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Paddle through the sheltered waters of Clover Pass on a guided sea kayaking tour to Eagle Island, spotting wildlife like bald eagles, whales, and starfish. This 3.5-hour shore excursion from Ketchikan offers an immersive and accessible way to experience Alaska’s coastal wilderness.
Paddle through the sheltered waters of Clover Pass on a guided sea kayaking tour to Eagle Island, spotting wildlife like bald eagles, whales, and starfish. This 3.5-hour shore excursion from Ketchikan offers an immersive and accessible way to experience Alaska’s coastal wilderness.
Morning light filters through towering Sitka spruce as the Pacific Ocean cradles your kayak against the gentle current. From Ketchikan’s bustling port, you embark north to Clover Pass, where the water’s glassy surface invites a paddle into Alaska’s rugged embrace. The island looms ahead—Eagle Island, fringed by forest and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest’s vast wilderness, dares you to explore its edges in a tandem sea kayak.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Southeast Exposure Zipline & Kayaks · Ketchikan, Alaska
Morning light filters through towering Sitka spruce as the Pacific Ocean cradles your kayak against the gentle current. From Ketchikan’s bustling port, you embark north to Clover Pass, where the water’s glassy surface invites a paddle into Alaska’s rugged embrace. The island looms ahead—Eagle Island, fringed by forest and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest’s vast wilderness, dares you to explore its edges in a tandem sea kayak.
This excursion capitalizes on the calm, sheltered waters of Clover Pass, setting a pace that suits new and seasoned paddlers alike. As you glide, bald eagles swoop overhead, scouting for fish below. Underwater, vibrant starfish cling to the rocky substrate while distant whale calls echo—a reminder that this coastline thrums with life. Humpback and orca whales occasionally breach, their power a dramatic counterpoint to the kayak’s quiet rhythm.
Eagle Island itself is a patch of raw nature shaped by millennia of tides and storms. The Tongass National Forest—one of the planet’s largest temperate rainforests—sprawls over nearby slopes, its moss-draped branches hinting at the area's geological history of glacial carving and volcanic soil. This is more than a tour; it’s a direct connection to both the land and sea cultures that have thrived here, from indigenous Tlingit heritage to contemporary conservation efforts.
Practical advice: the 3.5-hour tour demands moderate fitness. The entry point, at Clover Pass, involves a supportive safety briefing and introduction to stable tandem kayaks, provided by your guide. Layer your clothing to account for coastal chills—quick-dry fabrics and a waterproof jacket are key, alongside water shoes or sturdy sandals.
Paddle early in the day to catch wildlife at its most active and avoid afternoon winds. The guide will lead you through protected coves, offering manageable currents and scenic photo opportunities. Hydrate well and bring a waterproof container for essentials like sunscreen and camera.
Expect a maximum weight limit of 230 pounds and a minimum age of 8 years, ensuring safety and comfort. Pickup from the port or Ward Cove Dock streamlines access, but contacting the operator beforehand is crucial. The operator’s cancellation policy provides peace of mind: cancel 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with weather or low bookings also triggering cancellations.
A kayak here isn’t just a vessel; it’s a gateway. The sea dares you forward, the forest waits quietly ashore, and the wildlife watches, curious. This tour delivers a balanced blend of immersive nature and practical navigation—ideal for travelers wanting a tactile taste of Alaska’s coastal wilderness without sacrificing comfort or safety.
moderate.
3–3.5 hours.
Participants should have moderate fitness to paddle tandem kayaks and handle up to 6 miles on calm water.
Participants must be at least 8 years old to join this sea kayaking tour.
No previous experience is necessary; the guide provides a thorough safety briefing and introduction.
Yes, the maximum weight limit is 230 pounds and maximum height is 6'6" for safety and comfort in tandem kayaks.
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather conditions to ensure safety; full refunds are offered if canceled 24 hours in advance.
While wildlife is commonly spotted, sightings depend on natural behavior and weather; no guarantees can be made.
Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included with options from downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove Dock.
Eagle Island lies within the traditional territory of the Tlingit people, whose descendants have lived in southeastern Alaska for thousands of years, utilizing these waters for fishing and travel.
The tour operates within the Tongass National Forest, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Southeast Exposure Zipline & Kayaks operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Morning light filters through towering Sitka spruce as the Pacific Ocean cradles your kayak against the gentle current. From Ketchikan’s bustling port, you embark north to Clover Pass, where the water’s glassy surface invites a paddle into Alaska’s rugged embrace. The island looms ahead—Eagle Island, fringed by forest and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest’s vast wilderness, dares you to explore its edges in a tandem sea kayak.
Morning light filters through towering Sitka spruce as the Pacific Ocean cradles your kayak against the gentle current. From Ketchikan’s bustling port, you embark north to Clover Pass, where the water’s glassy surface invites a paddle into Alaska’s rugged embrace. The island looms ahead—Eagle Island, fringed by forest and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest’s vast wilderness, dares you to explore its edges in a tandem sea kayak.
This excursion capitalizes on the calm, sheltered waters of Clover Pass, setting a pace that suits new and seasoned paddlers alike. As you glide, bald eagles swoop overhead, scouting for fish below. Underwater, vibrant starfish cling to the rocky substrate while distant whale calls echo—a reminder that this coastline thrums with life. Humpback and orca whales occasionally breach, their power a dramatic counterpoint to the kayak’s quiet rhythm.
Eagle Island itself is a patch of raw nature shaped by millennia of tides and storms. The Tongass National Forest—one of the planet’s largest temperate rainforests—sprawls over nearby slopes, its moss-draped branches hinting at the area's geological history of glacial carving and volcanic soil. This is more than a tour; it’s a direct connection to both the land and sea cultures that have thrived here, from indigenous Tlingit heritage to contemporary conservation efforts.
Practical advice: the 3.5-hour tour demands moderate fitness. The entry point, at Clover Pass, involves a supportive safety briefing and introduction to stable tandem kayaks, provided by your guide. Layer your clothing to account for coastal chills—quick-dry fabrics and a waterproof jacket are key, alongside water shoes or sturdy sandals.
Paddle early in the day to catch wildlife at its most active and avoid afternoon winds. The guide will lead you through protected coves, offering manageable currents and scenic photo opportunities. Hydrate well and bring a waterproof container for essentials like sunscreen and camera.
Expect a maximum weight limit of 230 pounds and a minimum age of 8 years, ensuring safety and comfort. Pickup from the port or Ward Cove Dock streamlines access, but contacting the operator beforehand is crucial. The operator’s cancellation policy provides peace of mind: cancel 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with weather or low bookings also triggering cancellations.
A kayak here isn’t just a vessel; it’s a gateway. The sea dares you forward, the forest waits quietly ashore, and the wildlife watches, curious. This tour delivers a balanced blend of immersive nature and practical navigation—ideal for travelers wanting a tactile taste of Alaska’s coastal wilderness without sacrificing comfort or safety.