6 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Ketchikan

Simply put, Ketchikan’s kayak and canoe tours rank among Alaska’s finest water adventures. The intimate Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour stands out for its skilled naturalist guides and consistent wildlife encounters – perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Small groups paddle pristine waters while spotting seals, whales, and coastal bears in their natural habitat.

We’re especially fond of the Eagle Island and Orca Cove kayaking experiences for their remote settings and abundant marine life. The Ketchikan Eco-Tour Experience offers a practical 2.5-hour option for time-conscious travelers, while the Jeep and Canoe Safari brilliantly combines wilderness driving with peaceful paddling.

Let’s explore the best water tours in Ketchikan.

Key Points

• The Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour offers a highly rated small-group kayaking experience with wildlife sightings and transportation, snacks, and beverages included.
• The Ketchikan Eco-Tour Experience provides a 4-hour adventure with 2.5 hours of guided water exploration and the possibility of seeing sea stars, seals, and orcas.
• Eagle Island Sea Kayaking offers an intimate 3-hour tour with the potential to encounter seals, salmon, and humpbacks, and includes pickup and drop-off at the port.
• The Orca Cove Sea Kayaking tour features a short boat ride to the launch point, followed by shoreline kayaking with the chance to see bears, whales, and eagles.
• The Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari combines an off-road Jeep ride through Tongass National Forest with canoeing, providing scenic views and an immersive nature experience.

Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour

Ketchikan Kayak Co.’s Eco-Tour allows visitors to explore the scenic Clover Pass and the meeting point of the Tongass National Forest and the sea.

Rated 5.0 by 681 reviews, the small-group tour is recommended by 99% of travelers and has earned a Badge of Excellence.

With a 6:1 guide-to-guest ratio, the tour is suitable for ages 6 and up, regardless of kayaking experience.

Guests can expect to spot native Alaskan wildlife, including sea lions, humpback whales, eagles, and starfish.

The tour provides transportation, local snacks, and beverages, and features consistently positive feedback on the guides’ knowledge and friendliness.

Read our full review: Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Ketchikan: Kayak Eco-Tour

This immersive eco-tour invites participants to navigate the wildlife-rich waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Priced from $161.66 per person, the 4-hour adventure includes 2.5 hours of water exploration led by an expert English-speaking guide.

Cruise ship passengers can take advantage of complimentary pickup from downtown or Mill at Ward Cove. Throughout the intimate group experience, kayakers may spot sea stars, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, humpback whales, and orcas.

Included gear, snacks, and photos enhance the journey into the Alaskan wilderness. With free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, this eco-tour offers a memorable and accessible way to discover Ketchikan’s natural wonders.

Read our full review: Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour Review
Book now: Check availability

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking tour offers an intimate exploration of the region’s pristine waters and wildlife.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 with 94% of travelers recommending it, this 3-hour adventure launches from Clover Pass and traverses Eagle Island, part of the Tongass National Forest.

Participants may spot seals, salmon, eagles, humpbacks, and orcas, while taking in Ketchikan’s natural beauty.

Suitable for ages 8 and up with a moderate fitness level, the tour provides all necessary equipment and professional guides.

Pickup and drop-off at the port are included, ensuring a worry-free shore excursion.

Read our full review: Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking Review
Book now: Check availability

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

Conveniently located near Berth 3 in Ketchikan, Orca Cove Sea Kayaking offers an exceptional 4.9-star experience based on 276 reviews.

The tour includes a short boat ride to the launch point, followed by kayaking along the shoreline to spot wildlife like bears, whales, and eagles. Guests rave about the knowledgeable and friendly staff, as well as the beautiful views and camaraderie fostered by the small group sizes.

The excursion concludes with a tasty snack featuring local smoked salmon. With a maximum capacity of 6 people per booking and round-trip transportation provided, Orca Cove Sea Kayaking is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Ketchikan.

Read our full review: Orca Cove Sea Kayaking Review
Book now: Check availability

Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari

For adventurous travelers visiting Ketchikan, the Jeep and Canoe Safari stands out as a must-try excursion. This half-day adventure combines an off-road journey through Tongass National Forest in a 4WD Jeep with a peaceful canoe ride across Lake Harriet Hunt.

Guests can switch drivers, ensuring everyone gets a turn behind the wheel. After the Jeep ride, they’ll paddle a 37-foot Native American-style canoe and hike through an old-growth forest.

The excursion also includes a snack break featuring Alaskan treats like smoked salmon and wild-berry jam. Though some reviews note logistical issues, the overall experience earns high praise for its scenic views and immersion in the region’s natural beauty.

Read our full review: Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari Review
Book now: Check availability

Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk

The Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk offers adventurous travelers a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of Tongass National Forest.

During this 3.5-hour guided tour, you will paddle a Native American-style canoe across a secluded lake and embark on a nature walk through the rain forest.

Along the way, they’ll gain insight into the local Native American history, wildlife, and plants, while enjoying Alaskan-style snacks like smoked fish and clam chowder.

With a maximum group size of 20 and a moderate fitness level required, this tour provides an engaging and accessible way to explore Ketchikan’s natural wonders.

Read our full review: Ketchikan Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk Review
Book now: Check availability

Sum Up

Ketchikan’s diverse waterways offer a range of captivating kayak and canoe tours. From eco-adventures to wildlife-spotting expeditions, these excursions immerse visitors in the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a novice or experienced paddler, there’s a tour to suit your interests and skill level. With stunning scenery and the chance to spot marine life, these water-based activities are a must-do for anyone exploring Ketchikan.