Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour
Overview
Howdy!
My name is Tim.
I love to take new people exploring on the ocean to share what I love about where I live.
My tour is designed to see the wilds of Alaska from the water and not from the window of a van. Think salt spray, not gift shops.
With 3 full hours on the water you will see a range of marine and inter-tidal life. Unlike a dock launched kayak tour I don’t have a firmly set route. The Huckleberry (the cabined vessel in the photos) allows us the mobility to find the best water, wind, and wildlife of the day.
After leaving Ketchikan, I will get you geared and lower the tandem kayaks off the boat and into the water. Then we will paddle some beautiful uninhabited, Alaskan coastline together! I strive to make sure that the tour stays accessible regardless of your experience level.
After the paddle we will return to the Huckleberry for a snack. The cruise back into town is fast, comfortable, and guaranteed to get you there in plenty of time to catch your cruise ship!
What's Included
- Snacks
- Premium kayaking gear is supplied
- Contact for groups of 5 or 6
- Wild Alaskan smoked salmon
- Transportation by boat to and from remote kayaking destination
- Weather appropriate outer layer
- Professional local guide
- Base layers, please wear something warm and comfortable. At a minimum we suggest 2 layers under our paddle jackets, they are water & windproof but do not provide any insulation. Technical or quick dry materials are best but you’ll have a great time in jeans, sweatshirts, or leggings.
- A brimmed hat is great for rain or shine.
- Wear active footwear not big heavy boots.
Meeting Location
131 Front Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Howdy!
My name is Tim.
I love to take new people exploring on the ocean to share what I love about where I live.
My tour is designed to see the wilds of Alaska from the water and not from the window of a van. Think salt spray, not gift shops.
With 3 full hours on the water you will see a range of marine and intertidal life. Unlike a dock launched kayak tour I don’t have a firmly set route. The Huckleberry (the cabined vessel in the photos) allows us the mobility to find the best water, wind, and wildlife of the day.
After leaving Ketchikan, and dropping anchor, I will get you geared up in high quality equipment and lower the tandem kayaks off the boat and into the water. These tandems are made to be friendly to a first time paddler and a seasoned veteran will appreciate their responsiveness. I strive to make sure that the tour stays accessible regardless of your experience level.
After the paddle we will return to the Huckleberry for a snack. The cruise back into town is fast, comfortable, and guaranteed to get you there in plenty of time to catch your cruise ship!
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Cruise ship passengers, when booking please provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and all aboard time
- Operates rain or shine
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- I am glad to stow a collapsible wheelchair for guests but it cannot be used on-board.
- I love to adventure with all levels of paddlers. I will teach everything you need to know about having a fun, safe kayaking experience at the start of our trip.
- Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
- If you are traveling via cruise ship please book a departure at least an hour after your arrival and allow yourself roughly an hour to re-board afterwards.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-104132P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 49 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If 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.
Feb 2023- 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 (AKST).
- Snacks.
- Premium kayaking gear is supplied.
- Contact for groups of 5 or 6.
- Wild Alaskan smoked salmon.
- Transportation by boat to and from remote kayaking destination.
- Weather appropriate outer layer.
- Professional local guide.
- Base layers, please wear something warm and comfortable. At a minimum we suggest 2 layers under our paddle jackets, they are water & windproof but do not provide any insulation. Technical or quick dry materials are best but you’ll have a great time in jeans, sweatshirts, or leggings.
- A brimmed hat is great for rain or shine.
- Wear active footwear not big heavy boots.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Premium kayaking gear is supplied
- Contact for groups of 5 or 6
- Wild Alaskan smoked salmon
- Transportation by boat to and from remote kayaking destination
- Weather appropriate outer layer
- Professional local guide
- Base layers, please wear something warm and comfortable. At a minimum we suggest 2 layers under our paddle jackets, they are water & windproof but do not provide any insulation. Technical or quick dry materials are best but you’ll have a great time in jeans, sweatshirts, or leggings.
- A brimmed hat is great for rain or shine.
- Wear active footwear not big heavy boots.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Cruise ship passengers, when booking please provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and all aboard time
- Operates rain or shine
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- I am glad to stow a collapsible wheelchair for guests but it cannot be used on-board.
- I love to adventure with all levels of paddlers. I will teach everything you need to know about having a fun, safe kayaking experience at the start of our trip.
- Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
- If you are traveling via cruise ship please book a departure at least an hour after your arrival and allow yourself roughly an hour to re-board afterwards.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
