Ketchikan’s pristine waters offer excellent paddling opportunities, with several standout tours worth your time and money. The 4-hour Kayak Eco-Tour through Tongass National Forest ($175) delivers tremendous value, combining wildlife viewing with expert naturalist guides and all necessary equipment. We love Orca Cove’s excursion for its convenient boat transfer to quiet paddling waters, while Eagle Island’s beginner-friendly approach makes it perfect for families and first-timers. The Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk stands out for blending peaceful paddling with forest exploration. Let’s explore the top kayak and canoe experiences in Ketchikan.
Key Points
- The Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour offers a highly recommended 4-hour excursion with a 99% satisfaction rate, allowing visitors to explore the Tongass National Forest and spot native wildlife.
- Orca Cove Sea Kayaking provides a highly-rated tour with a boat ride to the launch point, offering opportunities to see bears, whales, and eagles while engaging in moderate physical activity.
- Eagle Island Sea Kayaking offers a 3.5-hour tour around Eagle Island, suitable for novices and families, with a focus on safety and wildlife sightings.
- The Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk is a 3.5-hour tour featuring canoeing in a Native American-style boat and a guided nature walk through the Tongass National Forest.
- The tours in Ketchikan emphasize small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to immerse in the region’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
Why not start your Ketchikan adventure with the Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
This 99% recommended tour lets you explore the Tongass National Forest‘s unique ecology and spot native Alaskan wildlife like sea lions, humpback whales, and more.
With a maximum of 12 travelers and a 6:1 guide-to-guest ratio, you’ll enjoy a personalized and knowledgeable experience led by local or professional educators.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, all necessary gear, and snacks like local smoked salmon.
No kayaking experience is required, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Discover the beauty of Ketchikan’s natural wonders on this must-do eco-adventure.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour Review
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Ketchikan: Kayak Eco-Tour
The Ketchikan: Kayak Eco-Tour offers a captivating water-based exploration of the Tongass National Forest‘s diverse ecosystem. Priced from Kč 3,864 per person, this 4-hour tour (2.5 hours on water) provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Venture into Clover Pass’s wildlife-rich waterways, where you may spot sea stars, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and potentially humpback whales and orcas. Expert guides share insightful narratives about the Alaskan wilderness while you enjoy local delicacies like smoked salmon and vegan snacks.
The tour includes roundtrip transport, kayaking gear, and a free cancellation policy up to 7 days in advance. However, it’s not suitable for those with heart or back problems, and children under 6 aren’t permitted.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour Review
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Orca Cove Sea Kayaking
Orca Cove Sea Kayaking offers a captivating water adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska. This highly-rated tour includes a boat ride to the launch point, kayaking, and the chance to spot wildlife like bears, whales, and eagles.
Travelers receive kayaking instruction, quality equipment, and a tasty smoked salmon snack. The tour requires moderate physical activity and isn’t recommended for some groups.
Departures are hourly, with round-trip transportation provided. At $195 per person, the tour offers excellent value with its small group size, knowledgeable guides, and immersive experience in Ketchikan’s natural beauty.
Customers highlight the relaxing atmosphere and personal touch, making this a top choice for an Alaskan kayaking excursion.
Read our full review: Orca Cove Sea Kayaking Review
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking
Eagle Island Sea Kayaking offers travelers an immersive way to explore Ketchikan’s pristine waterways. The 3.5-hour tour takes paddlers around Eagle Island, part of the Tongass National Forest, where they can spot bald eagles, seals, salmon, and possibly whales.
With its easy difficulty level, the excursion is suitable for novices and families. Safety and accessibility are prioritized, with a guaranteed timely return to the ship.
Positive reviews praise the friendly guides and wildlife sightings, though some travelers note issues with pickup logistics and boat traffic. This Ketchikan shore excursion provides an engaging way to experience the region’s natural beauty from the water.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking Review
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Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari
Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari offers travelers a captivating blend of off-road adventure and serene waterway exploration. This half-day excursion takes guests on a scenic journey through the Tongass National Forest, where they’ll navigate 4WD Jeep Wranglers® and canoe on Lake Harriet Hunt.
Along the way, participants enjoy a snack break featuring local delicacies like clam chowder and smoked salmon. While reviews are mixed, the tour’s strengths lie in its knowledgeable staff and stunning natural surroundings.
However, some guests desire more engaging guides and longer Jeep driving time. This tour provides a well-rounded experience, though individual satisfaction may vary based on group dynamics and guide effectiveness.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari Review
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Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk
For those seeking a more serene and intimate adventure in Ketchikan, the Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk tour offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s lush wilderness.
Spanning 3.5 hours, this highly-rated excursion takes participants canoeing across a secluded lake in a Native American-style boat before embarking on a guided nature walk through the Tongass National Forest.
Along the way, travelers can savor Alaskan-style snacks and enjoy the expertise of a professional guide.
With a maximum group size of 20, this tour provides a personalized experience amidst Ketchikan’s stunning natural surroundings.
While non-refundable, the Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk is an immersive way to explore the area’s untamed beauty.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk Review
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Recap
Ketchikan offers a range of exceptional kayak and canoe experiences. From eco-tours and wildlife viewing to wilderness explorations, visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty. With various operators and excursions, travelers can choose the adventure that best suits their interests and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, Ketchikan’s waterways provide unforgettable opportunities to connect with the area’s stunning landscapes and diverse marine life.