Top Ketchikan Wildlife Watching

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.

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.

Learn about the native cultures of Alaska during your time in Ketchikan on this private shore excursion. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, a salmon hatchery, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, your guide teaches you about Native American culture and traditions.

Explore Alaska’s wild coastline and discover remote areas that most tours can't reach on this small-group kayak adventure from Ketchikan. Depart by boat and reach remote waters to launch tandem kayaks straight from the vessel. Spend time exploring pristine shores, spotting marine wildlife, and soaking up the untamed scenery. With gear, snacks, and transport included, this hands-on tour is perfect for all experience levels.

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.

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.

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.

This private tour is fully customizable, with a flat rate of $900 for 1-4 people; $1100 for 5; and $1300 for 6. Captain Jack is eager to give you the best day that he can on the water, and there's no fixed route for this tour: just tell him what interests you most, and he'll do what he can to deliver, whether you're hoping to see humpbacks or bears; totem poles or a lighthouse; harbor seals or hidden coastal treasures. Our custom boat was built right here in Ketchikan, and it's fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a large forward deck for viewing scenery and wildlife; another deck to the rear; and a spacious, enclosed cabin with huge windows, for comfortable viewing from indoors. Captain Jack is a year-round Ketchikan resident with 13 years of ocean guiding experience. He also has a deep knowledge of this place and its people that he his excited to share with you. . We are also certified through IBCCES and Autism Double-Checked.

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.

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.

You'll love seeing Ketchikan and the island with Clarke. He has lived on the island for a long time and has given plenty of tours. He knows the island well and is fun and very personable. He will listen to your interests and design a tour based on what you want to see, learn or experience.

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!

We start off the tour with a nice trip over the whale watching grounds on a 12 mile run to the crabbing location. From there we put your names on the crab pot buoys, bait the pots and toss them over. Huge Dungeness crab, rock crab, and even Puget Sound king/Box crab, starfish and other oddities are hauled up in our crab traps. We can spend some time doing a bit of fishing or whale watching in the middle of the tour. You are able to ship your catch home or eat it back at the dock. Approx 4 hours