Description
Hop aboard a fast-paced inflatable Seahawk and zip along the coast of Clover Passage, where whales, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles abound before heading for remote and beautiful Betton Island on the stunning four-hour Rainforest Island Adventure! One of the best Ketchikan shore excursions for nature lovers, this tour combines the thrill of riding aboard an open inflatable craft with the peaceful pleasure of a guided nature walk on a remote island in the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest. After stepping onto dry land, you’ll follow your experienced naturalist guide along a gently-sloping one-mile historic trail, meandering through the ancient forest and stopping along the way for an Alaskan-style smoked salmon picnic, hot beverages, and the chance to explore a gorgeous secluded beach. Along the way, your guide will provide a wealth of information on the history, flora, and fauna of this pristine wilderness island before you reboard the Seahawk for another thrilling ride back to Knudsen Cove. Few Ketchikan shore excursions are as scenically stunning as this one!
As with our other Ketchikan shore excursions, the pick-up point for your Rainforest Island Adventure is right near the cruise docks. You’ll take a short drive to Knudsen Cove, where you’ll board your Seahawk, a rigid-hull motorized inflatable craft able to easily negotiate the rugged Ketchikan coastline. A 20-minute fast-paced cruise takes you to your destination, Betton Island, a true wilderness area governed by strictly controlled access rules. The gentle one-mile hike beneath gigantic spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees follows a well-maintained trail. There’s plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the forest and learn more about the unique species you see from your knowledgeable trail guide before reboarding the Seahawk for another thrilling shoreline ride back to Knudsen Cove, where your transport will be waiting to take you back to the cruise docks in downtown Ketchikan. The Rainforest Island Adventure is a great chance to experience the abundant sea and shoreline wildlife of the region combined with an exploration deep within the unspoiled beauty of the Tongass National Forest.
If you’re looking to explore the rainforest by freshwater lake and offroad vehicle, you may want to check out our Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains? Do the trips get canceled?
What should I wear/bring?
Do we drive the boat?
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 4h 00min • 5 activities
This tour includes pick-up right from the cruise docks, both downtown & Ward Cove, followed by a narrated transfer the Knudson Cove Marina.
At the marina, go through a brief safety orientation and gear up in your lifejackets, before heading down to the boat, where you will need to be able to climb a short ladder into the boat.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Inside Passage waters to the remote Betton Island. Here, you will take a guided 1-mile nature walk through the rainforest, followed by a campfire & snack.
Load back on the Seahawk raft for return transportation. Keep an eye out for whales, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, & other sea birds, though no wildlife is guaranteed.
After returning life jackets & any other gear, hop back in the van for convenient transfer right back to the cruise docks.