Discover the wild beauty of Alaska on the Ketchikan Zodiac Adventure. This boat tour offers heart-pumping speed, incredible wildlife sightings, and stunning coastal vistas—perfect for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Keep reading to learn more about this unique outdoor experience.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be reasonably fit to comfortably handle short periods of standing and balance during the tour.
Wildlife
History
Ketchikan’s area has a rich Native heritage, with Tlingit and Haida clans historically inhabiting these waters.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes minimal environmental impact by following wildlife viewing guidelines and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
Ketchikan Kayak Company
Discover the wild beauty of Alaska on the Ketchikan Zodiac Adventure. This boat tour offers heart-pumping speed, incredible wildlife sightings, and stunning coastal vistas—perfect for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Keep reading to learn more about this unique outdoor experience.
Ketchikan Kayak Company operates guided and self-guided water and land tours from Ketchikan, Alaska. The company offers a range of experiences including sea kayaking, inflatable zodiac fast boat adventures, electric bike and rainforest hikes, multi-day rentals, and waitlist opportunities for sold-out departures.
Guided offerings include the Kayak Eco-Tour (2.25 hours on the water) and a longer Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour (4-hour tour with 2–2.5 hours paddling to Clover Pass). These island and coastal routes pass through the Tongass National Forest near Clover Pass, a noted area for Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles, intertidal life, and occasional whales and porpoises. Guides provide gear, rain protection, round-trip transportation from downtown cruise docks and Ward Cove for select tours, and local interpretation of ecology.
Fast boat options include the Zodiac Fast Boat Adventure and the Ketchikan Zodiac Adventure, both featuring inflatable zodiac vessels where guests can steer on guided routes through the Inside Passage and coastal coves. The Orca Cove Fast Boat & Sea Kayaking Tour combines boat cruising with small-group sea kayaking and wildlife viewing. The original electric bike tour leads riders to the Tongass edge followed by a guided rainforest hike along salmon streams and a waterfall, ending with smoked salmon or vegan snacks at Clover Pass Resort.
Equipment, snacks, and knowledgeable guides are provided for applicable trips. The company’s offerings emphasize small groups, wildlife viewing, and access to calmer microclimates north of downtown Ketchikan. Booking options accommodate cruise schedules and offer flexible departure times to match port arrivals and needs.
Location
Ketchikan, Alaska
Base of operations in Southeast Alaska
Typical Duration
Tours from 2.25–32 hrs
Short to multi-day options
Tours Offered
9 tours
Guided and self-drive options
Wildlife Viewing
Sea lions, eagles, whales
Clover Pass and Orca Cove hotspots
Check availability for kayak tours, zodiac fast boat adventures, e-bike rainforest hikes, or 2-day rentals — join the waitlist for openings.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can vary quickly on the water, so bring moisture-wicking and insulating layers for comfort.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars for better sightings of birds and marine animals.
Sun protection
Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses to shield yourself from sun glare during the cruise.
Secure camera gear
Hold onto your camera or phone tightly since the Zodiac speeds across water, and respect wildlife from a distance.
Waterproof Jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable in case of splashes or light rain.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Warm Layers
Insulating layers are vital for staying warm during colder months.
spring|fall|winter
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water and enhances wildlife viewing.
summer
Hat and Sunscreen
Protection from the sun is important during longer daylight hours.
summer