Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
5

Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition

By Out to Sea Expedition Company
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 5-120, max of 12 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets
  • Dry bags for personal items
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • A light snack is provided


Start:
  • 124 Thomas St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
    Our outfitting space is a 10-15 min walk from the cruise ship docks off of the waterfront promenade near Thomas Basin. Transportation from the downtown docks is available on request with 48 hrs notice. For guests arriving at Ward Cove, we have ship specific instructions sent via email after booking.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 197392P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 197392P1

    From
    $199.95
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 124 Thomas St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
      Our outfitting space is a 10-15 min walk from the cruise ship docks off of the waterfront promenade near Thomas Basin. Transportation from the downtown docks is available on request with 48 hrs notice. For guests arriving at Ward Cove, we have ship specific instructions sent via email after booking.
    • 1
      Pass by
      Tongass National Forest
    • 2
      Pass by
      Ketchikan
    • 3
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Out to Sea Expedition Company
      100
      Ketchikan, Alaska
      Joined in September 2019
    • N7711LHtricial
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Experience
      Highly recommend booking a zodiac boat tour with Delaney and Eric when visiting Ketchikan. It was an incredible experience seeing all the different Alaskan wildlife in a more up close and personal manner. Delaney and Eric are the sweetest people and highly involved with Ketchikan wildlife. This tour was truly inspiring!
      Written September 23, 2024
    • 196kerryw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unforgettable Adventure with Out to Sea Expedition!
      Absolutely thrilled with our experience with Out to Sea Expedition in Ketchikan! From start to finish, the trip was a highlight of our vacation. Delaney and Eric were outstanding guides, sharing their extensive knowledge of the area and its wildlife, which made the journey even more enriching. We were lucky enough to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, a sea lion, and soaring eagles. Delaney and Eric made sure we had the best views and photo opportunities. The small group size made the experience feel personalized, allowing us to connect with our guides. We felt safe and well taken care of throughout the trip. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Ketchikan, I can’t recommend Out to Sea Expedition enough. Thank you, Delaney and Eric, for an amazing day out on the water! We can’t wait to come back and explore more.
      Written September 20, 2024
    • Andrew G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic afternoon
      This was a really good informative trip that was run by two clearly passionate staff who wanted to share all there knowledge, I would highly recommend this adventure to everyone of all ages
      Written September 24, 2023
    • KSMfromKTN
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lunge feeding whales!
      This was an amazing way to see wildlife in Ketchikan! After a short 15 minute zodiac ride, we found a pod of humpbacks lunge feeding (that you can see in their excellent cover photo) that we spent most the time watching. We also saw at least a dozen seals and bald eagles, as well as a black bear along the shore!
      Written September 19, 2019
    See all 100 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles96 reviews
    Excellent
    94
    Very good
    1
    Average
    1
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    Tracy F
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    Our family group of six were joined by the boat pilot, Eric, and our naturalist, Jenny, or "Science Mom." Both were excellent at what they did!
    From start to finish this was an excellent experience! We met near where the Zodiac was moored, about a 12 minute walk from the cruise terminal. They provided us with any gear we'd need, including rain gear if needed which, thankfully, we did not.
    We proceeded to the boat, got our emergency talk, and climbed aboard. We all felt extremely safe the whole time as we spent the next two or so hours boating around the beautiful waterways of Ketchikan. It was a spectacularly beautiful and warm day and the water was so smooth, it was so special to be out, touring around. While Eric skillfully maneuvered us around and in and out of inlets, Jenny shared her knowledge of the area and the flora and fauna found within. Along the way we saw harbor seals, a bald eagle, a bald eagle's nest with two eaglets in the nest, and numerous star fish. We even stopped in a quiet shaded spot to have a snack Jenny packed for us which included some tasty hot chocolate.
    Eventually and reluctantly, we headed back to the harbor as our time was coming to an end.
    All six of us agreed that we felt so fortunate to have had this experience. All of the people with whom we interacted at OtSEC were so kind and helpful and genuinely interested in making sure we had an excellent experience.
    Written August 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much for writing about your experience! We really enjoyed meeting your family, and sharing an exceptionally warm & sunny afternoon on the water. We hope to see you next time you are in town (though we can’t promise the same weather!)
    Written September 15, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    kjkasondra
