Top Ketchikan On the Water

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.

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.

Explore the breathtaking waters of Ketchikan on this intimate whale watching tour. With a small group led by knowledgeable locals, enjoy personalized service as you search for humpback whales, orcas, seals, and more. This 3 to 3 and a half-hour adventure aboard a stable catamaran features heated indoor seating and panoramic views, ensuring comfort in any weather. Savor a complimentary locally sourced lunch of your choosing between five different options, while taking in the stunning Alaskan scenery. If no marine mammals are spotted, a $100 cash guarantee awaits you at the end of the tour. - Small-group tours led by local experts for an authentic experience - 3-3.5-hour duration on a high-speed vessel reaching prime wildlife hotspots - Complimentary lunch included - Marine mammal sighting guarantee with cash refund if no sightings occur - On time for cruise ship departure guarantee

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.

This trip puts a rod in every guest’s hand and gives you a crack at whatever species catch the scent trail your guide sets up on the bottom. This is an intimate fishing experience with 5 or 6 guests and a guide tucked into a hardtop aluminum cabin cruiser out on the halibut flats. Weather can be unpredictable, but a major advantage of fishing the Inside Passage is that there’s almost always a place we can hide behind an island, sheltering us from weather blowing in from the open sea. At our company, we don’t worry about fuel burn. We want our guides to go where guests have the best chance at the most active fishing. Compared to most half-day charters in Alaska, these trips will carry guests farther into more distant and productive waters. That means a better chance at the fish, more coastal scenery, and a better chance at spotting wildlife like whales, sea lions, and porpoises!

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!

Discover the best of Ketchikan on this full-day tour, featuring stunning wildlife and cultural highlights. Visit the salmon-filled Ketchikan Creek, explore Rotary Beach for sea creatures and potential whale sightings, and spot seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove. Conclude with a visit to Saxman Native Village to admire one of Alaska's largest totem pole collections and learn about indigenous traditions.

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.

Explore Alaska’s wild coastline and discover remote areas that most tours can't reach on this small-group kayak adventure from Ketchikan. Depart by boat and reach remote waters to launch tandem kayaks straight from the vessel. Spend time exploring pristine shores, spotting marine wildlife, and soaking up the untamed scenery. With gear, snacks, and transport included, this hands-on tour is perfect for all experience levels.

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

Embark on an adventure through the stunning Misty Fjords, one of Alaska’s most beautiful natural wonders. Set out from Ketchikan onboard a purpose-built vessel, equipped with comfortable inside cabin seating, panoramic windows, heated cabin, onboard restrooms, outside viewing deck and an onboard galley gift shop.

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 beautiful harbors of Ketchikan’s dynamic waterfront and take in breathtaking wilderness surroundings while cruising aboard a deluxe, Alaskan-built expedition vessel in search of wildlife. Enjoy your relaxing wildlife quest in search of harbor seals, eagles, humpback whales, porpoise and more while learning about Ketchikan’s unique history. Every excursion is unique; custom-designed by your experienced Alaskan captain and crew. Throughout your journey prepared to be wowed by tales of this remote oasis as our lively local guides and Expedition team share fascinating insights into its rich history, both natural and human. Sit back and relax in the warm and comfortable main cabin, surrounded by large windows or step outside onto the outside observation deck for maximum wildlife viewing. This family and Alaska Native tour operator has offered excursions in region for over 50 years!

This fully private salmon fishing charter is designed around your group and your schedule. Unlike large shared excursions, you’ll fish alongside a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain who focuses entirely on your experience. We target proven local fishing grounds based on daily tides and conditions to give you the best opportunity to hook Alaska salmon during your limited time in port. With dockside pickup coordination, flexible routing, and personalized instruction for all skill levels, you’ll enjoy an authentic Ketchikan fishing experience — not a crowded tour. Wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, seals, and whales are common while fishing the scenic waters surrounding Ketchikan, adding to the unforgettable Alaska experience.

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.

Experience the best Alaska halibut fishing! Private excursion includes halibut fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. Catch your trophy halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska. We offer a guaranteed on time pickup and drop off from downtown Ketchikan cruise ship ports. Making this fishing charter the best way to maximize your time in port. Private Ketchikan halibut fishing excursion is great for all ages and skill levels. We provide everything needed for an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure! Halibut fishing in scenic waters along the Ketchikan coastline. This private fishing excursion gives you a hands on experience. The best halibut fishing waters on your Alaskan cruise.

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.

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.

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.

Fishing in Ketchikan offers a unique adventure with Fathom Charter Fishing, where you can customize your trip to fit your style. Whether you prefer a private charter or a shared experience, the options are endless. Set sail for an unforgettable day on the water, surrounded by Alaska’s stunning scenery. Target prized catches and create lasting memories as you explore the rich fishing grounds. Specialized trips, including crab fishing, allow you to dive deeper into the local marine life and enhance your fishing journey.

Of all the trips we run, Private Charters run the farthest, spend the most time on the grounds, and provide the greatest flexibility to guests and guides. We send our most experienced captains on these trips because they demand high levels of creativity in targeting a combination of different species. Booking this trip gives you the freedom to define the experience. You may choose from a variety of vessels, target halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish, pacific cod, Dungeness crab, or chase sightseeing opportunities and wildlife. We also love to combine this fishing excursion with dining experiences featuring your fresh catch; either at our rustic fish camp deep in the National Forest; or a chef-prepared meal at our restaurant at the harbor after your return. This trip is about crafting an experience that will fit your unique needs and interests. When you book the boat, we look forward to working with you to build an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. You may have up to 6 anglers onboard.

This combination trip gives your guide the freedom to pursue the best fishing opportunities available on the day you arrive. Whether it’s highly technical salmon trolling with downriggers, jigging pinnacles and kelp forests for rockfish and lingcod, or plumbing the depths for bottom fish, this trip highlights the diversity of species and fishing techniques Southeast Alaska is famous for! The guides who take these trips out are chosen for their versatile skill set, to run a trip like this you have to be rigged up with multiple sets of rods to facilitate completely different types of fishing rapidly within the course of a half-day trip. They’re ready to run far, pivot rapidly between locations and styles of fishing, and lean into the best seasonal opportunities on the day of your trip!

We start off the tour with a nice trip over the whale watching grounds on a 12 mile run to the crabbing location. From there we put your names on the crab pot buoys, bait the pots and toss them over. Huge Dungeness crab, rock crab, and even Puget Sound king/Box crab, starfish and other oddities are hauled up in our crab traps. We can spend some time doing a bit of fishing or whale watching in the middle of the tour. You are able to ship your catch home or eat it back at the dock. Approx 4 hours