Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition: Explore Wildlife with Local Guides on a Zodiac Expedition Craft

Embark on an Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition and discover the diverse wildlife of the island-studded sea passages. Join local guides on a Zodiac expedition craft for an unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tongass National Forest - Explore the mysterious waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest as we search for wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. With an experienced captain and expert naturalist as your guide, you will encounter the vibrant ecosystem of Southeast Alaska which is home to a variety of wildlife including Salmon, Harbor Seals, Dall’s Porpoise, Bears, Bald Eagles, Steller Sea Lions, Killer Whales (Orca), and Humpback Whales. While we can’t guarantee any 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. Beyond the possibility of wildlife, viewing the breathtaking wilderness of SE Alaska from an open Zodiac is a unique way to explore the area. Let’s go out to sea!
What's Included
  • Complimentary use of full rain gear and waterproof overboots
  • USCG approved life jackets for safety
  • Dry bags provided for personal item protection
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Assorted snacks included
Additional Information

Embark on a thrilling journey as you traverse through enigmatic aquatic avenues of the sea, filled with patches of islands, in search of diverse wildlife on a robust Zodiac exploration vessel. The knowledgeable captain along with the expert naturalist will use their extensive comprehension of the locale to unveil the mysteries of this dense ecosystem. Feel the wind from the ocean caress your face and savor the salty tang of sea air as you glide over the waves. Indulge in your curiosity as you steer through narrow waterways, aligned with jagged coastlines, lush green island forests, and obsidian-coloured sandy beaches. Morph into an investigator, a sailor, an adventurer.

Location
124 Thomas St
Thomas Street
Our outfitting suite is a short 10-15 min walk from the cruise ship docks off of the waterfront promenade near Thomas Basin. For guests needing transportation to our starting point, or arriving at Ward Cove, please call our office in advance for further instructions.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(129 Ratings)
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Lindsey_w
Aug 30, 2024
Amazing Ketchikan Excursion!! Highly recommend!! - Such an amazing excursion. Delaney and Eric were so knowledgeable and found tons of wildlife for us to see. We saw humpbacks, orcas, sea stars, seals, anemones, and bald eagles. It was a small boat, with only 6 people (including the crew), loved having a small group vs a large boat. We got right up to the shore line, and were able to see so much! They even explained the kelp and we got to touch it. I will never forget this amazing experience!!!
Review provided by Viator
Annamf7188yo
Aug 15, 2024
book this tour! - AMAZING! They are so knowledgeable. We had an awesome time. Highly recommend! I could really see their passion for the area and education.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nctexan2011
Aug 13, 2024
Highly recommend for those seeking a small tour! - This tour is a great way to see more of the small details and ask questions than might be possible on a bigger boat or tour. There were 6 guests, plus our pilot, Eric, and our naturalist, Jenny. We saw everything from brilliantly colored tidal pool sea stars, to jumping fish and feeding whales. We even ate some kelp and heard about Eric's experiment with kelp pickles. Eric and Jenny both brought an incredible wealth of knowledge and background to the experience. We heard about so much more history and interesting tidbits that wouldn't have been possible with a larger group. Out to Sea provided everything we needed, from dry gear to gloves, hats and shoe covers if needed. We were plenty warm! After the tour, there's a local watering hole right next door to grab a drink and overhear more local stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellykc9900df
Aug 8, 2024
Eric and Delainey really know Ketchikan - Eric and Delainey provided a thoughtful, exciting, and fascinating excursion for my husband and me during our port day in Ketchikan. They kitted us up in waterproof EVERYTHING for the trip on the zodiac, including waterproof bags for our belongings. We saw harbor seals, an otter, purple seastars, orange seastars, tons of bald eagles, marbeled murrelets, red-necked phalaropes, Kingfishers, sandpipers, and other birds. We added 6 birds to our life list that day! We learned several uses for bull kelp. Plus, they're just good people. Don't forget to ask about the 8th graders' "survival trips" story! Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lsmorris1955
Jul 31, 2024
Up close and personal wildlife experience In Ketchikan. - Delaney and Eric made this a great experience for us! The Zodiac was wonderful way to see the Alaskan wildlife up close and personal. I would highly recommend this as a must do in Ketchikan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deeia_b
Jul 27, 2024
Great excursion! - Science mom Jenny was an excellent guide and teacher. They all went to great lengths to make sure we saw all of the animals and sea life there. Would not hesitate to book again. Very safe and professional organization.
Review provided by Viator
Siestakim1
Jul 25, 2024
Don’t just look at nature but FEEL nature! - We spent 5 days in Ketchikan and this was probably my favorite excursions. Eric was a great captain who not only knew the water, but offered great suggestions for restaurants and other cool places to check out. Science mom was also a great guide that taught us all kinds of things. We’re excited to try Kelp pickles! The boat felt safe and we loved the cool breeze and Alaskan air. We saw tons of bird species, deer, mink and seals. 🦭 We will definitely be booking this again on our next trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U24kfkimberlyb
Jul 24, 2024
Up close and meaningful exploration of the area. The highlight of our Alaska vacation! - Our guides were delightful and so informative. Being out on the small zodiac provided the ability to see the flora and fauna very close-up. Our encounter with the whales was breathtaking. If we get to Alaska again we will do this tour again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kjkasondra
Jul 23, 2024
Kid and grandparent approved trip even in the rain - If you’re looking for a great excursion while in Ketchikan, stop looking and book with Out to sea. Delaney, Eric, and Science Mom were amazing. We had 4 kids ages 5-12 and my parents in their 70-80’s go on the Zodiac boat. From the beginning Delaney was great at communicating all the details as we had a large group. We were also concerned about the weather and the ride. On the day of our tour it was raining but Out to sea fitting us with rain proof jackets, pants, shoe covers, beanie, gloves.. we stayed completely dry. The ride was smooth and Eric did a great job navigating any wakes off boats. We got to see bald eagles, sea lions, various native birds, whales. Had a very informative lesson on star fish and kelp. Everyone on our group thought this was the best tour we had on our cruise. They make you feel like family (only 10 people) on our boat total and even give you some tasty treats while your enjoying nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C2980wagarys
Jul 13, 2024
Motoring with experts around the islands near Ketchikan - Great for adults and my grandkids, who learned a lot from the naturalist interpreter Jen (holding the bull kelp, which she taught my grandson to play like a trumpet). And Captain Eric knows his stuff, besides driving the boat. Heartily recommend this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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