Top Ketchikan Cruises & Sailing

Explore the bays and islands of Alaska on a whale- and wildlife-watching excursion off the coast of Ketchikan. Locally owned and family-run, this company prides itself on knowing the best up-to-date whale watching locations in the area. This ensures the greatest chances of spotting whales on your outing (though sightings are not always guaranteed), as well as other wildlife like bald eagles, harbor seals, and a wide variety of seabirds.

Embark on the ultimate Alaska wildlife adventure in Ketchikan! Discover top attractions like the mesmerizing salmon ladder, thrilling bear sightings at Herring Cove, and fascinating marine life at Rotary Beach, including whales and intertidal creatures. Dive into Alaska’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the iconic totem poles at Saxman Native Village, where Tlingit and Haida traditions come to life. Additionally, check out Creek Street-one of Alaska’s most iconic destinations—a picturesque boardwalk perched on stilts above flowing waters, rich in history, culture, and charm. In summer, the creek comes alive with the spectacle of the salmon run, as thousands of fish swim upstream. Complete your unforgettable experience with a savory smoked salmon or reindeer sausage lunchable. Our small group tours allow you to see Ketchikan like a local! Book your all-in-one Ketchikan wildlife adventure today and make memories to last a lifetime!

Hop into a military-grade inflatable boat for the ride of your life and take the wheel if you dare. You’ll follow a lead boat captained by a guide who’ll take you to some of the best places in the water for wildlife spotting, from seals and sea lions to bald eagle nests and humpback whales. Speed along island coastlines on a 3-hour excursion you’ll never forget.

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Clover Pass Resort, where your adventure begins aboard our comfortable enclosed watercraft. But this isn't just any cruise – it's a voyage into the heart of Alaskan storytelling. As we set sail, immerse yourself in the captivating narratives of local legends through recorded stories, each sharing tales of daring Alaskan adventures, mesmerizing encounters with the wild, and local life. From spine-tingling encounters with bears to heartwarming tales of survival, every story will transport you into the heart of Alaska's untamed spirit. Cruise through pristine waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, as we seek out the region's abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching the surface, playful seals and sea lions frolicking in the waves, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Your experienced guides will provide insightful commentary, to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife around Ketchikan by heading out onto the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest. This small-group tour takes you searching for wildlife including humpbacks, orca, sea lions, seals and eagles aboard a quiet and unobtrusive Zodiac expedition craft with a naturalist as your guide. Feel like an explorer and adventurer as you navigate narrow channels, rocky coastlines, forested islands and black sandy beaches.

Navigate a Zodiac boat in the Alaskan wilderness on this small-group tour limited to just four people. Cruise through rain-forest islands, into remote bays and inlets, and watch for wildlife including eagles, seals, whales and bears. Soak up the sights as each member of your group takes a turn at the boat’s console steering. This 3-hour guided tour includes a beachside snack, a boatman souvenir certificate and hotel transport from Ketchikan.

Embark on an adventure through the stunning Misty Fjords, one of Alaska’s most beautiful natural wonders. Set out from Ketchikan onboard a purpose-built vessel, equipped with comfortable inside cabin seating, panoramic windows, heated cabin, onboard restrooms, outside viewing deck and an onboard galley gift shop.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

Explore Ketchikan with a private tour designed for all ages, where your family and friends are the only guests in the tour van! Offering ease, comfort, flexibility, and a relaxed pace. Explore without rigid time constraints at each stop. Your group can decide how much time to spend at each location, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you the most. Destinations for wildlife viewing, stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, the coastal inner passage to spot marine life, totem poles, and knowledgeable, friendly tour guides. Why blend in with a large tourist bus when you can be the star of your own show? With us, your group receives all the attention, ensuring your interests are prioritized throughout the journey. Because there are no other travelers to consider, your guide can concentrate entirely on your group, providing a more personalized adventure during this private tour. Our goal is to create an experience that is fun, friendly, authentic, and unscripted!

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and increase your chances of spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales as you explore in a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

This trip puts a rod in every guest’s hand and gives you a crack at whatever species catch the scent trail your guide sets up on the bottom. This is an intimate fishing experience with 5 or 6 guests and a guide tucked into a hardtop aluminum cabin cruiser out on the halibut flats. Weather can be unpredictable, but a major advantage of fishing the Inside Passage is that there’s almost always a place we can hide behind an island, sheltering us from weather blowing in from the open sea. At our company, we don’t worry about fuel burn. We want our guides to go where guests have the best chance at the most active fishing. Compared to most half-day charters in Alaska, these trips will carry guests farther into more distant and productive waters. That means a better chance at the fish, more coastal scenery, and a better chance at spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and porpoises!

