Top Ketchikan Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A historic boardwalk perched on pilings and a former red-light district, culture on Creek Street is a wild ride—especially with a guide. On this Fish Tales & Ales tour, you’ll be taken to several favorite watering holes of local fishermen, along Creek Street and through town to the docks, hearing stories of Ketchikan’s colorful past. You’ll wrap up at Potlatch Bar, a historic delight: It's Ketchikan's oldest.

This trip is a departure from traditional fishing excursions in Alaska. You’ll ride in a comfortable, wide-open skiff, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the spray on your skin, and no matter which way you turn, you’ll be immersed in an Alaskan sensory experience. We’ll outfit you in rubber raingear and place you next to a warm fire at the fish camp, but getting a little wet is part of the appeal! This trip is fast-paced, we’re not waiting around for the fish. You’ll drop in a spot and either start catching within a couple minutes or we’ll be off to the next location. When salmon are in, we rush to jig rockfish before switching over to troll

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.

In just a half-day, you can get deep into Alaskan nature with this island adventure. Setting out from Ketchikan, you’ll hop aboard a Seahawk to glide through Clover Passage, spotting sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Landing on a remote island, you’ll then explore the Tongass National Forest—the largest in the country—with a trail guide, navigating an old-growth forest unlike anywhere in the Lower 48.

Explore Ketchikan in our '67 Volkswagen van. You can enjoy learning about Ketchikan's colorful past, rich Native history, and the flora and fauna that make Southeast Alaska such a wonderful place. Our stops include but are not limited to a local Alaskan beach for intertidal exploration (tidal dependent), photo stops along Nichols Passage, a dazzling waterfall, and a stop at scenic Herring Cove for the possibility to spot wildlife (not guaranteed). Substituting the Saxman Totem Park or a short hike for any of the options above is also available. This tour can be completely customized to fit your itinerary. Just let our guide know; he will use his local knowledge to create an adventure you won't soon forget! This tour is an excellent option for all ages and guests who enjoy exploring with local guides! *Please keep in mind that each tour is different and tour stops may be changed by our guides due to tides, traffic, road construction, and weather.

The summer is the best time to see bears in the Alaskan wilderness and this excursion takes you to the best spots. Join a small group and fly from Ketchikan to Tongass National Forest, landing at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory. Then, hike through the forest to see bears feeding and living in their natural habitat, a great opportunity for budding wildlife photographers to capture amazing photos.

Discover the beauty of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest on a guided eco hike. Journey through verdant trails where massive moss-covered trees and cascading waterfalls await. With small groups, you'll enjoy a personalized experience, learning about the unique ecosystem and wildlife that thrives here. Capture breathtaking moments with photography options available, including drone shots. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of nature's wonders in Ketchikan. - Small group sizes for an intimate hiking experience - Explore 2-4 miles of trails among ancient trees over 500 years old - Enjoy a relaxed pace, perfect for all nature lovers

There are few options for public transportation in Ketchikan, Alaska—but this efficient sightseeing tour makes it easy to explore the area. Meet your guide at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau near the ship docks and head out to see area highlights such as Ketchikan Creek, Herring Cove and we go to a walk to Rotary Beach

Venture to three nature spots around Ketchikan in just a couple hours to search for wildlife with a local guide and small group. This easy tour requires only the ability to take about 30 steps and includes visits to Herring Cove, a roadside waterfall, and Rotary Beach tide pools. Leave all the driving to someone else as you look for animals ranging from bears to eagles to salmon.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ketchikan's wicked and tantalizing past with a captivating burlesque show that intertwines history and modern artistry. This hour long adult only performance features an array of thrilling acts, including singing, dancing, the art of the tease, even hula hoops and fan dancing! All set to live music from the Slow Burn Band. Each performance pays homage to the pioneering men and women of the Red Light District on Creek Street during the prohibition era. With limited seating for 35 guests, choose VIP tickets for priority access, a complimentary drink and 10% off in the Adult Boutique. - Experience a historical burlesque show celebrating Ketchikan's Red Light District during the prohibition era - Enjoy live performances set to music by the Slow Burn Band - Choose VIP tickets for priority seating, a complimentary drink and 10% off in the Adult Boutique. - Limited seating for 35, creating an intimate atmosphere

Enjoy world-class sport fishing off the coast of Ketchikan during a fishing charter with an experienced captain. Drop your line in the deep waters offshore with the possibility of catching Pacific halibut and four different types of Alaskan salmon. Your captain can suggest stops and assist you with baiting the line or reeling in your catch. Plus, round-trip transport from the cruise ship dock or your hotel is included.

There are many salmon charters out there, we are different: 1) We don’t worry about burning fuel to find fish: Whether they’re schooled up in front of the hatchery in Ketchikan or swarming on the ocean waters of Dixon Entrance, our guides have the freedom to find the shiny fish 2) We run cutting-edge boats: Your entire fleet is made up of modern aluminum Raiders. Every vessel in the fleet is running multi-beam sonar with electric downriggers. We give your guides the tools they need to have the best possible shot at the fish 3) Salmon fishing in season offers the best action, best opportunity, and hardest fights of the fish we have in Ketchikan. The quiet serenity of a slow troll can be shattered the instant one of these fish hits, and suddenly it’s all hands on deck to land that fish. The excitement of an active troll bite is the sportfishing that made Ketchikan famous the world over. Book today to experience the rich tradition of Alaskan salmon fishing!

A unique opportunity to not only witness one of the most picturesque locations in the state, but also affords you the chance to cruise the North Tongass waterways in search of wildlife en route to Hump Island Oyster Farm. Guests will also receive a narrated city tour en route to the vessel.