Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
Recommended by 95% of travellers
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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
gina_d
This was truly an incredible experience. Saw multiple whales bubble feeding. The captain and his crew were very knowledgeable.
The boat hat had coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, water and snacks. They also had binoculars and blankets for those who wanted to use them.
Theo, one of the deckhands was so kind and eager to help with any needs we had.
The only thing I didn’t like is that they let the guests smoke if they wanted to.
All in all it was a beautiful peaceful afternoon
Reviews
4.8
based on 823 reviews
Deborah_C, May 2026
Despite having our contact details, and that another tour was happening that day, the tour was cancelled through lack of people signing up for the cruise. I can appreciate that we were the only people signed up for the trip but if we were given notice and time to make other arrangements our day would not have been ruined.
I hope the tour operator takes notice of the review and give people the heads up, this would have been far fairer.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Deborah,
I’m sorry your day was ruined because you were unable to go out on our tour. We appreciate your feedback regarding earlier notification about minimums not being met. However we were actively selling with the hopes of selling additional seats so we could get your tour time out. I’m sorry we were unsuccessful in that endeavor.
Dawn_E, May 2026
Be ready to stand up and watch for whales carefully. The captain and crew will point them out, but, space is sometimes limited as to best views. Most people were kind about sharing the view. It is a little chillier upstairs especially when the boat is moving, so bring warm clothing. We had a beautiful sunny day and saw lots of whales, one very close that was playing and slapping their tail. We also saw eagles, nest, and a few seals.
Amanda_P, May 2026
Time on this family owned vessel is one of a kind! They know the area very well and communicate with other vessels to try to get you sightings of Alaskan wildlife. While the wildlife is never guaranteed (since they are not on the payroll) during our time with eagle one we got to follow a pod of 4 humpback whales, see eagles being fed from the ship, porpoises, seals, and sea lions. The crew is very kind and knowledgeable. The boat was a great ride and very comfortable. They provide hot chocolate and coffee to help keep you warm. Truly a one of a kind experience that you will be glad you joined. 10/10 recommend this excursion!
Bradley_W, May 2026
This was a phenomenal tour with a fantastic crew!
Check in with simple and the crew was easy to find at the visitor center. After meeting on the dock, we had a short walk to the boat. The boat is clean, spacious and offers ample indoor and outdoor area. Unlike some of the mega sized whale watching boats this one is designed for approximately 30 to 35 people, and with that number of passengers, it still feels very spacious and never crowded.
The crew was amazing. They made sure that all of the passengers were aware of what was happening around us, and that everyone had ample opportunity to view the wildlife. Because the upper deck allows for a limited number of people, they made sure that everyone had an opportunity to go up if they wanted to.
The captain did a great job positioning the boat so that we were able to get some great photos and video. Highly recommend this tour!
patricia_g, May 2026
Captain Morgan and her mate were friendly and enthusiastic in our successful quest to find a whale. The boat was extremely clean and well kept. I contacted them the day before to clarify the return time, but never got a response, which was disappointing. However, shoreside, we were able to rebook to an earlier time, resolving our concern
KGail_J, May 2026
This was an extraordinary experience. Truly was a little skeptical about seeing any whales as it’s early in the season but…the captain found the whales and it was a show. The whales almost knew we were there to see them…super show by them. Way beyond expectations. Then there was the majestic eagle and the playful seals and sea lions. Crew was friendly and informative. Great excursion!!!
Brandie_M, May 2026
Awesome sunny day. Perfect length excursion. Saw a whale, porpoises and an eagle …. AMAZING day! Thank you!
Elaine_R, May 2026
Fantastic trip. Staff were very informative and helpful. We saw a whale and lots of other wildlife. Weather was fantastic 🤩
Shannon_C, Sept 2025
This was the highlight of our vacation. Saw many feeding humpback whales. Boat was not crowded and super comfortable. Could sit indoors if the weather was bad and upstairs outdoor for a better view. The snacks, hot chocolate and coffee were icing on the cake. Thanks for a wonderful first time whale watching.
Clay_Z, Sept 2025
Great experience and wonderful crew, Leanne and Jake made sure everyone was ready to capture amazing photos of the many whales we saw during our time on the boat. The boat was well equipped and had both indoor and outdoor seats.
Kellen_C, Sept 2025
Fantastic. The skipper and crew were very friendly and had lots of expertise. We saw plenty of humpback whales, even saw them feeding. It was wonderful.
Maria_E, Sept 2025
It was a cold and rainy day but we where able to see some humpback whales which was absolutely the whole point! Leanne and Jack where great at spotting the bubble circles so we could prepare the cameras and our eyes! The ship has a clean bathroom and complementary hot beverages. Whole tour was about 3h.
Rob_S, Sept 2025
Eagle One should be your priority choice for whale watching at Ketchikan. Leanne was just incredible helping the entire boat look for special details about whales and how they surface for viewing. I honestly was able to film uninterrupted and captured views I expected. The entire crew was kind, patient, and cared for your safety the entire time. Thank you Eagle One. Leanne and Jake, you are awesome!
JEN_L, Sept 2025
Great tour! Leanne and Jake were awesome. We saw whales and eagles, even though it was rainy and cold.
Danny_Y, Sept 2025
Vehicle was right where it was supposed to be. Very good experience. Vehicle drive well abd handled the hills well.
Joline_R, Sept 2025
We had a great time and saw so many whale sightings! It was great to get away from the cruiser crowd onto a smaller tour for a bit! Leanne and Jake were great guides!
Edward_P, Sept 2025
Captain Brad is very personable and spirited, he makes it a fun tour. And he works hard to find the most animals per capita. We saw so many hump back whales it was unbelievable.
Anonymous, Sept 2025
We had a great experience on this whale watching tour. We saw several whales, seals and a bald eagle. The staff was very informative and constantly checking the water for signs of whales. Even though it was rainy, they had plenty of inside seats and offered coffee, hot chocolate and water. They had binoculars at the tables for all to use.
john_c, Sept 2025
Great staff. Very friendly and accommodating. They worked hard to make our experience wonderful. The boat was clean and well maintained.
CHRISTINA_J, Sept 2025
We had a great time. We were able to see some Orcas a few hundred feet away and a couple humpback whales as well as a bald eagle. The crew were nice and offered hot chocolate and had chips and other snacks and drinks available. They can't guarantee you will see anything, but I would recommend this tour as they made every effort to locate the whales and to see what we could.
Carissa_S, Sept 2025
Team was very nice and making sure we got to where we were supposed to be. Beautiful boat ride. Went out to see if we could find whales. No whales but we did see seals and eagles. Not much narration on the trip to know what we were doing. It’s a great trip if you’re going to enjoy more views and get a little closer to the wildlife.
James_G, Sept 2025
This tour was Awesome. We saw so many Orca pods and a surprise of a Humpback also. Eagles, sea otter. Did not disappoint. Leanne & Jake were excellent very informative about the sea life. They were as excited to see the wildlife as we were.
Sharelle_s, Sept 2025
Check in was easy.
Crew was awesome.
While we didn't see any whales, the boat ride around and the awesome weather made for a relaxing morning.
Taylor_E, Sept 2025
So much fun and the perfect amount of time for my 1.5 year old! We saw several whales, eagles, and lots of seals. Our captain and guide were both great. Highly recommend!
Mackenzi_R, Sept 2025
You may or may not see whales. The pilot put us where they had been sighted earlier. We saw 3 Humpback whales from a fair distance. We saw numerous bald eagles.
Brent_M, Aug 2025
It was the high light of our trip great experience they were passionate about what they do and it showed highly recommend
gina_d, Aug 2025
This was truly an incredible experience. Saw multiple whales bubble feeding. The captain and his crew were very knowledgeable.
The boat hat had coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, water and snacks. They also had binoculars and blankets for those who wanted to use them.
Theo, one of the deckhands was so kind and eager to help with any needs we had.
The only thing I didn’t like is that they let the guests smoke if they wanted to.
All in all it was a beautiful peaceful afternoon
Jennifer_P, Aug 2025
The boat was nice, people were friendly, but no whales. I understand they can't guarantee, but it seems that there has been a reduction in sightings reading more recent reviews.... I went on a second watch later in the day with them and headed in a different direction to have no whales. There was an overall lack of information and communication as there really was nothing to see.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We apologize that we couldn’t get you whales.
cspearce, Aug 2025
Amazing trip. We saw at least 9 or 10 whales bubble feeding. They came out of the water 9 or 10 times. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Great boat and crew!
Edward_A, Aug 2025
Great and informative crew, easy to find tour. Lots of whale sightings. Stayed on time. Great weather.
From US$178.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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