Top Ketchikan Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Traverse Ketchikan, Alaska with the help of a local guide on this relaxed trolley tour. This group experience takes you around Saxman Native Village, Herring Cove, Creek Street, and more, as well as giving you chances to hopefully spot some local wildlife — all while your guide shares information about local history, culture, and more.

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!

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.

Discover the wild side of Ketchikan! Step off the beaten path and experience the natural beauty of Alaska’s rainforest, beaches, and wildlife on this unforgettable 3-hour small-group adventure. Our locally guided tour takes you deep into the lush Tongass National Rainforest, along remote beaches, and to hidden spots where eagles soar, salmon swim, and wildlife thrives. With a maximum of 10 guests per tour, you’ll enjoy a personal, flexible experience where you can ask questions, take amazing photos, and connect with the landscape in an authentic way. We specialize in small groups to give you a richer, more meaningful connection to the land, wildlife, and culture. We’ll meet you right at your cruise dock — including Ward Cove — and whisk you away for a one-of-a-kind adventure. This is more than a sightseeing tour — it’s an immersive, locally guided Alaskan experience you’ll never forget. Let’s go explore Ketchikan’s wild beauty together! Tender Boat Disembarking (Private Tours Only)

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.

Misty Fjords National Monument is a remote, road-less wilderness area that can only be reached by air and sea. This floatplane flightseeing tour takes you into the heart of the park where you can see untouched areas of Alaska far from the hoards of cruise ship passengers that flock to more accessible areas. The tour includes a water landing—a unique experience only a floatplane can provide.

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.

This tour departs from the Ketchikan Visitors Center and returns to Ward Cove! Express Boarding: Eliminate the usual wait times associated with traditional transportation methods and make the most of your port day in town, without the stress. Ketchikan’s picturesque waterfront and scenic landscapes will be your backdrop as you make your way back to your cruise ship. Souvenir shopping is available for guests to enjoy onboard if you did not get your fill on Creek Street! The carefully curated galley gift shop highlights locally sourced items and Alaskan artists.

Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife around Ketchikan by heading out onto the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest. This small-group tour takes you searching for wildlife including humpbacks, orca, sea lions, seals and eagles aboard a quiet and unobtrusive Zodiac expedition craft with a naturalist as your guide. Feel like an explorer and adventurer as you navigate narrow channels, rocky coastlines, forested islands and black sandy beaches.

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.

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!

Lighthouse Excursions is a locally owned & operated Ketchikan tour company based out of Ward Cove. We pride yourselves on providing guests with an experience of Southeast Alaska through local eyes. Your Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion is a grab-bag of some of Ketchikan's top attractions, with a little something for everyone. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast, a history and culture buff, or love seeing wildlife in their natural environment, this tour is for you! We're passionate about where we live, and we love showing it off to guests from all over the world.

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.

Get off the beaten path on this utility-task vehicle (UTV) tour to Mahoney Lake. Ride mountainous off-road trails along the George Inlet Fjords, Tongass National Forest, and Mahoney Lake, a small lake north of Beaver Falls. Along the way, stop to soak up views spot wildlife, and lunch on smoked reindeer links on a bun with hot chocolate and coffee.

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.

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.

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.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

Explore Ketchikan with a private tour designed for all ages, where your family and friends are the only guests in the tour van! Offering ease, comfort, flexibility, and a relaxed pace. Explore without rigid time constraints at each stop. Your group can decide how much time to spend at each location, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you the most. Destinations for wildlife viewing, stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, the coastal inner passage to spot marine life, totem poles, and knowledgeable, friendly tour guides. Why blend in with a large tourist bus when you can be the star of your own show? With us, your group receives all the attention, ensuring your interests are prioritized throughout the journey. Because there are no other travelers to consider, your guide can concentrate entirely on your group, providing a more personalized adventure during this private tour. Our goal is to create an experience that is fun, friendly, authentic, and unscripted!

Ketchikan is now the home of the most dynamic experience in Alaska combining culture, history, excitement, and cuisine! This tour is in scenic downtown Ketchikan in the Thomas Basin historic district, home to the Salmon Fishing Fleet and Crab Fishing Boats. You will be hosted at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena and Harbor Haus Pavilion, landmarks of industry, food, and entertainment. Your tour starts at the historic site of the Spruce Mill, once the largest Sitka Spruce Mill in the World and now the home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This world-famous Lumberjack Show has World Champion athletes in a rowdy, no holds barred competition with twelve events such as chopping, climbing, sawing, axe throwing, and log rolling. Hang on to the edge of your seats for a rowdy good time! Just a few steps away, the Harbor Haus will be your destination to experience the most pristine Dungeness Crab feast. Enjoy an all you can eat Dungeness Crab feast!

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.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Clover Pass Resort, where your adventure begins aboard our comfortable enclosed watercraft. But this isn't just any cruise – it's a voyage into the heart of Alaskan storytelling. As we set sail, immerse yourself in the captivating narratives of local legends through recorded stories, each sharing tales of daring Alaskan adventures, mesmerizing encounters with the wild, and local life. From spine-tingling encounters with bears to heartwarming tales of survival, every story will transport you into the heart of Alaska's untamed spirit. Cruise through pristine waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, as we seek out the region's abundant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for whales breaching the surface, playful seals and sea lions frolicking in the waves, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Your experienced guides will provide insightful commentary, to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage on this half-day small-group tour. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a waterfall and native flora. And visit a Totem Park: learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and explore a magnificently carved clan house.