This trip is a departure from traditional fishing excursions in Alaska. You’ll ride in a comfortable, wide-open skiff, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the spray on your skin, and no matter which way you turn, you’ll be immersed in an Alaskan sensory experience. We’ll outfit you in rubber raingear and place you next to a warm fire at the fish camp, but getting a little wet is part of the appeal! This trip is fast-paced, we’re not waiting around for the fish. You’ll drop in a spot and either start catching within a couple minutes or we’ll be off to the next location. When salmon are in, we rush to jig rockfish before switching over to troll

A great pick for nature lovers, this Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion picks you right up at the cruise ship docks and takes you on an underwater Alaskan adventure. Get suited up in your snorkel equipment and listen to an instruction before you hit the water with a guide who knows the best spots to spot sea life. Hot beverages and water are also provided for convenience during your Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion.

Discover the wild side of Ketchikan! Step off the beaten path and experience the natural beauty of Alaska’s rainforest, beaches, and wildlife on this unforgettable 3-hour small-group adventure. Our locally guided tour takes you deep into the lush Tongass National Rainforest, along remote beaches, and to hidden spots where eagles soar, salmon swim, and wildlife thrives. With a maximum of 10 guests per tour, you’ll enjoy a personal, flexible experience where you can ask questions, take amazing photos, and connect with the landscape in an authentic way. We specialize in small groups to give you a richer, more meaningful connection to the land, wildlife, and culture. We’ll meet you right at your cruise dock — including Ward Cove — and whisk you away for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This is more than a sightseeing tour — it’s an immersive, locally guided Alaskan experience you’ll never forget. Let’s go explore Ketchikan’s wild beauty together! Tender Boat Disembarking (Private Tours Only)

Discover the old-growth forests of Tongass National Forest on this small-group trek that includes hotel pickup in Ketchikan. Go with a guide to avoid getting lost and hike through an Alaska State Park. Trek past old-growth rainforests of Sitka spruce and western red cedar, walk along a river, and catch sight of a few waterfalls in the area.

Get off the beaten path on this utility-task vehicle (UTV) tour to Mahoney Lake. Ride mountainous off-road trails along the George Inlet Fjords, Tongass National Forest, and Mahoney Lake, a small lake north of Beaver Falls. Along the way, stop to soak up views spot wildlife, and lunch on smoked reindeer links on a bun with hot chocolate and coffee.

Enjoy a quintessential Alaskan experience and feel the adrenaline pumping on this thrilling Ketchikan Zodiac adventure, led by a seasoned wildlife guide. You’ll travel by road to Beaver Falls on the shores of dazzling George Inlet, hike through the rainforest to your Zodiac, bundle up in waterproofs, take the wheel, and follow your guide. After spotting Alaska’s rich wildlife, return to base for snacks and a hot drink.

Get off your cruise ship, and get your adrenaline going, on this half-day shore excursion to a Ketchikan zipline adventure park. Soar through the Alaskan rainforest on seven ziplines and eight canopy ropes. This natural jungle gym includes suspended logs, rope bridges, a climbing tower and staircase, meaning thrill seekers of all experience levels can share in the excitement. Round-trip port transport included.

Experience the highlights of Ketchikan on a thoughtfully curated Two hour tour showcase scene the regions, natural beauty and wildlife. Observe salmon navigating a local fish ladder, offering a striking view of the seasonal migration. Throughout the journey, guests may encounter a variety of night native wildlife, Including bald eagles, seals, and deer with the exciting possibility of spotting black bears along the shoreline or whales in the ocean. Enjoy a peaceful walk along a scenic beach where driftwood line Shores and crisp ocean air capture the essence South east Alaska’s coastal charm. The experience concludes With a visit to a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, providing a serene and memorable final to your tour.

Traverse Ketchikan, Alaska with the help of a local guide on this relaxed trolley tour. This group experience takes you around Saxman Native Village, Herring Cove, Creek Street, and more, as well as giving you chances to hopefully spot some local wildlife — all while your guide shares information about local history, culture, and more.

Discover the wildlife and native cultures of Ketchikan on this half-day nature excursion for your private party. Visit an old Native American village to learn about its culture and see the intricately carved totem poles. Learn about the edible plants of the region, see local wildlife such as salmon, whales, and eagles, and visit several of the area’s beautiful beaches.