Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, United States

Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour

Outty Ranking 77 5.0 · 53 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $191

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$191
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

77/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour worth booking?

Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour is a 3-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $191 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
77 / 100
Rating
5/5 (53)
Duration
3 hours
From
$191 per person

Howdy! My name is Tim. I love to take new people exploring on the ocean to share what I love about where I live. My tour is designed to see the wilds of Alaska from the water and not from the window of a van. Think s

What you get

    About this experience

    Howdy! My name is Tim. I love to take new people exploring on the ocean to share what I love about where I live. My tour is designed to see the wilds of Alaska from the water and not from the window of a van. Think salt spray, not gift shops. With 3 full hours on the water you will see a range of marine and inter-tidal life. Unlike a dock launched kayak tour I don’t have a firmly set route. The Huckleberry (the cabined vessel in the photos) allows us the mobility to find the best water, wind, and wildlife of the day. After leaving Ketchikan, I will get you geared and lower the tandem kayaks off the boat and into the water. Then we will paddle some beautiful uninhabited, Alaskan coastline together! I strive to make sure that the tour stays accessible regardless of your experience level. After the paddle we will return to the Huckleberry for a snack. The cruise back into town is fast, comfortable, and guaranteed to get you there in plenty of time to catch your cruise ship!

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional local guide
    • Premium kayaking gear is supplied
    • Snacks
    • Contact for groups of 5 or 6
    • Wild Alaskan smoked salmon
    • Transportation by boat to and from remote kayaking destination
    • Weather appropriate outer layer

    Not included

    • Base layers, please wear something warm and comfortable. At a minimum we suggest 2 layers under our paddle jackets, they are water & windproof but do not provide any insulation. Technical or quick dry materials are best but you’ll have a great time in jeans, sweatshirts, or leggings.
    • A brimmed hat is great for rain or shine.
    • Wear active footwear not big heavy boots.

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Ketchikan

    Arriving in the Port of Ketchikan, you will find Tim, at Berth 2, holding an Alaska Kayak Company sign, beside the Liquid Sunshine Gauge. Folks arriving from the Port of Ward Cove will need to allow time to shuttle into Ketchikan.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Arriving in the Port of Ketchikan, you will find Tim, at Berth 2, holding an Alaska Kayak Company sign, beside the Liquid Sunshine Gauge. Folks arriving from the Port of Ward Cove will need to allow time to shuttle into Ketchikan.

    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 4 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alaska 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 poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Cruise ship passengers, when booking please provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and all aboard time
    • Operates rain or shine
    • Minors must be accompanied by an adult
    • I am glad to stow a collapsible wheelchair for guests but it cannot be used on-board.
    • I love to adventure with all levels of paddlers. I will teach everything you need to know about having a fun, safe kayaking experience at the start of our trip.
    • Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
    • If you are traveling via cruise ship please book a departure at least an hour after your arrival and allow yourself roughly an hour to re-board afterwards.

    Photos

    Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour in Ketchikan, photo 2Spring near coastal kayakBest pose of the season so far from these two ship entertainers!Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour in Ketchikan, photo 5Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour in Ketchikan, photo 6Sometimes the tide is extraordinarily low allowing us to see creatures normally covered by the ocean.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    49 verified traveler reviews for Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    49
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    I5858CFjims · July 2025

    Fun Kayaking Adventure Away From The Crowds

    My wife and I were traveling with friends, and booked this excursion for when our cruise ship stopped in Ketchikan. This was our first stop on the cruise, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Tim was an awesome guide and had everything we needed for the outing. He shared lots of interesting information about the area and the wildlife. Tim truly went out of his way to make it an awesome experience for us. After kayaking for a bit, he gave us the option of exploring one of the islands on foot, which we chose to do and really enjoyed. If you are looking for a great small group outing that gets away from all the crowds with a guide who is very knowledgeable and truly passionate about what he does, then I highly recommend Tim and Alaska Kayak Company.

    via Tripadvisor

    Daniel R · July 2025

    Crazy awesome kayak trip!

    Fantastic kayak trip in the middle of a large fjord! Great wildlife (bald eagles, seals, porpoises), and amazing and nice guides.🗻🗻

    via Tripadvisor

    jbellwv · July 2025

    Get away from the crowds!

    This is a great tour to get away from the crowds and see the beautiful Alaskan coastline. Tim was a great host. He supplies everything you need for your kayaking. I would recommend this for anyone who wants some exercise and fresh air. You can't beat a small local tour operator like Alaska Kayak company.

    via Tripadvisor

    navdipg2022 · August 2022

    Best way to enjoy Ketchikan

    Overall excellent experience with Alaska Kayak Company. Tim & Mary are a great team! We loved the personal touch with the whole experience. I was able to talk to Tim prior to our arrival. Tim was all smiles when he came to receive us at the designated meeting place. The entire trip was just wonderful after that. We had a very engaging experience with kayaking and some hiking. Tim explained the local flora and sea life, getting us close to nature. They delivered beyond our expectation. Thank you for receiving us and then also dropping us close to our cruise ship.

    Response from the operator: I am wandering back through these older reviews and just wanted to say thanks. Feels good to hear about our time spent together!

    via Tripadvisor

    U3667ZVkevint · August 2022

    Outstanding Kayaking with Exceptional Guides

    Mary and Tim provided an exceptional experience. From our time of booking through our meeting on the dock to an outstanding kayaking experience communication was exceptional. Our family group of four adults had what we felt to be a kayaking experience out of Ketchican that could not have been any better. We were lucky to have a rare sunny and warm day in late July. Tim and Mary's knowledge of the local waters, flora and fauna was great. Highly recommend this experience over a more crowded and "corporate" tour.

    Response from the operator: Mary and I are so glad to have been able to take you all out. Thank you for taking a minute to share about your experience with us, it is so helpful for us. We hope the rest of your Alaska trip was just as excellent! Best, Tim and Mary

    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
    19
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 77

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)95
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)50
    Value for money (12% weight)77
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)72
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $191 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 53 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.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour?

    +

    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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour?

    +

    Around 19 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour 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 Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour, Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr., Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park. 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour.

    Pick your date