Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

Ketchikan, a hub for outdoor adventure in Alaska, offers a captivating shore excursion that immerses visitors in the serene beauty of the Tongass National Forest. The Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour promises a 3.5-hour guided journey through the island’s tranquil waters, where the chance to spot majestic bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales awaits. Suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, this intimate experience provides personalized attention from knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to connect with fellow participants in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. With transportation and equipment included, all that’s left is to embark on an unforgettable adventure that showcases the region’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• 3.5-hour guided adventure around Tongass National Forest, exploring the serene waters surrounding Eagle Island.
• Opportunity to spot Alaskan wildlife like bald eagles, seals, salmon, and whales.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
• Convenient downtown Ketchikan meeting location and Ward Cove pick-up for cruise passengers.
• Moderate level of physical fitness required, with passenger height and weight restrictions.

Overview of the Excursion

The Eagle Island Sea Kayaking shore excursion offers a 3.5-hour guided adventure around the pristine Tongass National Forest, providing participants the opportunity to explore the serene waters surrounding Eagle Island while spotting diverse Alaskan wildlife.

Paddle through tranquil waters and admire the breathtaking Alaskan scenery as a professional guide leads the way. Along the journey, you may spot bald eagles, seals, salmon, humpback whales, and orcas.

This excursion is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers, and includes a safety briefing, all necessary equipment, and transportation to and from the port. With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, you’re sure to have an intimate and memorable experience on the water.

Meeting and Pickup Location

Participants meet the tour representative holding a sign at The Rock on Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan.

Ward Cove pick-up is available for Norwegian/Oceania cruise passengers.

Travelers should arrive no later than the scheduled tour start time.

The representative will be easily identifiable, holding a clear tour sign to guide participants to the meeting point.

This convenient downtown location provides a central starting point for the kayaking adventure, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition from the cruise ship to the excursion.

With clear instructions and a designated meeting spot, participants can feel confident in finding their way to the launch site and beginning their guided exploration of Eagle Island.

What to Expect During the Kayaking

Upon arrival at the launch site, guests embark on their kayaks and set off to explore the tranquil waters surrounding Eagle Island.

A professional guide leads the way, providing commentary on the Alaskan scenery and wildlife encountered along the journey.

Paddling through the calm inlet, guests have the chance to spot majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, as well as seals, salmon, and possibly even humpback whales or orcas.

The guided tour offers a serene and intimate way to experience the natural beauty of Eagle Island, part of the vast Tongass National Forest.

Gliding across the water, guests take in the rugged coastline and lush, forested landscapes that characterize this pristine Alaskan environment.

Passenger Restrictions and Requirements

To participate in the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking shore excursion, there are some important passenger restrictions and requirements. Guests must not exceed a maximum height of 66 inches or a maximum weight of 230 pounds, and they must be at least 8 years old. Plus, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so guests need a moderate level of physical fitness to participate.

Restriction	Requirement
Max Height	66 inches
Max Weight	230 pounds
Minimum Age	8 years
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible

Guests should keep these guidelines in mind when booking the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Accessibility and Fitness Level

The Eagle Island Sea Kayaking shore excursion requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to navigate in and out of the kayak, and paddle for the duration of the approximately 3.5-hour tour.

While suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers, participants should have a reasonable degree of upper body strength and endurance to comfortably paddle around Eagle Island.

Plus, there are weight and height restrictions in place, with a maximum of 230 pounds and 66 inches, respectively. The tour isn’t recommended for guests with limited mobility or significant physical limitations.

Tour Group Size

Although the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour welcomes a maximum of 15 travelers per group, the intimate group size allows for a more personalized and immersive experience.

With fewer participants, the guide can provide closer attention and tailored instruction to ensure each guest confidently navigates the tranquil waters surrounding Eagle Island.

This small group setting fosters camaraderie among the participants as they collectively take in the stunning Alaskan scenery and search for wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and whales.

The guide can also offer more individualized assistance with paddling techniques and navigational skills, creating an overall more enriching and memorable excursion for everyone.

This thoughtful group size limitation enhances the overall quality of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

One of the key advantages of the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour is its worry-free cancellation policy. This policy provides peace of mind, allowing guests to book the tour without financial risk in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.

Travelers can receive a full refund if they’re unable to attend the excursion due to a delay of their cruise ship. If the cruise is delayed and passengers can’t make it to the meeting point on time, they don’t have to worry about losing their money.

The tour company understands that shore excursion schedules can be unpredictable, which is why they offer this flexible cancellation option to ensure a stress-free booking experience.

Additional Information

Aside from the flexible cancellation policy, there are a few additional details travelers should be aware of when booking the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour.

Participants must be at least 8 years old and can’t exceed a height of 66 inches or a weight of 230 pounds. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With these restrictions in place, the Eagle Island Sea Kayaking excursion caters to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers, offering a safe and enjoyable way to explore the stunning Alaskan scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are no restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants should use the restrooms before the tour begins, as the excursion takes place entirely on the water around Eagle Island.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Kayak?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the kayak. The tour allows travelers to bring personal food and beverages to enjoy during the excursion, as long as they don’t disturb or litter the natural environment.

How Long Is the Actual Kayaking Portion of the Excursion?

The kayaking portion of the excursion lasts approximately 3 hours. Participants will paddle around Eagle Island, taking in the scenic Alaskan environment and potentially spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, humpbacks, and orcas.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak Equipment Instead of Using the Provided Gear?

No, participants must use the kayaking equipment provided by the tour operator. Bringing one’s own gear is not permitted on this guided tour. All necessary equipment, including life jackets, are included in the excursion price.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Kayaking Activity?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the 3.5-hour kayaking duration. The tour operates on a fixed schedule, and extending the activity would require booking a separate, longer tour. The provided time is the only option for this particular excursion.

Recap

This guided kayak adventure through the serene waters of Tongass National Forest provides an intimate opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Alaska.

Participants can spot local wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and whales while enjoying personalized attention from the guide.

Suitable for all skill levels, the tour includes equipment, transportation, and a small group size, making it an ideal shore excursion for visitors to Ketchikan.