Top Ketchikan Water Tours

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.

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.

For many, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and so is this. You’ll start on the water in a heated vessel, cruising for sneak peeks at whales, eagles, and seals. You’ll land in a remote corner of the Tongass National Forest, where a boardwalk floats you above the mossy floor. When you’re finished exploring, you'll head to the onsite lodge for an Alaskan seafood boil, all your senses in extravaganza mode.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the best of Ketchikan on this full-day tour, featuring stunning wildlife and cultural highlights. Visit the salmon-filled Ketchikan Creek, explore Rotary Beach for sea creatures and potential whale sightings, and spot seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove. Conclude with a visit to Saxman Native Village to admire one of Alaska's largest totem pole collections and learn about indigenous traditions.

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.

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.

Lighthouse Excursions is a locally owned & operated Ketchikan tour company based out of Ward Cove. We pride yourselves on providing guests with an experience of Southeast Alaska through local eyes. Your Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion is a grab-bag of some of Ketchikan's top attractions, with a little something for everyone. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast, a history and culture buff, or love seeing wildlife in their natural environment, this tour is for you! We're passionate about where we live, and we love showing it off to guests from all over the world.

Discover the beauty of southeast Alaska when you book this lighthouses, totems, and eagles tour from Ketchikan. Ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts, history buffs, and wildlife lovers, this tour explores Ward Cove's industrial history, Totem Bight State Historical Park, local lifestyles, and the iconic Guard Island Lighthouse. You also gain insights into Alaska's native cultures and the Tongass National Forest.

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.

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.

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.

Trade in a mellow shore excursion for a thrilling alternative in Ketchikan. Steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style canoe. Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack.

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.

Explore the deep waters off the coast of Alaska during a personalized fishing charter from Ketchikan. Opt to fish for Pacific halibut and four types of Alaskan salmon or choose another focus such as wildlife watching or photography. Your experienced captain can suggest stops and customize the itinerary according to your preferences. Plus, choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour fishing trip to best suit your schedule.

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.

Experience the beautiful harbors of Ketchikan’s dynamic waterfront and take in breathtaking wilderness surroundings while cruising aboard a deluxe, Alaskan-built expedition vessel in search of wildlife. Enjoy your relaxing wildlife quest in search of harbor seals, eagles, humpback whales, porpoise and more while learning about Ketchikan’s unique history. Every excursion is unique; custom-designed by your experienced Alaskan captain and crew. Throughout your journey prepared to be wowed by tales of this remote oasis as our lively local guides and Expedition team share fascinating insights into its rich history, both natural and human. Sit back and relax in the warm and comfortable main cabin, surrounded by large windows or step outside onto the outside observation deck for maximum wildlife viewing. This family and Alaska Native tour operator has offered excursions in region for over 50 years!

Search for bears in an area that’s normally closed to the public on a tour from Ketchikan. After being picked up from your cruise terminal, travel to Clover Pass Resort to board a boat for a water tour of Tongass National Forest. Arrive at Neets Bay Bear Observatory, with permits provided by the only company allowed to do so. Explore the forest and salmon-filled stream, hopefully spotting some bears.

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.

In just a half-day, you can get deep into Alaskan nature with this island adventure. Setting out from Ketchikan, you’ll hop aboard a Seahawk to glide through Clover Passage, spotting sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Landing on a remote island, you’ll then explore the Tongass National Forest—the largest in the country—with a trail guide, navigating an old-growth forest unlike anywhere in the Lower 48.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage on this half-day small-group tour. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a waterfall and native flora. And visit a Totem Park: learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and explore a magnificently carved clan house.