Backcountry Zodiac Expedition

2.5 hours | Ketchikan | K T N - 7 0 0
Average Guest Rating
From
$ 199.95
Max. age: 75 years | Min. age: 4 years | Max. weight: 300 lbs. | Min. weight: 30 lbs. (See special notes)

Points of Interest

  • Saxman Native Village
  • Outdoor Adventures
Shopping Opportunities, Includes snack, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your tour begins with a short transfer to the briefing center. Upon arriving, you'll be outfitted with top-of-the-line rain gear, hat, gloves, socks, boots and safety glasses. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as this seafaring adventure offers photo opportunities from the moment you set sail.

Throughout this expedition, your guide will offer narrative covering the area's history, geology, culture and ecology. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the Inside Passage up close and personal.  

You'll board your four-passenger boat and head off the grid to behold the beauty of Alaska far away from the crowds. You'll follow your guide to the harbor in front of Saxman Native Village and chat about the totem poles and Tlingit culture. You'll search for bears, eagles, whales and seals, and venture into the backcountry wilds of Nichols Passage. Here, you will marvel at the beautifully rugged coastline of southeast Alaska, most specifically the intended site of the "Bridge to Nowhere."

You'll navigate through the coves and inlets around Blank Island, view the tranquil cove of an old gold mine and visit a seal rookery.

Once back at the marina, you'll dock your boat and warm up with a hot beverage before returning to the ship.

Special Notes:

Minimum age is 4 and maximum age is 75. Guests must weigh a minimum of 30 lbs. and may not exceed 300 lbs. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age and present a valid driver's license or other proof of age. Maximum of four guests per boat and all eligible guests will have a chance to drive. Parties under three will share a boat. Tour route may change due to daily tide and weather variations. This tour is not a good choice for guests with any back or neck issues, or who are pregnant. The seas can become rough and very bumpy.

Provided: Life jacket, binoculars, rain gear, rubber boots, warm socks, knit hat, gloves, safety glasses, complimentary souvenir picture

Snack: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, crackers, hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee, water

Liability waiver is required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Medical Restriction:

Not recommended for guests with back or neck problems. Expectant mothers not allowed.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Transfer to shop

Transport type:
Mini Bus
Travel time:
00:10
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
20
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Watch safety video & gear up

Time at site:
00:10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Walk to boats & additional safety orientation

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
00:10
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
100
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Drive your own boat and explore the various inlets, coves and waterways

Transport type:
Zodiac
Transport Capacity:
4
Travel time:
01:50
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Return gear & transfer back to ship

Transport type:
Mini Bus
Time at site:
00:10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes