Continuing with my Alaskan adventures, I chose the Zodiac adventure in Ketchikan (often referred to as the “back country zodiac expedition”). While not venturing far from port, the chance to ride the zodiac boat in the waters around town and the Alaskan coastline for 2.5 hours and out to the ocean seemed like an adventure that would be fun (even if I looked silly head to toe in the clothes). As mentioned in the 10 Tips for Planning an Alaskan Cruise, the cruise ships have a stronghold over the tour vendors and direct you to book via the cruise ship directly. So I booked my Zodiac Expedition in Ketchikan via Holland America Eurodam excursion tours (called EXC tours).
Preparation for the Zodiac Expedition in Ketchikan
Arriving in Ketchikan, Alaska, we were one of the first ships in port (there would be four ships that day) and as you disembark into town, it was easy to find the Zodiac Expedition van waiting for passengers. I was welcomed and given a legal release waiver to sign (always a fun exercise to put the next of kin emergency contact information on before beginning your adventure) before we left for our tour. Arriving at the Ketchikan Outdoor office in about 10-15 minutes from town, we were welcomed as the staff sized us up and began giving us our layers of clothes and accessories to put on (Pro Tip: use the bathroom before getting dressed) as well as a bin to put our shoes and personal belongings in. It’s a quick process so be prepared to shed your shoes, etc. to get quickly dressed to keep the group on schedule.
I was given:
- Socks & Boots
- Overalls
- Coat
- Gloves
- Clip On Bag for my Camera and necessities
- Facemask
- Lifejacket
I had to be helped with some of the clothing (solo travel problems) and once done felt like a big dork who could barely walk in the gear. It was funny to see everyone in the same goofy but necessary gear as we all hoofed down the stairs to our boats.
The Back Country Zodiac Expedition Ketchikan Tour
I was assigned a boat (the Johnny Cash) with a father/daughter since the other groups were together and easily split into four per boat. The father asked to drive and I was happy to be a passenger (we would stop halfway if drivers wanted to switch but I didn’t feel the need for speed that day). Driving age for the zodiac is 25 years and older so his college aged daughter was not allowed to drive.
Given a bit of instruction on how to drive the boat, steer and brake by our guide Mary, who is legendary for her survivalist adventures. Our group of four boats (Mary leading followed by three passenger boats) set off slowly following in a line behind Mary. Given that we were out among the other boat traffic it was key to stay together. It was fun when we sped up as my driver, who was British, was a bit slow and his American daughter said “c’mon dad, go faster and catch up”. We were the last boat in the line so we were always catching up. He took the opportunity to go a bit too fast to catch up and when he would hit the waves or veer away from the wake of the boats ahead, his daughter and I would get pretty wet with the water spraying in our faces. We were thankful for our gear but wished for less water in our faces.
Ketchikan Zodiac Expedition – Sights
We stopped a few times during our adventure. We looked at an island in the middle of the water that residents do live on and need a boat to/from town. We stopped to admire the bald eagles (golf balls in the trees). Mary tied our boats together when we stopped so she could talk to us and ensure we all stayed with her. She did a demonstration that was pretty cool – she threw fish into the water and we watched an eagle fly down and pick it up with its talons and fly away – very nature channel. My video is a bit wonky (I had it initially the wrong way) but you get the picture if a bit askew. (Pro Tip: Use Slow Mo setting on Iphone next time)
She also showed us jellyfish like creatures and floating flora (I forget what this was but kept thinking Sigmund the Sea Monster).
When we picked up speed across the water, I felt very much one with nature and the water. As we neared the ocean, the temperatures were much cooler and the water much choppier.
The day was overcast as much of the journey had been and for a few minutes the sky cleared and it was amazing to be in Alaska on a zodiac having an amazing adventure on the water in Ketchikan. Downside to the boat ride and water was that my camera and iphone were tricky to use given the gloves and gear. I suggest wearing a GoPro for this trip otherwise be careful with your camera.
Zodiac Expedition with Ketchikan Outdoors
When we had to follow Mary back to base it was with a bit of sadness because we were all now getting the feel of the boat, the water and the surprises of nature. Back at base, we entered a room downstairs from the entry point to find our buckets of clothes, bags, shoes, etc. We all needed help to undress of the gear and immediately felt so much lighter. As we departed, each group gave Mary a tip except for me because I somehow (embarrassingly) couldn’t find my cash (I would find it later back on the ship at the bottom of my bag but at the time we were leaving couldn’t find it fast enough). I went to the cruise desk to inquire about the tour company so I could send Mary the money and the staff on Holland America were not allowed to tell me the name of the tour company I paid to join that day (absurd!).
So, if you are cruising to Alaska and want a unique adventure in Ketchikan, I highly recommend the Zodiac Adventure (called Back Country Zodiac Expedition in the Cruise Tour books) with Ketchikan Outdoors. Each boat holds four people and they will combine parties of two/three as needed so don’t get upset if you are sharing the boat. It’s a fun day either way. The cost will vary by cruise ship so budget at least $169 + tax per person plus tips for your guide and office team (driver, gear staff, etc.).
Ps. – I mailed my $20 tip money to Mary while writing this, hopefully, she’s still there and doesn’t mind the delay.