Sea Kayaking with Ketchikan Kayak Co: Beautiful Coves and Wildlife

Sea kayaking may seem like a daunting adventure for a lot of people, but it can be absolutely beautiful and fun, especially if you are on the water in a gorgeous place with a good guide. I took my kids out with Ketchikan Kayak Co on the fast boat sea kayaking trip from Ketchikan and it was an awesome experience. We aren’t new to sea kayaking in the least, but others on our tour were and seeing their experience paired with ours was wonderful in terms of how our guides led our tour.

Keep reading to see if the Ketchikan Kayak Co fast boat sea kayaking tour is a good choice for you and what you can expect while you’re out on the water. If you have any questions about the experience or need more recommendations for things to do in Ketchikan, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan a wonderful trip through Southeast Alaska.

Highlights of Paddling with Ketchikan Kayak Co

We’ve done other kayak tours that start on a fast boat to get you to a better paddling destination than a busy port area or waterfront, and I must say, it never disappoints. Ketchikan Kayak Co departs from the Birth 3 area of the waterfront where there are cruise ships and gift shops, people bustling all about… and then you head out of the bay and towards the islands just beyond what you can see. The fast boat is a sort of catamaran style speed boat with a cabin, so you’re protected from the wind and splashing.

When you arrive at your actual kayaking destination it’s just what you’d hope for. Pulling into the protected cove we came to a quaint houseboat loaded with kayaks. We disembarked to board the houseboat for our discussion about where we’d be paddling and what to expect, including safety. Once we were all ready and outfitted with our life jackets /PFDs, we paddled out of our quiet cove and through the rocky islands. It was beautiful and there were plenty of bald eagles and seals all around.

Something that surprised us as we paddled was actually a collection of ancient pictographs up on the rocks as we kayaked past. Our guide explained the symbols he knew and didn’t make up anything about what he didn’t (this is actually a sign that somebody cares about the history and culture of the area, and I appreciated it). Navigating the changing tides, our guide took us around more rocky ledges and tidal zones. Sea stars and sea anemones hung from the rocks as we passed, eagles flew overhead and it was just gorgeous. Really, the only thing that would’ve made our kayaking trip from Ketchikan any better would’ve been if humpback whales would’ve started bubble net feeding near us. We were all very happy with our tour and both of our kids enjoyed it (and it was within their skills and safety zone).

Book this tour here!

Tips for a Great Ketchikan Kayak Experience

Sea kayaking is really fun, but for some people the very thought of it can be daunting. You know, just floating out there in the water with waves and tides and unknown wildlife lurking below… I get it. Before you commit to a day of paddling with Ketchikan Kayak Co be sure that everyone you’re having participate is okay with this adventure.

For us as avid kayakers who spend a ton of time on the water, sea kayaking isn’t a stretch because we’re used to all sorts of different waterways and weather, but if visiting Ketchikan and choosing activities like Ketchikan Kayak Co is a step towards a new type of bravery, know that’s it’s okay to stay ashore. One of the most dangerous things you can do is bring somebody into a situation they’re scared of and may panic in. I’m all about stretch goals, but safety always comes first.

The weather in Ketchikan changes throughout the day, so whether you’re booked for a morning kayaking trip or an afternoon one, you’ll have the same chances of good weather. I will say that we went out with Ketchikan Kayak Co during the late morning and we had misty weather and upon returning the weather cleared up nicely, but it just as easily could’ve swayed the other way. When you book your sea kayaking trip, be sure you’ve had food before you go out. While there are snacks and drinks provided on the houseboat after your kayaking, you’ll be on the water for around two hours, so be sure you’re tummy is happy before you sit into your kayak.

Being Prepared for Kayaking in Ketchikan

Dress warmly, but in layers. If there’s one thing to keep in mind regarding adventures anywhere in Alaska it’s that the weather can change quickly. If you get on the water dressed too warmly, you can alert your guide and they’ll help you safely remove a layer while you remain in your sea kayak. I would recommend a hat and sunglasses too. If it’s not too sunny, keep the sunglasses handy just in case the clouds part.

I love bringing my good camera gear with me when we go kayaking, but due to the rapidly changing weather and the sometimes rocky seas where you’re paddling in Ketchikan, I’d advise against it. Leave the nice camera on the houseboat or back at your hotel, because you don’t want to destroy it with the splashes that inevitably will happen. Instead, bring a small waterproof camera (Olympus makes some good ones) or get a good waterproof case for your phone. I like to put my phone in a case and attach it to my life preserver with a carabiner so it’s ready accessible and won’t be lost to the sea.

If the weather is looking wet but still safe, Ketchikan Kayak Co does have rain gear to outfit everyone in your group. Waterproof pants and jackets will be given out if it’s looking iffy, but hopefully you won’t need them.

Where to Meet Your Ketchikan Kayak Co Guides

For cruise passengers heading out for a sea kayaking trip with Ketchikan Kayak Co, you’ll just need to walk along the births to Birth 3 (northern end of the dock). It’s not far if you’ve come into Birth 2, so don’t stress it. It’s just about five minutes away. If you are in Ketchikan with your own car and are downtown, you’ll be able to find street parking nearby or park in one of the paid lots. Be sure to check the parking signs though, as you don’t want to come back from sea kayaking to discover that your car has been towed.

More Things to Do in Ketchikan

Ketchikan is such a cool town and it’s a wonderful place to explore for several days. If you’re only able to stop in for a little bit from a cruise ship, that’s fine too, but you’re going to want to come back and explore on your own in the future. What makes Ketchikan such a great town to visit is the combination of Alaska Native culture and all the elements that come to mind when you think of Alaska: salmon, mining, timber, landscapes. Ketchikan can be a wonderfully active town to visit or you can arrive and spend a few days relaxing.

As you plan your time in Ketchikan, think about how you want to mix up your activities. You can plan tours on the water or to visit different parts of Ketchikan to learn about Tlingit culture or nature. There are some walking tours to dig into the food scene or you can enjoy the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Do you need a car when you come to town? No, not necessarily and downtown is very walkable, even beyond Creek Street, and there is a bus system that goes to some further away spots. A car is nice though, as that open you up to hiking and traveling around the island freely.

Here are are recommendations for things to do in Ketchikan:

Where to Stay in Ketchikan

If you’re lucky enough to get to spend several days in Ketchikan, there are some fun options for hotels around down town. For visitors with their own cars, you can consider something outside of the immediate downtown area and not need to worry about parking. I will say, there are some cool places to stay just off Creek Street, which puts you right in one of the most iconic Alaskan neighborhoods. You can even stay at the Cape Fox Lodge overlooking downtown and then take the funicular down to the main area. Some hotels in Ketchikan offer shuttle service between the hotel and downtown or the airport ferry terminal, so if you want to enjoy a more quiet stay, you can still easily get about town without a car.