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!

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.

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.

Experience Ketchikan through the lens of its wildlife and native cultures on this local-led tour. Meet your Haida guide and begin your experience with three stops to spot Ketchikan wildlife. Then delve into the history and culture of the local Haida and Tlingit peoples with a visit to the Totem Heritage Center. Learn about the history and significance of totem poles and the legends of these two cultures.

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.

Experience a 1.5-hour Misty Fjords flightseeing tour with Seawind Aviation aboard our classic DeHavilland Otter or Beaver seaplanes. Just a short flight from Ketchikan, you’ll soar above towering 3,000-foot granite walls, deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers, misty peaks, waterfalls, and lush forested slopes. We’ll touch down on a remote mountain lake or calm saltwater inlet for a 20-minute stop, giving you the chance to step out onto the floats and take in the stillness of this pristine wilderness up close. After returning to Ketchikan, we’ll bring you back to the downtown cruise ship docks in plenty of time to board. Norwegian Cruise Line guests who are docked at Ward Cove (20 min outside Ketchikan) will be dropped at the free shuttle stop for easy transport back to their ship.

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)

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.

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.

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

Ketchikan is now the home of the most dynamic experience in Alaska combining culture, history, excitement, and cuisine! This tour is in scenic downtown Ketchikan in the Thomas Basin historic district, home to the Salmon Fishing Fleet and Crab Fishing Boats. You will be hosted at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena and Harbor Haus Pavilion, landmarks of industry, food, and entertainment. Your tour starts at the historic site of the Spruce Mill, once the largest Sitka Spruce Mill in the World and now the home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This world-famous Lumberjack Show has World Champion athletes in a rowdy, no holds barred competition with twelve events such as chopping, climbing, sawing, axe throwing, and log rolling. Hang on to the edge of your seats for a rowdy good time! Just a few steps away, the Harbor Haus will be your destination to experience the most pristine Dungeness Crab feast. Enjoy an all you can eat Dungeness Crab feast!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are a Haida Alaskan Native Owned and Operated Guide Service here in Beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska. Let Us Share Our Culture and Way of Life with you as we tour parts of Ketchikan and the surrounding area. Learn how to spot medicinal plants that have been used by the Tlingit/Haida peoples for thousands of years and learn about their benefits. You will also learn How to Read the Characters of the Totem Poles, what they mean, and their history. See eagles in their nests and other wildlife such as Whales, Deer, Bears, Sea Lions, Seals, and plenty of salmon. We do our best to ensure a high chance of spotting wildlife but it is not gauranteed. This is a private group style tour so there is a lot of felxibility in terms of routes and preference of stops. We will accomodate your pick-up and drop-off locations so reach out to us for pick requests if needed! We look forward to meeting your group and giving you a taste of our culture and Ketchikan's Beauty! (Group size is limited to 14)

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.

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.