Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

Experience Ketchikan’s Wilderness with Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

If you’re visiting Ketchikan and craving a taste of Alaska’s raw wilderness, this Orca Cove Sea Kayaking tour offers a unique way to connect with nature. For $195 per person, you’ll spend around three hours exploring coastal islands and coves led by friendly, knowledgeable guides. The tour begins with a short boat ride from downtown Ketchikan—an exciting escape from the cruise ship crowds—and ends with a delicious snack of local smoked salmon.

Two things really stand out: first, the small group size (only six guests per booking) makes for a very personal experience, and second, the expert guides truly enhance the adventure with their storytelling and local insights. You’ll love how close you get to wildlife, from eagles to whales, all in a setting that feels untouched by time.

One consideration is that the tour involves moderate physical activity. It’s not ideal if you have back problems or limited upper body strength, or if seasickness is a concern. But if you’re reasonably fit and eager for a peaceful, scenic paddle, this is the perfect fit.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences and are eager to see Alaska’s coastal wildlife and rainforests up close. Families, couples, or solo explorers with a sense of adventure will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Only six guests per tour for a more personalized adventure.
• Wildlife & Scenery: Opportunity to see whales, bears, bald eagles, and starfish in their natural habitat.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Paddling equipment, waterproof clothing, dry bags, and safety gear provided.
• Local Flavors: Finish with a tasty snack of smoked salmon, hummus, veggies, and hot beverages.
• Flexible Scheduling: Departs hourly from Ketchikan, making it easy to fit into your day.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and safety tips.

A Detailed Dive into Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

The Itinerary and Transportation

From the moment we booked, the process was straightforward. The tour costs $195 per person, and booking well in advance is recommended—most trips are reserved about 97 days ahead. We appreciated that the tour departs hourly from Ketchikan, which gives travelers plenty of flexibility to match their itinerary.

The adventure starts with a round-trip boat ride from downtown Ketchikan. The boat, a speedy 20-minute ride, offers a scenic preview of the surrounding waters and a chance to spot marine life before even reaching the paddling site. The boat is comfortable and efficient, with the crew providing some fascinating commentary on the local landscape and wildlife.

Once at Orca Cove, a 57-foot catamaran serves as the base, where guides help guests gear up with life jackets, waterproof jackets, bibs, and pogies, ensuring comfort despite the weather or water conditions. After a safety briefing and instructions, you’re ready to hop into your double sea kayaks.

The Paddling Experience

The core of the tour is 1.5 to 1.75 hours of paddling through secluded coves and rainforest islands. The guides are friendly and experienced, offering instruction for all levels, which makes this accessible even if you’re new to kayaking. The spray skirts and dry bags are provided to keep your camera and belongings safe, which is a thoughtful touch.

The landscape is stunning—towering trees, rugged coastlines, and calm, clear waters. You’ll have the chance to see bald eagles, salmon, jellyfish, and sometimes even whales or sea lions, as several reviews mention. One guest shared, “We actually kayaked with 4 Orcas and 3 sea lions,” highlighting the possibility of wildlife encounters that can make this trip memorable.

Wildlife & Natural Beauty

While wildlife sightings depend on luck, guides do their best to position guests for optimal viewing. Many reviews emphasize the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery, even when wildlife is elusive. “The scenery alone makes this tour worth it,” a guest notes, and many appreciated the serenity of paddling away from crowds.

The rainforest islands and coastal coves are the true highlights. The guides enrich the experience by sharing insights about the flora and fauna, making each stop educational as well as scenic. During the paddling, you might see eagles perched overhead, salmon swimming, or even jellyfish drifting by.

Post-Paddling Snack & Return

After the paddling, everyone gathers back on the boat for a welcomed snack: smoked salmon, hummus, crackers, veggies, and hot beverages. Some reviews mention how enjoyable it is to relax and chat about the experience while savoring this local treat, which adds a nice touch of Alaskan flavor.

The final boat ride back to Ketchikan offers one last opportunity for wildlife spotting or simply soaking in the views. Many guests comment on how breathtaking the scenery is and how the friendly guides made the journey both informative and fun.

What’s Included & What to Bring

The tour includes all necessary gear—life jackets, waterproof clothing, dry bags—and alcoholic beverages, which many guests enjoyed. You’ll want to bring a cap, warm hat, scarf, or neck buff to stay comfortable, especially if it’s a bit brisk or rainy.

Not included are personal items, but with the gear provided, you can focus on enjoying the scenery and wildlife. The small group size means personalized attention, and the professional guides make safety a priority.

The Real Value of This Tour

While $195 may seem steep for three hours, the quality of the experience—personal guides, stunning scenery, wildlife chances, and local snacks—delivers excellent value. Many reviews highlight that the guides go above and beyond to ensure guests see wildlife and learn about the area.

The small group setting (max six people) creates an intimate experience, perfect for those who want to avoid crowded tours. Guests often comment on how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, adding a layer of trust and comfort.

Who Will Love This?

This tour suits travelers of moderate physical fitness who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable in a water-based setting. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a personal, authentic experience—away from crowds, close to wildlife, and immersed in nature.

Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers will find it a worthwhile adventure. If wildlife sightings are a priority, this tour offers the best chance to see whales, bears, eagles, and more—when luck is on your side.

The Sum Up

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking offers an authentic way to experience Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, and stunning scenery. The combination of a short boat ride, personalized guiding, and peaceful paddling makes it a highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. While it requires some physical effort, the payoff—quiet coves, wildlife encounters, and local smoked salmon—is well worth it.

If you’re looking for a small-group, guided kayaking adventure that emphasizes authenticity and scenery over crowds and commercialization, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially great for travelers who value expert guides and are prepared for a moderate physical activity in beautiful surroundings.

For a genuine, memorable Alaska experience that balances scenic beauty with wildlife viewing, this tour is a clear winner.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, able to climb stairs, sit for a while, and paddle comfortably. It’s not recommended for guests with back problems or seasickness.

What should I wear?
Bring a cap, warm hat, scarf or neck buff. The gear provided includes waterproof jackets, bibs, and pogies, but dressing in layers helps keep comfortable in varying weather.

How long is the kayaking portion?
The kayaking itself lasts about 1.5 to 1.75 hours, with additional time for transportation and breaks. The total experience is approximately 3 hours.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on nature. Guides do their best to spot animals and often succeed in finding eagles, starfish, and sometimes whales or bears.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour finishes with a snack of smoked salmon, hummus, crackers, veggies, and hot beverages. Alcoholic beverages are also provided.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 6 guests per booking, ensuring a personalized and relaxed experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book around 97 days in advance as most trips are reserved early. Planning ahead ensures availability, especially during peak season.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle through Alaska’s coastal waters or eager to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, Orca Cove Sea Kayaking offers a memorable, authentic experience that’s well worth considering on your Ketchikan trip.