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It was easy to see why this company is so popular. They have built their reputation on personal service and small groups. Whatever your wishes, their goal is "to make it happen".
The owners are transplants and originated from faraway. When we heard about how they kayaked from Juneau to Ketchikan, we thought they would be out of our league. Then they told us their philosophy and we realized that their goal was to turn you on to the reality of Alaska in an oh-so-gentle way. They have designed their tours around two different itineraries to capture your interests. They require nothing from you but a smile and a willingness to learn.
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The first leg of your journey will be by boat, about a 20-minute ride. You will then transfer to land and receive a friendly greeting from your guides, who will give some basic instructions before you start on your 2.5-hour paddle. Once comfortable, you will set out in your kayaks. The kayaks you are using have a center pod, which makes it unnecessary for the two travelers to paddle in sync. You will find it easy and, if you do this without a partner, the guides will find you one - perhaps even one of the guides!
Before long, you will feel comfortable looking around you at the wildlife, forgetting you are even in a kayak. Now you can observe the wonders of Alaska, with looming mountains and rainforest growth that comes right up to the shoreline.
The guides will know the action here, and will show you the Bald Eagle nesting sites that are active. River otters, Black Tail Deer, and even bear can often be observed during your kayak trip, most likely mid to late summer. Sea lions, Orcas, and Humpback whales often play a role in your stay on the water. The key to wildlife in Alaska is to find the fish, the source of life for these creatures. The upwelling of food in the water brings all sorts of critters.
The water is amazingly clear and you will be able to observe much of the marine life at low tide. We saw starfish, even in the winter months. The scenery is exceptional as well and dry bags are provided to protect your camera or video recorder. The guides will be happy to record you as you are paddling along the shoreline.
In addition, guides will be carrying binoculars to share with the group.
Just before your return to Ketchikan, you will be treated to a snack of smoked salmon and hot drinks.
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Orca's Cove Kayaking Adventure is a fun trip for people looking for a wilderness adventure away from the crowds. No experience is necessary for this paddle exploring the islands and wildlife of Southeast Alaska. Paddlers are taken by boat to remote Orca's Cove to meet their kayaks and guides. A smoked salmon snack is included.
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Traveler Reviews
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| 6/20/2010 |
KETCHIKAN...K Harris |
| We had the most incredible views of Alaska's wilderness and wildlife; up close and personal from our two person kayak! We were amazed at the wildlife we were lucky enough to see a momma black tailed deer feeding her baby, a pair of Bald Eagles arguing (with baby squawking from the nest) and even a Mink! The staff was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. My husband loved his first taste of real Alaskan salmon on this trip! Everything was perfect - even the sun was out greeting us into Orca's Cove! This is a MUST DO for Ketchikan! |
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| 6/20/2010 |
KETCHIKAN...K Diedring |
| We had the most incredible views of Alaska's wilderness and wildlife - up close and personal from our two person kayak! We were amazed at the wildlife we were lucky enough to see: a momma black tailed deer feeding her baby, a pair of Bald Eagles arguing (with baby squawking from the nest) and even a Mink! The staff was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. My husband loved his first taste of real Alaskan salmon on this trip! Everything was perfect - even the sun was out greeting us into Orca's Cove! This is a MUST DO for Ketchikan! |
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| 6/10/2010 |
KETCHIKAN...D Gross |
| The excursion was very good. Our guide did a great job; everyone was very professional and friendly. |
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| 5/30/2010 |
KETCHIKAN...Krosky |
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| 9/14/2009 |
KETCHIKAN...J Terrell |
| We took a kayaking trip in Orcas Cove in Ketchikan. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very peaceful and our guides were knowledgeable. We appreciated the small size of the group and the family atmosphere. The salmon lunch/snack at the end was delicious. |
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| 7/7/2009 |
KETCHIKAN...Felco |
We loved our kayak trip. Our 3 couples were escorted by a wonderful guide. It was great for beginners. We saw starfish, sea anenomes, dolphins, a seal, and a
bald eagle, as well as salmon and herring jumping out of the water! To top it off, a yummy spread of smoked salmon and crackers with our choice of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot cider. |
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| 8/13/2008 |
KETCHIKAN...Totten |
| Our kayak excursion was fabulous. There were 4 couples in our group. Pick up was timely, gear was in good shape, guides were competent for the new kayakers and able to show the seasoned paddlers interesting wildlife around the coves. Plus we ate the best smoked salmon ever had. One couple bought a case to be shipped home. We'll share. |