    Los Angeles, CA4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    If you’re looking for a great excursion while in Ketchikan, stop looking and book with Out to sea. Delaney, Eric, and Science Mom were amazing. We had 4 kids ages 5-12 and my parents in their 70-80’s go on the Zodiac boat. From the beginning Delaney was great at communicating all the details as we had a large group. We were also concerned about the weather and the ride. On the day of our tour it was raining but Out to sea fitting us with rain proof jackets, pants, shoe covers, beanie, gloves.. we stayed completely dry. The ride was smooth and Eric did a great job navigating any wakes off boats. We got to see bald eagles, sea lions, various native birds, whales. Had a very informative lesson on star fish and kelp. Everyone on our group thought this was the best tour we had on our cruise. They make you feel like family (only 10 people) on our boat total and even give you some tasty treats while your enjoying nature.
    Written July 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so glad everyone had a good time, thank you for taking the time to write a review!
    Written October 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Christine K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    We had a rainy but lovely afternoon with Delaney and Eric this memorial day weekend. It was chilly and wet the day we visited Ketchikan, but that didn't stop Delaney and Eric from showing us around the beautiful landscape and wildlife of Ketchikan. They provided all the gears to keep us warm and dry in the rain and we were able to see the a few humpbacks (I screamed the first time I saw the tail), bunch of bald eagles (flying, resting, juvenile, adult, etc) and other birds, many harbor seals swimming as a group, sea stars, and many more wildlife! Delaney was not only knowledgeable (and full of love for her home in Ketchikan) but also engaged my 5 year old daughter the whole time. Highly recommend!
    Written May 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review!
    Written October 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kim H
    Sarasota, FL17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    We spent 5 days in Ketchikan and this was probably my favorite excursions. Eric was a great captain who not only knew the water, but offered great suggestions for restaurants and other cool places to check out. Science mom was also a great guide that taught us all kinds of things. We’re excited to try Kelp pickles! The boat felt safe and we loved the cool breeze and Alaskan air. We saw tons of bird species, deer, mink and seals. 🦭
    We will definitely be booking this again on our next trip!
    Written July 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are so glad you enjoyed your time on the water, the ability to experience Alaska with all of your senses is really what we love about the Zodiac. Hope to see you again next time you’re in town!
    Written October 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    dennis
    Seattle, WA14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Eric and Delaney do a great job! Their shop has all kinds of things for outdoor adventures in addition to running a great expedition. They suited us up with great rain gear and life Jackets before taking out family out. They gave us a lot of information about the area and sea creatures. They took us to gear spots to see eagles, sea-life in the intertidal zone and through the islands. Of course we all hoped to see an orca or a whale. However I sincerely loved what we were doing and taking in the incredible area, feeling blessed to be soaking in SE Alaska. We watched a fishing boat bring up its haul of salmon. Minutes later we were tested to a humpback popping up from the sea as it gulped down a meal. We stuck around watching this amazing creature eat several more meal as Delaney explained to us what was happening and giving us info about whales. Eventually the whale showed us their tale and Delaney told us this whale is know by Phoenix. Phoenix moved on and we headed over to an area where seals where basking in the sun. As we headed back to the marina, Delaney and Eric gave us some more info about the things we were going past on shore. They provided hot chocolate and coffee on the boat as well. Our 3 kids ( middle and elementary) enjoyed it very much and we felt safe. We were fortunate to have a sunny day. Most likely you will have some drizzle so dress more warmly than you do on land bc it will be colder out on the water. Enjoy and know you are in good hands!
    Written August 21, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Explore158363
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2024 • Friends
    If you do one excursion while in Ketchikan, pick this one! Eric and Delaney were so knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw on this trip. Being out so close and personal and exploring sea urchins, eagles, porpoises and learning about the various types of birds was amazing. Making our way back, we saw humpback whales! The entire experience was so nicely done with outfitted gear to keep us warm and dry to the sweet sip of hot cocoa while on the water. You guys are the best, this was an unforgettable experience! Thank you!
    Written October 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much for writing a review! We’re glad you had a great time :)
    Written November 13, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Oliver H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    Friendly people, cool excursion!

    We visited in August with our 3 children between 4 and 11 years old. The kids loved the adventure of the RIB/Speed boat and the local knowledge of the team was excellent, they obviously knew the area inside and out, and we were given some valuable local and historic knowledge of the area.

