All Ketchikan Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Ketchikan All In One

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

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.

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

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

2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley

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

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 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

3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk

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

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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

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”

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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

Lumberjack Show and Axe Throw Challenge

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Shore Excursion Ketchikan The Famous Lumberjack Show

1 hourFree Cancellation

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

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

Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park

2 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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

OVER THE TOP TOURS wildlife adventures beyond expectations

2 hoursFree 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

Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.

Experience the thrill of soaring through the Tongass National Forest without having to sort out logistics on a small-group zipline excursion from Ketchikan. Glide across eight zip lines, walk suspension bridges, and rappel in the forest, keeping an eye out for all sorts of wildlife along the way. As an added bonus, you'll stop by a totem park, a historic sawmill, and an old blacksmith shop.

Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure in Ketchikan, AK

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Ketchikan

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What are people saying about Ketchikan

3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk

Leslie_B, Sept 2026

Fantastic Tour

We felt very fortunate to have Jordan as our guide through the Tongass rainforest! Jordan shared his extensive knowledge of the ecosystem of the forest and the medicinal plants used by both the Tlingit people and the black bears in the forest. I would have never thought that animals knew which plant to eat at certain times of the year. A 10/10 experience! We even got to hold a banana slug. Thank you, Jordan!

Ketchikan Rainforest Adventure Nature & Wildlife Tour

Paul_W, Sept 2026

Around Ketchikan with Al

Alan was a great tour guide and well informed of local spots to see wildlife. Nice clean and comfortable vehicle. Saw plenty of bald eagles and salmon travelling back up the river to spawn and a seal lying in wait!! Sadly didn’t see any bears but an unusually high tide might have spoilt any chance. Loads of cruise ship passengers in Front Street meant that Al wasn't easy to find - but all good in the end.

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.

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

KristinBauer, Sept 2026

Great whale watching in Ketchikan

This experience was fantastic. Judah was a great host and fun to travel with. We were able to see bubble feeding and he knew where to go to see this. We were lucky enough that the whale "Phoenix" even breeched feeding in the harbor right before we left. It was a raining much of the time but the boat is comfortable, warm and well appointed for his guests. There were 6 of us so we were spoiled. I can't rate this tour high enough. Do this you will not regret it.

OVER THE TOP TOURS wildlife adventures beyond expectations

soreya_s, Sept 2026

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with our tour guide. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. She really made sure to play close attention and care to elderly father. We were able to see a bear which was certainly the highlight of the trip! Her personal experience and stories of the town made it even more memorable. Highly recommend!!

2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley

Pamela_S, Sept 2026

Happy

This tour was excellent. Juan was our guide and he was the best!! He shared the history of Ketchikan, but also what it is like to live in Ketchikan. He allowed plenty of time for questions and photo ops. He was knowledgeable and entertaining. We were comfortable and saw all the sites as described, including some extras.

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.

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

Christine_K, Sept 2026

Awesome guide!!

Zachary was a terrific guide! He had an action plan for us to make the most of our time together & was open to knowing what we were interested in as well. He took us to a beautiful forest where we saw a bear catch a salmon out of the waterfalls stream! Just like the picture!! Also went to the totem museum where we learned a lot about indigenous peoples and their culture. Can highly recommend this 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.

Private Ketchikan Halibut and Salmon Fishing Charter

Nancy_E, Jul 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!