Ketchikan’s small-group zodiac wilderness adventure offers an exhilarating way to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty. With just four participants, this 3-hour guided tour allows everyone to take turns steering the 14-foot zodiac boat through the rain-forest islands and remote bays. Reaching speeds up to 29 mph, adventurers can spot wildlife like eagles and seals while enjoying a beachside snack. While the necessary gear is provided, the true thrill lies in navigating these pristine waters firsthand.
This experience made our article of The 3 Top National Park Tours In Ketchikan: Which Is Best?.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a small-group Zodiac adventure from Ketchikan, limited to just four participants.
The 3-hour guided tour includes a beachside snack, a boatman souvenir certificate, and hotel transport.
Participants will navigate through rain-forest islands, remote bays, and inlets, with the chance to spot wildlife like eagles, seals, whales, and bears.
Navigate remote bays and inlets, spotting wildlife like eagles, seals, whales, and bears amidst the rain-forest islands.
The tour provides an intimate and thrilling way to explore the natural wonders of the Ketchikan area.
Tour Details
Participants drive their own 14-foot (4 meters) Zodiac boats, with speeds reaching up to 29 mph (47 kph).
Each member takes turns steering during the 90-minute cruise through the rain-forest islands, remote bays, and inlets.
The tour includes a snack break with cookies, tea, and hot cocoa at a beachside location.
The experience concludes with transport back to the hotel in Ketchikan.
Looking for more options in Ketchikan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour begins with pickup at the Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks, Dock 2, next to The Rain gauge statue. For assistance, participants can call (907) 225-8829. The tour offers morning or afternoon departure options.
| Pickup Location | Contact Number |
|—————–|—————-|
| Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks, Dock 2 | (907) 225-8829 |
| Next to The Rain gauge statue | – |
This small-group Zodiac adventure is limited to four participants, so book early to secure your spot. The friendly staff will ensure a smooth start to your wilderness exploration.
Important Information
Minimum age for participants is 8 years, and the maximum weight per person is 350 lbs (159 kg).
All necessary gear is provided, including:
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Skiff suit
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Dry bags
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Boots, socks, and gloves
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Life jacket
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.
The maximum group size is 12 travelers.
With the appropriate safety equipment and reasonable weight limits, the Zodiac wilderness adventure offers an exciting and accessible way to explore the remote islands and inlets surrounding Ketchikan.
Participant Experiences
Reviews suggest that the Zodiac wilderness adventure from Ketchikan consistently delights participants with its thrilling wildlife encounters and stunning natural scenery.
Travelers frequently rave about the knowledgeable guides who expertly navigate the rain-forest islands and inlets, spotting eagles, seals, whales, and bears.
Knowledgeable guides expertly navigate rain-forest islands and inlets, spotting an abundance of wildlife including eagles, seals, whales, and bears.
Many describe the excitement of taking turns steering the 14-foot Zodiac boats at speeds up to 29 mph.
Though some mention limited wildlife sightings, the majority of participants wholeheartedly recommend the experience, appreciating the scenic beachside snack break and convenient hotel transportation provided at the end of the 3-hour tour.
Wildlife Encounters
Although wildlife sightings can vary, the Zodiac wilderness tour from Ketchikan frequently delivers exciting encounters with the region’s abundant marine life.
Lucky participants may spot:
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Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead or perched on treetops.
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Curious harbor seals lounging on rocky outcroppings.
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Mighty humpback whales breaching or showcasing their impressive tail flukes.
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Powerful brown bears foraging along the shoreline.
These sightings provide unforgettable memories and photo opportunities, allowing visitors to witness the natural wonders of Ketchikan’s pristine wilderness up close and personal.
Exploring the Wilderness
Departing from Ketchikan, the Zodiac wilderness tour immerses participants in the region’s awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Navigating through rain-forest islands, remote bays, and inlets, the tour offers a unique perspective of the untamed wilderness. Participants take turns steering the 14-foot Zodiac boats, exploring the serene waterways at exhilarating speeds up to 29 mph.
| Cruise Duration | Beachside Snack | Souvenir | Transport |
|—————–|—————–|———–|———–|
| 90 minutes | Cookies, tea, hot cocoa | Boatman certificate | Back to hotel |
From spotting eagles soaring overhead to catching glimpses of curious seals and whales, the tour provides the opportunity to encounter the diverse wildlife that thrives in this remote corner of Alaska.
The Sum Up
This small-group Zodiac wilderness adventure from Ketchikan offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty. Participants can steer the Zodiac boat, spot wildlife, and savor refreshments amid the tranquil rain-forest islands and remote bays. With all necessary gear provided, this intimate tour promises unforgettable memories of Ketchikan’s pristine wilderness.
📍 This experience made our list of the 3 best National Park Tours in Ketchikan
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