Boat Rentals in Ketchikan, AK

June through August is the best time for boating on Tongass Narrows and nearby Clarence Strait, combining Ketchikan’s warmest coastal water with the city harbors’ extended May through September staffing. NOAA averages put the water in the low 40s in winter, the upper 40s in May, and the mid to upper 50s from June through September.

City harbormasters remain on duty year-round, though hours are shorter October through April. For a good day, check the marine forecast and NOAA tide and current predictions: the Coast Pilot notes a current or eddy along Ketchikan’s wharves, frequent clouds and rain, and identifies October as the wettest month.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information and Office of Coast Survey (ncei.noaa.gov)

From Ketchikan, you can boat Tongass Narrows, Ward Cove, Clover Passage and George Inlet in a day. Tongass Narrows continues from Revillagigedo Channel to Clarence Strait and splits around Pennock Island into East and West channels. Ward Cove widens beyond its entrance, but logs and snags make cautious anchoring important.

Clover Passage is a deep island passage connecting Tongass Narrows with routes toward Naha and Moser Bays; Knudson Cove has ramps and harbor access. For George Inlet, put in at Mountain Point or use the city floats at Hole-in-the-Wall; its upper coves offer sheltered anchorages, while some heads of coves become tidal flats.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Ketchikan, boaters can make day trips to Rudyerd Bay for Misty Fjords scenery and a historic cannery site; New Eddystone Rock for its volcanic spire; Naha Bay for boat access to the Naha River National Recreation Trail, old growth rainforest and a waterfall; Helm Bay for salmon, halibut and Dungeness crab fishing; and Blank Inlet for salmon, rockfish, halibut, lingcod, crab and shrimp.

Source: Travel Alaska (travelalaska.com)

No. Alaska does not require recreational operators to complete boating education or carry a boater education card. There is no birth date cutoff or statewide minimum operator age, and personal watercraft operators follow the same general responsibilities as other boaters. Because education is voluntary, rental customers do not need a state card or temporary certificate, though renters may receive a watercraft safety orientation. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of Boating Safety administers the voluntary program and offers approved courses such as Alaska Water Wise.

Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of Boating Safety (dnr.alaska.gov)

Alaska’s Office of Boating Safety highlights life jackets, sober operation, boat registration, and personal watercraft restrictions. Carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person; children under 13 must wear one in an open boat, on an open deck, or while being towed. Operating a watercraft at 0.08% blood alcohol content or while otherwise impaired is illegal. Boats principally used in Alaska must be registered unless exempt; exemptions include nonpowered boats and boats registered elsewhere that operate in Alaska no more than 90 consecutive days. PWC manufacturers advise against after dark operation; navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise, and local waterways may restrict or prohibit PWCs.

Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of Boating Safety (dnr.alaska.gov)

Alaska law does not set a statewide minimum age to operate a boat, so the rental operator sets the minimum age for renting. The statewide rule has no separate operator age minimum for personal watercraft, and Alaska does not require a boater education card at any age.

There is a location-specific exception on Alaska state park land and water: under 11 AAC 12.110 and 11 AAC 12.990, a person under 14 may not operate a motorized boat unless accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or a person age 21 or older. Confirm the rental operator’s age policy when booking.

Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of Boating Safety (akleg.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Ketchikan has 1 boat club, 4 marinas and 1 boat dealer.