Clarke’s Custom Island Tour (up to 11 guests)

Explore Ketchikan’s Unique Charm with Clarke’s Custom Island Tour

For those seeking a personalized, flexible tour of Ketchikan, Clarke’s Custom Island Tour offers an intimate experience designed around your interests. Priced at $90 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, this tour accommodates up to 11 guests, ensuring a private, engaging journey through Alaska’s vibrant landscapes and cultural highlights. With over 20 bookings last month and a perfect 5.0 rating from 21 reviews, this tour draws praise for its knowledgeable guide and customizable itinerary.

What truly sets this experience apart is Clarke himself—a longtime resident who knows the island inside out. His fun, personable approach makes every trip feel like exploring with a friend. Whether you’re interested in wildlife sightings, native totem poles, or local art, Clarke tailors each outing to your curiosity and pace, making every adventure unique.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience with up to 11 guests
• Flexible itinerary based on your interests, from wildlife to cultural sites
• Approximate duration of 3.5 hours with plenty of storytelling
• Includes private transportation and Alaska-specific snacks and drinks
• Highly rated guide with extensive local knowledge and personable style
• Easy booking with a mobile ticket and free cancellation policy

Departure from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

This tour departs from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at 131 Front St, a central location easily accessible from cruise ships and downtown. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same spot, making it convenient for travelers with limited time in port. Clarke picks up and drops off guests directly at this location, ensuring a seamless start and finish to your customized adventure.

What Makes Clarke’s Personal Approach Stand Out

Unlike generic bus tours, Clarke’s small group size guarantees personalized attention. His long-term residence on the island means he offers insights beyond typical guidebooks—stories about local wildlife, native culture, and hidden spots. The reviews highlight how Clarke listens to guest interests, adjusting the route to include sites like salmon ladders, totem poles, or bears catching salmon.

You can expect Clarke to share Alaska treats during your journey, adding a cultural flavor to the experience. This personalized touch, combined with his extensive local knowledge, creates a tour that feels both educational and relaxed.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters with Clarke

Wildlife sightings are a highlight of this tour. Clarke has a talent for finding eagles perched in trees or soaring overhead, and bears are sometimes spotted at salmon ladders or in remote areas. One review mentions a bear sanctuary visit, where guests observe bears catching salmon in their natural habitat.

You may also explore rainforests or scenic vistas, depending on your interests. Clarke’s flexibility means you can hike in the rain forest, visit waterfalls, or just enjoy spectacular views of the landscape. The tour emphasizes seeing nature in its rawest form, often in remote locations away from crowds.

Cultural Stops and Local Art

A key part of the tour involves visiting totem poles and historic sites, which showcase Ketchikan’s rich native heritage. Clarke’s familiarity with Alaska Native culture allows him to explain the significance of tribal houses and totem poles in a meaningful way. Guests appreciate how he blends storytelling with sightseeing, making history come alive.

Plus, the tour offers opportunities to shop for local crafts and artwork, giving a chance to take home authentic souvenirs like art sweatshirts or salmon jelly. Clarke often recommends the best places for shopping, ensuring visitors leave with meaningful keepsakes.

Food, Drinks, and Refreshments

Throughout the tour, Alaska-specific snacks and drinks are provided, adding to the local experience. These might include fudge, salmon treats, or refreshing beverages. This small but thoughtful inclusion enhances the Alaskan vibe and keeps guests energized during the adventure.

The Physical Nature of the Tour

The tour involves some walking and exploring, often in remote or easy-to-navigate locations. Guests should be prepared for a bit of outdoor activity, including getting feet wet at some stops, as noted by a review. Clarke is praised for his patience and assistance with guests who have mobility concerns, making the experience accessible for most.

Clarke’s flexibility allows for short hikes, easy walks, or more relaxed sightseeing based on guest preferences. Weather can be variable, so preparedness for drizzle or rain is recommended, typical of Alaska’s climate.

Customization and Flexibility of the Tour

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is its completely customizable nature. Clarke listens carefully to guest interests, whether that’s wildlife viewing, cultural exploration, or shopping. This level of personalization ensures every trip is tailored to your desires.

You can choose to visit remote beaches, see native art, or walk through historic districts, all within the 3.5-hour window. Clarke aims to squeeze in as much as possible, making it an efficient yet relaxed way to see Ketchikan through a local’s eyes.

The Experience and Guide’s Personality

Visitors frequently mention Clarke’s friendly, engaging style. His extensive knowledge and storytelling ability make the tour feel like an outing with a knowledgeable friend, rather than a guided bus ride. Guests appreciate his patience, especially when accommodating mobility issues, and his enthusiasm for sharing his love of Ketchikan.

Many reviews highlight how Clarke makes the experience fun for children, creating challenges and interactive elements to keep younger guests engaged. His punctuality and communication also stand out, with texts confirming pickups and ensuring smooth arrangements.

Practical Details and Booking

This tour is available as a mobile ticket, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The small group size means you won’t be with large crowds, and the private nature of the experience guarantees a personalized day. Clarke’s friendly communication and easy logistics make booking straightforward, even last minute.

Most travelers say the tour is suitable for most people, including those with mobility concerns. It’s best suited for those wanting a relaxed yet active exploration with a local guide who truly knows the area.

Why Choose Clarke’s Custom Island Tour in Ketchikan?

This tour offers a genuinely personalized way to explore Ketchikan, blending wildlife sightings, cultural insights, and beautiful scenery. The flexibility, combined with Clarke’s knowledge and friendliness, creates a memorable experience that stands out from typical bus excursions.

While the tour involves outdoor activity and some walking, Clarke’s attentiveness to guest needs makes it accessible and enjoyable for most. The inclusion of Alaska snacks and the opportunity to shop for local crafts add extra value to this private adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Clarke’s Custom Island Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, providing ample time to visit multiple sites and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

How many guests can participate?
The tour accommodates up to 11 guests, ensuring a small, intimate experience with personalized attention from Clarke.

What stops are included or customizable?
Stops depend on guest interests but may include wildlife viewing, totem poles, salmon ladders, waterfalls, cultural sites, and shopping areas. Clarke adjusts the itinerary based on what guests want to see and do.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, Clarke is helpful and accommodating, and many guests with mobility concerns report that the tour was accessible and comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The $90 per person fee includes private transportation, Alaska-specific snacks and drinks, and a personalized tour experience led by Clarke.

This personalized Ketchikan tour offers a genuine taste of Alaska, led by a guide whose extensive local knowledge and friendly style turn a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure. Perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace and explore both nature and culture.