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Ketchikan Self Drive Zodiac Boat Adventure

5.0
21 reviews

Excursion Overview

Zip through the waters to the beautiful George Inlet Fjords!

Get ready for a fun-filled adventure with this exciting Zodiac tour! You'll have the time of your life as you set out on the waters to the ever-scenic George Inlet Fjords. Zodiac is a brand that sells heavy-duty, motorized inflatable rafts. These lightweight but rigid boats are ideal for traversing the waters of Southeast Alaska, so they are popular among locals and adventure seekers.

Your tour begins with van transport through downtown Ketchikan and along the coastline of the Tongass Narrows. You'll even have the opportunity to see the Native totem art that Ketchikan is famous for as we pass Saxman Native Village.

We'll finally reach the Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery, where you'll follow a short path through the rainforest to the Zodiacs. Please be advised that parties under 3 will share a boat with other guests. Everyone who's over 25 with a valid driver's license will have an opportunity to drive their own boat!

You'll follow your guide out to the incredible George Inlet Fjords. A fjord is a narrow inlet surrounded by steep cliffs formed through thousands of years of glacial activity, and the views they provide are unparalleled. Your guide will teach you about the history of the area and point out potential wildlife sightings. After your ride, you'll return to the cannery for snacks and refreshments. Then you'll be transported right back to the cruise terminal downtown.

This tour is typically available from May through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan
  • Snack and beverage
  • Gear/equipment: rain jacket, rain pants, life vest, rain boots, goggles

Requirements:

  • All guests who wish to drive the Zodiac must be at least 25 and have a valid driver's license.
  • Minimum age of 4, maximum age of 99
  • Minimum weight of 40 lbs, maximum weight of 300 lbs
  • Minimum height of 42"
  • Signed liability waiver
  • Must be able to climb 4 steps in and out of a bus, walk roughly 1/4 mile on uneven terrain, walk down your ship's gangway, and be able to enter and exit Zodiac boats
  • Not recommended for guests with neck or back problems, pregnant people, patrons with mobility issues, or those traveling with mobility equipment

Duration: Approximately 3.25 hours (roundtrip from downtown Ketchikan)

  • 30 minutes - transport to George Inlet Cannery
  • 10 minutes - walk through the cannery
  • 15 minutes - equipment and safety briefing
  • 80 minutes - Zodiac ride
  • 30 minutes - returning gear, enjoying our snack, and checking out the gift shop
  • 30 minutes - transport back to the cruise terminal

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Ketchikan Visitor Center by the bronze statue near Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you must take a complimentary shuttle do downtown Ketchikan. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

High quality rain coats, rain pants, rain boots, gloves, safety goggles, and life jackets are provided. Wear comfortable clothing and layers appropriate for that day's weather conditions. Consider bringing a warm hat and warm socks.

For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

There is a maximum of 6 passengers per zodiac. Typically, we will have 4 guests per zodiac depending on availability.

The maximum capacity for our tour van is 14 passengers. Multiple vans are available for groups bigger than 14.

Cameras and phones are welcome on this tour. If you have essential items such as medications, cameras, or other personal belongings, you’re more than welcome to bring them. However, we recommend bringing as little as possible on the zodiac to reduce the risk of anything falling into the ocean. Cubbies are available on site, and a manager will watch over all stored items.

Bald eagles, Sitka black tail dear and black bears are common sights, however this is not a designated wildlife tour and specific wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Definitely, arrangements of tours for groups or large families are possible. There are 12 zodiac boats available. Please contact us with your group requirements.

This tour is not weather dependent and operates rain or shine. If the tour provider determines that ocean conditions are unsafe small boats, the tour will be canceled and you’ll receive a full refund with no fees or penalties.

Guests docking at Ward Cove should allow approximately 1 hour after arriving in Ketchikan before starting their tour. A complimentary shuttle is provided from Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan, and from there it is a short walk to the Ketchikan Visitor Center at Berth 2.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

21 total

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Alicia R

On Jul 2026

This excursion was not our first choice, but was recommended after our first choice was booked full. However, it was meant to be! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion! It was nice drive from the meeting point to the excursion site. Our driver was very nice to chat with, pointed out scenery and gave us some history about the area. We had a short walk from the parking lot to the old cannery where the boats where. The scenery during our walk was beautiful as well as the scenery during the boat tour. We saw several bald eagles and a group of seals. Our guide for the tour was great. The beer and cheese snacks at the end was a great touch. We enjoyed chatting with the tour guides afterward. Highly recommend this excursion! You will not be disappointed!

Johnine L

On Jul 2026

Communication was great! The tour was run professionally. If you are going on this tour because it sounds fun to drive a Zodiac with your family or friends, it is fun. If you are going because you expect to see wildlife, you might be disappointed. We saw one eagle that they hand feed fish for a great photo opportunity but that was it. The actual time on the boat was less the driving was about an 1 1/2 hrs

Rick B

On Jul 2026

We had a great time on our tour. Pickup was easy to find. Our driver did a nice job of explaining things we passed as we drove to the boats. Once we got to the boats, prep was quick, and we were headed out! The ride was rough the day we went. In spite of the fact that we took a beating on the waves, we loved the scenery and seeing the wildlife (eagles/seals). Our guide was knowledgeable and shared her love of the area with us. We loved learning about the company and its mission as well. We recommend this tour for everyone unless you cannot handle a rough ride on the waves.

Philip M

On Jun 2026

This was a lot of fun for our family and the guide was great

Roger W

On Jun 2026

The shuttle bus ride from town to the cannery is about 25- 30 minutes. We got lucky, as we had no rain and relatively light winds that day. Geared up with rain jackets and life vests, each group got their own boats, and connected by radios, our guide led the daisy-chain group deep into the inlet, sightseeing and stopping at sights along the way. We saw bald eagles, harbor seals, deer (on shore), many waterfalls, and remote interior shores most people never see, much less navigate in a small boat by their own hand. Impeccable views and a grand sense of Alaskan immersion from the safety of a boat. Our guides were great hosts and showed everyone a good time. Very safe for families. The beer flight and cheese sampler at the end were fun, too. Highly recommend; this was the best excursion of our 7-day Alaska cruise, and it had some stiff competition.

$249.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$249.00

Duration: 3.25 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.25 hours



Adult (13+): $249.00

Child (4-12): $228.00

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