Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to be experienced?
No experience is necessary to participate on our trips. We do ask that you are physically fit and inform us about any limitations you may have.

Can we bring the kids ? People of all ages enjoy our trips! Children must be aged six or over and parents should be aware that they will do the bulk of the paddling with kids under the age of ten. We have triple kayaks for families and generally children aged six or seven will be able to ride in the center of a triple.

Am I too old to kayak? You are never too old to paddle a kayak! Our oldest participant to date was aged ninety and going strong. As we use double kayaks we pair people up to make strong paddling teams. Just be aware that kayaking does require some physical exertion and call us if you have any questions or concerns.

What will the weather be like? Will we be cold?
Summer time in Southeast Alaska is mild with average temperatures in the 60’s, but days can run into the 80’s. We do live in a rainforest and our area is dependant on the rain that fuels the diverse ecosystem here. However the summer months are the driest.

Will we still have to go if it is raining? We would never do anything in Ketchikan if we stopped for the rain! We provide quality paddling jackets and spray skirts to our guests to keep everyone as dry as possible and don't forget that the wildlife doesn't care about the rain. Of a greater concern to kayakers is strong wind, and if the conditions are unsafe we will cancel trips with a full refund.

What should we wear? We ask you to dress warmly in layers; as if you were hiking, but without hiking boots. Even on sunny days, kids should be warmly dressed. Synthetic materials, wool and fleece are best as they will keep you warm even if they get damp. Sneakers are appropriate footwear as we step into the kayaks from a dock or a boat and your feet will not get wet. Hiking boots tend to be too bulky for the kayaks.

Can I sign up as a single person? Certainly! We will be happy to sign you up for an already scheduled Ketchikan Kayaking or Orcas Cove trip. We will team you up with another paddler or a guide in a double kayak. Unfortunately we are not able to run Misty Fjords Full Day trips or overnight trips for only one person but we can work with you to find a date for you to join an already scheduled trip.

Will I tip over? Not likely. Our sea kayaks are quite stable and our guides will help you develop technique and grace.

What if my ship gets delayed or misses port? Very occasionally a cruise ship will not stop in Ketchikan as scheduled: if a ship misses port completely we give a full refund. If your ship is delayed we will try our best to re-schedule. If we can’t there will be a full refund.

Will I miss my ship?Trips are scheduled to accommodate your timetable. We ask you to buffer your trip time by thirty minutes. If your ship gets in at 6.30am, we could easily pick you up at 7am. Cruise ships ask that you return aboard 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Typically, we ask that you allow 45 minutes between the time your kayak trip returns and the "all-aboard" time for your ship. We are located a short walk from the cruise ship dock. No one on our trips has ever missed their ship.

I am pretty big, will I fit?
Over the years we have seen all shapes and sizes with very few not being able to participate. We do not like to put a weight limit on our trips as the ability to participate depends on size rather than weight. You must be able to step into a 55" sprayskirt tube and pull it up to your chest thus if your girth is greater than 55" you may not be able to participate safely. If you are not sure whether you will be able to participate, please call us for more information.

Can you accommodate people with special needs?
We are proud of our reputation of providing outdoor recreation for all. Again, let us know how we can cater to your needs and we will do our best to make it happen.