Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure
Ketchikan, United States

Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure

Outty Ranking 79 4.9 · 135 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $219
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 135 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure worth booking?

Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure is a 3-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $219 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 135 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
79 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (135)
Duration
3 hours
From
$219 per person

Launch from our downtown Ketchikan dock aboard your own Zodiac Boat, just a couple minutes away from the cruise docks. Follow your guide and explore the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska. Most tours take in views of Historic Creek Street, the Totem Poles at Saxman Native Village, and cruise the Tongass Narrows searching for bald eagles, seals and sea lions and often humpback whales and sometimes migrating pods of Orca! Enjoy zipping across the water with the salty breeze on your face. Every tour pace and route varies, but most tours stop and raft up with the guide boat 3 or 4 times during the tour. Waterproof Bibs, Jackets, Boots, Gloves & Dry Bags provided for the adventure. This is a guided, self driving excursion on the water. Up to 4 guests may be in each vessel. If you are a couple you may be paired with another couple on the tour. We provide the opportunity for our groups to have up to 2 guests per boat to have time to drive on the tour if desired. Must be 21+ to drive.

What you get

    About this experience

    Launch from our downtown Ketchikan dock aboard your own Zodiac Boat, just a couple minutes away from the cruise docks. Follow your guide and explore the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska. Most tours take in views of Historic Creek Street, the Totem Poles at Saxman Native Village, and cruise the Tongass Narrows searching for bald eagles, seals and sea lions and often humpback whales and sometimes migrating pods of Orca! Enjoy zipping across the water with the salty breeze on your face. Every tour pace and route varies, but most tours stop and raft up with the guide boat 3 or 4 times during the tour. Waterproof Bibs, Jackets, Boots, Gloves & Dry Bags provided for the adventure. This is a guided, self driving excursion on the water. Up to 4 guests may be in each vessel. If you are a couple you may be paired with another couple on the tour. We provide the opportunity for our groups to have up to 2 guests per boat to have time to drive on the tour if desired. Must be 21+ to drive.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Rain Bibs, Jackets, Gloves & Boots Provided
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Bring a Warm Hat & Sunglasses

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Ketchikan

    We meet all guests at the Visitor Information/Restrooms building on the pier next to Sockeye Sam's store at cruise berth 3. 425 Water Street Ketchikan, AK 99901. We are there with a Yellow sign "Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure" 15 minutes before departure time.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We meet all guests at the Visitor Information/Restrooms building on the pier next to Sockeye Sam's store at cruise berth 3. 425 Water Street Ketchikan, AK 99901. We are there with a Yellow sign "Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure" 15 minutes before departure time.

    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
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Bubble net feeding humpback whales in Clover Pass!, Ketchikan Zodiac Boat AdventureExplore away from the crowds!, Ketchikan Zodiac Boat AdventureDrive your own Zodiac boat!, Ketchikan Zodiac Boat AdventureWatching humpback whales bubble net feeding., Ketchikan Zodiac Boat AdventureFinding Whales feeding out on our Fast Boat tour!, Ketchikan Zodiac Boat AdventureEarly season tour, all geared up and ready to ride!, Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 135 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    135 verified traveler reviews for Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    129
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    jeantR9405OC · September 2026

    Great experience, fun driving the boat

    Booked it as an excursion for our Holland cruise. They pick you up not far from the cruise plus the starting point is walkable from the port as well. We made it back with to the ship with extra time to spare for gifts around town. Austin was our guide and he was great! He took us around and was very knowledgeable about the area. We saw some seals and was unlucky with the whales. All the gear we needed was provided for us. I do recommend a beanie or hat. We went in September and the weather wasn't too cold. However, the wind does chill you so bring a hat!

    via Tripadvisor

    rebeccaam2026 · September 2026

    So much fun!

    We had the best time on this excursion! Pick up/ drop off was right from our cruise dock. Our guide Spencer was super knowledgeable and answered all our silly questions and had so much local knowledge. The little zodiac boats was perfect to go zipping around on and seeing parts of Ketchikan that most tourists wouldn’t be able to see. Such a fun experience! Saw some seals and bald eagles as a little bonus.

    via Tripadvisor

    462malikh · September 2026

    A must do

    The zodiac was a really smooth ride despite the waves. The scenery was beautiful and we saw a lot of harbor seals of blank island. Unfortunately didn’t get to see more marine life but was still worth the experience. Our guide, Austin, was extremely knowledgeable about the area and was genuinely cool.

    via Tripadvisor

    Randi_B · September 2026

    Zodiac Adventure in Ketchican

    Up to 4 people can travel in the same Zodiac. Be sure you have at least 1 person willing to drive! You will be given waterproof bibs, boots and gloves to wear.

    via Viator

    rkalish12 · September 2026

    Loved driving the Zodiac Boats!

    Loved the Zodiac Adventure in Ketchikan! Guide met us right off the cruise ship and was a quick ride to the office to get suited up in rain gear and store our valuables. Our guide, Spencer, was fantastic leading us as we drove our own boat (very easy to drive and felt very safe). We made many stops along the way for photos and narration. Braised scenery and lots of wildlife. This was a highlight of our cruise and highly highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    47
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    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 runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)70
    Booking momentum (14% weight)65
    Value for money (12% weight)69
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.

    How much does Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $219 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 Zodiac Boat Adventure take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 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 Zodiac Boat Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 135 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    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 Zodiac Boat Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    Around 47 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?

    +

    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Kayak Eco-Tour, Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Rain Bibs, Jackets, Gloves & Boots Provided; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Bring a Warm Hat & Sunglasses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    We meet all guests at the Visitor Information/Restrooms building on the pier next to Sockeye Sam's store at cruise berth 3. 425 Water Street Ketchikan, AK 99901. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure offered in?

    +

    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 Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    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 Zodiac Boat Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Zodiac Boat Adventure?

    +

    Across 135 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure.

    Pick your date