Hovercraft Eco Adventure & Wildlife Viewing

Get ready for the most anticipated and highly rated adventure in Ketchikan. Your exclusive tour will start immediately at the cruise ship dock. There, you will board the only U.S. Coast Guard certified Blackbird hovercraft, and embark on a narrated journey with descriptions of local attractions. This scenic flight will show you up-close views of the Ketchikan waterfront, including the totem poles in Saxman Native Village, the Coast Guard Base, Trident Cannery, Thomas Basin Boat Harbor and the historic Creek Street. You’ll learn about the unique Alaskan lifestyle of living “off-the-grid” as you pass residences on neighboring islands before ending up on a local beach.  Your tour guide will describe the operations of this “air cushion vehicle” from the fully enclosed and climate-controlled cabin, as you fly 20 inches over water. The air cushion that the hovercraft rides on greatly reduces friction, allowing the vehicle to transition smoothly over the various surfaces. Since there are no propellers in the water, the vehicle has no impact on marine life, making this mode of transportation one of the most environmentally friendly available. Your pilot will take you over gentle waves and along the jagged shoreline before flying your craft from the water to the beach. Make sure to have your cameras ready as the hovercraft transitions from sea to land. Flying onto the beach will be the ultimate display of the maneuverability that makes a hovercraft such a unique vehicle. Once ashore, guests will get the opportunity to step out onto the remote beach and walk around the beautiful Tongass National Forest shoreline. From there, embark on a marine wildlife viewing expedition as you look for eagles, whales, harbor seals and more.