Top Ketchikan Adventure Tours in 2026

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.

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

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.

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.

Explore Ketchikan with a private tour designed for all ages, where your family and friends are the only guests in the van. Enjoy comfort, flexibility, and a relaxed pace. Giving you the freedom to focus on what interests you most. Every stop on our tour is chosen for its genuine connection to Ketchikan’s rainforest, coastline, wildlife, and history. You’ll explore places shaped by nature, not created for show, giving you a clear sense of what makes this place special. Our goal is to create an experience that is fun, friendly, authentic, and unscripted—like exploring Alaska with a friend. As a BBB‑accredited business, our company meets the Better Business Bureau’s established standards for integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct, providing guests with confidence in our professionalism and accountability. Please note: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Our routes focus on naturally scenic areas that offer the best potential for viewing wildlife.

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.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and increase your chances of spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales as you explore in a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Experience Ketchikan through the lens of its wildlife and native cultures on this local-led tour. Meet your Haida guide and begin your experience with three stops to spot Ketchikan wildlife. Then delve into the history and culture of the local Haida and Tlingit peoples with a visit to the Totem Heritage Center. Learn about the history and significance of totem poles and the legends of these two cultures.

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.

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.

Experience the waters of Sitka Alaska. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings as we Paddle along the shoreline of Silver Bay keeping an eye out for wildlife. Eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black-tail deer, and bear are often spotted on this tour!

Ketchikan Custom Tours does exactly what is says. You will be privately hiring a 4 Passenger SUV 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.

Top rated tour. Experience the magic of Ketchikan with a private tour designed for guests of all ages. Explore the area the authentic way alongside lifelong locals who share a genuine connection to the community. travel along the scenic Tongass Narrows, where breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and waterways create an unforgettable backdrop. Along the way, discover Rich Marine life, diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches and lush rainforest that makes this region so unique. your guide will also share insights into the fascinating history and vibrant culture that shape the community. Rather than being just another passenger on a crowded tour bus enjoy a more personal experience with A private tour. We invite you to join us for a journey, that blends enjoyment connection, authenticity, and most importantly, a natural unscripted experience. Experience the rich native culture of southeast Alaska at potlatch totem park.

Navigate a Zodiac boat in the Alaskan wilderness on this small-group tour limited to just four people. Cruise through rain-forest islands, into remote bays and inlets, and watch for wildlife including eagles, seals, whales and bears. Soak up the sights as each member of your group takes a turn at the boat’s console steering. This 3-hour guided tour includes a beachside snack, a boatman souvenir certificate and hotel transport from Ketchikan.

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

Explore the stunning landscapes of Tongass National Forest on a 2.5-hour guided E-bike tour. This eco-focused adventure allows you to ride at your own pace, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while discovering local totem poles and hidden gems. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community through regular group rides, events, and workshops. - 2.5-hour guided E-bike tour through Tongass National Forest - Discover local totem pole parks and diverse cultures - Custom tour options available to fit your schedule - Join group rides and community events for a shared experience

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

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.

Upon arrival to the platform, you will be at a prime vantage point to see Alaska’s REAL fisherman! Watch the true champions of the tour – the 5 species of salmon battling in the last part of their life, to arrive upstream to spawn. They are fighting not just the swift current but also the bears. See the black bears fattening up for winter, plunge into the rushing water with jaws wide, to eat the wild salmon heading upstream to spawn. Besides bears feeding, you are also likely to see Bald Eagles feeding on salmon scraps left over by the bears. The Highlights - Visit a World Class bear viewing facility. - A round trip floatplane flight over the Tongass National Forest is included. - Listen to a personalized flight narration – no recorded tracks - There is a high likelihood of seeing black bears, eagles and salmon. - Enjoy a nature walk of approximately ¼ mile round trip. - Be accompanied by an experienced Alaska Bear Guide. -Tour length is 3 hours with up to 45 minutes of flightseeing.

This is a private, custom boat tour led by a lifelong Ketchikan resident who has spent decades boating in Misty Fjords. The tour typically includes New Eddystone Rock and numerous sites in Rudyerd Bay. Rudyerd Bay is a stunning fjord known for its massive granite cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls that drop thousands of feet. The tour also covers the history of Misty Fjords. We often see ancient pictographs and wildlife such as bears, birds, seals, Humpback Whales, and Orcas. As mentioned above, this is a custom tour. If your group wants to spend more time viewing something (like a pod of Killer Whales), we can do that. Your guide will keep you updated on any adjustments to the tour and its timing. The tour narrative will cover key highlights but will be more conversational in style. We aim to avoid overwhelming passengers with a constant stream of information. That said, guests are encouraged to ask as many questions as they like. You will find the Explorer to be very comfortable

Enjoy a unique, private, and comfortable excursion courtesy of local guides who are passionate about their hometown. You’ll learn all about Ketchikan, its surrounding area, and the wildlife that calls it their home too. The tour will be tailored to your interests, but make sure you keep your eyes peeled for black bears, seals, bald eagles, and more.

*Private Charters for group sizes from 2-6 *Transparent Pricing, Rates are same for child to adult, pricing per angler decreases with each angler added *Captains with a minimum of a decade of experience fishing Ketchikan *Communicate directly with your captain after booking, stay up to date on weather, fishing reports, and port times.