Ketchikan: Zodiac Boat Adventure & Cannery Tour with Craft Beer

Summary

Ride your own Zodiac through George Inlet fjords then taste Alaska’s craft beer

You’ll steer your own Zodiac boat through George Inlet’s wild fjords near Ketchikan, spot wildlife with a local guide, walk rainforest trails to a historic cannery, and end with Alaskan craft beer or soda plus snacks. Expect laughter, cold spray on your face, and moments that stick long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a bright orange rain jacket before I’d even finished my coffee. “You’ll want this,” she said, and winked at the sky like she knew something I didn’t. The van ride from downtown Ketchikan was louder than I expected — not from us, but from the gulls swirling over the Tongass Narrows. We passed Saxman Native Village, all those totem poles standing in the drizzle, and Li pointed out a carved bear that looked grumpy about the weather. I tried to say “Gunalchéesh” (thank you) when we reached Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery, but Li laughed — probably butchered it.

The walk down to the water felt like stepping into a different world. Everything smelled like cedar and wet moss, and my boots squished on the trail. At the dock, our guide Mike gave us a quick safety talk — he had that calm Alaskan way of talking, like nothing could surprise him anymore. Then we climbed into these stubby little Zodiacs (I was nervous about driving one, honestly). The engine sputtered to life and suddenly we were bouncing across George Inlet with spray hitting my face and wind whipping past my ears. For a second I forgot about everything else except how cold my hands were gripping the wheel.

We followed Mike’s boat along the edge of Mahoney Falls — he slowed so we could see where the glacier used to carve out this massive bowl in the mountain. It’s hard to describe how quiet it got out there, except for our engines and an eagle somewhere overhead. Someone spotted seals hauled up on a rock; I missed them because I was too busy staring at all that green meeting gray water. After maybe ninety minutes (who was counting?), we steered back toward shore with everyone grinning like kids who’d gotten away with something.

Back at the cannery, Li handed out tiny glasses of 49th state craft beers — or sodas if you wanted — plus snacks that tasted way better than they looked (sorry Li). My hair was still damp under the hood but I didn’t care. The whole thing felt raw and real in a way I didn’t expect from a day trip near Ketchikan. Sometimes you just need to drive your own boat through wild water to remember what fresh air feels like, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ketchikan and George Inlet

• Tour historic downtown Ketchikan
• Drive past totem poles and Saxman Village
• View Tongass Narrows coastline
• Arrive at Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery
• Walk rainforest trail to Zodiac
• Attend Zodiac safety briefing
• Wear rain gear and life jacket
• Captain Zodiac through George Inlet Fjords
• Observe wildlife and scenery
• Return to cannery
• Enjoy craft beer or soda and snack

Top questions

Can I drive my own Zodiac boat during this tour?

Yes, guests take turns driving their own four- or six-passenger Zodiac boats following a guide.

Is hotel or port pickup included for this Ketchikan tour?

Private transportation is included; pickup is provided as part of your booking.

How long do we spend on the water in George Inlet?

The Zodiac cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes through George Inlet fjords.

Are snacks or drinks included after the tour?

Yes, you’ll get a complimentary flight of 49th state craft beers or sodas and snacks at the cannery after boating.

Do I need special gear for this adventure?

Rain gear, rubber boots, and life jackets are provided before boarding your Zodiac boat.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners or families?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required; guests drive boats themselves but guides assist throughout.

What landmarks will we see during transport?

You’ll pass Saxman Native Village with its famous totem poles along scenic Tongass Narrows en route to Beaver Falls Cannery.

Does this tour operate in rainy weather?

The tour runs rain or shine—rain gear is provided so you stay comfortable whatever Alaska brings.

What’s included

Your day includes private van transport from downtown Ketchikan past Saxman Native Village to Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery; all rain gear and safety equipment; time driving your own Zodiac boat through George Inlet; plus snacks and a flight of local 49th state craft beers or sodas before heading back.