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| 8/23/2007 |
KETCHIKAN...Eckert |
| WE had a wonderful time on our kayaking trip! The scenery was beautiful, the kayaking was fun, the smoked salmon was great(from someone who doesn't like salmon) and having our very own guide was terrific. Thanks for the great memories you added to our already wonderful trip to Alaska. We will be back. |
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| 8/3/2007 |
KETCHIKAN...Duddleston |
| We both enjoyed our excursions very much and everything exceeded our expectations! It was a wonderful experience. Our leader and my kayak mate and I can't say enough good things about her. Not being a swimmer, she made me feel so relaxed and confident that I never had a nervous moment. She is a real jewel. |
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| 7/17/2007 |
KETCHIKAN...Ensalaco |
| The kayaking trip was awesome! While my sister and I had never kayaked before, we had no problems whatsoever. The scenery was great and we saw a lot of bald eagles, several of which were perched on a large rock and didn't even move when we paddled close to them (got some great pictures). The kayak company was great - timely pickup and dropoff. The salmon snack they provided was the best smoked salmon I've ever had. In fact, we are going to buy a case from their website and have it shipped to us (a local fisherman has it canned specifically for the kayak company). I would highly recommend this trip and don't worry if you've never kayaked before, you will do fine. |
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| 7/5/2007 |
KETCHIKAN...Hirshhorn |
| I had a great time kayaking with the group that and I thought that the little meal at the end of the paddle was a nice personal touch. |
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| 5/28/2007 |
KETCHIKAN....C Smith |
| We loved the trip and will definitely use your company in the future. We are planning a trip to Scandinavia and Russia next summer. |
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| 9/25/2006 |
KETCHIKAN...D. Johnson |
We loved our Orca's Cove Kayak trip in Ketchikan. Though our hosts told
us they can have as many as 6 on a trip, we had only my husband and me with
our guide, Tristan. He and the entire staff were friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Each of the staff we met had his or her own Alaska story and we enjoyed each one. Neither of us had ever kayaked but we both felt we were in very good hands the whole time. The cove is dead quiet and, in a kayak, you hear nature in a way you'd never hear in a motorized boat. Thanks! |
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| 8/10/2006 |
KETCHIKAN...G. Stone |
| Fantastic Excursion! The entire experience was "perfect", the people, activity, weather, snack . . everything. We had a great time. Mike, our tour guide was excellent. It probably was the highlight of our entire trip!! |
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| 6/28/2006 |
KETCHIKAN...L. & D. Arnold |
| Our kayaking trip was fabulous. Our kayak guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our small boat driver and dresser was wonderful and gave us lots of local information. The capt. of the boat where we got on the kayaks was very nice and friendly. He was very helpful and assisted us getting in the kayaks. When we returned, he gave us a nice snack of salmon, cream cheese and hot chocolate. Everything was very easy and nice. Thanks. |
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| 8/26/2005 |
KETCHIKAN...S. Edwards |
| This is the shore trip I definitely want to comment on! It was the very best trip we took, mainly because of the courteous guides. They were a joy to be around. The kayaks, and all of the accessories were nice and especially the snack provided at the end of our trip. Salmon and crackers served on a checkered tablecloth. I would recommend this trip to anyone! Also the boat owner and his assistant helped in making this excursion a most memorable one. I still remember the facts mentioned during our kayaking trip about the eagles, starfish and the area of Ketchikan. He was the sweetest young man with personality plus! Please compliment this excursion group! We even received a postcard from them before we arrived home from Alaska. A nice touch! |
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| 8/26/2005 |
KETCHIKAN...J. Ryker |
| Our kayaking was one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise. The young man who took us was a real joy. He was very informative on nature, history, etc. Also, the girls prepared us a lovely snack tray of salmon, crackers, etc. on the boat. Red checkered tablecloth--the works. It was lovely and tasted outstanding. The guide put up with all our prying questions on his life and laughed with us the whole time. Everyone on this excursion was the height of professionalism and fun! I would go again today if I could!! I just can't say enough good things about this shore trip!! |
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| 7/19/2005 |
KETCHIKAN...K. Kuriger |
| We had a great time on our kayaking trip. Fantastic trip. Our guide, Erin, was really nice. Actually, everyone was great. We would recommend it to anyone. |
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| 6/24/2005 |
KETCHIKAN...L. Repa |
| Our trip was amazing! It was everything we hoped for and more. The vendor in Ketchikan was perfect. We had a private kayaking tour with an excellent guide. Thank you. We will definitely use Shore Trips again. |
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