All Ketchikan Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Ketchikan All In One

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Meet your guide at your cruise ship dock. See city highlights, including historical Creek Street and a local salmon hatchery, before continuing out of town: you’ll visit totem parks, pretty tide pools and beaches, nature preserves, and more. As you go, learn all about the region’s indigenous heritage.

Ketchikan 4 in 1

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

Ketchikan Rainforest Adventure Nature & Wildlife Tour

Price varies by group size

Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours

3hr Private Custom Excursion in Ketchikan for up to 14 people

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!

Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour

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.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan

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.

Misty Fjords Floatplane Flightseeing 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.

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.

3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk

Experience an authentic Ketchikan adventure crafted by expert local guides with years of industry experience and consistent five-star ratings. This flexible excursion is available as either a shared small-group experience or a private tour, bringing travelers closer to Alaska's rich culture and stunning great outdoors with a personal touch. Set out on an unforgettable journey to explore iconic boardwalks, historic totem sites, and lush rainforest landscapes tailored to your preferred group setting. Along the way, immerse yourself in local maritime history, keep watch for wild animals, and enjoy a captivating sightseeing experience designed to showcase the best of the region.

Small-Group Ketchikan Sightseeing Tour

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.

Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

4 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Top rated tour. 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.

Ketchikan Wildlife Tours “Over The Top Tours”

Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure

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.

2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion in Ketchikan

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1.5hr -includes 20 minute water landing

The Harbor Haus at Thomas Basin will be your destination to experience the most pristine Dungeness Crab feast. While looking out over the harbor filled with commercial fishing boats, watch as the daily catch is brought to the docks. Your meal includes salad with Asian style dressing, all-you-can-eat Dungeness Crab, baby red potatoes, and delicious carrot cake! After the meal, you are within downtown Ketchikan, surrounded by totem poles, Creek Street, jumping salmon and shopping.

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Alaska Crab Feast

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.

2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

Lumberjack Show and Axe Throw Challenge

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Ketchikans Best Wildlife, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

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.

Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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.

Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast

3 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Get off your cruise ship, and get your adrenaline going, on this half-day shore excursion to a Ketchikan zipline adventure park. Soar through the Alaskan rainforest on seven ziplines and eight canopy ropes. This natural jungle gym includes suspended logs, rope bridges, a climbing tower and staircase, meaning thrill seekers of all experience levels can share in the excitement. Round-trip port transport included.

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

3hr Private Custom Excursion in Ketchikan for up to 14 people

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Must-Dos in Ketchikan

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What are people saying about Ketchikan

Jennifer_J, Oct 2026

An Unforgettable Ketchikan Experience!

We had an incredible 3-hour custom driving tour of Ketchikan with Briggs, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide! Briggs was incredibly knowledgeable about the rich history of the city and provided wonderful insights into the Native culture and heritage of the area. To top it all off, He helped us spot amazing local wildlife—we saw salmon, eagles, and even a bear! It was a seamless, informative, and memorable highlight of our trip. Highly recommend Briggs to anyone visiting Ketchikan!

3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk

Anjali_R, Oct 2026

Great experience

What a great excursion. Operator communicated great for pickup from cruise port. He was so knowledgeable and the hike was easy and we learned so much. Great option if you want to save money from the cruise ship excursion and this tour takes you to areas you won't be offered from the cruise ship.

Ketchikans Best Wildlife, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

Elizabeth_B, Sept 2026

Great excursion!

Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable. He spent a lot of time explaining things and was very accessible. Loved the small boat with only a few people on it. We saw a humpback come up several times!! Captain Morgan did a great job getting us near the whale but at a respectful distance.

Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

Diane_P, Sept 2026

An Unforgettable Day

This excursion was the highlight of our holiday. We were lucky enough to see sea lions, bald eagles and lots of bears! The two guides that we had were clearly passionate about wildlife and very enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge with us. We had the most amazing day and would not hesitate to book this tour again, if we are ever able to re-visit this beautiful part of the world.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1.5hr -includes 20 minute water landing

Tamara_D, Sept 2026

Once in a lifetime

This flight is a once in a lifetime experience if you’re traveling to Alaska. The weather was questionable and this company went out of their way to wait until the weather cleared up to take us up and not disappoint us with a cancellation. The pilot gave us not just one, but two water landings, and we were able to get out and enjoy the scenery. Absolute must! Thank you so much for giving us this lifetime memory that we will not forget! Cheers from Chris, Christina, Tamara & Omer from Phoenix Arizona.

