Ketchikan City Kayaking
Ketchikan by Sea Kayak
Experience historic Ketchikan and the surrounding islands from the unique perspective of a sea kayak on this Ketchikan shore trip. As a matter of fact, unique is exactly the word for Ketchikan kayaking.
Your journey begins at our dock in the heart of Ketchikan, where you'll get outfitted for sea kayaking and friendly guides give a lesson in kayaking basics. When the tide allows, you'll kayak right into the historic Creek Street district, where the houses on stilts have changed little since the roaring twenties. Ketchikan Creek is also an active salmon stream, with all 5 species of Pacific salmon running at different times throughout the summer. In July, August, and September the salmon swim around the kayaks, and harbor seals or river otters are frequently seen pursuing a salmon snack.
On this shore excursion, paddle through Thomas Basin, the town's first boat harbor, and out into the Tongass Narrows where you'll catch a glimpse of life in an Alaskan fishing town; floatplanes fly overhead, and fishing boats head out to sea. You may even catch sight of some of the "Deadliest Catch" boats. Many Bering Sea Crabbers spend their summers in Ketchikan tendering for the salmon canneries.
Once across, the island exploration begins! Your Ketchikan kayak tour guides will lead paddlers along the shores of Pennock Island and Snow's Cove, where you'll seek out colorful intertidal life and watch for the majestic bald eagles that nest in the old-growth trees. After the Ketchikan tour, you will return to the dock rejuvenated and with enough time to explore the town of Ketchikan on foot.
Please Note: All participants must be able to step into a 55" spray-skirt tube and pull it up to the chest. This tour is not recommended for guests weighing in excess of 275 pounds. Guests who are unable to fit in the kayaks will not be refunded. Triple kayaks for families with younger children, and especially-adapted kayaks for guests over 6' 3" may be availabile upon request. All other guests will be fitted with double sea kayaks.