Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Ketchikan, USA

High interest

Booked 4 times today.

4 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0

· Laura_C ·

Sep 2025

Fabulous day on the water. Zach was a great guide and everything was so nice. Good kayaking tips. Great equipment, incredible scenery - we saw a couple pods of sea lions, eagles, seals and tons of sea stars. The day started out with an incredible rainbow. When we come back to Alaska we will do this again!

· Mary_S ·

Sep 2025

Dana did a great job leading our kayak tour. We saw a lot of sea life and beautiful areas. Dana talked about the area, the sea life found there, shared some fun stories, entertained us, and kept us safe. We really enjoyed this kayak tour.

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Overview

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Explore the unique ecology where northern rain forest meets the ocean
Look for sea lions, humpback whales, eagles, and other Alaskan wildlife
No kayaking experience necessary
Includes pickup and drop-off from the cruise port or hotels

What's Included

Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages.
Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides
Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove.
Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio.

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We Pick up guests at Downtown Cruise Docks & Ward Cove Cruise Ship Docks. Please Read ALL Meeting Instructions! FOR DOWNTOWN CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS & Other Guests: After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the shelter at Cruise Berth 3. The shelter is on the dock next to the "Visitors Information - Restrooms" building and Sockeye Sam's Store. It's across the street from the tunnel. (NOTE: this is NOT the berth 2 Visitors Center). The walk is approximately 2-5 minutes depending at which pier you are docked. The address is 425 Water Street. Our driver will be present 15 minutes before all departures holding a RED sign that says "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO." FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS Docking AT THE MILL AT WARD COVE: (Norwegian Cruise Lines + Some Others) After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the brick building "The Mill at Ward Cove." Proceed through the building to the right. Tour vendors will be greeting guests for excursions in the corner near the restrooms and the large overhead door. Look for our driver with a RED sign that reads "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO." 15 minutes AFTER the departure time. The MIll at Ward Cove is halfway between downtown Ketchikan and our marina, this means DEPARTURES FROM WARD COVE WILL BE GREETED BY OUR DRIVER 15-20 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED DOWNTOWN DEPARTURE TIME as you will be picked up on the way. Guests returning to Ward Cove will be back about 15 minutes early. For example, if you schedule a tour from 8:00am to noon, your tour will operate from 8:15 to 11:45.am. If you are docking at Ward Cove but would prefer to meet for a downtown departure (e.g. your ship docks at 7:00am and you want to see downtown Ketchikan before meeting us for an 11:00am tour) or if you would prefer to be dropped off downtown after the excursion this may be possible but you will need to contact the Ketchikan Kayak Co. prior to your tour time to arrange the change. Otherwise all guests docking at Ward Cove will be expected to be picked up at Ward Cove. *Remember to turn off airplane mode when you pull into port to aid in communication should there be any delays or should any issues arise the day of your excursion.

Itinerary

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Children must be at least 6 years old. There are some exceptions, so please call if you feel you qualify
No experience is necessary
Rain pants and jackets are provided
Due to the size of the kayak cockpit openings, your hip/waist size should not exceed 52 inches (137cm) as measured while seated.
Recommended that you wear clothing that would be appropriate for an outdoor hike through the forest, and footwear that will fit inside the space of a kayak. Large bulky boots or high heels are not recommended
There is a minimum of 2 people to run a tour
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, date.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Danette_J

We had a fantastic time. Xack and Chris were excellent tour guides , with great stories. We saw sea lions, bald eagles held starfish and much more. It was fun, interesting and personal. Highly recommend this excursion.

Reviews

5.0

based on 869 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Highlight of Alaska

Lydia_D, Mar 2026

This was a once in a lifetime experience. We kayak'd for a little over 2 miles with our very knowledgeable guides, saw over 20 sea lions, 3 harbor seals, 2 sea otters and multiple bald eagles in their natural habitat. Would do it again 100%.

Kayak Ketchikan Channel

Robert_C, Nov 2025

Great addition to my other kayaking adventures. Circled three islands, saw interesting terrain and wildlife, including some intertidal critters, and traveled about 5 miles on a clear, sunny, day.

