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Adventure · Ketchikan

Top 10 adventure things to do in Ketchikan

If your idea of a good day in Ketchikan ends with sore legs and a great photo, start here. Treks, kayaks, ziplines, off-road runs and the occasional adrenaline-up — every operator below is licensed and safety-checked.

  1. Wildlife expedition in Ketchikan's coastal waters, Ketchikan1

    1. Wildlife expedition in Ketchikan's coastal waters

    5.0· 179 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Three hours on a Zodiac boat — navigate Ketchikan's islands and channels while searching for wildlife with a local captain and naturalist.

    Captain Eric and nature guide Delaney provided an unforgettable experience. For nature enthusiasts, this tour is perfect, featuring intimate seating on a stunning Zodiak that navigates the waterways around Ketchikan. Bald eagles were abundant, and we saw sea stars and urchins. The sight of harbor porpoises and humpback whales added to the enjoyment. I highly recommend it.UncleKor
  2. 3-hour rainforest, beach and wildlife walking tour in Ketchikan, Ketchikan2

    2. 3-hour rainforest, beach and wildlife walking tour in Ketchikan

    5.0· 96 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours of walking through the Tongass National Rainforest and along secluded beaches — a small group, locally guided exploration of Alaska's diverse wildlife.

    This was an excellent small group tour. The guide was exceptional, providing a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of information.Dan_W
  3. Guided kayak tour of Clover Pass, Ketchikan3

    3. Guided kayak tour of Clover Pass

    5.0· 887 reviews· 4 hours

    Four hours of kayaking in Clover Pass, with 2-2.5 hours on the water, exploring scenic islands and local wildlife.

    The provision of waterproof gear at the start was incredibly useful. Our guide, Devon, demonstrated extensive knowledge of Alaskan marine life while also being environmentally conscious. I highly recommend this tour.Linda h
  1. Whale watching tour with lunch in Ketchikan, Ketchikan4

    4. Whale watching tour with lunch in Ketchikan

    5.0· 22 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Three to three-and-a-half hours on a stable catamaran — search for humpback whales, orcas, and seals while enjoying a locally sourced lunch.

    Judah shared fascinating stories about how he and his wife Chevy started their tour business, highlighting his passion for the comfortable boat. The views can be appreciated both inside and from three different deck areas. He knows the best spots to spot eagles, seals, sea lions, and even whales. We observed seals basking on rocky outcrops and eagles diving for fish, while fellow passengers used binoculars to take in the sights. It was a relaxing experience filled with great conversation and beautiful scenery.682mjt
  2. Zipline adventure through Ketchikan's rainforest canopy, Ketchikan5

    5. Zipline adventure through Ketchikan's rainforest canopy

    4.9· 288 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Two hours of ziplining across Tongass National Forest — soar at heights up to 135 feet, with chances to spot bears and bald eagles along the way.

    During my Alaskan cruise, I participated in a Zipline adventure with Kawanti Adventures in Ketchikan. The entire experience was fantastic, and I would happily do it again. Although I have a fear of heights, I always felt secure. The crew assisted with our gear, ensuring everything was properly fitted and that we knew what to anticipate. Hannah and Stevie were exceptional, providing guidance and support throughout. Whenever I faced challenges, they were there to help me and made me feel at ease. They transformed what I expected to be a frightening experience into something thrilling and enjoyable. I highly recommend it to anyone interested; it's truly worth it.H868AOstephanieh
  3. Guided sea kayaking tour at Orca Cove from Ketchikan, Ketchikan6

    6. Guided sea kayaking tour at Orca Cove from Ketchikan

    4.9· 323 reviews· 3 hours

    Three hours total, small group kayak tour from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove with seasoned guides and local snacks provided.

    Our family of four, including our 9 and 7-year-old kids, had an unforgettable experience with Orca Cove Sea Kayaking that surpassed our expectations. Being experienced outdoor enthusiasts, we set high standards, but the crew—Devon, Xack, and Lukas—demonstrated remarkable skill paired with a genuine, down-to-earth demeanor. The logistics were impressive; a boat captain took us to a vessel anchored in a hidden cove that served as our base, where we were equipped with everything needed before setting off directly from the boat. Despite some windy weather, the crew skillfully adapted our route to bring us closer to diverse environments while remaining respectful of wildlife. We encountered a pod of orcas on our way out, with the captain slowing down to let us appreciate the moment, but the return journey was even more enchanting as we witnessed several humpback whales breaching. The captain made sure the kids were safe and had a good view, allowing them to watch through the windows, and handled a few hot cocoa spills with great patience. Each time we encountered a new species or raised questions about environmental issues, the crew shared insightful knowledge and later provided us with photos from our adventure. With their dedication and passion, this experience is truly worth much more than the cost.janetp365
  4. Electric bike ride and rainforest hike in Ketchikan, Ketchikan7

    7. Electric bike ride and rainforest hike in Ketchikan

    4.8· 573 reviews· 4 hours

    Four hours — an electric bike ride on the road to nowhere followed by a guided rainforest hike with potential wildlife sightings and scenic beach views.

    The experience combined biking with a walk through the rainforest and beach successfully. Reiven proved to be an excellent guide, well-informed about the area. Everything from communication to pick-up went smoothly.Katrin_S
  5. Whale watching and wildlife tour in Ketchikan, Ketchikan8

    8. Whale watching and wildlife tour in Ketchikan

    4.8· 833 reviews· 2.5 hours

    Two hours of cruising the Tongass Narrows and rich wildlife areas, watch for humpback whales, eagles, and seals with live narration from your guide.

    The crew was exceptionally friendly and the organization was top-notch. Even though it was early in the season, the captain was committed to locating a whale, and we ended up seeing one four times. The sight of twenty eagles up close in their natural habitat was incredible. I highly recommend this experience.Wyz1981
  6. Ketchikan Native cultural experience and wildlife viewing, Ketchikan9

    9. Ketchikan Native cultural experience and wildlife viewing

    4.5· 271 reviews· 3 hours

    Four hours by van — explore Haida and Tlingit culture, spot wildlife, and visit Totem Bight Historical State Park.

    This tour was led by a native family who provided a wealth of accurate information, making it an incredibly insightful experience.Nigel_T
  7. Ketchikan wildlife safari and sightseeing tour, Ketchikan10

    10. Ketchikan wildlife safari and sightseeing tour

    4.5· 192 reviews· 2.5 hours

    A half-day tour exploring Ketchikan's wildlife and attractions, including bear sightings, totem poles, and a local lunch.

    The tour was fantastic. Lauren provided great flexibility and was well-known in the town. Our guide Joey was friendly and offered a lot of knowledge about the region and its wildlife. The pacing of the tour was enjoyable, and although we didn't spot any bears, we did see eagles and salmon. We're really pleased we joined this experience.brandiu2019

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