Kayaking Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$279
per adult
Southeast Sea Kayaks
Southeast Sea Kayaks
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Ketchikan's local kayak company. Sea kayak tours of Orcas Cove at Carroll Point. Small, intimate 6 person groups and fun, experienced guides. First time kayakers welcome! Fast Boat ride to and from our 57' Catamaran. All 3 hours on the water! Departures from downtown Ketchikan Cruise docks. Snacks, smoked salmon and beverages provided.
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5.0
664 reviews
Excellent
599
Very good
43
Average
12
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Rick S
2 contributions
June 2023 • Family
Devin, the owner, met us on the docks the day of our tour to let us know that the seas were choppy at the location of the Orca Cove tour. He graciously offered us a refund or the option of going to his other kayak adventure at Ketchikan Kayak Co where the seas were calmer that day. We took him up on the alternate adventure and had a wonderful time! He even gave us a partial refund since it wasn't our original choice!!
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martindockter
Oceanside, CA26 contributions
Saw this tour offered in the "Northern Lights" and "TourSaver" coupon books prior to our cruise up the Inside Passage of Alaska. Turned-out to be one of the two best tours (Denali glacier landing being the other) during our vacation!
Princess Cruises only allowed us 6-hours in Ketchikan, and did not list this tour through thier website. It turns our that there are two outfits offering guided Kayaking trips from this port (a must see town, unlike any of the others!). One takes you out of town to start the tour, and this one leaves just 1/4-mile from the dock (ideal for our short time in port). Plan about 3-hours for the tour, 2 to 2-1/2 spent actually paddling (long enough for a novice). Eagles (as close a 10-yards away), misty islands, sleepy little fishing village-you get the idea. Guide was very professional and after crossing the open water (bay) to get to the island, she had already helped us take our 8-year old from a freaked-out state (he can't swim) to giving mom and dad instructions on how to properly paddle a three-person kayak. The guide took our 13-year old in her Kayak and he made her do most of the paddling, so he realy enjoyed it! They provide all wet gear (even in the light rain, my hair only got wet, and there was NO water in the kayak-dry shoes!) and a special bag for our video camera so that it stayed dry and would float.
Princess Cruises only allowed us 6-hours in Ketchikan, and did not list this tour through thier website. It turns our that there are two outfits offering guided Kayaking trips from this port (a must see town, unlike any of the others!). One takes you out of town to start the tour, and this one leaves just 1/4-mile from the dock (ideal for our short time in port). Plan about 3-hours for the tour, 2 to 2-1/2 spent actually paddling (long enough for a novice). Eagles (as close a 10-yards away), misty islands, sleepy little fishing village-you get the idea. Guide was very professional and after crossing the open water (bay) to get to the island, she had already helped us take our 8-year old from a freaked-out state (he can't swim) to giving mom and dad instructions on how to properly paddle a three-person kayak. The guide took our 13-year old in her Kayak and he made her do most of the paddling, so he realy enjoyed it! They provide all wet gear (even in the light rain, my hair only got wet, and there was NO water in the kayak-dry shoes!) and a special bag for our video camera so that it stayed dry and would float.
Written 9 July 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
usflyer
Baltimore, MD908 contributions
Our group of 4 took the 3 hour Ketchikan Kayaking tour which is $94 for adults. We each had a Buy One Get One from our Alaska Tour Saver book (making it $47 each for us). There was a total group of 4 couples in tandem kayaks and 2 guides in their individual kayaks. They met us with a van for pick-up right near the cruise ship and quickly got us oriented and out on the water.
Probably 45 minutes of your tour time is spent hard paddling across the large bay (and then back at the end) where you have to watch for landing planes and shipping vessels going by. Then you do spend some nice time paddling around the islands and seeing some of the sea life. Really no time was actually spent on the Ketchikan side of the bay or in the city.
The guides were extremely friendly and helpful.
With our coupons, this was a superb value and good fun for a short excursion. If I was doing it again without a coupon and more time, I would probably try and do another of their tours as to be honest, there wasn't a whole lot to see and the shipping channel paddling wasn't the most relaxing.
Anyhow, the company is great - all the way from the communication through e-mail to the experience on-site.
Probably 45 minutes of your tour time is spent hard paddling across the large bay (and then back at the end) where you have to watch for landing planes and shipping vessels going by. Then you do spend some nice time paddling around the islands and seeing some of the sea life. Really no time was actually spent on the Ketchikan side of the bay or in the city.
The guides were extremely friendly and helpful.
With our coupons, this was a superb value and good fun for a short excursion. If I was doing it again without a coupon and more time, I would probably try and do another of their tours as to be honest, there wasn't a whole lot to see and the shipping channel paddling wasn't the most relaxing.
Anyhow, the company is great - all the way from the communication through e-mail to the experience on-site.
Written 10 March 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orchickie
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Friends
Booked on Princess Cruises. Even if the weather is absolute hell: crazy downpour and wind this will not be cancelled. You must know that as it rains most of the time there. This was absolutely a cash grab and should have been cancelled. Crazy wind and pouring. Not light rain. Everyone was misrule and totally soaked. We were told all rain gear provided but only the kayak skirt was provided with dry bag. Went around the boat area and a bit on shoreline. That is all. Would never recommend this tour.
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OkieNomads
Claremore, OK5 contributions
Novice or experienced paddler Southeast Sea Kayak is the place to go in Ketchikan for trip equipment and support. Kim, Greg and their energetic staff will ensure that you have the right equipment, support and experience for your adventure. I booked with them in 2006 and 2007 and had an excellent experience each time. Affable, outgoing and will work with you to ensure that you have a good time.
Written 8 June 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is so wonderful to read reviews of guests we have had go paddling with us. We really strive to offer an intimate experience of the beauty and wonder of our area. On our Orcas Cove trip we limit the group size to just six people unless it is a private group in order to show visitors what we love about our island life. Reading this review lets me know we are reaching our goal of sharing our joy of living here.
Written 26 February 2008
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan W
Kenosha, WI35 contributions
Aug 2011
We booked with Southeast Sea Kayaks before our Alaskan cruise. We also booked the combo package of kayaking and sea plane (Carlin Air) tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. Our family consisted of four inexperienced kayakers, ages 8, 14, 45 and 47. Making adventurous plans far in advance always sounds fun but when you get there family members can get quite apprehensive. ALL OF THE EMPLOYEE'S, from the greeter we met at the office, to the person who took us by boat to Orcas Cove, to the two gentlemen who took us by the hand, literally, to instruct us on our kayaks were nothing but professional, warm, friendly and did nothing but ensure we had a safe and memorable adventure. Our guide even plucked star fish from the water and handed them to our children, an unexpected humpback splashed in the area, bald eagles watched us from shore, and the sheer beauty of our surroundings were nothing shy of spectacular. The kayaks are safe, sturdy and no experience required and you'll be in great hands - No worries. We were issued keepsake water bottles and dined on a salmon snack - When you didn't think the day could possibly get any better our pilot drove up to our boat in a float plane, we easily climbed aboard for an unbelievably smooth take off and smooth and safe flight to Misty Fjords National Monument. We were the only ones landing on a lake and we jumped out on a small rock island, listened to quietness, smelled fresh air and admired the sheer beauty of mother nature. After numerous photographs we were back up in the air, touching down in the harbor where our cruise ship was docked. Carlin Air brought us back to the cruise. From a family who is not necessarily the most religious, we thank you ever so much for sharing a truly spiritual adventure.
Written 29 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M L
Richmond, VA14 contributions
I spent half a day kayaking with Southeast Seas and it was the best day of my entire vacation! We were met at the rain gauge in Ketchikan and then headed down to the office for gear and some quick instructions. After just a few minutes there, we went by boat to the island and were kayaking in no time.
As a 50 year old, relatively out of shape woman and a total novice, I was a bit apprehensive as to whether or not I would be successful as a kayaker. My fears were unfounded and I had a great time!
I think the fact that there were only three kayaks (6 paddlers) plus our guide was a huge part of the comfort and success level. Of course, the great team was a big help at making us feel comfortable and instilling confidence.
The salmon lunch on the boat was delicious, the paddling was fun, the wildlife and scenery were breathtaking, but I think the best part of all was just how peaceful it was out there away from the tourists and the cruise ship crowds. In fact, I had such a great time that I came home and bought my own kayak and I am heading out for a weekend of camping and kayaking next weekend.
Great experience...fantastic owners and crew!
As a 50 year old, relatively out of shape woman and a total novice, I was a bit apprehensive as to whether or not I would be successful as a kayaker. My fears were unfounded and I had a great time!
I think the fact that there were only three kayaks (6 paddlers) plus our guide was a huge part of the comfort and success level. Of course, the great team was a big help at making us feel comfortable and instilling confidence.
The salmon lunch on the boat was delicious, the paddling was fun, the wildlife and scenery were breathtaking, but I think the best part of all was just how peaceful it was out there away from the tourists and the cruise ship crowds. In fact, I had such a great time that I came home and bought my own kayak and I am heading out for a weekend of camping and kayaking next weekend.
Great experience...fantastic owners and crew!
Written 12 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
grobma
New York City, NY186 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
We are a family of four with two teenagers who did the Orca's Cove adventure, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. It is a short walk to their offices where you are outfitted with your gear, and then a short trip on a motorboat to "home base" in Orca's Cove - another larger ship where you get into your kayaks. The waters were smooth and the kayaks easy to maneuver. This is not a trip if you hope to see whales, but you will certainly see other wildlife and stunning scenery. We were also able to get very close to one of the fishing trawlers for which Ketchikan is famous, and it was pretty fascinating to watch them in action. Back on board after the kayaking, you are treated to the smoked wild salmon that they make themselves. Coming from New York, we were expecting lox - not what we were served which was entirely different, and so delicious that we bought a case for home (they ship for free). Highly recommend this great adventure, and the timing was just right for our visit on the NCL Sun that day, leaving us enough time to explore Ketchikan afterwards and have lunch.
Written 2 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soccerchicx389
Key Largo18 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
We traveled from Key Largo all the way to Alaska and took a Princess Cruise Line trip in Sept 2012. We wanted a unique and away from the crowd experience in Ketchikan - so we researched ahead of time and found locals/guides strongly suggesting Southeast Sea Kayak. We booked the 1/2 day Orca Cove trip - which only takes 6 reservations so book early! From the port we were outfitted accordingly and then zipped in a little boat far away from the crowds. No cruise ships, no people...nothing but raw beauty. Then...we entered a small cove off an island and saw our "mothership" parked with the kayaks. We hopped on board, got in the kayaks, and off we went for our journey. Orca Cove is absolutely beautiful - part of the Tongass National Forrest and an actual rainforest. Who would think - a rainforest in Alaska! We saw seals, bald eagles, waterfalls, historic native drawings, incredible trees, streams and endless beauty. We took our time paddling which helped us engage in this amazing place. We were educated by our fantastic guide Rob. When we got back to the "mothership" we were treated to fresh smoked salmon and hot tea - what a touch after a long kayak! I could have sat out there for days - it is truly amazing. If you want to get away from the shopping/crowds in Ketchikan - look no further and book here. Thanks again to Rob and the team that hooked us up that day. We can't wait to get back - and will book no one other than Southeast Sea Kayak.
Written 9 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SquirrelsnChipmunks
Greenwood Village, CO22 contributions
My wife and I took the Orca Cove tour on a beautiful July morning. The shuttle arrived on time and was comfortable for the two couples and us taking the trip. It was brief drive to the office to pick up our safety gear and board the boat that would take us out to the kayaks. The protective jackets and life jackets were all clean and in good shape. The boat ride across the channel was enjoyable, comfortable, and even fun. We met another boat with the kayaks and soon, all six of us were in our double kayaks and our guide, Kara, led us through the tour. Once again, the equipment was first rate. Kara took us to several places.At times we paddled through somewhat open, choppy water but most of the time it was near islands or in protective coves. Even if you have never kayaked you will enjoy this trip and you never have to worry about tipping over. After a couple of hours of paddling, looking at eagles, moon jellies, sea stars, and other wildlife we returned to the boat where we got in the kayaks. We feasted on some awesome smoked red salmon, crackers, cream cheese and capers. There was green tea available as well as water. The other two couples boarded a sea plane from the boat and then we headed back to the office to board the shuttle.
The tour was great. The equipment was first-rate. The people were the best part of all though. They enjoyed what they were doing and cared that we had a good time. All of the instructions they gave us were clear and precise. They were always so polite and helpful. As members of the Ketchikan community they were getting ready to present a program for some of the school kids in the area after we left. It is pretty rare that you get to have fun and really enjoy yourself the way we did with these folks. Everything was first-class.
The tour was great. The equipment was first-rate. The people were the best part of all though. They enjoyed what they were doing and cared that we had a good time. All of the instructions they gave us were clear and precise. They were always so polite and helpful. As members of the Ketchikan community they were getting ready to present a program for some of the school kids in the area after we left. It is pretty rare that you get to have fun and really enjoy yourself the way we did with these folks. Everything was first-class.
Written 19 July 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm looking to book the Orca's Cove kayak trip, but when I try to book it defaults to 2 people. I am wondering if it is possible to buy one ticket for this? I can't seem to get anyone to return my emails or calls.
Written 3 August 2022
Hi, I will be going Ketchikan in Jul 2020. May I know if we would get our feet or body wet during the keyak session. The weather and water could be very cold. Wanted to know more how we would enter the water to get into our kayak? Thank you
Written 14 December 2019
Minimal exposure to water. I wore sneakers and it was fine and we stayed pretty dry. They have extensive gear which I suspect they use for colder conditions. They are very helpful attentive and assist in all transfers. Enjoy!
Written 14 December 2019
Ok Southeast, I am nervous about the orcas. Knowing that the past doesn't necessarily predict the future, how often do you actually see Orcas.
Written 9 April 2016
Have answered my own question with online research, which I should have done before of course. Booked for a July trip and very much looking forward to it!
Written 9 April 2016
If my husband and I have never, ever kayaked before can we do this? I really want to but do not want to waste my time if we physically cannot do it.
Written 21 March 2016
Yes. Anyone with an average level of physical fitness can join the kayak tours. You don't need any previous experience, just to be an active person with a spirit of adventure. The guides will teach the basics and the pace is leisurely.
Written 23 September 2016
We are in port from 7am to 3pm. We would like to do the 5hr kayak and plane trip to misty fjords, probably your 8am start? Would also like a quick peek for photos at creek street if time allows (before or after?). Do we have time for this? Celebrity cruise is July 24. Where do you pick up and drop off?
Written 16 February 2016
I agree with Michael about the timing; it was the same for us, and we had time for perusing Creek Street after our tour.
For us, finding our guide was a little trickier. As long as you are aware that you may have to do some walking, then you'll be fine. We were with Princess as well which may have a different drop off point than Celebrity, but it was a solid 5 min walk. Luckily it's easy, as the dock is just a wide, straight area that you walk down, alongside each boat. I also remember walking through a gift shop, as it took up the entire width of that part of the dock so there was no way around. Just know your guide will be there, and keep walking until you find them! Then it's an easy walk with your guide to their office.
Written 19 February 2016
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