Must do experience!

Laura_C, Sep 2025

A must do kayak tour

SueAnn_P, Sep 2025

The four of us had a wonderful experience with the Ketchikan Kayak tour group. The guide was very experienced and took us on a safe and interesting path through the beautiful waters. His knowledge of the wildlife and plants gave us a broad understanding and appreciation of the area. They were accommodating when I misread the meeting point information. The after tour snack of salmon, dips, veggies and crackers hit the spot.

Weather, water, and wildlife

Brad_O, Sep 2025

We lucked out and had a sunny day and smooth water to kayak in clover pass. Zach and Dana were very good, knowledgeable guides. We saw bald eagle's nest with an eagle, sea lions and harbor seals. The transportation provided from ward cove was easy and punctual.

Nature At It’s Best

Thomas_G, Sep 2025

This is open water kayaking in pristine water surrounded by nature’s beauty. The kayaks are safe and fun. The supervising team are knowledgeable and pleasant to kayak with.

Kayak with a sea lions

Allen_F, Sep 2025

We had an excellent time. Our guide was very personable and knowledgeable. He took time to point out all the uniqueness of the Alaskan landscape. The highlight though was getting to kayak within 10 to 20 feet of sea lions. We could not have asked for a better day.

Our 2 guides Dana and...

Kim_M, Sep 2025

Our 2 guides Dana and Zach were wonderful! They tailored the trip towards the animals that were around. We got incredibly lucky and got to kayak with a bunch of sea lions and even a playful whale! They took a lot of pictures and shared them with everyone at the end! Highly recommend

10 out of 10

Laura_V, Sep 2025

A truely amazing experience with our effervescent guide Dana. She guided us to see some amazing things including Humpback whales bubble net feeding. The entire trip took 4hrs with about 2hrs on the water. If you a newbie to kayaking, dont worry, we took lots of paddling breaks so it was easy on the arms.

Super beautiful, active and memorable experience!

Chelsea_P, Sep 2025

We worried this activity would be rained out but it turns out that rain is the norm in Ketchikan and didn’t put a damper on this awesome experience! The company was very well-organized and made sure we were completely outfitted so that we were prepared for the weather without any discomfort! We saw whales, sea lions, seals and lots of beautiful starfish and sea urchins. We also got a nice workout in which always feels great! Highly recommend!

Humpback Whales for over an hour and half!!!

Lisa_s, Sep 2025

100% recommend the Ketchikan Eco Kayaking tour. If you’re lucky enough to have Dana and Xach as your guides, you’ll be in the best hands. They were so knowledgeable, so friendly, and took us to all the hidden gems. The highlight? Three humpback whales joined us for nearly an hour and a half, bubble net feeding just 25 feet away. Being surrounded by them was absolutely exhilarating and breathtaking at the same time. We felt completely safe, cared for, and in awe the entire experience. I would do this again in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone visiting Ketchikan.

Dana the Awesome Kayak Guide

Dawn_H, Sep 2025

Dana the tour guide was engaging, kind, and patient. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her We paddled at an easy pace and saw quite a few feeding sea lions and harbor seals eating. Viator does need to work on where to meet guides . Addresses rarely matched where we were supposed to be.

Tour Guide Dana & Whales 10/10!!

Kelly_O, Sep 2025

Amazing kayak experience with Dana. We were lucky to see whales! Dana was very knowledgeable about the marine and coastal wild life. Smoked salmon snack after was delicous!

Favorite Excursion

Deborah_L, Sep 2025

I booked this excursion solo as my travel companions did not kayak. The guides Chris and Zac made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. It was easy to see how much they enjoyed their job. It was a great excursion and my favorite for this Alaskan cruise.

We really enjoyed this...

Amber_M, Sep 2025

We really enjoyed this trip! We saw lots of bald eagles, beautiful scenery, and at the end we had humpback whales all around us! I would recommend an early time if you want the calmest waters. Really appreciate the guides!

