Top Ketchikan Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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!

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.

Get acquainted with Ketchikan on a tour on a state-of-the-art amphibious vehicle that goes on land and water. This excursion combines a vehicle and boat tour to reveal the city from two perspectives. Take a tour of Ketchikan's rustic streets before splashing into the harbor for a different perspective of "Alaska's First City." Stop often to marvel at the beauty of it all, including the many gorgeous totem poles.

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.

Enjoy an experience most tourists miss and step off your cruise ship into a floatplane to admire the glassy blue lakes, waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks of Misty Fjords National Monument on this shore excursion from Ketchikan. Capture bird’s-eye views of varied landscapes and try your luck spotting eagles, bears, and plenty of other wildlife during the flight that includes a guaranteed window seat. It’s an ideal experience for nature-lovers.

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.

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.

Book the whole boat for one flat rate: $1400 for up to 4 guests; $1700 for 5; $1900 for 6. That makes this private charter a steal! And while all guests are welcome, no other charter fishing operation in Ketchikan is more accessible. Our custom-built boat is wheelchair accessible; we have adaptive fishing gear on board; and Captain Jack has over ten years experience working in various disabled communities. We believe that ocean excursions are for everyone–that's why we built this boat with accessibility in mind. Captain Jack is also a consummate host and year-round resident of Ketchikan, whose primary goal is to give you the best experience possible, whatever the nature of the weather or the bite. Novice anglers will find a friendly and patient teacher. Experienced anglers will have opportunity to try more advanced techniques. And all anglers will meet an enthusiastic captain who is happy to guide you through a taste of what life is like here in Southeast Alaska!

Experience the thrill of Ketchikan with this lively shore excursion that blends local flavor, rich history, and adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Walk through historic Creek Street, then head to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to watch world-class athletes compete in axe-throwing, log-rolling, and more. With heated seating and nonstop action, this high-energy performance captures the rugged spirit of Alaska.

Get an overview of Ketchikan's local wildlife and culture even if you're short on time on this efficient tour. Learn about black bears, bald eagles, and more in a more personalized small group setting where you can ask questions. Get a more authentic glimpse into the city's art and culture with insights from your local guide. The stops are customized depending on the season to maximize your experience.

There are few options for public transportation in Ketchikan, Alaska—but this efficient sightseeing tour makes it easy to explore the area. Meet your guide at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau near the ship docks and head out to see area highlights such as Ketchikan Creek, Herring Cove and we go to a walk to Rotary Beach

On this tour you'll enjoy a rich history briefing of the historic fire station, the process of distilling our local spirits, tastings of our house spirits, followed by a hands-on class of how to blend your own custom infusion. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included in this experience. Once your signature creation is complete, create a custom label and enjoy your bottle back home with friends and family!

Explore Ketchikan in our '67 Volkswagen van. You can enjoy learning about Ketchikan's colorful past, rich Native history, and the flora and fauna that make Southeast Alaska such a wonderful place. Our stops include but are not limited to a local Alaskan beach for intertidal exploration (tidal dependent), photo stops along Nichols Passage, a dazzling waterfall, and a stop at scenic Herring Cove for the possibility to spot wildlife (not guaranteed). Substituting the Saxman Totem Park or a short hike for any of the options above is also available. This tour can be completely customized to fit your itinerary. Just let our guide know; he will use his local knowledge to create an adventure you won't soon forget! This tour is an excellent option for all ages and guests who enjoy exploring with local guides! *Please keep in mind that each tour is different and tour stops may be changed by our guides due to tides, traffic, road construction, and weather.

Venture to three nature spots around Ketchikan in just a couple hours to search for wildlife with a local guide and small group. This easy tour requires only the ability to take about 30 steps and includes visits to Herring Cove, a roadside waterfall, and Rotary Beach tide pools. Leave all the driving to someone else as you look for animals ranging from bears to eagles to salmon.

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.

Alaska boasts astonishing biodiversity, and Ketchikan is a popular gateway to its rainforests, beaches, and wildlife—but with limited time on land, it can be tough to venture off the beaten track. Designed for cruise ship passengers, this private half-day tour takes you deep into Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States and home to salmon, bald eagles, and black and brown bears.

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.

Explore the breathtaking waters of Ketchikan on this intimate whale watching tour. With a small group led by knowledgeable locals, enjoy personalized service as you search for humpback whales, orcas, seals, and more. This 3 to 3 and a half-hour adventure aboard a stable catamaran features heated indoor seating and panoramic views, ensuring comfort in any weather. Savor a complimentary locally sourced lunch of your choosing between five different options, while taking in the stunning Alaskan scenery. If no marine mammals are spotted, a $100 cash guarantee awaits you at the end of the tour. - Small-group tours led by local experts for an authentic experience - 3-3.5-hour duration on a high-speed vessel reaching prime wildlife hotspots - Complimentary lunch included - Marine mammal sighting guarantee with cash refund if no sightings occur - On time for cruise ship departure guarantee

Enjoy a unique, private, and comfortable excursion courtesy of local guides who are passionate about their hometown. You’ll learn all about Ketchikan, its surrounding area, and the wildlife that calls it their home too. The tour will be tailored to your interests, but make sure you keep your eyes peeled for black bears, seals, bald eagles, and more.

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.

Venture into the stunning Tongass National Rainforest, where ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife abound. This tour offers an immersive look at Ketchikan's natural beauty, showcasing black bears, bald eagles, and spawning salmon in their natural habitats. A knowledgeable guide will lead the way, providing insights into the local ecosystem and ensuring a memorable experience tailored to the day's conditions. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small families, enjoy this intimate tour limited to 12 guests for personalized attention. - Explore the breathtaking Tongass National Rainforest with a local guide - Spot wildlife including bears, eagles, seals, and whales - Enjoy a small group experience with a maximum of 12 participants - Operates rain or shine; dress comfortably for the weather

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.

The Alaskan city of Ketchikan is an urban setting against a backdrop of idyllic wilderness. Learn about native Alaskan culture while visiting traditional totem parks, soft sandy beaches, and thundering waterfalls on this half-day private tour with hotel pickup that can be customized to your party's interests.