All Ketchikan Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Alaska Boatman Adventure with Southeast Exposure

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore Ketchikan in our '67 Volkswagen van. You can enjoy learning about Ketchikan's colorful past, rich Native history, and the flora and fauna that make Southeast Alaska such a wonderful place. Our stops include but are not limited to a local Alaskan beach for intertidal exploration (tidal dependent), photo stops along Nichols Passage, a dazzling waterfall, and a stop at scenic Herring Cove for the possibility to spot wildlife (not guaranteed). Substituting the Saxman Totem Park or a short hike for any of the options above is also available. This tour can be completely customized to fit your itinerary. Just let our guide know; he will use his local knowledge to create an adventure you won't soon forget! This tour is an excellent option for all ages and guests who enjoy exploring with local guides! *Please keep in mind that each tour is different and tour stops may be changed by our guides due to tides, traffic, road construction, and weather.

Private Ketchikan Tour in '67 VW Van

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer from Ketchikan

5 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Customize Your Own Private Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Owner Operated, Boat Launched, Kayak Tour

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.

Private Ketchikan Halibut and Salmon Fishing Charter

6 hoursFree Cancellation

On this tour you'll enjoy a rich history briefing of the historic fire station, the process of distilling our local spirits, tastings of our house spirits, followed by a hands-on class of how to blend your own custom infusion. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included in this experience. Once your signature creation is complete, create a custom label and enjoy your bottle back home with friends and family!

Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience

Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour

Embark on an unforgettable private tour of Ketchikan that is customizable to suit your preferences. Uncover the beauty of Alaska's stunning landscapes while traveling in the lap of luxury with a private transportation service that ensures your comfort. Learn about Native Alaskan cultures at Potlatch Totem Park, spot local wildlife such as seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove, and get a local perspective on the town while enjoying spectacular views.

Customizable Tour in Ketchikan with Pick Up

First-time visitors to Tongass National Forest may find it intimidating to explore alone as it’s one of the United States’ largest national forests. Prebook this small-group hiking experience from Ketchikan and follow a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) trail with a guide navigating the way. Along the way, see old-growth Sitka spruce trees and a forested lake nestled amidst the surrounding mountains.

Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

See Ketchikan’s cultural and scenic highlights on a private tour led by a Haida Alaska Native-owned and operated guide service. Visit the Salmon Ladder, Herring Cove, Rotary Beach, and the Totem Heritage Center, where admission is included. Learn about medicinal plants used by Tlingit and Haida peoples, hear the Raven Fog Woman totem-pole story, and look for salmon, eagles, bears, whales, seals, and sea lions. Flexible plans let your group choose preferred stops while visiting Ketchikan and the surrounding area.

Private Alaska Native Excursion Cultural, Scenic Experience

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!

Ketchikan Authentic Alaska Fishing Adventure

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Ketchikan Custom Tours does exactly what is says. You will be privately hiring a 14 Passenger Van with private tour guide and driver. Each tour can be custom built prior to your arrival but as with all trip some times things change (The Weather) and we can change th tour itinerary even on the day. Doesn't matter what you want to se and do, We will make it happen. Things to see : Historical sights, Totem Poles, Black Bear viewing, Black Tail Sitka Deer, Wold, Mountain Lion, Hump Back Whales, Orca, Mountain Goats/Sheep, Bald Eagles, Salmon. Hike in Tongass National Forest. Beach Walks, Waterfalls and scenery second to none.

4hr Custom Private Tour of Ketchikan (14 People) Wildlife + More

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience the best Alaska halibut fishing! Private excursion includes halibut fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Catch your trophy halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska. We offer a guaranteed on time pickup and drop off from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship ports. Making this fishing charter the best way to maximize your time in port. Private Ketchikan halibut fishing excursion is great for all ages and skill levels. We provide everything needed for an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure! Halibut fishing in scenic waters along the Ketchikan coastline. This private fishing excursion gives you a hands on experience. The best halibut fishing waters on your Alaskan cruise.

BEST HALIBUT Fishing Excursion & Wildlife - KETCHIKAN Top Rated

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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!

