your group.

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

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    How long is this excursion, and is transportation included?

    Answer: The total duration of this activity is about 2¼ hours with about 1.5 hours on the water. The meeting location will be just next to the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau, which is conveniently situated very close to the cruise docks. A representative will meet you there, and the kayak base is just a short walk away. 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 quite 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 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. Please call or email us if you have any questions or concerns.

    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 55" spray-skirt tube and pull it up to your chest: if your girth is greater than 55", 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 bring?

    Answer: You should not need to bring any special clothing or shoes for kayaking. We provide paddle 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.

    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.

    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 refund.

    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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