Ketchikan: Clover Pass Kayak Eco-Tour & Wildlife Sighting

Summary

Paddle quiet waters near Ketchikan with sea lions, eagles & forest air

You’ll paddle through calm waters north of Ketchikan with a local guide, spotting sea lions, bald eagles, and tidepool creatures along rainforest shores. Enjoy small-group company, learn about Tongass Forest life, and finish with smoked salmon snacks before heading back—still damp but grinning.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that a sea lion or just a really ambitious log?” That’s what I blurted out when we first drifted past the kelp beds near Clover Pass. Our guide, Jamie — who grew up here, you could tell by the way she pronounced “Tongass” — just grinned and pointed. Sure enough, there was this big whiskered head bobbing along. The water was calmer than I expected (Jamie said it’s usually drier up here than in town), and I could actually hear the soft drip from my paddle echo off the rocks. Didn’t realize how much I missed that kind of silence until then.

The kayak felt solid — not tippy at all — and we paddled slow enough to notice little things: purple sea stars clinging to rocks, an eagle’s nest balanced like some messy crown in a spruce tree. Jamie pulled us close to shore at one point so we could see these weird orange nudibranchs (I’m probably spelling that wrong) sliding over the tide pools. She knew all their names — even the ones that looked like blobs. There was this moment where a bald eagle swooped down right in front of us and I almost dropped my paddle trying to get my phone out. My photos are blurry but honestly, who cares?

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as we did — someone in our group tried to say “Clover Pass” in Tlingit and totally butchered it; Jamie just cracked up and taught us how locals really say it. We circled three little islands (maybe two miles total?) and every time we rounded a bend there was something new: harbor seals popping up, salmon leaping like they were showing off, even a quick glimpse of deer on the beach. No whales for us this time but you never know — Jamie said sometimes they show up and everything stops for them.

Back on shore, they handed out hot drinks and smoked salmon with this dip that tasted smoky-sweet (there were vegan snacks too). We stood around dripping rainwater from our borrowed jackets — which actually fit me for once — swapping stories about what we’d seen. Nobody rushed us back into the van; it felt more like hanging out with friends than being herded around. I still think about that patch of sunlight through the trees when we landed — smelled like wet cedar and salt air mixed together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided kayak tour at Clover Pass

• Private transport from downtown office
• Receive rain gear if needed
• Get quick kayaking lesson
• Board tandem sit-inside kayaks
• Paddle around up to 3 islands
• Observe wildlife and intertidal life
• Return to dock after 2-2.5 hours kayaking
• Enjoy refreshments and smoked salmon snack

Top questions

How long is the Ketchikan kayak eco-tour?

The tour lasts 4 hours dock-to-dock, including 2–2.5 hours paddling on the water.

Is transportation included from Ketchikan cruise docks?

Yes, private transportation is provided from downtown cruise docks or Ward Cove.

What wildlife might I see during the Clover Pass kayak tour?

You may spot Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles, intertidal creatures, salmon—and sometimes whales or deer.

Are rain jackets provided if it rains?

Yes, quality rain pants and jackets are available if needed on your tour day.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is necessary; guides give a lesson before starting out.

Are snacks or drinks included after kayaking?

Yes—local smoked salmon with dip (vegan options too), plus hot and cold drinks are served post-paddle.

What’s the group size for this eco-tour?

Tours are limited to 12 guests per departure with a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio.

Is there an age limit for children on this tour?

Children must be at least 6 years old unless exceptions are arranged in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove cruise docks, all needed rain gear for unpredictable weather, tandem kayaks with expert local guides leading small groups through Clover Pass’s rainforest islands—and when you’re back on shore after paddling, there’s smoked salmon (or vegan snacks) plus hot or cold drinks before returning relaxed to town.