    We saw a hump-back feeding along the shore line, some harbour seals and bald eagles.

    These guys went out of their way to make it an easy and enjoyable experience.

    All the kit needed was provided for us, and despite being splashed a fair bit by the waves I came off the boat bone dry thanks to the waterproofs. (we had windier weather than normal so the waves were a bit more active than you may get!). Life jackets were very good quality.

    I was impressed by the speedy recovery of our Son's Spiderman cap when it blew off shortly after leaving the dock, with a single lightening fast (and obviously well rehersed) manoeuvre the hat was plucked from the sea. It left me in no doubt that if we fell in at any point we'd be recovered back into the boat in seconds.

    Very professional, very fun!
    Written August 22, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We are happy to hear your family had fun, we always appreciate the little ones that are ready for adventure :) Our crew performs regular Man Overboard (MOB) Drills as required by the USCG, and we are glad they could use those skills to save the Spider-Man cap!
    Written August 24, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Adrian H
    Nashville, TN34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    First-class operation, all the way around. It was foggy on the morning we were supposed to go out, and we got a call from the company, asking if we could postpone our trip a few hours so that the experience would be better. Not all tour companies would have bothered doing so. Now, the staff: Top-notch. Captain Kellie and guide Carly were friendly, charming and knowledgeable. Kellie managed to find not one, not two but three whales for us, as well as harbor seals, starfish, and plenty of bald eagles. And Carly knew A LOT about all the species, turning our 2.5 hours into a classroom experience. They also had binoculars for everyone as well as coffee and hot chocolate on board. Overall, one of the best tours we've had anywhere.
    Written August 22, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you again for your flexibility! We do everything we can to craft the best possible experience for our guests given the time constraints of most travelers, but always appreciate the willingness to adjust when schedules allow. We are glad you could join us, it was certainly a great day for wildlife!
    Written August 24, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Zhen
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2022
    Wonderful trip to the sea. Delaney is a fantastic host. Kelly is a wonderful captain. Both are lovely. It is certainly a very different view from the ocean. The sky is cloudy, the sea is rough and the wind is chilly. Yet, Delaney had us very well prepared and made us felt taken well care of. The conversation is certainly an extra highlight of the trip. She showed us bald eagles, harbor seals, sea stars and many other sea creatures. We got a lot of understanding about the living styles of this ecosystem and the local people. It felt really good that Delaney and Kelly maneuvered the boat to pick up a few garbage out of sea along the way. It was great trip and we really enjoyed it. Highly recommended it.
    Written May 18, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We appreciate you taking the time to write a review. It was certainly a classic Ketchikan weather day, but we are happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the water! Thank you again!
    Written May 24, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Nadina R
    High Point, NC4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022
    This tour was probably the best we had during our time in Alaska. Escaping the crowds on shore and getting to see the remote beauty around Ketchikan that so many do not see was wonderful. The small group size meant the tour could be personalized and you have a chance to ask questions and learn so much.

    We were so fortunate to have Eric and Carly as our guides. Their knowledge of the area, Eric's lifetime experience and Carly's recent residency, added so much to gaining an insight on what life is like in Ketchikan. They knew the spots to take us to see the wildlife. Even though you can never predict the behavior of animals, we saw so many. They have such a broad knowledge of the indigenous people and the history which really added to what we saw.

    The best part of this, however, was their willingness to spend extra time for a remarkable experience. A pod of orca were spotted in the area. Their network of tour guides gave them this information so that we could follow a small pod from a legal distance. They were very considerate of our time even though we could have spent hours out there. They were also very respectful of the animals and the laws regarding the safety of all wildlife. Eric and Carly spent an extra hour with us just to follow the orca so that we could all have this rare experience.

    I would highly recommend that you take a tour with this company. If you are on a cruise, you don't have to worry about getting back to your ship on time because they are very aware of and considerate of the time provided by your cruise line. This is a team of such nice, knowledgeable people. They really take the time to make you feel comfortable and ensure you get the best experience possible.
    Written August 8, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you Nadina! We really appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience, and thank you again for sharing the orca photos. It was definitely very special!
    Written August 10, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition provided by Out to Sea Expedition Company

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