Ketchikan Zodiac Wildlife Tour: Ocean Wilderness & Local Crew

Summary

Skimming ketchikan’s waters for wildlife with locals guiding every twist

You’ll pull on heavy rain gear in downtown Ketchikan, sip hot coffee as your Zodiac skims away from town, and watch eagles or otters along Tongass forest shores. With a local crew guiding each twist through Inside Passage waters, every moment feels unpredictable—sometimes quiet, sometimes wild. You’ll come back salty-lipped and grinning.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this slap-slap sound the water makes against the Zodiac hull — it’s sharper than I expected, almost like the ocean wants you to pay attention. We met our captain and naturalist right off Thomas Street in downtown Ketchikan (it’s easy to find, even if you wander a bit like I did). They handed out these thick rain bibs and boots that made me feel a bit like a fisherman, which honestly added to the whole day trip machu picchu cusco vibe — except, you know, Alaska. The coffee they gave us was hot and strong, and I could smell salt and cedar even before we left the dock. Everyone was joking about how ridiculous we looked in our gear but nobody cared; it felt like we were all in on something together.

Once we pulled away from the cruise crowds, things got quiet fast. Our guide started pointing out stories — not just facts — about Ketchikan’s working waterfront and how people here still watch tides more than clocks. The Tongass National Forest loomed up green and endless on one side; on the other, black sand beaches where otters rolled around like they owned the place. I tried to spot a bald eagle before anyone else but failed spectacularly (someone else saw three before I even noticed). At one point we drifted close to rocks covered with bright orange sea stars — they looked fake until you realize nothing here is plastic. The air tasted salty enough that my lips felt gritty after an hour or so. Not unpleasant, just… real.

I didn’t expect to get so into watching for seals or porpoises — our captain would slow down whenever someone thought they spotted something moving in the water. Sometimes it was just kelp (I swear it tricks you), but then suddenly there’d be a flash of movement or a tail slap way out past the bow. There was this moment when everyone went silent at once because we all thought we heard a whale spout — turned out to be nothing, but for those few seconds it felt like anything could happen. That’s what stuck with me most about this Alaska ocean wilderness expedition: you’re always waiting for the next surprise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ketchikan and Inside Passage

• Meet Captain and Naturalist
• Get outfitted with rain gear and life jacket
• Receive safety briefing
• Board Zodiac vessel
• Learn Ketchikan history while departing
• Explore Tongass Narrows waters
• View wildlife along rocky shorelines
• Observe intertidal zone creatures at low tide
• Search for marine mammals in Inside Passage
• Watch resident and migratory birds
• Return to Ketchikan waterfront
• Learn about local history and culture
• Ask crew for local recommendations

Top questions

How long does the Alaska ocean wilderness expedition last?

The Zodiac wildlife tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours on the water.

Is pickup included from Ketchikan cruise ship docks?

Yes, transportation from downtown cruise ship docks is available with at least 48 hours’ notice.

What kind of wildlife might I see during this tour?

You may see bald eagles, river otters, Sitka black-tailed deer, sea stars, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, whales (including orca), and various birds.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Thomas Basin Boat Harbor in downtown Ketchikan at 124 Thomas St.

Is rain gear provided for this Alaska Zodiac tour?

Yes, full rain gear including bibs, jackets, waterproof overboots, dry bags for belongings, and USCG approved life jackets are provided.

Are snacks or drinks included?

Coffee or tea and a light snack are included during your expedition.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

It is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Can I bring my service animal on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this Zodiac wildlife tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from downtown cruise ship docks if needed (just let them know ahead), full Alaskan rain gear with overboots and dry bag for your stuff, USCG-approved life jackets for safety, plus hot coffee or tea and a light snack while you’re out searching Ketchikan’s waters for wildlife before returning to town again at Thomas Basin Boat Harbor.