Ketchikan: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking & Wildlife Shore Trip

Summary

Kayak Ketchikan’s wild waters to Eagle Island with local guides

You’ll paddle from Ketchikan’s port through quiet waters to Eagle Island, guided by locals who know every ripple and bird call. Watch for bald eagles overhead, touch wild sea stars along rocky edges, and soak up the hush of Tongass National Forest before heading back with salty hair and new stories.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a sea star up close?” That’s what our guide, Mark, asked as we slid our kayaks into the water at Clover Pass. I hadn’t, but honestly, I was too busy trying to keep my paddle straight and not tip us both over. The air smelled sharp — like salt and wet cedar — and there was this low mist hanging over the Tongass trees that made everything feel kind of secretive. We’d only just left the van from Ketchikan port maybe twenty minutes before, but it already felt like we were deep in another world.

Paddling out toward Eagle Island was quieter than I expected. You could hear the drip of water off the oars and sometimes a gull shouting somewhere behind us. Mark pointed out a bald eagle perched so still on a snag I almost missed it — he said they come here for the fish, not for us. At one point I swear I saw something break the surface in the distance (orca? driftwood?), but nobody else seemed fussed so maybe it was just wishful thinking. The water was glassy in Clover Pass, which helped because my arms aren’t exactly used to this sort of thing.

We stopped near some rocks where orange starfish clung just under the surface — Mark called them “ochre sea stars” and let me touch one (surprisingly rough). There was this weird moment of silence except for our breathing and the gentle slap of water on hulls. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there — like you’re just another animal passing through. Afterward, when we paddled back toward shore, my hands were cold but I couldn’t stop grinning. Still think about that eagle’s stare sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak to Eagle Island from Ketchikan

• Van ride to Clover Pass
• Safety briefing and kayak introduction
• Paddle to Eagle Island
• Explore Tongass National Forest waters

Top questions

How long is the kayak tour from Ketchikan to Eagle Island?

The actual paddling time varies but most of your shore excursion will be spent on the water after a short van ride from Ketchikan port.

Is equipment provided for the Eagle Island sea kayaking trip?

Yes, all necessary kayaking equipment is included in your tour.

Are guides included on this Ketchikan kayak tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads your group throughout the experience.

Will I see wildlife during this day trip?

You may spot bald eagles, sea stars, whales or orcas depending on conditions and luck.

Is there pickup from Ketchikan port for this tour?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age for travelers is 8 years old.

Are there any height or weight restrictions?

The maximum height allowed is 6'6" and maximum weight is 230 pounds per person.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient port pickup in Ketchikan, all kayaking equipment provided at Clover Pass, guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout your paddle to Eagle Island, plus drop-off back at your ship after exploring Tongass National Forest’s quiet coves together.