Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK): The Best Private Tours

April 1, 2022 Renato Branum

Ketchikan, one of Alaska's most Southeastern cities, is the first stop for many cruises on their way to more Northern climes. A stay in Ketchikan itself can be rewarding, however, as the city is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, an area so beautiful, it is known as "The Yosemite of the North." With steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows left by volcanic activity, Misty Fjords offers gorgeous views of natural formations, all reflected in the calm waters of Pacific inlets.
Restaurants in Ketchikan

1. Island Hummer Tour

Alaska Hummer Adventures
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Travel in style and comfort in a Deluxe H2 vehicle while enjoying a private tour of the Tongass National Rainforest and Revillagigedo Island. Explore multiple venues with your private group with the ability to customize as desired. • Bear viewing at Herring Cove and coastal wildlife viewing across the island • Ketchikan city tour - visit historic sites and a variety of cultural attractions • Totem parks- view a vast collection of authentic & rare hand carved totem poles • Nature trails - rainforest and beach walks; hiking for all levels. • Dining, shopping, photography...and whatever else you desire!

Inclusions: water, chips, fruit and nuts, Binoculars and Umbrellas

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By terihaffie

Capt Doug was amazing on this trip. We had a beautiful day and no time limit on returning back to Ketchikan. We were able to get amazing photos on this trip.

2. Photo Safari in Ketchikan, Alaska. Spend 3 hrs "off the tourist beaten path". 

Ktchikan Photo Safari
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

We help you take iconic photographs of several locations in the Ketchikan area, including historical, cultural and nature attractions.

Inclusions: Pickup

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Reviewed By Blanca0324

I learned several tips from Mike my guide, with a great experience and long career of photography is a master and is a kind person My only problem was that my ship only stays a few hours in the port and there was no more time for the tour.

3. Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour

Spruce Mill Way, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Reel Alaska Fishing Charters
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join us on a magical tour around Revillagigedo Island, departing out of Ketchikan Alaska on our fast and warm boats!! We search the crystal clear waterways for Humpback whales, Orca, Dall's porpoise , BEARS, Deer,Mink, Mountain goats, Otters, Eagles and a variety of waterfowl. Snacks and drinks provided as we take in the beauty, discover some local land marks and take lots of pictures!

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Private transportation, Heavy Duty Raincoats, Restroom on board, Binoculars

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Reviewed By Cass M

Unlike my previous encounters with charter captains in Ketchikan, Reel Alaska Fishing Charters is LEGAL, COURTEOUS and most importantly CATCHES ALL THE FISHES! We took a lady’s trip with Captain Scott and had a blast!

4. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour

Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Ketchikan Native Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Customize your tour to accommodate any group up to 11 total passengers! The options are unlimited as the tour guide will talk to you one on one to secure a perfect tour. Some options include: Local totem parks, Local Waterfalls, Beach, Salmon Hatchery, local hike, Bear viewing (in season), etc. etc.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 11 Passenger Maximum

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Reviewed By IslandLearner

Born and raised in Alaska. Melissa is an ambassador for the Tlinget, Tsimshian, and Haida Culture and heritage. She’s knowledgeable about the traditions and culture. Kevin’s professional and engaging. Overall I would highly recommend this tour.

5. Family or Small Group Sightseeing, Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour - six person

Water Street / Casey Moran Harbor, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Shellback Tours LLC
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Light snacks, Bottled water

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6. Salmon and Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska

Salmon Landing Market, 5 Salmon Landing STE 208, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Alaska King Fishing Charter
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4.9 based on 219 reviews

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or both in a small-group setting of 3-6 people. Invite the whole family and experience the action regardless of skill level. The captain will provide all required equipment for fishing and guide you through the marine waters to where you'll start catching fish on a 4- or 6-hour tour.

Inclusions: All fishing Tacklers/Rods and Wheels, all necessary fishing gears and baits., Soft Drinks, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Exclusions: Local Business taxes, Fishing Licenses and Tag.

Reviewed By 171genae

We are seasoned Alaskans and found William and Cho (his dog) to be an awesome duo! William is great company, knows what he’s doing, and we are happy we decided to go out with him. We will be back!

7. 4-Hour Private Group Charter

Ketchikan Adventures
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Customize your day and go to the places and do the things that most interest you. Ketchikan is known for its wildlife, totems, history, hiking trails, sightseeing, whale watching and salmon. But this just names a few of the options you have before you and you can plan your very own itinerary. It is safe to say the local wildlife outnumber the people and here you can almost always spot bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, wolves and black bears. Plus, there are over 100 species of migrating birds and this is just above sea level! The waters surrounding Ketchikan are home to porpoise, river otters, seals, sea lions, Orca and humpback whales. Nature is all around so it will not be difficult to go home without seeing some of it. The nearby Misty Fiords National Monument is a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snowcapped mountains and waterfalls making for idyllic scenery. There truly is something for everyone in Ketchikan.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hop-on hop-off tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By vhs6564

We, like so many others, scheduled, our excursions in advance. Saw a FB post suggesting his company. didn't know at the time that Dom, who suggested it, is apparently the owner. when i spoke with him, he offered a small discount to the Vietnam Vets in our group, as he is a Vet also ? great communication in the beginning. even thru the months of Covid. when NCL had to cancel, i told him we obviously, wouldn't make it , he offered to move til 2021. we weren't sure what was happening with health issues, so we didn't want the refund. I let him know, at that point the ghosting started. I had booked our group for 8 other tours and shows (was going to Vegas on the way back) and received immediate no hassle refunds. when we received no other communication from him, and others that had booked told me he was ghosting them also, I sent details to my credit card company. They issued a temporary credit back to me, so of course, I reimbursed the others in our group. two days ago, I got the notice that he sent them a note that there are no refunds and they gave him back the $500. He is still ghosting customers. We have rebooked 3 cruises, for when ever they go. The one to Alaska in 2021 stops in Ketchikan. However, he is not acknowledging the offer of the rebooking from our paid in full. I'm reaching back out to the others that were stiffed to see about a joint effort to recoup our funds.