Ketchikan Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience a unique Ketchikan wildlife cruise that combines breathtaking scenery, Alaska wildlife, and authentic local storytelling. Departing from Clover Pass Resort aboard our comfortable enclosed vessel, you'll cruise the protected waterways of the Inside Passage in search of whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and other wildlife. As you travel through Southeast Alaska's stunning coastal landscapes, enjoy captivating stories from local Alaskans sharing tales of wildlife encounters, commercial fishing adventures, local legends, and life in the Last Frontier. Unlike traditional wildlife tours, Tales & Tides offers a deeper connection to Alaska's culture and people while providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and sightseeing. This unforgettable Ketchikan shore excursion combines wildlife, scenery, and authentic Alaska stories into one memorable experience.

Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or both in a small-group setting of 3-6 people. Invite the whole family and experience the action regardless of skill level. The captain will provide all required equipment for fishing and guide you through the marine waters to where you'll start catching fish on a 4- or 6-hour tour.

Ketchikan salmon fishing adventure

6 hoursFree Cancellation

The summer is the best time to see bears in the Alaskan wilderness and this excursion takes you to the best spots. Join a small group and fly from Ketchikan to Tongass National Forest, landing at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory. Then, hike through the forest to see bears feeding and living in their natural habitat, a great opportunity for budding wildlife photographers to capture amazing photos.

Traitors Cove Bear Viewing

Explore the wonders of Ketchikan with a fully customizable 3-hour private tour tailored to your interests. Whether you wish to observe wildlife like whales and bears, hike in the scenic Tongass National Forest, or delve into the local history, this tour adapts to your group’s preferences. Engage with the vibrant culture through totem poles or visit unique spots like the Gun Museum or local pubs. Enjoy the freedom to create your ideal Ketchikan experience. - Personalized 3-hour tour with a focus on your interests - Options include wildlife viewing, hiking, or cultural experiences - Visit iconic sites like totem poles or local museums - Ideal for families, groups, or anyone looking to explore Ketchikan's beauty

3hr Custom Private Tour of Ketchikan (4 People) Wildlife + More

Broaden your horizons: CustomIze Tour Tour? We are an Alaskan Native (Haida) owned and operated guide service in beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, specializing in small group tours that will enhance your knowledge about the rich culture and history of the Haida & Tlingit people. You can’t experience Ketchikan without spotting some wildlife, so we have 3 stops just for possible sightings of bears, salmon, and eagles. You will also learn all about the history behind the iconic totem poles of Alaska as we explore the Totem Heritage Center and hear legendary stories that have been passed down for generations. All vans are equipped with microphones so everyone can enjoy the great narration of everything Ketchikan and Haida. We will also show you what medicinal plants and berries are edible as we travel through the Rainforest in comfy van. Traveling with us means no questions are left unanswered and that you leave Ketchikan satisfied with your cultural experience.

Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..

Observe bears in their natural habitat on a half-day tour by air from Ketchikan. Your pilot shares commentary via radio headset during the 40-minute scenic flight as you go over the Inside Passage to Prince of Wales Island. Land at Polk Inlet and visit the United States Forest Service bear-viewing platform, where your guide helps you get a close look at wild bears as they hunt for salmon along the creek. Includes scenic flight, guide, and pickup and drop-off from central Ketchikan.

Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour By Air From Ketchikan

Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Ketchikan

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What are people saying about Ketchikan

Ketchikan Zodiac Boat Adventure

Jeff_C, Oct 2026

An exciting, wonderful time!

I didn't realize my wife and I would have our own zodiac boats, but everyone did, as they are two man boats! The weather was beautiful. Lucas, our guide, was fun, knowledgeable and easy going. The tour was informative, and very enjoyable. Lucas would stop along the way and explian local indian lore, and pionted out the various wildlife. We saw eagles, sea lions, seals and absolutely beautiful scenery! We would definitely recommend this excursion to one and all!

Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1.5hr -includes 20 minute water landing

Laura_P, Oct 2026

The tour was A+ from...

The tour was A+ from start to finish. Prior to arrival, contact was made to confirm location and time. The trip to the shop where the aircraft was located was comfortable and short. The flight exceeded my expectations, especially landing in the fjord.

Whales and Lunch! Ketchikan's Premier Marine Mammal Viewing Tour

Jose_A, Oct 2026

Up-close whales and drone footage from Captain Judah!

What an amazing experience! We got up close to the whales, and Captain Judah clearly knows these waters and where to find them. The small group made it easy to move around the boat and get great views. Judah flew a drone and filmed the whales from the air, which gave us a totally different perspective. He then shared the footage with everyone through AirDrop, so we left with a great footage. That kind of going above and beyond is what makes this tour special. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Ketchikan. Five stars!

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.

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!!

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.

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!!