Top Ketchikan On the Water

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.

Enjoy world-class sport fishing off the coast of Ketchikan during a fishing charter with an experienced captain. Drop your line in the deep waters offshore with the possibility of catching Pacific halibut and four different types of Alaskan salmon. Your captain can suggest stops and assist you with baiting the line or reeling in your catch. Plus, round-trip transport from the cruise ship dock or your hotel is included.

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.

We cater to our guest arriving into Ketchikan by cruise ship as well as staying in town. Our seasoned and knowledgeable guides help set us apart. At the end of the trip we will facilitate delivery of your catch to the local fish processor.

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!

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.

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

This combination trip gives your guide the freedom to pursue the best fishing opportunities available on the day you arrive. Whether it’s highly technical salmon trolling with downriggers, jigging pinnacles and kelp forests for rockfish and lingcod, or plumbing the depths for bottom fish, this trip highlights the diversity of species and fishing techniques Southeast Alaska is famous for! The guides who take these trips out are chosen for their versatile skill set, to run a trip like this you have to be rigged up with multiple sets of rods to facilitate completely different types of fishing rapidly within the course of a half-day trip. They’re ready to run far, pivot rapidly between locations and styles of fishing, and lean into the best seasonal opportunities on the day of your trip!

There are many salmon charters out there, we are different: 1) We don’t worry about burning fuel to find fish: Whether they’re schooled up in front of the hatchery in Ketchikan or swarming on the ocean waters of Dixon Entrance, our guides have the freedom to find the shiny fish 2) We run cutting-edge boats: Your entire fleet is made up of modern aluminum Raiders. Every vessel in the fleet is running multi-beam sonar with electric downriggers. We give your guides the tools they need to have the best possible shot at the fish 3) Salmon fishing in season offers the best action, best opportunity, and hardest fights of the fish we have in Ketchikan. The quiet serenity of a slow troll can be shattered the instant one of these fish hits, and suddenly it’s all hands on deck to land that fish. The excitement of an active troll bite is the sportfishing that made Ketchikan famous the world over. Book today to experience the rich tradition of Alaskan salmon fishing!

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.

Spend time out on the Alaskan waters and cast your line for salmon aboard your own charter. Join your captain and board your vessel for a ride in the salmon capital of the world. Cast your line for five different species of salmon—chinook, coho, red, pink, and chum. While you’re fishing, admire the rugged scenery that Alaska has to offer.

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.

If you’re visiting Alaska and love to fish, don’t let the opportunity to go fishing for salmon pass you by as the state is home to seven species of Pacific salmon. Book this Ketchikan Private Salmon Fishing Charter Experience and head out on the water with just your private group and guide to test your skills. Everything needed to fish is provided for you, and you’ll spend your day casting and waiting for a bite.

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.

Set off on an exhilarating 4-hour salmon fishing expedition in Ketchikan, Alaska! Board a fully equipped charter boat and journey into the rich fishing grounds where wild salmon thrive. With top-quality gear, expert guidance, and a stunning Alaskan backdrop, this trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Feel the adrenaline as you hook a prized salmon and create lasting memories on this ultimate Alaskan adventure!

Multiple excursions offered including cook your catch on the boat ! Huge favorite ! Whales and orca are always possible and dolphins! Eagles surround the area all summer and jumping salmon ! This is one memory you want to have !

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.

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

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.

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

This fully private salmon fishing charter is designed around your group and your schedule. Unlike large shared excursions, you’ll fish alongside a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain who focuses entirely on your experience. We target proven local fishing grounds based on daily tides and conditions to give you the best opportunity to hook Alaska salmon during your limited time in port. With dockside pickup coordination, flexible routing, and personalized instruction for all skill levels, you’ll enjoy an authentic Ketchikan fishing experience — not a crowded tour. Wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, seals, and whales are common while fishing the scenic waters surrounding Ketchikan, adding to the unforgettable Alaska experience.

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.

This tour departs from the Ketchikan Visitors Center and returns to Ward Cove! Express Boarding: Eliminate the usual wait times associated with traditional transportation methods and make the most of your port day in town, without the stress. Ketchikan’s picturesque waterfront and scenic landscapes will be your backdrop as you make your way back to your cruise ship. Souvenir shopping is available for guests to enjoy onboard if you did not get your fill on Creek Street! The carefully curated galley gift shop highlights locally sourced items and Alaskan artists.