Top Ketchikan Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. See the famous salmon ladder, admire the traditional totem poles at the Saxman Native Village, enjoy whale-watching from Rotary Beach, and look out for seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove.

Step off your cruise ship and 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 spot eagles, bears and plenty of other wildlife. But that’s not all—your aerial adventure, limited to just six people per plane, includes landing on a lake or fjord.

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.

Soar above the glacier-carved granite cliffs and waterfall-studded forests of Misty Fjords National Monument on an unforgettable flight tour from Ketchikan. With guaranteed window seating for all passengers in a fixed-wing Alaskan bush plane, you won't miss a thing as you coast over lush mountaintops and hillsides where wild goats and black bears roam. Learn about the ancient geologic history and wildlife of this spectacular landscape through via live narration from the pilot during the 1.5-hour flight.

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Pick between multiple tour times to suit your schedule, and meet your guide in central Ketchikan, or 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.

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 tranquil, protected waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew, and marvel at the variety of marine creatures caught in barrel pots and hauled up on deck. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

Explore the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car. Traveling on this open-air vehicle, you'll see attractions such as the fish ladder and the Native American totem poles of Saxman Native Village, plus look for wildlife such as bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles at the Herring Cove viewing area. Tour is fully narrated.

Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and began her business in Ketchikan in 1993. Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Share our love of flying through our vast Alaskan wilderness. Experience the freedom of flight over the wild grandeur of the mountains, the islands and the endless sea. In business since 1993, Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Our focus is the quality of your experience. From the handling of your reservation, to the equipment we operate, to the places we visit; we don't compromise and neither should you. The total time for this tour is 4.25 hours including: the flight, three hours onsite at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory, and fifteen minutes for the pick-up and drop-off.

Explore the deep waters off the coast of Alaska during a personalized fishing charter from Ketchikan. Opt to fish for Pacific halibut and four types of Alaskan salmon or choose another focus such as wildlife watching or photography. Your experienced captain can suggest stops and customize the itinerary according to your preferences. Plus, choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour fishing trip to best suit your schedule.

Humpback Whales bubble feeding Killer Whales Black Bears Porpoises Seals Sea Lions Bald Eagles Fisherman Cannery in George Inlet Saxman Totems Pennock Island Gravina Island Nichols Passage This tour is perfect for families and small groups looking for a more personal experience than that offered aboard larger buses and boats. Aboard the Samantha Lynne you will have the freedom to stay inside the heated cabin or move around on the rear deck with unobstructed views. There is no smelly diesel engine exhaust allowing you to smell the forest, the sea breeze and sometimes even whale breath. Due to the size and speed of the Samantha Lynne we have the ability to cover significantly more distance than many of the larger vessels in search of whales, seals, porpoise, eagles and bear, all the while enjoying the magnificent wonder of Southeast Alaska.

Explore Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage while steering your own 14-foot zodiac boat on this shore excursion. After a safety briefing, follow an expert guide into inlets and estuaries and watch for wildlife including whales, seals and sea lions. While out on open water, you might even pass one of the crabbing vessels featured on the Discovery Channel’s 'Deadliest Catch!' Port transport is included on this 2.5-hour outing.

Enjoy two of Alaska's top activities that includes a scenic flight from Ketchikan followed by a crab and smoked salmon feast at George Inlet Lodge. During your flight, your pilot helps you spot native wildlife like bears and mountain goat. Land at a secluded lodge where you get an all-you-can-eat meal with fresh Dungeness crab and more. Then explore the grounds on your own before returning by car to Ketchikan. Includes scenic flight, lunch, and transportation.

After relaxing aboard your ship, this off-road Ketchikan shore excursion will pump up your adrenaline. First, steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style, 20-person canoe! Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack of smoked salmon, clam chowder, fresh bread with local wild-berry jam, and hot chocolate.

Combine a scenic flight over Misty Fjords National Monument with a crab feast at the George Inlet Lodge during this half-day tour from Ketchikan. From the small plane, look for native animals, and gaze over towering granite mountains and pristine Alaskan wilderness. Then land at a remote Alaskan lodge for a feast that features unlimited Dungeness crab along with smoked salmon and other specialties. Have time to stroll around the grounds before the narrated drive back to Ketchikan. Includes scenic flight, lunch, and transportation.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a natural waterfall and see the native flora. Then, 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. This small-group tour ensures a more personal experience and includes pick up at the cruise port.