8. Private 2.5 hour Potlatch Park, City & Wildlife Tour

Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Northern Tours of Alaska
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3.0 based on 2 reviews

Sit back and relax in one of our new 15 passenger medium roof Transit Vans. Enjoy more of the island on this scenic drive 10-miles north to Potlatch Park, where you will experience how a 1800's native fishing village would have looked, with it's clan house, carving shed, 19 majestically carved totem poles and authentically built tribal house. After your visit to Potlatch Park head south of town 9 miles to Herring Cove, where during the summer's salmon run wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, herons and seals are often spotted feeding on the plentiful salmon.

Inclusions: Taxes and Park Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By WinteringhamSteve

We booked after a quayside haggle was kept waiting for 30 mins before getting picked up in bus, went to herring cove and totem pole park with tour of downtown too but must admit it was poor value for money. It was disorganised and felt like a bit of a scam to be fair.

9. 4 Day Alaskan Excursion

Ketchikan Adventures

This is a Tour that no other Company in the World offers. You will be sailing and enjoying the Alaskan wilderness. Each day is unknown because the climate here is so unpredictable. But we always make the best with what we have got. We offer options for tours such as Extreme to Luxury Adventurer Making our way from Ketchikan, Alaska unique areas of the Tongass National Forrest. Wild Berries and Glacier Filtered water along with Amazing hikes and Getting as close as we can to Humpback Whales and Orcas. All guides Carry safety equipment during the entire trip. GPS and Coastguard communication equipment ensures all passengers safety. Come get the experience your friends will being wishing they took. This Tour is fully customizable so the outline i offer is just a guide. I can make this tour as extreme or as laid back as you want it.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, All equipment is included for the trip., All food is included for the trip, Login Cabin Stay at Salmon Falls Resort

Exclusions: Clothing is available on request, Special dietary needs must be requested in advance and may affect cost.

Reviewed By vhs6564

We, like so many others, scheduled, our excursions in advance. Saw a FB post suggesting his company. didn't know at the time that Dom, who suggested it, is apparently the owner. when i spoke with him, he offered a small discount to the Vietnam Vets in our group, as he is a Vet also ? great communication in the beginning. even thru the months of Covid. when NCL had to cancel, i told him we obviously, wouldn't make it , he offered to move til 2021. we weren't sure what was happening with health issues, so we didn't want the refund. I let him know, at that point the ghosting started. I had booked our group for 8 other tours and shows (was going to Vegas on the way back) and received immediate no hassle refunds. when we received no other communication from him, and others that had booked told me he was ghosting them also, I sent details to my credit card company. They issued a temporary credit back to me, so of course, I reimbursed the others in our group. two days ago, I got the notice that he sent them a note that there are no refunds and they gave him back the $500. He is still ghosting customers. We have rebooked 3 cruises, for when ever they go. The one to Alaska in 2021 stops in Ketchikan. However, he is not acknowledging the offer of the rebooking from our paid in full. I'm reaching back out to the others that were stiffed to see about a joint effort to recoup our funds.

10. 2 Hour Custom, Private, Group Charter

Ketchikan Adventures

Customize your day and go to the places and do the things that most interest you. Ketchikan is known for its wildlife, totems, history, hiking trails, sightseeing, whale watching and salmon. But this just names a few of the options you have before you and you can plan your very own itinerary. It is safe to say the local wildlife outnumber the people and here you can almost always spot bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, wolves and black bears. Plus, there are over 100 species of migrating birds and this is just above sea level! The waters surrounding Ketchikan are home to porpoise, river otters, seals, sea lions, Orca and humpback whales. Nature is all around so it will not be difficult to go home without seeing some of it. The nearby Misty Fiords National Monument is a glacier-carved wilderness featuring snowcapped mountains and waterfalls making for idyllic scenery. There truly is something for everyone in Ketchikan.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By vhs6564

We, like so many others, scheduled, our excursions in advance. Saw a FB post suggesting his company. didn't know at the time that Dom, who suggested it, is apparently the owner. when i spoke with him, he offered a small discount to the Vietnam Vets in our group, as he is a Vet also ? great communication in the beginning. even thru the months of Covid. when NCL had to cancel, i told him we obviously, wouldn't make it , he offered to move til 2021. we weren't sure what was happening with health issues, so we didn't want the refund. I let him know, at that point the ghosting started. I had booked our group for 8 other tours and shows (was going to Vegas on the way back) and received immediate no hassle refunds. when we received no other communication from him, and others that had booked told me he was ghosting them also, I sent details to my credit card company. They issued a temporary credit back to me, so of course, I reimbursed the others in our group. two days ago, I got the notice that he sent them a note that there are no refunds and they gave him back the $500. He is still ghosting customers. We have rebooked 3 cruises, for when ever they go. The one to Alaska in 2021 stops in Ketchikan. However, he is not acknowledging the offer of the rebooking from our paid in full. I'm reaching back out to the others that were stiffed to see about a joint effort to recoup our funds.

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