USA · TOURS IN KETCHIKAN
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 tours in Ketchikan worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
See Ketchikan by road and water aboard an amphibious Duck vehicle. Guides such as Emma, Reed, Vesna, and Angela combine local history, geology, humor, and wildlife spotting, while captains like Jonathan and Mike handle the harbor portion. The 90-minute tour stays in calm Inside Passage waters and returns to the cruise pier.
“Very convenient guide wasxvery knowledgeable Hannah was very informative and entertaining. Great time.”
This $94 Ketchikan tour covers salmon at Creek and Falls, marine life at Rotary Beach, wildlife at Herring Cove, and Saxman Native Village. Expect a small-group ride, bottled water, and guides such as Ava, Shane, or Kayla when available. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed, and the tour runs in all weather.
“Our tour guide was Ava. She was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun. We didn’t get to see any bears but she tried very hard to make it happen. We did see deer, a bald eagle and some seals. Maybe if we’d done an earlier tour that day the bears would have been hungry? Awesome tour. Would do it again!”
Spend three hours with a photo-savvy guide such as Angela, Tori, Gatlin, or Brock, visiting Creek Street, salmon-viewing spots, totem parks, Thomas Basin, and scenic overlooks. You will learn useful camera and iPhone techniques while hearing local stories. Pickup is available from downtown berths or Ward Cove, with groups capped at nine.
“We loved! This tour with Brock! He was a terrific guide and showed us some unique and beautiful places that we would have never seen. The photo taking tips were wonderful and I’m already incorporating them in my iPhone pics! The weather was typical summer in Alaska, rainy but not too bad and 60 degrees. He had coffee and delicious cookies for us half way through as well! This has been one of the best tours on our cruise to Alaska!”
Paddle tandem kayaks through Clover Pass with guides such as Dana, Zach, Chris, or AJ. Expect 2 to 2.5 hours on the water, tide-pool life, bald eagles, sea lions, and possible whales. Pickup, rain gear, instruction, drinks, and smoked salmon are included.
“We had the best time kayaking with David and Sophia, who were both fantastic! We saw sea lions, bald eagles, and even a humpback. Highly recommend going directly to these folks instead of booking through your cruise ship — they are extremely cruise ship-friendly and even picked us up at the Ward Cove dock.”
Join Eagle One Enterprises for a 2.5-hour whale and wildlife trip from central Ketchikan. Captains and guides such as Leanne, Jake, Theo, and Brad search the Tongass waterways for humpbacks, orcas, seals, and eagles. You get indoor and outdoor seats, binoculars, blankets, snacks, and hot drinks, but whale sightings remain wild and uncertain.
“Theo and Jake were excellent hosts. They made sure we saw every whale in the area! Highly recommend.”
Step aboard the 107-foot Aleutian Ballad with fishing guides including Captain David, Captain Ron, and Big D. Cruise protected waters near Annette Bay, watch baited pots come aboard, and handle king crab, octopus, prawns, and other sea life. The three-hour trip includes hot drinks, rain gear, and plenty of sea stories.
“The crew was wonderful, explaining their craft, letting us interact and take lots of pictures. We enjoyed the whole trip and saw many Bald Eagles, up close. 👍”
Pedal from Ketchikan’s port to the end of the paved road, then follow a guided Tongass National Forest trail to waterfalls, salmon streams, and the coast. Guides such as Chandler, Sophie, Raven, and Koda provide bike instruction, nature interpretation, rain gear, snacks, and smoked salmon. Expect a small group, moderate exercise, and wet weather.
“My husband pulled his back the day prior to us leaving on our cruise and was unable to join. There were only three of us that day on the ebike/hike tour. Reivon and Dana were so kind, informative and truly let you ride at your pace with no pressure to keep up. They ride behind you. Dana mainly taught you the ebike tutorial and Reivon took over on the hike. The Ebikes are pretty simple but you definitely had to get use to the slight thrust forward when you began to pedal after resting going down a hill. The hike was a short one down to the ocean where you'll…”
Drive a roomy UTV from Ketchikan through George Inlet, Tongass National Forest, and rugged roads to Mahoney Lake. Guides such as Nico, Cole, Fete, and others share local stories, then serve reindeer links or vegan chili with hot drinks. Expect about 3 hours 45 minutes, scenic stops, dust, mud, and a rough ride.
“The UTV excursion was a fun filled exciting ride. We went on rocking, dirt roads with lots of craters. Our guides were entertaining, knowledgeable, and very personal”
You’ll travel from Ketchikan port to Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center for seven ziplines, eight canopy ropes, bridges, suspended logs, and a 50-foot climbing tower. Guides such as Frank, Eli, Shea, and Mallory lead small groups, explain the forest, and keep safety first. Expect rain, wet gear, and some waiting between runs.
“The expert team of Daniel & Kate that gave us such great direction and advice. Was a fun time and I would recommend going to do this fun event. Best part for me was the last line and having that experience of what I think was soooo much fun thank to Daniel putting in that extra effort!!”
Fish Ketchikan’s protected waters on a private charter with The Alaska Catch. Your guide supplies tackle, snacks, water, and sodas while you target salmon or halibut. Captains Joey and Alex have helped mixed-skill families enjoy the trip, and the fleet includes boats with either a private bathroom or a curtained porta potty.
“Great trip. Captain Joey did a great job with my family making sure that everyone was comfortable on the boat and super guy with a great personality.”
Fish Ketchikan’s coastal waters on a private 4 to 6 hour charter with Alaska King Charter. Your captain supplies rods, reels, bait, and practical coaching while you look for salmon, halibut, rockfish, and wildlife. Cruise pickup is available, but licenses, tags, and a $200 processing fee cost extra.
“Best captain, made the fishing easy and they were biting! We caught the limit of salmon, a couple halibut (had to release those cause it was Friday), even a shark!”
Spend about 90 minutes kayaking from Clover Pass toward Eagle Island in a tandem kayak, with hands-on instruction from guides such as Eli, Sarah, Katie, and Mallory. Calm water suits first-timers, while bald eagles, seals, sea lions, starfish, and occasional whales add a wild Alaska touch. Port pickup, gear, and return transport are included.
“It was great to be on the water, enjoy a little exercise, and see lots of wildlife in one experience! We saw 5 eagles (3 adults & 2 juveniles) and lots of starfish. The owner (mom) was awesome in taking us back to Ketchikan and very engaged in conversation with us. The two young ladies who drove us to the location, were too quiet despite us trying to engage them. Otherwise, great excursion with this company!”
Spend about three hours on a small, comfortable boat cruising from downtown Ketchikan past Ward Cove, Totem Bight, Guard Island Lighthouse, remote homes, and rainforest shoreline. Your crew provides fog-proof binoculars, hot drinks, and local snacks such as smoked salmon and sea cucumber. Eagles are a main target, with seals, otters, and whales possible extras.
“You won't be disappointed, I'm surprised not everyone does this! Absolutely fantastic, history and nature all combined.”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
