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Three hours total, small group kayak tour from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove with seasoned guides and local snacks provided.
This guided sea kayaking tour takes you from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove, allowing you to spend quality time on the water while avoiding the town's crowds. The excursion lasts about three hours and is limited to six guests, creating an intimate experience with knowledgeable guides.
You'll navigate through rain forest islands and explore sheltered coves by sea kayak. A spread of local smoked salmon, hummus, and other snacks, as well as hot beverages, are offered during the tour. Enjoy a leisurely paddle before returning by boat to Ketchikan.
Reviews
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.
We had a fantastic day kayaking with our guide AJ, who is incredibly knowledgeable and shares an infectious passion for wildlife. He took us to amazing locations where we encountered curious seals, numerous sea lions with one catching and thrashing a salmon, along with various starfish and sea urchins. We also spotted black-tailed elk and deer on the island. Kayaking was manageable even for us in our 60s, covering about five miles effortlessly. Our pickup guide and bus driver, Forest, was punctual and answered all our inquiries, sharing valuable insights about life in Alaska. This tour was undoubtedly a highlight of our Alaskan cruise, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and marine life.
The weather was perfect, and the scenery was stunning, but we arrived right at 8:00 a.m. only to find them about to leave, despite not being late. While kayaking, a large sea creature came close to me, but when I tried to share this with our guide, he seemed uninterested and kept talking about his own life. He was a nice young man, but we expected a more knowledgeable guide who would explain the area and highlight points of interest during the tour. We had higher expectations based on previous positive reviews. Other than some beautiful mussels that my sister and I spotted at the end, we didn't see much else. When we mentioned the mussels, the guide again didn't show much interest, which was disappointing since they were near the launch point. Having traveled extensively, I found this experience to be average, and I felt it could have been significantly improved with a bit more effort.
The guide was excellent, sharing fascinating insights and adept at spotting eagles. The views were breathtaking, and the snacks and beer afterward were exactly what we needed. Our shuttle boat driver went above and beyond to help us see whale sprays, and I spotted five, along with some tails. Although we didn’t encounter any humpbacks, the paddle was still wonderful. I highly recommend this experience.
What a fantastic experience! During our journey across the water to the excursion, we encountered the Aleutian Ballad from Deadliest Catch. The sea kayaking in Icehouse Cove was breathtaking. We spotted sea stars, moon jellyfish, bald eagles, and even a sea slug. It concluded perfectly with local beers and smoked salmon dip. The guides were excellent, and the people were very welcoming.
This was undoubtedly the highlight of our week in Alaska. Our guide, Forrest, was exceptional, and we spotted numerous whales while even hearing their singing.
The kayaking experience was extraordinary, and our guide was simply outstanding. We encountered a variety of wildlife up close, and our guide's extensive knowledge about the local animals enhanced the trip. Forrest was fantastic, and I would definitely book again on my next visit.
I will always rave about this kayaking adventure. Our fantastic guide, Forrest, informed us that other guides were chasing a pod of whales in the area. It's evident how passionate and knowledgeable these guides are about marine life. Just ten minutes into our experience, we were thrilled to see the whales up close for around 20-30 minutes, and we even heard them sing, which was truly enchanting. Forrest took great care of our group, and we encountered whales, seals, and sea lions. He also pointed out starfish, sea urchins, and nearby eagle nests. At the end of the tour, we enjoyed a variety of tasty snacks and drinks. This experience was absolutely worth every cent, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
David, Matt, and Devon were excellent guides. Kayaking through the coves was stunning, providing a fantastic way to see Alaska. They were a passionate and well-organized team, ensuring we had a wonderful experience.
Kayaking in Ketchikan was a fantastic experience. David expertly guided us through the stunning waters and coastline. We started with Matt, who prepared us and welcomed us aboard his catamaran. David shared insightful information about the region, clearly passionate about his work and the area. Following our serene paddling, we returned to the catamaran for delicious smoked salmon and salmon dip. The whole experience was wonderful. Additionally, Devon, the owner, is remarkable, sharing captivating stories about Ketchikan and showcasing his love for the place. The small group of only six people made the adventure feel more personal. This experience is not to be missed.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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