THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Pilot a rigid-hulled Zodiac into George Inlet’s fjords from a historic cannery near Ketchikan. This fast-paced small-group tour mixes rainforest walks, glacier-formed scenery and up-close wildlife viewing with an optional chance to take the helm.
Pilot a rigid-hulled Zodiac into George Inlet’s fjords from a historic cannery near Ketchikan. This fast-paced small-group tour mixes rainforest walks, glacier-formed scenery and up-close wildlife viewing with an optional chance to take the helm.
You step off the van at an old cannery, the scent of brine and cedar in the air, and follow a narrow rainforest path where dripping moss seems to lean toward you. Guides hand out rubber boots and rain gear; the Zodiac’s inflatable tubes bob like a promise against the slate water. When the engine answers, the inlet opens—cliffs carved by ice, waterfalls running raw and vertical, water that dares you to keep your eyes off the shoreline.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ketchikan AdventureVue · Ketchikan, Alaska
You step off the van at an old cannery, the scent of brine and cedar in the air, and follow a narrow rainforest path where dripping moss seems to lean toward you. Guides hand out rubber boots and rain gear; the Zodiac’s inflatable tubes bob like a promise against the slate water. When the engine answers, the inlet opens—cliffs carved by ice, waterfalls running raw and vertical, water that dares you to keep your eyes off the shoreline.
This is George Inlet country: classic southeast Alaska where glaciers once gouged deep cirques and salmon shaped the economy. The historic Beaver Falls cannery—part of the early 20th-century canning boom—anchors the trip’s cultural frame, while nearby Saxman preserves Tlingit carving traditions that predate industrial fisheries.
Geology here is recent and rugged—glacial cirques, steep headwalls and glacially scoured fjords ringed by temperate rainforest. Wildlife moves with purpose: bald eagles hunt the current, seals haul out on kelp-strewn rocks, and in season humpbacks push up through the inlet.
Practically: the tour runs about 3.5 hours including a land visit and a 90-minute Zodiac cruise. Wear waterproof layers, bring motion-sickness meds if you’re prone, and keep cameras in a dry pouch. Guides rotate drivers—no prior helm experience required but a moderate fitness level helps for boarding in choppy conditions. Expect variable weather and follow guide instructions around wildlife viewing to minimize disturbance. Finish back at the cannery with a complimentary tasting—Alaska’s coastline seen fast, loud, and close.
moderate.
3–4 hours.
Moderate fitness: comfortable boarding, short hikes on uneven rainforest trails, and ability to stand in a Zodiac for 90 minutes.
Yes—guests can rotate to captain the Zodiac under guide supervision; prior experience isn’t required but you’ll receive a safety briefing.
Waterproof outer layers, insulating mid-layers, and sturdy non-slip footwear; rubber boots are often provided if necessary.
Children can join but must be able to follow safety instructions and wear provided life jackets; check operator age policies when booking.
Tours may cancel or reschedule for safety; the operator typically offers full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours or due to unsafe conditions.
The Beaver Falls cannery is a remnant of southeastern Alaska’s early 20th-century salmon industry; the area also sits within traditional Tlingit territory known for totem carving and fishing.
This coastal ecosystem is sensitive—avoid shore-side trampling, follow guide rules around marine mammals, and pack out all trash to limit impacts.
Ketchikan AdventureVue operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the van at an old cannery, the scent of brine and cedar in the air, and follow a narrow rainforest path where dripping moss seems to lean toward you. Guides hand out rubber boots and rain gear; the Zodiac’s inflatable tubes bob like a promise against the slate water. When the engine answers, the inlet opens—cliffs carved by ice, waterfalls running raw and vertical, water that dares you to keep your eyes off the shoreline.
You step off the van at an old cannery, the scent of brine and cedar in the air, and follow a narrow rainforest path where dripping moss seems to lean toward you. Guides hand out rubber boots and rain gear; the Zodiac’s inflatable tubes bob like a promise against the slate water. When the engine answers, the inlet opens—cliffs carved by ice, waterfalls running raw and vertical, water that dares you to keep your eyes off the shoreline.
This is George Inlet country: classic southeast Alaska where glaciers once gouged deep cirques and salmon shaped the economy. The historic Beaver Falls cannery—part of the early 20th-century canning boom—anchors the trip’s cultural frame, while nearby Saxman preserves Tlingit carving traditions that predate industrial fisheries.
Geology here is recent and rugged—glacial cirques, steep headwalls and glacially scoured fjords ringed by temperate rainforest. Wildlife moves with purpose: bald eagles hunt the current, seals haul out on kelp-strewn rocks, and in season humpbacks push up through the inlet.
Practically: the tour runs about 3.5 hours including a land visit and a 90-minute Zodiac cruise. Wear waterproof layers, bring motion-sickness meds if you’re prone, and keep cameras in a dry pouch. Guides rotate drivers—no prior helm experience required but a moderate fitness level helps for boarding in choppy conditions. Expect variable weather and follow guide instructions around wildlife viewing to minimize disturbance. Finish back at the cannery with a complimentary tasting—Alaska’s coastline seen fast, loud, and close.