Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition

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.

City: Ketchikan

Tue 27 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $199.95

Make a reservation

Tue 27 May

Starting at $199.95

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets

Dry bags for personal items

Coffee and/or Tea

A light snack is provided

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Tongass National Forest

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.

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.

Ketchikan

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!

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (133)

Nicole M

Aug 2021

This tour was AMAZING. I was the only one booked, and was worried that the tour would be cancelled, but they assured me that they don't currently have minimums (so if you're a solo traveler like me, this is somewhere that will have you!) and the tour would go on as scheduled as long as the weather cooperated, and boy, did it ever! I was treated to a sunny day, not too warm and not too cold, perfect for exploring the narrows in the zodiac. Eric and Delaney (who both wore masks the entire time) are both very knowledgeable about the Southeastern Alaska area, and were able to answer every question I had with a ton of detail and background. They know so much about the culture and industry of Ketchikan, being long time residents, as well as the botany/zoology, which is a major interest of mine. We saw so many harbor seals, probably at least a half dozen bald eagles, some small birds in the puffin family (I wish I could remember their names) and sea stars and anemones and urchins. We also saw a humpback whale, who is known to the locals as Phoenix (my airbnb host was so excited when she found out that I'd seen Phoenix). This is a small (yes I was by myself, but it's a max of six people) and intimate experience that I'd recommend to absolutely everyone and I already have recommended it to a few people I've met in town. Thank you so so much Eric and Delaney for one of the most fun experiences I've had in over 20 years of traveling. Everyone, do yourselves a favor and book with Out to Sea Expedition Company!

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Your pictures are incredible!! Thanks so much for joining us, we’re glad the weather & wildlife cooperated for you! :)

goddardrm

Aug 2021

This was AMAZING! Delaney and Eric are both knowledgable, kind, and genuine. They live in Ketchikan and know a lot about the area which was really interesting. Ketchikan is beautiful so the chance to see it on this wilderness expedition was very cool! They provide gear to keep you dry in case it is raining. We were fortunate enough to see whales, eagles, fish jumping out of the water, and seal. The scenery alone is worth booking this! We were only in town for the day as we were in Ketchikan on a cruise stop, and this was the best choice we made! Would HIGHLY recommend and give this a 10 out of 10!!

118cliffp

Aug 2021

We had an amazing time! We saw a humpback whale bubble feeding, a Dall’s porpoise and several other creatures in their own element. The raft makes the trip feel more intimate and the owners are kind, knowledgeable, and fascistic guides! Great trip!