Exploring the stunning coves and beaches of Ketchikan aboard a 6-passenger boat offers an intimate sightseeing experience. The Saltwater Expedition Sightseeing & Wildlife tour provides opportunities to spot whales, bald eagles, and other coastal wildlife within the enchanting Tongass National Rainforest. With personalized attention from knowledgeable crew, this small-group adventure promises a memorable exploration of Alaska’s natural beauty. Priced at $275 per person, the tour includes binoculars, snacks, and bottled water, ensuring a comfortable journey. What else can this unique expedition offer?
This experience made our article of 9 Exceptional Cruises And Boat Tours In Ketchikan.
Tour Overview
The Saltwater Expedition Sightseeing & Wildlife tour offers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Ketchikan, USA.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, takes visitors on a journey through the coves and beaches of the region. Priced from $275 per person, the tour includes binoculars, snacks, and bottled water.
Customization is available, with additional hours billed at $40 per person per hour. The tour meets at the Ketchikan Cruise Pier, and confirmation is required before cruise ship departure.
This experience promises photography opportunities and the chance to spot coastal and marine life.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore coves and beaches of Ketchikan as the tour ventures into the Tongass National Rainforest.
Stop at Revillagigedo Island on Orchard Lake, where travelers can spot coastal and marine life with the included binoculars.
The expedition offers ample photography opportunities, allowing guests to capture the natural beauty of the region.
From spotting whales and sea lions to observing bald eagles soaring overhead, the itinerary highlights the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of the Ketchikan area.
With a maximum capacity of 6 travelers, this small-group tour provides an intimate and personalized sightseeing experience.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Ketchikan
Inclusions and Meeting Details
Binoculars, snacks, bottled water, and gratuities are all included in this saltwater expedition.
Binoculars, snacks, bottled water, and gratuities are all included in this saltwater expedition.
The meeting point is the Ketchikan Cruise Pier, located at 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA. Travelers must confirm their attendance before their cruise ship’s departure.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and a minimum of 4 passengers is required; otherwise, a full refund will be provided.
Most travelers can participate in this expedition, which offers a small boat experience and a knowledgeable crew.
Accessibility and Participation Requirements
This saltwater expedition isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. A minimum of 4 passengers is required, otherwise a full refund will be provided.
Most travelers can participate in this adventure, though wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. To ensure an enjoyable experience, consider the following:
-
Dress warmly and bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable
-
Bring your own camera and binoculars to capture the stunning scenery
-
Pack snacks and water, as these will be provided but may not be enough
-
Review the meeting location and confirmation details before your departure
Customer Feedback and Ratings
What do the reviews say about this saltwater expedition?
The tour has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.
Passengers praise the small boat experience and the knowledgeable crew. However, wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, though some have spotted eagles during their tours.
The small boat experience and knowledgeable crew are highlights, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, though some have spotted eagles.
The reviews highlight the expedition’s strengths – the intimate group size and the crew’s expertise – while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of wildlife viewing.
Explore Coves and Beaches of Ketchikan
Where does the Saltwater Expedition Sightseeing & Wildlife tour take travelers to explore?
The 6-passenger boat venture takes guests to the coves and beaches of Ketchikan, a coastal town in southeastern Alaska.
Visitors can expect to:
-
Discover hidden coves and secluded beaches along the rugged coastline
-
Venture into the lush Tongass National Rainforest and spot local flora and fauna
-
Stop at Revillagigedo Island on Orchard Lake for breathtaking views and photo ops
-
Keep an eye out for coastal and marine life like seals, sea lions, and birds with the included binoculars
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Ketchikan
Visit Tongass National Rainforest
As the boat venture explores the coves and beaches of Ketchikan, guests will have the opportunity to venture into the lush Tongass National Rainforest.
This 17-million-acre temperate rainforest is the largest in North America, home to towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar trees.
Visitors can expect to spot wildlife like bald eagles, black bears, and spawning salmon.
The cool, damp climate and dense vegetation create a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
Guests will have the chance to enjoy this primeval ecosystem and witness its raw natural beauty.
Spot Coastal and Marine Life
The expedition’s included binoculars allow travelers to spot a variety of coastal and marine life during the tour.
The small boat size offers an intimate experience, bringing guests closer to the wildlife.
-
Spot playful sea lions and harbor seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the coves.
-
Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead or perched on trees, scanning for fish in the waters below.
-
Glimpse colorful sea stars, anemones, and other intertidal creatures along the shoreline.
-
Keep an eye out for the occasional pod of orcas or humpback whales breaching the surface.
The Sum Up
This small-group Saltwater Expedition tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Ketchikan’s coves, beaches, and the Tongass National Rainforest. With the chance to spot whales, bald eagles, and other coastal wildlife, the personalized attention from the knowledgeable crew ensures a memorable and comfortable experience. At $275 per person, it’s an excellent way to take in Alaska’s breathtaking coastal landscape.
📍 This experience made our list of the 9 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Ketchikan
More Tours in Ketchikan
More Tour Reviews in Ketchikan
Still browsing? Here are more Ketchikan experiences we've covered recently
- Ketchikan: Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise
- Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
- OVER THE TOP TOURS city highlights, wildlife and more!
- Wilderness Zodiac Quest
- Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter
- Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
- Private Custom Excursion with a Local for up to 14 people
- Orca Cove Sea Kayaking
- Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour
- Misty Fjords Flight Tour
- Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour
- Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion