Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Take a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass, (2 -2.5 hours in the kayaks) with scheduling to fit virtually every cruise ship. This is an amazing waterway with several rainforest islands, about 15 miles north of town. Your guides will get you away from the crowds and often to better weather where you'll paddle around 3 scenic islands where dense rainforest meets the sea. The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the U.S. and surrounds Clover Pass. Most tours encounter the resident Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds, an immense array of intertidal life, and sometimes humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and jumping salmon along the route as well. Occasionally we even see Sitka deer or black bears down at the beach.
While specific wildlife viewing cannot be guaranteed, Clover Pass is second to none for wildlife viewing near Ketchikan and our micro climate, north of town, consistently provides dryer weather and calmer waters than downtown.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children must be at least 6 years old. There are some exceptions, so please call if you feel you qualify
No experience is necessary
Rain pants and jackets are provided
Due to the size of the kayak cockpit openings, your hip/waist size should not exceed 52 inches (137cm) as measured while seated.
Recommended that you wear clothing that would be appropriate for an outdoor hike through the forest, and footwear that will fit inside the space of a kayak. Large bulky boots or high heels are not recommended
There is a minimum of 2 people to run a tour
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, date.
What To Expect
This tour is very educational, and is about much more than just paddling a kayak. We are not in a hurry to get you from point A to B and every tour can be different. An immense amount of inter-tidal life can be on display along the rocky shorelines of Clover Pass andwe usually see plenty of sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers, limpets, chitons, nudibranchs, etc. living in the ebb and flow of the tide, just waiting for you to pull out your camera. Our guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love taking the time to show you the different critters, what they're doing, and how they're interacting. Our typical paddling route features a small island that is host to a large bald eagles nest whose residents have eaglets every summer. Watching the fledglings grow up and learn to fly is a highlight of our summers here. Depending on the weather and the wildlife we can paddle around as many as 3 small islands per tour. But when the Whales show up or the Sea Lions are feeding they do a pretty good job of dictating the tour route and pace. Private transportation from our downtown office across from the cruise docks is provided and excellent rain gear is provided if needed that day. After gearing up and a quick lesson, you'll board your kayak and your nature viewing will begin.The total tour time is 4 hours dock-to-dock with 2 to 2.5 hours on the water for most groups. Both hot and cold refreshments and a local smoked salmon snack are prepared for when you return from paddling. Our relaxed pace and small groups mean we're not just rushing you into the van as soon as you hit the dock. Eco-tours are limited to 12 guests per departure with a 6:1 guide to guest ratio. Sometimes we are all out on the water watching something fantastic and stay together, other times the group split into two seperate tours on the water. We're flexible. Private party tours for up to 20 guests are sometimes available upon request. You'll be paddling tandem sit-inside kayaks for their roominess and stability. No swimming on this tour.
Options
Early Season Special!
Early Season Discount Pickup included
Departure
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides
Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages.
Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove.
Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio.
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
908 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful views and amazing wildlife
226cecilyj,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience kayaking with our tour guide Spencer. He was quick to respond to questions about transportation, and pick-up and drop-off were a breeze. We saw bald eagles and held starfish, and a few seals swam right up next to our kayak! The views of the mountains from the water were stunning. Highly recommend!
Kayaking
Kathy J,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The employees were very helpful and knowledgeable. It was very calm and enjoyable! They took any stress you had away!
Relaxing, slow paced trip
Tracey C,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This was not what I expected from sea kayaking. It was a very relaxed, slow paced trip. We broke into two groups of 3 with the leader. We were put in a group with others who were slower than us and it was a little frustrating. We did see a harbor seal, sea lion, deer and starfish.
Go!! Don’t worry it will be great!
Chaz R,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family had a blast - even my wife who is afraid of open water and hates anything that even comes close to smelling like fish. She had never even kayaked before and she loved it. The kids picked up on everything right away and had a great time racing each other (which was encouraged by the staff on our way back to the dock). The wildlife was amazing. So many Bald Eagles, and we floated right under one perched on a branch overhanging the water. Just amazing. Dozens of starfish in purples, oranges and reds. Jelly fish clear/white ones and orange ones. The guides were all very friendly patient and knowledgeable, even our van driver who shuttled us. (Their shuttle service made things sooo easy.) They had all the gear we needed and had great instructions. Even coffee and hot chocolate when we returned. It was a beautiful day and we would definitely go back if given the chance.
Best guides ever.
Faraz J,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The group of guides are extremely helpful, knowledgeable and chill. The vibes were awesome. It was my six year olds first time kayaking and they made it seamless and so much fun. Adventurous crew - special thanks to Jenny, Ashley and Spencer. Looking forward to trying out the e-bikes next time!
Peaceful and close to...
Jennifer W,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Peaceful and close to nature. Took 30 min van ride to dock then kayaked out to small islands. Saw lots of eagles and starfish
Wonderful experience. The...
Brittany M,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. The views are beautiful, and my kids loved to be able to see all the different creatures. The guides are great!
Great small group guided...
Katie B,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great small group guided tour. Seal Cove was the best! Got to see lots of wild life and get a little bit of exercise in from all the cruising.
Wonderful kayak tour
clterao,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband granddaughter and I had a fabulous time on the kayak tour. Jenni and Cam, our kayak guides were wonderful! We truly enjoyed our time on the water with them. We saw bald eagles, a sea otter and okra star fish. We were fortunate to have great weather! Our driver to the dock was great. Giving us great tips for our time in port and sharing information on Ketchikan. Our return driver, the owner, was great as well. He too shared info on local area and gave us some recommendations. I highly recommend this tour
Fantastic morning!
Robert O,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly staff and a fantastic experience - we had amazing weather and with our tour guide Jenny we saw lots of eagles, an amazing humpback whale and seals - what a great morning!
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Operated by Ketchikan Kayak Company