
Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour
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 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 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






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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
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
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
See Southeast up close with a great person
We had a wonderful afternoon kayaking with Tim. We felt really confident paddling with Tim and appreciated his knowledge of the area and wildlife. On top of that, he’s a genuinely kind human being. He’s got a great boat to run out to spots and all his gear’s in great shape.
via Tripadvisor
Best day in Ketchikan!
I came across Alaska Kayak Company when searching for a small, local company to tour the waters of Ketchikan with. The day couldn’t have been better! Tim was the perfect guide and host for the day. He met our family of four at the pier and within minutes we were on our way in his boat, away from the crowds. It was a beautiful sunny day and the kayaking was spectacular. Tim’s passion for the water, land, and wildlife is evident and we enjoyed learning about everything he had to share! Perfect day in Ketchikan!
Response from the operator: Glad to share the stoke!
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.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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 last minute in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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?
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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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak 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 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?
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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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour?
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Included: Professional local guide; Premium kayaking gear is supplied; Snacks; Contact for groups of 5 or 6; and Wild Alaskan smoked salmon. Not included: Base layers, please wear something warm and comfortable. At a minimum we suggest 2 layers; A brimmed hat is great for rain or shine; and Wear active footwear not big heavy boots. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour?
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Arriving in the Port of Ketchikan, you will find Tim, at Berth 2, holding an Alaska Kayak Company sign, beside the Liquid Sunshine Gauge. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and I am glad to stow a collapsible wheelchair for guests but it cannot be used on-board. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak 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 Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour?
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Across 53 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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