Custom Wildlife Tour

Exploring Ketchikan’s diverse wildlife can be an exhilarating experience, and the Custom Wildlife Tour promises just that. Priced at $75 per person, the 3-hour excursion takes travelers on a journey to observe local wildlife like bears, bald eagles, and marine life. While many praise the knowledgeable guide and the thrill of spotting these creatures, some have raised concerns about the tour’s customization claims and refund policies. Whether the experience lives up to its promise or falls short, one thing is clear – this tour offers an opportunity to take in Ketchikan’s natural wonders. What remains to be seen is how each individual’s journey unfolds.

Good To Know

• The Custom Wildlife Tour in Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a 3-hour guided adventure with opportunities to see bears, bald eagles, whales, and other marine life.
• The tour is priced at $75 per person and can accommodate up to 14 travelers, with stroller-friendly access but no wheelchair accessibility.
• Included in the tour are snacks and bottled water, with pickup available from Ketchikan and the airport, and accessibility for service animals and infants.
• Traveler reviews highlight the knowledgeable tour guide and the wildlife sightings, but some note concerns about customization, pricing, and refund policies.
• The tour follows a set itinerary in a comfortable 13-passenger van, providing a hassle-free guided experience to explore Ketchikan’s rich biodiversity.

Tour Overview

The Custom Wildlife Tour, offered in Ketchikan, USA, provides visitors with a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Priced from $75.00 per person, the tour accommodates up to 14 travelers. While it doesn’t offer wheelchair accessibility, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.

Passengers can expect snacks and bottled water to be included. Pickup is available from Ketchikan and the airport.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, the tour has received mixed reviews from travelers.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The Custom Wildlife Tour includes snacks and bottled water for participants.

Pickup is available at Ketchikan and the airport. The tour is stroller accessible and allows service animals, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

It’s located near public transportation, and infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

However, the tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, so there are no refunds for cancellations.

Positive Traveler Experiences

According to the reviews, several travelers had positive experiences on the Custom Wildlife Tour.

Tour guide Dominic was praised for his knowledge and helpfulness, with sightings of bears, bald eagles, and starfish.

Joe M. enjoyed a 3-hour tour with whale and bear sightings, recommending Ketchikan Adventure Tours.

The positive experiences included:

1. Knowledgeable and helpful tour guide
2. Sightings of diverse wildlife like bears, bald eagles, and marine life
3. A 3-hour tour with memorable whale and bear encounters
4. Overall recommendation of the tour company

Mixed Traveler Experiences

While the positive experiences shared by some travelers highlighted the tour’s strengths, the review data also revealed a mixed sentiment from others. Elizabeth B. noted the tour was informative but misleading regarding customization and pricing, suggesting direct booking could be cheaper. Plus, a recalcitrant traveler experienced issues with refunds after cruise cancellation, citing poor response from the operator.

Traveler	Experience	Feedback
Elizabeth B.	Informative tour, but misleading on customization and pricing	Suggested direct booking could be cheaper
Recalcitrant	Issues with refunds after cruise cancellation	Cited poor response from the operator

These mixed reviews suggest the tour may not always align with traveler expectations, particularly regarding pricing and responsiveness from the operator.

Wildlife Sightings

Travelers on the Custom Wildlife Tour consistently report sighting a variety of wildlife, including bears, bald eagles, and an array of marine life like whales.

The tour’s highlights often include:

1. Observing brown or black bears foraging in their natural habitat.
2. Witnessing the majestic flight of bald eagles soaring overhead.
3. Spotting whales, such as humpbacks or orcas, during the tour.
4. Discovering vibrant starfish and other tide pool creatures along the coastline.

While the specific wildlife encountered can vary, the Custom Wildlife Tour provides ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy Ketchikan’s rich natural wonders.

Tour Format and Vehicle

The Custom Wildlife Tour operates on a set itinerary, offering no customization options for visitors.

Participants are transported in a comfortable 13-passenger van to various wildlife viewing locations around Ketchikan. This format allows the tour to maintain a consistent schedule and ensure all travelers have the opportunity to spot the advertised wildlife, such as bears, bald eagles, and marine life.

While the lack of customization may disappoint some, the reliable vehicle and predictable itinerary provide a hassle-free experience for those seeking a guided wildlife adventure in the Ketchikan area.

Review Insights

A mixed sentiment emerges from the reviews for the Custom Wildlife Tour. While some travelers praised the knowledgeable tour guide and exciting wildlife sightings, others expressed dissatisfaction with the tour’s pricing and customization.

The review insights can be summarized as follows:

1. Positive experiences highlighted the tour guide’s expertise and the opportunity to see bears, bald eagles, and marine life.

2. However, some travelers found the tour misleading regarding customization and pricing, suggesting direct booking could be more cost-effective.

3. A recalcitrant traveler encountered issues with refunds after a cruise cancellation, citing poor response from the operator.

4. The reviews present a mixed picture, with both enthusiastic and dissatisfied accounts of the Custom Wildlife Tour.

Things To Known

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The tour’s duration is not explicitly stated in the knowledge provided. However, one reviewer mentioned enjoying a "3-hour tour", suggesting the typical tour length is around 3 hours.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

According to the tour information, infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available, indicating that children are allowed on the tour. However, the tour is not specifically advertised as being suitable for families with young children.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Any Languages Other Than English?

The details provided do not indicate whether the tour guides speak any languages other than English. The tour information focuses on the inclusions, accessibility, and traveler experiences, without mentioning the language capabilities of the guides.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Layering is recommended, as the tour may involve some outdoor activities where temperatures can fluctuate.

Does the Tour Company Offer Any Discounts or Packages for Larger Groups?

The tour company does not appear to offer any discounts or packages for larger groups. The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with no indication of special pricing for group bookings in the information provided.

Sum Up

The Custom Wildlife Tour offers an exciting wildlife-viewing experience in Ketchikan, with knowledgeable guides and frequent sightings of bears, eagles, and marine life. While most travelers praise the tour, some have reported issues with customization options and refunds, leading to mixed experiences. The tour provides a chance to explore the area’s rich biodiversity, though customers should be aware of potential challenges.