Ketchikan: Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise

Explore the Wilderness of Ketchikan with a Scenic Drive and Zodiac Cruise

The Ketchikan: Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise offers a captivating half-day experience in Alaska’s wilderness. Priced at an attractive $148 per person, this 3.5-hour tour combines a scenic van drive through historic Ketchikan and Saxman with an exhilarating zodiac boat adventure through the George Inlet Fjords. It’s an ideal choice for those eager to see mountains, lush forests, and pristine waters, with a good chance of spotting humpbacks, orcas, and eagles.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on nature, wildlife, and geology, with the added richness of local culture. The tour departs from downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove Cruise Terminal, with the latter offering a more convenient pickup. While the experience excels in scenic beauty and wildlife viewing, the group size and weather conditions can influence the overall comfort and intimacy of the trip.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3.5 hours of scenic driving and zodiac boating in Alaska’s wilderness
• Price: Approximately $148 per person, including snacks and refreshments after the cruise
• Highlights: 2000-foot waterfall, granite cliffs shaped by glaciers, wildlife sightings of humpbacks, orcas, and eagles
• Start point: Downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove Cruise Terminal
• Includes: Guided drives passing Saxman, Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery, safety briefing, and zodiac boat adventure
• Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in Alaska’s landscapes and marine life

Starting Point and Meeting Details in Ketchikan

This tour begins either at Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan, near the Ketchikan Visitors Center and the iconic “The Rock” statue, or at Ward Cove Cruise Terminal for guests arriving directly by ship. The meeting time is generally 15 minutes before departure, where the activity provider greets with a sign reading “Wilderness Zodiac Quest.”

Travelers should plan to arrive on time, especially if meeting in downtown Ketchikan, which is a 5-10 minute walk from the cruise docks. Those at Ward Cove should be prepared for a dedicated pickup. The coordinates 55.340423583984375, -131.6466827392578 mark the exact meeting spot for the zodiac cruise.

Scenic Drive Through Saxman and Historic Downtown Ketchikan

The tour kicks off with a van ride through historic downtown Ketchikan, offering views of its colorful buildings and maritime character. Passing Saxman, travelers explore a community that highlights Tlingit culture through its extensive totem pole park.

The drive continues along the Tongass Narrows, where the scenery of mountains and untouched forests unfolds. The guide shares insights into local history, making it informative beyond just the natural sights. The stop at Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery provides a chance to see an active fishing operation and learn about Alaska’s fishing industry.

This segment is a good introduction to the area’s culture and history, setting the stage for the adventure ahead in the fjords and wildlife-rich waters.

Hike to Beaver Falls and Transition to Zodiac Adventure

At the Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery, guests enjoy a relaxing rainforest trail hike that leads to the zodiac launch site. This short trek offers a taste of Alaskan woodland scenery before stepping onto the four- or six-seater zodiac boat.

The guide provides a brief safety orientation before donning rain gear, rubber boots, and a life jacket. The focus here is on preparedness and safety, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before heading out into the water. Once onboard, the zodiac takes you into the George Inlet Fjords, where the real magic begins.

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Zodiac Cruise in George Inlet Fjords and Waterfalls

The zodiac adventure is the highlight of this tour, with stunning views of granite cliffs carved by glaciers and the powerful Mahoney Falls, a 2000-foot waterfall fed by glacial melt.

The narrow fjords provide an intimate setting for viewing wildlife and geological features. The guide points out snow-capped mountains and explains their formation, adding context to the breathtaking scenery. The cruise offers frequent wildlife sightings, including humpback whales, orcas, and waterfowl such as bald eagles.

If luck is on your side, you might spot seals in the waters or black bears on the shoreline. The waters flow with salmon streams, making this a lively spot for observing marine and terrestrial animals.

Wildlife Viewing and Nature Highlights

The zodiac provides fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation. You can see humpback and orca whales, which are common in these waters, along with Sitka deer and black bears along the coastlines.

Bald eagles are often seen swooping over the water, hunting for fish, adding to the visual spectacle. The waters are also rich with salmon streams, which bring a sense of activity and life to the fjords.

The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, offering explanations about the glacially carved granite cliffs and the natural significance of the waterfalls and wildlife in this environment.

Post-Cruise Snacks and Refreshments at the Cannery

After completing the zodiac adventure, guests return to the Beaver Falls Salmon Cannery for snacks and refreshments. This laid-back moment allows for photos, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the scenery from the dockside.

The cannery is a practical stopping point where many guests appreciate the chance to relax and absorb the natural surroundings before heading back to Ketchikan. The overall pacing ensures a balanced experience, combining adventure and leisure.

Practical Details: Group Size, Weather, and Safety

This tour operates as a private group, providing a more personalized experience. The zodiac boat, with four or six seats, allows for close-up viewing and interaction with the guide.

Travelers are advised to bundle up, as it can get chilly with the wind during the boat ride, and weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. The activity provider emphasizes safety, with a brief safety orientation before boarding, and provides necessary gear like rain jackets and life jackets.

Note that the tour is not suitable for children under 3 years, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users, due to the physical nature of the boat ride and trail hike.

The Experience Provider and Customer Service

The tour is operated by Ketchikan AdventureVue, known for its attentive service and detailed safety instructions. Reviews praise knowledgeable guides and the helpfulness of staff, with some mentioning guides like Brandon and Emily for their informative commentary.

While most reviews highlight positive experiences, one review notes that the tour was not private as advertised and was more rushed than expected, especially in larger groups. It’s worthwhile to confirm group size and expectations when booking.

The Sum Up: Authentic Alaska Wilderness in a Short Tour

The Ketchikan: Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise offers a well-rounded experience of Alaska’s natural beauty, combining a scenic drive through historic town and a zodiac boat adventure into the fjords.

The tour’s stunning scenery, wildlife sightings, and geological features make it especially appealing to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Priced at $148, it includes snacks and a comprehensive guide, providing good value for the adventure-packed half-day.

This experience is best suited for travelers prepared for chilly weather and physical activity, with a desire to see whales, eagles, and waterfalls in a pristine setting. For a more intimate, nature-focused excursion that balances scenery and wildlife, this tour delivers in spades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including driving, hiking, zodiac cruise, and refreshments.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins either at Berth 2 in downtown Ketchikan or at Ward Cove Cruise Terminal, with specific meeting instructions provided.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is around $148 per person, which includes snacks and refreshments after the zodiac cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 3 years or individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

What wildlife might be seen?
Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, seals, and black bears along the fjords and shoreline.

What should I bring?
Bundling up in rain gear, rubber boots, and warm clothing is recommended, as weather can be chilly and wet.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, the tour operates as a private group, offering a more personalized experience.

What is the focus of the drive through Saxman?
The drive through Saxman highlights Tlingit culture with its totem pole park and local history.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
Yes, the hike to Beaver Falls and the boat ride involve physical activity, and the tour is not accessible for those with mobility issues.

How do reviews rate this tour?
It has a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 18 reviews, with many praising the guides, scenery, and wildlife sightings.

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