Skip to main content

Private Ketchikan Tour in '67 VW Van

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Ketchikan, USA
  • 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Peter_K ·
Jul 2025
Great tour. Tristan was a fantastic guide with great knowledge of the area. He took us to some great spots and was really nice and low key. We loved riding around in the VW minibus. I highly recommend the tour.
· Melissa_C ·
Jul 2025
Best tour in Ketchikan in a classic VW Bus!!! Tristan was so knowledgeable about the area, marine life, the wildlife and forests. So memorable. This is a must do tour. You can’t help but have a phenomenal time! Thank you Tristan and Ashley!

Overview

    What's Included

    • Bottled water
    • Private transportation
    • Local Guide
    • Van equipped with seat belts
    • WiFi on board
    • Restroom on board

    Meeting and Pickup

    You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

    Pickup point

    • Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks
      Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

    Pickup details

    For passengers arriving at Berth 1, 2, 3, or 4 please meet us at the designated meeting point next to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at Berth 2. If your cruise ship is docked at Ward Cove, you will need to take the shuttle into town and we can pick you up at the shuttle drop off point in town.

    or

    Meeting point

    • Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
      131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

      We will be parked at Berth 2 between the Visitors Bureau and the Tongass Trading Dock Store. We will meet you at the bronze statue called "The Rock" with a sign. If you are docked at Ward Cove, you will have to take the free shuttle to town walk to Berth 2 to meet us.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    1

    Ketchikan

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    Ketchikan (Pass By)

    2

    Rotary Beach

    30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    3

    Herring Cove

    20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    4

    Ketchikan

    15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    Ketchikan (Pass By)

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Julie_M
    We had a terrific day in the ‘67 VW van getting a private tour from Tristan and Ashely. It was such a wonderful tour filled with adventure and excitement! We saw 5 bears, multiple eagles, seal, starfish, crabs, jellyfish, etc. We also saw a GORGEOUS waterfall. This trip is good for all ages ! Tristan and Ashely are so knowledgeable about the wildlife, history, and geology. We learned so much from them, and we didn’t want it to end. This is a MUST DO trip.

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 73 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Ketchikan from a Different Perspective

    MICHELE_H, Sep 2025
    Perfect way to see more than the usual tourist stops in Ketchikan. Tristan and Ashley are longtime residents that can show you the natural beauty of the island. The VW bus is just fun icing on the cake!

    A great day

    Perry_L, Sep 2025
    A great tour and very informative from our hosts Tristan and Ashley. We picked the right day as it was full sunshine. We managed a couple of tick boxes with wales a bear and a bald eagle. The hosts were well acquainted with the locality and kept us well informed. A novel way to see the sights. Hundred percent recommended.

    Fun alaska

    The_m, Aug 2025
    Very authentic and fun experience the guider was very gentle and polite recommend to all to drive in the blue vw

    Tristan is a local and...

    Mike_C, Aug 2025
    Tristan is a local and knows this area. Highly recommend the early 7:00am tour if you want to see wildlife. Tristan took us to a location where we immediately saw a bear in the stream that caught a large salmon! We were able to see a bunch of salmon swimming upstream as well. Then to top it off a bald eagle landed very near us. Great tour in the old VW bus. But watch your head several of us bumped our heads pretty hard getting in and out. I highly recommend this tour.

    Kool Ketchikan Bus Tour!!

    Thomas_P, Aug 2025
    Great private tour around Ketchikan in a very cool ‘67 VW Bus, very knowledgeable about Ketchikan thank you very much Tristan.

    A Very Unique Way to Experience Alaska - Don’t wait on this one!

