Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
Recommended by 95% of travellers
Badge of Excellence
Ketchikan, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
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Overview
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.
- Embark on a whale and wildlife viewing boat trip
- Enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the tour
- Stay comfortable regardless of the weather with indoor and outdoor seating
- Hear live narration about Ketchikan’s rich history, culture, and wildlife
What's Included
- SnacksIncluded in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, flavored sparkling water.
- We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
- Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Ketchikan Visitors Bureau131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Check in 30 mins before your tour at Booth #16, Berth 2 Visitors Center (131 Front St). Ward Cove ship arrivals: plan to be on a shuttle to downtown Ketchikan 1 hour early to ensure timely check-in.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Your afternoon on the water begins at your selected start time, right at the centrally located Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. After checking in, hop aboard your boat—a smaller, less-crowded vessel than many other whale-watching tours—and choose between indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Next, set sail into the Tongass Narrows. This family-owned tour company has deep knowledge of the region’s geography and ecology; thanks to your captain and crew’s expertise, you’ll head directly to the spots where you’re most likely to see whales.
Keep your eyes peeled for migratory humpbacks, orcas, and other whale species. You may also spot harbor seals, eagles, and other local wildlife, thanks in part to the provided binoculars. As you go, stay cozy with on-board hot drinks, snacks, and blankets.
Finally, return to shore. Your tour ends just a couple hours after beginning, giving you plenty of time to continue your local sightseeing.
Next, set sail into the Tongass Narrows. This family-owned tour company has deep knowledge of the region’s geography and ecology; thanks to your captain and crew’s expertise, you’ll head directly to the spots where you’re most likely to see whales.
Keep your eyes peeled for migratory humpbacks, orcas, and other whale species. You may also spot harbor seals, eagles, and other local wildlife, thanks in part to the provided binoculars. As you go, stay cozy with on-board hot drinks, snacks, and blankets.
Finally, return to shore. Your tour ends just a couple hours after beginning, giving you plenty of time to continue your local sightseeing.
1
131 Front St
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Thomas Basin
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ketchikan (Pass By)
Tongass National Forest (Pass By)
3
Metlakatla
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 66 travellers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
Geoff_K
Despite rough visibility from rain and wind, our captain skillfully navigated through the elements and delivered an unforgettable experience—spotting a pod of orcas in the final 30 minutes of the tour! It was absolutely breathtaking. The crew was professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. As if that wasn’t enough, we also saw 25–30 bald eagles perched across a nearby island—an awe-inspiring sight that made the whole trip even more magical. Highly recommend this incredible team!
Reviews
4.8
based on 897 reviews
Kelly_E, June 2026
Absolutely the best adventure. The crew was amazing and we saw a whale family, eagles and sea lions. Every moment was top notch - and we’ve been to Alaska a few times. We had our adult children and three grandchildren (1-3 years old). A must do!
Misty_W, June 2026
We had a wonderful time on this excursion! We saw whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. The crew was really helpful in pointing out animals and giving additional details. There were snacks and beverages available, which we also enjoyed.
Melinda_M, June 2026
They were very nice and full of knowledge. I asked many questions and they had the answers. I highly recommend!
Alice_H, June 2026
A bucket list item of mine was to see a humpback whale. My husband and I went with the Captain, Hadley and Theo. The Captain knew where the whales had been seen lately. We found one. We saw the water spout and we saw the tail multiple times. Unfortunately we didn’t see a breech or a bubble net feeding. We stayed with the whale for a while. A sea lion swam up to the boat! Once we left that area, he took us to see Bald Eagles and their nest. The captain threw some fish onto the rocks so we could get a closer look when they came down to get the fish. After that, he took us to a small island where a bunch of seals were hanging out. I went hoping to see a whale and got the whale and extra animals as well. Theo stayed with the group on the top of the boat. He was very nice and knowledgeable. It was a great trip!!
Amanda_S, June 2026
Even on a rainy gloomy day we had an amazing time on the water looking at wildlife. Morgan & Theo were attentive, warm beverages and blankets were provided to help manage the cold and we had the most amazing sightings of bald eagles
Dan_P, June 2026
We saw whales multiple times, this crew really knows what they’re doing! It was my wife’s birthday and I had my fingers crossed that it would be a special experience for her, it did NOT disappoint! We also saw seals, one right up to the boat! Eagles everywhere! It was truly amazing, my wife and I were BOTH like little kids in awe! We did a seaplane, a helicopter, and up close to the Hubbard Glacier, all were amazing, but this was the HIGHLIGHT of our Alaska experiences! Thank you so much to our Captain and crew who really made this a super special day that we will never forget!
Catherine_P, June 2026
The captain of the ship (Stephen) and his crew were great! They worked really hard to find whales and spent plenty of time at each wildlife spot for pictures! The bus ride out there was a solid hour but the boat ride back was much quicker and let us out at a marina closer to Juneau. The lighthouse was a quick stop up a steep hill and offered an amazing view! It was a great experience overall that included a simple snack and soda. Bathrooms on board the ship are a definite plus! It’s a long excursion and would do it again. Special thanks to the young lady crew member that took whale photos with her zoom lens and sent the QR code to everyone on board to access the day’s pictures for free. The coach driver also was enjoyable to listen to along the ride up and let us out to see Mendenhall Glacier and take pictures along the way.
Derek_A, June 2026
Friendly crew took us on a good trip. Unfortunately we didn't see any humpbacks but we saw a pod of about 9-12 Orcas, and several bald eagles. I recommend this excursion.
David_C, June 2026
As an over-analyzing type person I did my research and read all the reviews that I could find before committing to an excursion in Ketchikan. Of all the choices available for our time there we chose this one. In a few words, it was outstanding and worth the cost. Capt. Jesse and his crew didn’t disappoint and made every effort to make it memorable.
