
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 987 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour worth booking?
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour is a 4-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $100 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 987 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (987)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Take a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass, (2 -2.5 hours in the kayaks) with scheduling to fit virtually every cruise ship. This is an amazing waterway with several rainforest islands, about 15 miles north of town. Your guides will get you away from the crowds and often to better weather where you'll paddle around 3 scenic islands where dense rainforest meets the sea. The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the U.S. and surrounds Clover Pass. Most tours encounter the resident Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds, an immense array of intertidal life, and sometimes humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and jumping salmon along the route as well. Occasionally we even see Sitka deer or black bears down at the beach. While specific wildlife viewing cannot be guaranteed, Clover Pass is second to none for wildlife viewing near Ketchikan and our micro climate, north of town, consistently provides dryer weather and calmer waters than downtown.
What you get
About this experience
Take a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass, (2 -2.5 hours in the kayaks) with scheduling to fit virtually every cruise ship. This is an amazing waterway with several rainforest islands, about 15 miles north of town. Your guides will get you away from the crowds and often to better weather where you'll paddle around 3 scenic islands where dense rainforest meets the sea. The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the U.S. and surrounds Clover Pass. Most tours encounter the resident Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds, an immense array of intertidal life, and sometimes humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and jumping salmon along the route as well. Occasionally we even see Sitka deer or black bears down at the beach. While specific wildlife viewing cannot be guaranteed, Clover Pass is second to none for wildlife viewing near Ketchikan and our micro climate, north of town, consistently provides dryer weather and calmer waters than downtown.
What's included
Included
- Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides
- Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages.
- Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove.
- Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio.
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
End of Season Special
Late Season Discount Pickup included
Departure
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ketchikan Kayak Company
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 986 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
986 verified traveler reviews for Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great exercise but not...
Great exercise but not too hard amazing views , guide was great polite and knowable highly recommended
via Viator
Kayaking excursion
Such a great day. We held starfish and molusces, saw eagles and watched sea lions play around us. Devin and Spencer were great guides and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Delightful afternoon.
We spent a beautiful, peaceful afternoon on the ocean with Aine. We are experienced kayakers but had never been shown how to enter a kayak from a dock. Aine’s method was effortless, safe and efficient. We saw sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, jelly fish, star fish, etc. and learned about the surrounding area. Aine shared her knowledge about the wildlife, expanding on the studies of starfish. We had snacks after our time on the water, locally caught and smoked salmon - it was delish! We were picked up and dropped back to our cruise ship on time and the drivers shared information about Ketchikan.
via Viator
The kayaking was very...
The kayaking was very fun! We saw lots of wildlife. The guides were knowledgeable and the pace was relaxed yet also adventurous. Local snacks and beverages were a nice touch.
via Viator
This is an opportunity to...
This is an opportunity to kayak in Alaska. Unless you are in the kayak with the guide, you will not be able to hear much of what she is saying. We did love kayaking with sea lions and it was a beautiful day!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $161
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 345
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ketchikan Kayak Company, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 86.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Ketchikan Kayak Company runsWhy this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.
How much does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ketchikan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ketchikan is not rushed.
Is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 987 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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Around 345 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ketchikan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ketchikan and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ketchikan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ketchikan?
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Ketchikan runs short, cruise-timed excursions: Misty Fjords floatplane flights, Tongass rainforest zip lines, totem park tours, crab feasts and wildlife boats up the Behm Canal. On Outty we rank every Ketchikan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr., Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour, Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion (Ketchikan). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
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May to September, matching the Alaska cruise season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ketchikan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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Included: Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides; Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages; Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove; and Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Ketchikan. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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Across 987 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including End of Season Special, Departure. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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