Emerald Forest Tours: Private Tours suitable for all ages...

ashley_p, Sept 2026

We booked this as the...

We booked this as the last excursion of our cruise. Our group included 2 kids (1 and 4) and 4 adults ages 30s-60s. Bianca was AMAZING! She interacted so well with our 4 year old, even pulling him away from the boring (in his mind) blacksmith presentation to show him a banana slug she found. She showed us everything we wanted and more, we got to do everything we wanted without feeling rushed and made the most out of a short port day. She also took amazing photos and videos she airdropped to us at the end. Thanks Bianca!!

Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure

Ashley_Q, Sept 2026

This was a true Alaskan...

This was a true Alaskan experience and excursion. We were the only group on the tour so it felt like a private showing of Ketchikan from the local guide, Austin. Being in the zodiac boat instead of a larger boat with a group of people really sets this excursion away from the rest. I highly recommend this excursion and it was the highlight of our trip.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan

David_F, Sept 2026

A life-altering experience

This was an absolutely outstanding experience. The Deadliest Catch Crab Fishing Tour is far more than just a sightseeing excursion; it is a raw, authentic look into the reality of the Bering Sea. Captain Ron and Big D: These two veterans made the tour unforgettable. They didn’t just demonstrate the mechanics of crab fishing; they opened up and shared their entire life stories. Hearing them talk about heading out into the unforgiving Bering Sea at just 19 years old made the entire experience incredibly real and grounded. The Unfiltered Reality: They were completely transparent about the brutal lifestyle of the industry. They openly discussed battling treacherous weather, navigating the sudden influx of crab money at a young age, and the hard life lessons they had to learn along the way. Seeing how they have transformed their lives and now dedicate themselves to sharing that journey every day is genuinely inspiring. A Mission That Matters: The most impactful part of the tour is the cause behind their work. They are out there to support the survivors and families of those who have lost their lives in this highly dangerous industry. A Profound Perspective: Their storytelling is a powerful mechanism for giving back and creating awareness. It completely shifts your perspective, leaving you with the sobering realization that real human lives are risked…and sometimes lost…just to put the seafood we eat onto our plates. If you are looking for an excursion with genuine depth, grit, and purpose, I cannot recommend Captain Ron, Big D, and this entire crew highly enough.

Misty Fjords Floatplane Flightseeing Tour

Paul_B, Sept 2026

We had never experienced...

We had never experienced a float plane before and the takeoff and landing were much smoother than expected. The flight through the Misty Fjords was great. The scenery was spectacular and our pilot, Jake, was fantastic. We contacted Taquan Air several times with questions and they were always quick to respond. We would highly recommend this experience.

Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter

Erin_C, Aug 2026

Great fishing experience!

We had a really nice time during this trip! We only caught a few fish but happened to be there on an incredibly sunny and warm day which made the fish swim lower so we couldn’t complain. Captain Moses and his son were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful on board. We also saw three orcas which also explained the disappearance of the fish. Overall it was incredibly cool!

Lumberjack Show and Harbor Haus Crab Feast

Albert_L, July 2026

Good show and the crab...

Good show and the crab was excellent!! Be aware of where your ship will dock because if it docks at the docks outside of the city there will be a long line to board the bus to get to the closer ports then you still have a 10 min walk to the lumberjack show. Much cheaper than booking it on the ship and I would book it again just for the crab!!

Private Ketchikan Halibut and Salmon Fishing Charter

Nancy_E, July 2026

Great!

Justin was awesome! Boat was great. Salmon fishing was great! We steadily caught fish ending up with 12 catches in 4 hour tour. Each of the 4 kids caught several. Captain was personable and funny and professional. Better than fishing booked directly through cruise line. Communication was great. Met right off ship and taken directly to boat. Afterwards he offered to dropped us off right next to restaurant he recommended for lunch- which was delicious and short walk back to boat. Highlight experience!