    DeCole_C, Jul 2025
    I had not planned on doing an excursion in Ketchikan but decided since we were there for an extended period of time I would seek a unique experience that would be something we would talk about years later. When I saw the Tour in a ‘67 VW Van - I knew it would be authentic and unique. I did not want to feel like I was on a field trip and our time with Tristan in the VW did not disappoint. He took us off the beaten path and we were shown Alaska in a very personal way. Not only did we see a whales up close to the shore area he chose to take us into but also a Bald Eagle nest where the beautiful creatures were busy and soaring for us to see. We went into an enchanted forest to see Alaska’s beautiful and lush flora and fauna, it was majestic to say the least. Tristan tailored our stops to our group of 5 and had a vast knowledge of the history of the area, Alaska and beyond. He answered all of our questions and shared details that were interesting for all of us. This was a special treat and I did not feel like I was on an excursion but with a friend. Tristan was excited to share Alaska with us and it was fun to see him get excited as if he was experiencing everything for the first time again too. It made our time so memorable! THANK YOU a million times over.

    Made a stop in Ketchikan...

    Maribeth_S, Jul 2025
    Made a stop in Ketchikan on our Alaska cruise and this was a great way to see the sights. The VW bus was iconic and actually so comfortable! And our tour guide Tristan was great giving us all the local stories.

    Fantastic tour of Ketchikan

    Peter_K, Jul 2025
    Great tour. Tristan was a fantastic guide with great knowledge of the area. He took us to some great spots and was really nice and low key. We loved riding around in the VW minibus. I highly recommend the tour.

    Book it!

    Karen_W, Jul 2025
    We had a great time. We travelled with school aged kids. Tristan took us to explore tide pools, a forest, and a couple other areas. During our trip we saw plenty of wildlife; star fish, crabs, bald eagles, harbor seals, salmon, black bear momma with her two cubs, and a hump back whale. Tristan was very knowledgeable about the area and was able to answer all our questions. Would definitely recommend!

    Best Tour in Ketchikan!

    Melissa_C, Jul 2025
    Best tour in Ketchikan in a classic VW Bus!!! Tristan was so knowledgeable about the area, marine life, the wildlife and forests. So memorable. This is a must do tour. You can’t help but have a phenomenal time! Thank you Tristan and Ashley!

    Eagles!!

    Diana_M, Jun 2025
    Eagles! Sea creatures! Very informative guide/driver. I highly recommend. Tristan has a long history in the area. It was just my husband and myself on tour and so educational and enjoyable.

    See More of Ketchikan in an Unique Style

    Leanne_L, Jun 2025
    Great way to see Ketchikan. Tristan's unique 67 bus was an attraction itself. His knowledge of the area allowed him to provide the history of the area and allowed us to see eagles, tidal pools, bears, waterfalls and even perfectly timed it to see a Hump Back breach. Our family rented the whole van and he adjusted the tour to our pace. His microphone system in his van allowed or easy conversation and Q&A. It truly felt like a friend showing us all his favorite spots. Highly recommended for all. Thank you

    Such a great way to see...

    Shelby_L, Jun 2025
    Such a great way to see more then just downtown! We had a fantastic afternoon, we all loved to VW!! Your guide was so friendly and brought us around to multiple spots go get out and explore for a bit!

    Great morning spent with Tristan!

    Phlip_H, Jun 2025
    The tour was great in Tristan's restored VW bus. Tristan owns the business and took us around Ketchikan. He is very knowledgeable and told us all about island life and the wildlife of the area. We saw many eagles, unfortunately the bears were in hiding that morning but I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour. Great service, 10/10 experience.

    Fun and educational VW tour of Nature.

    Pamela_H, Jun 2025
    Tristan did a fantastic job of showing our multigenerational family all sorts of wildlife specimens and nature while we were docked in Ketchikan. The weather wasn’t great but he showed us bald eagles and nests and took us to the shore and collected various specimens for the kids to examine and hold. We walked in the rain forest and saw various flora and bones from animals which fascinated the kids. I think Tristin recognized our families’ interests and adjusted the itinerary accordingly. Highly recommend this as he was able to provide a lot of education along with hands on experience.

