Ketchikan ocean kayak tour: 3 hours on remote Alaskan water

Three hours paddling uninhabited coastline instead of watching it from a tour van

A boat-launched kayak tour in Ketchikan where you paddle tandem kayaks on remote Alaskan water for three hours with a local guide, Tim, who adjusts the route daily based on conditions and wildlife. The boat transports you to the kayaking site, supplies all gear, and returns you to town with time to catch your cruise ship. Snacks and a weather layer are included. The tour runs rain or shine and welcomes paddlers of all experience levels.

The experience

Tim launches from Ketchikan aboard the Huckleberry, a cabined boat that gives him the mobility to chase the best water, wind and wildlife each day instead of paddling a fixed route. After anchoring at the day's location, he gets you into high-quality tandem kayaks designed to work for both first-time paddlers and experienced ones. You'll spend three hours on the water exploring uninhabited coastline, seeing marine and intertidal life up close: salt spray and actual ocean, not the view from a van window or a gift shop.

The tandem setup means you're paddling with a partner, and Tim teaches everything you need to know about paddling safely and having fun before you leave the boat. He keeps the pace accessible regardless of your experience level, so whether you've never held a paddle or you kayak regularly, the day works. After you return to the Huckleberry, there's a snack and a fast, comfortable cruise back into town: timed so cruise ship passengers have plenty of buffer to get back aboard.

Weather-appropriate outer layers are supplied. Bring active footwear and layers underneath the paddle jacket. If you're arriving by cruise ship, book a departure at least an hour after you dock and plan roughly an hour to get back to the ship afterward. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Minors need an adult with them. Tim welcomes all paddling levels and is happy to answer questions before you book.

What’s included

• Professional local guide.
• tandem kayaks and all paddling gear.
• weather-appropriate outer layer.
• snacks and wild Alaskan smoked salmon after the paddle.
• boat transportation to and from the remote kayaking site.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (1 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 6 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Kayak Company

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to paddle actual Alaskan coastline instead of following a fixed route: Tim changes where you go each day based on the water, wind and wildlife, which is what makes the paddling feel like exploring rather than checking off a list.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this kayak tour and one that launches from a dock in Ketchikan?

The Huckleberry boat lets Tim change the route each day based on where the water, wind and wildlife are best, instead of paddling the same path every time. You get taken out to remote, uninhabited coastline rather than staying near town.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle on this tour?

No. Tim teaches everything you need to know at the start, and the tandem kayaks are designed to work for first-time paddlers and experienced ones alike. He keeps the pace accessible for all levels.

How much time do I actually spend paddling versus traveling on the boat?

You're on the water paddling for three full hours. The boat ride out to the kayaking site and back to Ketchikan happen before and after the paddle.

If I'm on a cruise ship, will I have time to do this tour and get back to the ship?

Yes. Book a departure at least an hour after you dock, and allow roughly an hour to get back to the ship after the tour ends. Tim times the return cruise to get you back with plenty of buffer.

What gear do I need to bring, and what's supplied?

Tim supplies kayaks, paddle jackets, and a weather-appropriate outer layer. Bring active footwear (not heavy boots) and wear warm layers underneath the jacket: at minimum two layers. He provides snacks after the paddle.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine. Tim adjusts the route based on conditions each day, and the supplied weather layer keeps you dry.