Fortunately, the weather and the wildlife provided an amazing experience for us. Our personal favorite experience was seeing the eagles up close and so close you could hear the wind beneath their wings.
Capt. it was a pleasure spending time both in conversation and in your quest to make it memorable for us. This Georgia boy will be back to visit you again in the not too distant future. Best wishes for a great season of providing memorable moments for others.
Jeanette_J, June 2026
We saw whales, eagles, & otters. The boat was full, but not overcrowded, so viewing was pleasant. Crew was very nice.
John_J, June 2026
Good chance of seeing orcas, eagles and seals. Might see a humpback! Good local knowledge and experience.
Patsy, June 2026
Very friendly and safe Boat Captain who knew the waters well. Crew was terrific-relaxed, friendly and answered so many questions! Excellent trip and saw several humpbacks and an Orca. Well, the tail anyway. Made friends with a local bald eagle mom and hear the chicks. Very pleasant and enjoyable trip. Viator needs to make clear that you actually go INSIDE the tourist terminal to the tour providers window. That would have helped
In the zoo of cruise passengers all over.
Marty_S, June 2026
Great experience to see whales and other wildlife. Seasoned and experienced captain and staff, with a lot of knowledge about wildlife and area. Snacks, water and hot drinks provided.
Frank_A, June 2026
Fantastic! Captain and crew are exceptional. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would highly recommend.
John_B, June 2026
It was really fun. The whale watching was cool but the eagle part was spectacular. You are in for a treat if they do it again.
mariannecohen7, June 2026
It was fabulous and met every expectation! One of our bucket list items on our Alaskan cruise was to see whales - especially one breaching and this did not disappoint! Not only did we see Orcas (some of which swam under our boat), but we were able to capture a Humpback breaching. We also saw eagles and sea lions! The captain knew EXACTLY where to go to see all of these and the crew was fabulous with their knowledge and hospitality. It was such a great experience!
Robin_C, June 2026
This was the experience we were hoping for. Seeing whales, bald eagles plus a black bear was amazing. Nature did not disappoint!
richbeats, June 2026
Amazing trip today from Ketchican (3rd June 2026) - we found a pod of Orcas and watched them for an hour or so. Then off to a small island where Bald Eagles were nesting. Then on the way back to port we all saw a Black Bear on the shore. A trip that will live long in our memories. Great crew also !
PATRICK_S, June 2026
Great crew. Knew where to go to see both whales and eagles. Highly recommend this trip for a wonderful water experience.
Melinda_T, June 2026
It was awesome! They helped us spot several humpbacked whales and so many eagles! We loved every minute and the staff was wonderful!
Cem_B, June 2026
Very efficient, courteous and knowledgeable staff. A great experience with awesome views of wildlife. Would highly recommend.
Rosa_B, June 2026
It’s supposed to be Wildlife and Whale watching.
Was never taken to view Wildlife. Did see young Whale for the whole time.
Response from Host, June 2026
Did you not see a whale playing? That’s wildlife too. Some tours we focus on the whales and pass up on searching for other wildlife. 99% of guests are here to find whales. If we have time to stop at our other areas we always try to check on the seals, eagles and anything else we may encounter. I’m sure the Captain thought that’s was the thing to do this day.
Theodore_S, May 2026
We had an amazing time on this whale watching tour! The boat was very nice, comfortable, and well maintained, which made the entire trip even more enjoyable. The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and entertaining from start to finish.
The captain was clearly very skilled and made us feel safe and comfortable the entire time out on the water. The crew was talkative, answered every question we had, and shared some really interesting insight about life in Alaska that made the experience feel much more personal and memorable.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience and one of the highlights of our trip. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Alaska — you won’t be disappointed!
Geri_S, May 2026
We did see whales a few times but even without seeing many other animals, it was a beautiful day on the water. The captain and crew were courteous and helpful. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Robyn_S, May 2026
Knowledgeable and friendly crew on a smaller vessel that provided a super personal touch. We had close encounters with bald eagles, seals, and sea otters and we saw several humpback whales! We loved it!
Erica_S, May 2026
This is a smaller family owned business and it shows! I am traveling with my 82 year old mother who uses a cane/walker and was struggling to make it in time. Tim put us in his truck and delivered us to the dock. They called to make sure we were OK and that the boat was on its way. The captain and crew were so kind in helping her aboard. Everyone was friendly and warm - pointing out the wildlife and helping to make sure everyone had a chance to see. It was an absolutely beautiful day made even better by the kindness of this crew. I highly recommend them!
Yang_H, May 2026
Overall, the experience was pretty good. Both our captain and guide were very experienced and knowledgeable, and they did a great job navigating and leading the tour. Snacks, hot drinks and binoculars are provided on board. The sail was also smooth mostly. I’d just suggest keeping your expectations realistic, since a successful whale watching trip depends a lot on luck and weather conditions. The first hour of our tour was a bit disappointing because it was extremely foggy and chilly, and we basically didn’t see anything. But later, once the sky cleared up, we got a close look at quite a few bald eagles and two humpback whales. It wasn’t the best whale watching experience I’ve ever had, but I think the weather was mostly to blame here.
Anton_K, May 2026
Well organised trip. The Staff were very friendly and informative.. We achieved our goal of seeing whales. The boat was comfortable and had plenty of positions to view the wildlife.
Richard_E, May 2026
Dress for very wet weather, binoculars provided, really friendly accommodating staff. The toilet was very nice for a little boat, very surprised 😁
Jeremy_M, May 2026
Great experience and very friendly staff! Saw lots of Bald Eagles and a few whales. We saw harbor seals on a cute rock island.
From USD 178.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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