Take a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass, (2 -2.5 hours in the kayaks) with scheduling to fit virtually every cruise ship. This is an amazing waterway with several rainforest islands, about 15 miles north of town. Your guides will get you away from the crowds and often to better weather where you'll paddle around 3 scenic islands where dense rainforest meets the sea. The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the U.S. and surrounds Clover Pass. Most tours encounter the resident Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds, an immense array of intertidal life, and sometimes humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and jumping salmon along the route as well. Occasionally we even see Sitka deer or black bears down at the beach.
While specific wildlife viewing cannot be guaranteed, Clover Pass is second to none for wildlife viewing near Ketchikan and our micro climate, north of town, consistently provides dryer weather and calmer waters than downtown.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
22 times a day, 8:00 AM–3:15 PM
Next available
Thu, Nov 5
Adult (ages 6–90)
$100
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 2:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:36 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 208 of the next 210 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
End of Season Special
Late Season Discount
Pickup included
Departure
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides
Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages.
Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove.
Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio.
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We Pick up guests at Downtown Cruise Docks & Ward Cove Cruise Ship Docks.
Please Read ALL Meeting Instructions!
FOR DOWNTOWN CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS & Other Guests:
After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the shelter at Cruise Berth 3. The shelter is on the dock next to the "Visitors Information - Restrooms" building and Sockeye Sam's Store. It's across the street from the tunnel.
(NOTE: this is NOT the berth 2 Visitors Center).
The walk is approximately 2-5 minutes depending at which pier you are docked. The address is 425 Water Street. Our driver will be present 15 minutes before all departures holding a RED sign that says "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO."
FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS Docking AT THE MILL AT WARD COVE:
(Norwegian Cruise Lines + Some Others)
After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the brick building "The Mill at Ward Cove." Proceed through the building to the right. Tour vendors will be greeting guests for excursions in the corner near the restrooms and the large overhead door. Look for our driver with a RED sign that reads "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO." 15 minutes AFTER the departure time.
The MIll at Ward Cove is halfway between downtown Ketchikan and our marina, this means DEPARTURES FROM WARD COVE WILL BE GREETED BY OUR DRIVER 15-20 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED DOWNTOWN DEPARTURE TIME as you will be picked up on the way.
Guests returning to Ward Cove will be back about 15 minutes early. For example, if you schedule a tour from 8:00am to noon, your tour will operate from 8:15 to 11:45.am.
If you are docking at Ward Cove but would prefer to meet for a downtown departure (e.g. your ship docks at 7:00am and you want to see downtown Ketchikan before meeting us for an 11:00am tour) or if you would prefer to be dropped off downtown after the excursion this may be possible but you will need to contact the Ketchikan Kayak Co. prior to your tour time to arrange the change.
Otherwise all guests docking at Ward Cove will be expected to be picked up at Ward Cove.
*Remember to turn off airplane mode when you pull into port to aid in communication should there be any delays or should any issues arise the day of your excursion.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
986 reviews
5
950
4
27
3
5
2
1
1
3
How it compares in Ketchikan
Rated higher than 70% of 88 reviewed tours in Ketchikan
No. 5 by number of reviews among 138 tours in Ketchikan
Starting price $100 is 79% below the typical $476 for tours of similar length in Ketchikan
Excurgo comparison of 138 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children must be at least 6 years old. There are some exceptions, so please call if you feel you qualify
No experience is necessary
Rain pants and jackets are provided
Due to the size of the kayak cockpit openings, your hip/waist size should not exceed 52 inches (137cm) as measured while seated.
Recommended that you wear clothing that would be appropriate for an outdoor hike through the forest, and footwear that will fit inside the space of a kayak. Large bulky boots or high heels are not recommended
There is a minimum of 2 people to run a tour
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, date.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour take?
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour lasts about 4 hours.
How much does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour cost?
Prices start at $100 per person for this Ketchikan experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 22 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 3:15 PM.
Does Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour sell out?
It can: 208 of the next 210 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We Pick up guests at Downtown Cruise Docks & Ward Cove Cruise Ship Docks.
Please Read ALL Meeting Instructions!
FOR DOWNTOWN CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS & Other Guests:
After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the shelter at Cruise Berth 3. The shelter is on the dock next to the "Visitors Information - Restrooms" building and Sockeye Sam's Store. It's across the street from the tunnel.
(NOTE: this is NOT the berth 2 Visitors Center).
The walk is approximately 2-5 minutes depending at which pier you are docked. The address is 425 Water Street. Our driver will be present 15 minutes before all departures holding a RED sign that says "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO."
FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS Docking AT THE MILL AT WARD COVE:
(Norwegian Cruise Lines + Some Others)
After disembarking your cruise ship, please proceed to the brick building "The Mill at Ward Cove." Proceed through the building to the right. Tour vendors will be greeting guests for excursions in the corner near the restrooms and the large overhead door. Look for our driver with a RED sign that reads "KETCHIKAN KAYAK CO." 15 minutes AFTER the departure time.
