Embark on a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass and explore rainforests, wildlife, and scenic islands. Encounter sea lions, bald eagles, humpback whales, and more in this amazing waterway near Ketchikan.
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. Points of Interest - Tongass National Forest
- Savor local smoked salmon, dips, and vegan options alongside hot & cold beverages.
- Enjoy private transportation from downtown Cruise Docks and Ward Cove.
- Experience the expertise of local or professional educator guides, with no first-year guides.
- Relish the intimacy of small-group tours with a 6:1 guide to guest ratio.
Embark on a 4-hour guided kayak adventure to Clover Pass, spending approximately 2 to 2.5 hours actually kayaking. We offer flexible scheduling that will accommodate almost every cruise ship timetable. This magnificent water passage, surrounded by numerous rainforest islands, is located around 15 miles north of the city. Your guides will ensure you experience areas less frequented by crowds and often with superior weather conditions. You will be exploring 3 picturesque islands where the lush rainforest meets the ocean. Clover Pass is part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest of its kind in the U.S. On most trips, you’ll encounter the local Steller sea lions, seals, bald eagles, various bird species, and a wealth of intertidal creatures. Occasionally, humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and leaping salmon might cross your path. On rare occasions, you may even spot Sitka deer or black bears near the beach.
Although we cannot promise specific wildlife sightings, Clover Pass is unrivaled for wildlife encounters near Ketchikan. Furthermore, our microclimate, located north of the city, frequently offers drier weather and smoother water conditions compared to the city center.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
