800 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition

141 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 141 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Ketchikan, USA

Loading Options

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel the ocean breeze on your face and taste the salty sea air as you skim across the waves. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer.

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
  • Snacks A light snack is provided
  • Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Thomas Street
    Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Out to Sea Expedition Company

    Begin your adventure by meeting your Captain & Naturalist at our hospitality space located on historic Thomas Street in downtown Ketchikan where you will be outfitted with rain gear (bibs & jacket), overboots, a dry bag for your belongings, and a USCG approved life jacket. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Our location at 124 Thomas St is about a 10-15 minute walk from Berths 1-3 and a 20 minute walk from Berth 4 and the Ward Cove shuttle drop off. Transportation from the downtown cruise ship docks is available upon request with at least 48 hrs notice. For guests arriving at Ward Cove, we have ship specific instructions regarding transportation. All tours depart from and return to the nearby Thomas Basin Boat Harbor in downtown Ketchikan.Once everyone is outfitted in Alaskan fashion, your Captain will provide a short safety briefing before you climb aboard the Zodiac vessel and head out to sea!
    Read more

    1 minute • Admission Ticket Free

    Tongass National Forest (Pass By)

    As you escape the cruise ship crowds of downtown, you'll learn about the colorful history of Ketchikan and begin your journey into the Tongass Narrows. Our trips are destination free by design meaning we will explore the waters surrounding the island based on the tides, weather, and wildlife activity. While we frequent the waters south of Ketchikan, the lack of set destination gives us the freedom to truly experience the magic of Southeast Alaska.
    Read more

    Inside Passage

    During the 2.5 hours on the water, you will have the chance to view a variety of wildlife and breathtaking scenery all from an open Zodiac that allows you to experience Alaska with all of your senses. As we cruise along the rocky shorelines, keep an eye out for Sitka Black-tailed Deer, River Otter, or Mink as they forage on the beach while majestic Bald Eagles watch from the towering evergreens of the Tongass National Forest. At lower tides, we'll have the opportunity to take a look into the vibrant world of the intertidal zone and see creatures like Sea Stars, Giant Green Anemones, Sea Urchins, and much more! Continuing on through the protected waters of the Inside Passage, we will search for marine mammals like Harbor Seals, Steller Sea Lions, Porpoise, Humpback Whales, and Killer Whales (Orca) that call this area home. In addition to marine mammals, we will watch for multiple species of resident and migratory birds that enjoy the nutrient dense waters of our region.
    Read more

    2 hours 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Ketchikan (Pass By)

    On our return to town, you will have a chance to see the working waterfront of Ketchikan and learn more about the history and culture of this unique island community.Southeast Alaska has an incredibly diverse ecosystem. While we can't guarantee specific wildlife encounters, we believe that with the experience of our crew, and the quiet unobtrusive vessels we have selected as exploration platforms, there is a good chance of experiencing something truly magnificent.Every trip is a little different, and you never quite know what the ocean will provide. Let's go out to sea!
    Read more

    Out to Sea Expedition Company

    We are year-round locals, so after your tour be sure to ask the crew for recommendations on other activities, shops, restaurants, etc. We love where we live, and we want to help you make the most of your visit to Ketchikan!
    Read more

    1 minute • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 3 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (8)

    Q: Will I get seasick on Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition?

    A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-197392P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.98
    141 reviews

    Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 140 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    137
    4 stars
    3
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options

    Similar Tours & Activities

    2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

    2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

     2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $95

    Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise
    Likely to Sell Out

    Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise

     2 hours 30 minutes  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $189

    Private Tour at Ketchikan

    Private Tour at Ketchikan

    2
     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $450

    Orca Cove Sea Kayaking
    Likely to Sell Out

    Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $195

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
    Likely to Sell Out

    Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $178

    2 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley

    2 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley

     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $85

    Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
    Likely to Sell Out

    Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour

     4 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $125

    Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Adventure and Ketchikan Tour

    Alaska Native Cultural Immersion Adventure and Ketchikan Tour

     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $89

    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
    • SnacksA light snack is provided
    • Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets
    • Dry bags for personal items

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Free Cancellation

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Cool Alaska wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Alaska over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.