    AMAZING !! Can’t Beat This Trip!! A++++++++

    Julie_M, Jun 2025
    We had a terrific day in the ‘67 VW van getting a private tour from Tristan and Ashely. It was such a wonderful tour filled with adventure and excitement! We saw 5 bears, multiple eagles, seal, starfish, crabs, jellyfish, etc. We also saw a GORGEOUS waterfall. This trip is good for all ages ! Tristan and Ashely are so knowledgeable about the wildlife, history, and geology. We learned so much from them, and we didn’t want it to end. This is a MUST DO trip.

    Fun way to see Ketchikan!

    Missy_P, May 2025
    This was a fun and unique way to experience Ketchikan! Tristan, was our guide and driver, and very accommodating of our questions and wanting to learn more about the local area, including making an unplanned stop to see totem poles and local indigenous artists. Highly recommend booking a tour with Tristian and Ashley if you are cruising and looking for an excursion in Ketchikan.

    Outstanding Tour!!

    Dean_B, May 2025
    This was an incredible experience. Personal tour guide who has lived in Alaska their entire life is invaluable. Tristen was excellent and showed us things nobody else could have without his intimate knowledge of the area.

    Loved the tour!

    Kirsten_C, May 2025
    Wow, what a super great tour with a local company! Absolutely stunning views & very informative would definitely do this again. Tristan is super nice. Thank you so much my family was so happy!!

    Great excursion!!!

    amber_c, Sep 2024
    Ashley and Tristen were awesome guides to all the local wildlife. We saw so many different animals and they were very patient with all of my daughter’s questions. The VW van was also a lot of fun. Absolutely recommend this tour!

    Alaska via VW

    Ruth_R, Aug 2024
    It was great having Tristan as our personal tour guide. He was born and raised in Ketchikan. He took us to awesome lesser known areas in Ketchikan and gave us interesting information about the area. The VW van was awesome. Would highly recommend this tour

    Response from Host, Aug 2024

    We are so glad that you enjoyed our tour!

    Awesome Experience

    Ashley_L, Aug 2024
    Ashley and Tristan were amazing! We had an incredible experience with this team who took us on a tour around Ketchikan. Their van was clean, comfortable, and perfect for our family. They went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable time. Their knowledge of the local wildlife, marine life, and the area's history was impressive. We learned so much while enjoying the area and spotting wildlife. If you're looking for a personalized and informative tour of Ketchikan, I highly recommend this fantastic duo!

    Response from Host, Aug 2024

    Thank you so much for the kind words! We had a great time exploring with your family!

    Local Guides make all the difference

    Stephanie_S, Aug 2024
    We were able to see Ketchikan from an insider's perspective. Our guides loved and respected the area. Very knowledgeable about the plants, animals and sealife. We were able to see a beach area while the tide was low and later able to see a black bear. We had a great time touring the area and getting the "inside scoop" for what we should check out in town as well.

    Response from Host, Aug 2024

    We are so glad that you enjoyed your tour with us!

    Great hosts, Great tour, Great transportation!

    Karen_P, Aug 2024
    The knowledge of Ashley and Tristan was great and they delivered bears, crabs and a waterfall. Great tour!

    Response from Host, Aug 2024

    We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us!

    Great way to see Ketchikan

    Arthur_C, Jul 2024
    We loved this tour! Kids loved the time at the beach finding star fish and crabs. Adults loved the waterfall and bald eagles. Perfect for the short time we had in Ketchikan. Thanks Tristan!

    Response from Host, Jul 2024

    Thank you so much for the review! I had a great time adventuring with your family! We love finding the sea creatures to play with!

    From $600.00

    per group (up to 6)

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 114 days in advance.

    Compare Similar Experiences

    1 / 3
    Current
    Private Ketchikan Tour in '67 VW Van


    2 hours 15 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $600.00
    Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour


    3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $575.00
    $517.50
    Customized Private Tour in Transit Van


    4 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $950.00