The MIll at Ward Cove is halfway between downtown Ketchikan and our marina, this means DEPARTURES FROM WARD COVE WILL BE GREETED BY OUR DRIVER 15-20 MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED DOWNTOWN DEPARTURE TIME as you will be picked up on the way.
Guests returning to Ward Cove will be back about 15 minutes early. For example, if you schedule a tour from 8:00am to noon, your tour will operate from 8:15 to 11:45.am.
If you are docking at Ward Cove but would prefer to meet for a downtown departure (e.g. your ship docks at 7:00am and you want to see downtown Ketchikan before meeting us for an 11:00am tour) or if you would prefer to be dropped off downtown after the excursion this may be possible but you will need to contact the Ketchikan Kayak Co. prior to your tour time to arrange the change.
Otherwise all guests docking at Ward Cove will be expected to be picked up at Ward Cove.
*Remember to turn off airplane mode when you pull into port to aid in communication should there be any delays or should any issues arise the day of your excursion.
What languages is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Children must be accompanied by an adult Children must be at least 6 years old. There are some exceptions, so please call if you feel you qualify
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 986 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Ketchikan Kayak Company.
Reviews(986)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Sandra_R
September 26, 2026 · via Viator
Delightful afternoon.
We spent a beautiful, peaceful afternoon on the ocean with Aine. We are experienced kayakers but had never been shown how to enter a kayak from a dock. Aine’s method was effortless, safe and efficient. We saw sea lions, harbor seals, eagles, jelly fish, star fish, etc. and learned about the surrounding area. Aine shared her knowledge about the wildlife, expanding on the studies of starfish. We had snacks after our time on the water, locally caught and smoked salmon - it was delish! We were picked up and dropped back to our cruise ship on time and the drivers shared information about Ketchikan.
S
Shelby_C
September 21, 2026 · via Viator
The kayaking was very...
The kayaking was very fun! We saw lots of wildlife. The guides were knowledgeable and the pace was relaxed yet also adventurous. Local snacks and beverages were a nice touch.
M
Molly_D
September 15, 2026 · via Viator
This is an opportunity to...
This is an opportunity to kayak in Alaska. Unless you are in the kayak with the guide, you will not be able to hear much of what she is saying. We did love kayaking with sea lions and it was a beautiful day!
N
Natalia_D
September 14, 2026 · via Viator
so much fun
We had a wonderful time on the Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour! The scenery was beautiful, the kayaking was fun and relaxing, and it was a great way to experience Alaska from the water. Everything was well organized, and the guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel comfortable throughout the tour. It was a great experience for our whole family and definitely one of the highlights of our time in Ketchikan. Highly recommend!
7
734ChrisM
September 10, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Kayaking Adventure
We absolutely loved every second of our time on the water with Ketchikan Kayak Company! Anya was an amazing guide; knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience so much fun.
We were lucky enough to see humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and harbor seals, and being out on the water surrounded by all that wildlife was truly incredible. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Ketchikan and an experience we won’t forget.
I would highly recommend Ketchikan Kayak Company to anyone visiting Ketchikan. And as if the amazing experience wasn’t enough, they had delicious snacks waiting for us at the end!
Five stars all around!
Q
Q6781QKryanc
September 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
For a great time in a sea kayak
Easily a major highlight of my trip to Alaska. This part of the world is so pretty so why not enjoy it from sea level with a fantastic companion? Cameron and Jenny were great guides both for honing my paddling technique and providing so much interesting information about the local flora and fauna. Like what is a carotenoid, anyway? ;-) Thanks to everyone at Ketchikan Kayak Co. for a great first experience in a sea kayak.
A
Amy_B
September 9, 2026 · via Viator
Great day on the water!
Beautiful day on the water and we saw a ton of sea lions, jellyfish and other wildlife. The guides were great! The kayaks were very stable and the route was beautiful
L
Lara_G
September 7, 2026 · via Viator
Much more fun than shopping!
Great experience! Definitely encourage this one if you want to do more than shopping and walking.
Spencer was very informative and lots of fun!
P
Peter_B
September 5, 2026 · via Viator
Jenn and Cam were top...
Jenn and Cam were top notch. Great outfit and people. Owner picked us up and handed us off to Sarah for rest of ride. Her driving pretty aggressive and no personality. Trip in kayaks was the best. Saw eagles, jellyfish and one harbor seal and one sea lion. Hard work but well worth it. Perfect weather and great experience
C
Chris_G
September 3, 2026 · via Viator
Our guides, Cam & Anya,...
Our guides, Cam & Anya, were terrific. The tour was well paced and very informative. The location was stunning.
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