A fully immersive (in a good way) kayaking adventure

Daniel_R, Sep 2025

Dana and Chris were excellent, as was the tour overall. This was easily the best tour of this trip and one of the better guided experiences I've ever had. Dana and Chris did an excellent job of making sure we were prepared for the environment while also providing a wealth of knowledge throughout the experience. Having guides who live what they do on a daily basis shows through in the breadth and depth of information they are able to share. I got a little wet (my own fault) so be prepared for the possibility, but it didn't distract in any way from the experience and at no point was I uncomfortable. I would absolutely recommend spending some time with this team!

We loved our kayak tour

Mary_S, Sep 2025

Very enjoyable trip, beautiful area

Tim_H, Sep 2025

The guides were great and very knowledgeable. The trip takes you through some islands off Ketchikan and you explore some beautiful coastline.

What a great time!

Konrad_A, Sep 2025

The company ran our tour, even though it was just my wife and me. I know of other companies that might have cancelled without a minimum number of people. Transportation to and from the put-in point was comfortable and easy. Our guide made every effort to ensure that we had a good, safe time. Finally, the snacks and drinks after the paddling were excellent!

Wonderful.

Madaline_R, Sep 2025

Zac was wonderful and so was David. It was a perfect day. We had a very nice time.David was so understanding. He explained everything very well.

Boring

Mbpjchouston, Sep 2025

Kayak for two hours mostly around a few islands. Spent way too much time waiting for whales. Guide picked up a starfish and handed it around Kept it out of the water way too long. Not much to see and busy waterway.

The guide was...

Elizabeth_F, Sep 2025

The guide was knowledgeable and fun and I would have given this excursion five stars, however the location did not live up to the description online. Because we had to cut off long distances to get to the island with the wildlife. We did not have an opportunity to see as much as we had hoped.

Amazing time

brandonrankin, Aug 2025

We had an amazing time! Saw do many eagles, sea lion and nature. Xack and A.J were phenomenal guides.

Beautiful perfect day in...

Cheryl_H, Aug 2025

Beautiful perfect day in Ketchikan!! Our guide was born and raised in Alaska! Very knowledgeable about the marine life l and nature around the island.. we saw bald eagles Harbor seals, many whales!! Highly recommend this tour!

Best tour everrrrrr

Allison_W, Aug 2025

AJ and Zack were so knowledgeable and super friendly. They truly made sure this trip was catered to us. There were only 6 people in our group. We saw seals, sea otters, sea lions, eagles and starfish. It was the highlight of our vacation.

We had a wonderful trip...

Susan_S, Aug 2025

We had a wonderful trip kayaking with our guides Dana and AJ. The scenery was spectacular and it was so nice being with a small group. We would definitely take this tour again.

Beautiful place, had a...

John_S, Aug 2025

Beautiful place, had a great time, great people and very knowledgeable, we seen eagles and seals and other amazing wild life

Best Excursion of Our Trip!

Jaclyn_M, Aug 2025

We had a fantastic experience with this tour, especially our amazing guide, Dana. Pick up at the dock was easy and on time, though we were at the wrong ship dock so recommend asking prior to! Dana helped us feel at ease and prepared for our tour, got us fitted into rain gear, and explained everything cleary and with a clear excitement and passion for her work! We saw lots of amazing wildlife and had time to customize our group experience based on that day’s conditions. If we ever get lucky enough to go back to Alaska, would love to kayak again!

We had the best time...

Daphne_T, Aug 2025

We had the best time kayaking with David and Sophia, who were both fantastic! We saw sea lions, bald eagles, and even a humpback. Highly recommend going directly to these folks instead of booking through your cruise ship — they are extremely cruise ship-friendly and even picked us up at the Ward Cove dock.

Peaceful and beautiful

Sherrill_N, Aug 2025

We came on on the Norwegian Joy and our pick up spot was at the other side of the port terminal by the door. We had a short drive to Clover Pass where we were greeted by our tour guides Zach and Chris. They had rain pants available for those that needed them. Once we were geared up they went over how to paddle and stir the kayak before helping us on our kayaks. Once we started they tooks all around pointing out the eagles and their nests. We continued on and they took us to where the sea loins hang out and we got to spend time watching them. They were very informative guides and enjoyed hearing their stories of living in Alaska. Beautiful scenery and peaceful adventure.