Location: Ketchikan
Top Things to do in Ketchikan
Countries
What to do and see in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK): The Best Sightseeing Tours
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. Ketchikan Fishing Charter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Bring your closest friends, family and loved ones become part of a select group of anglers who have braved the wild waters of Alaska! Drop us a line to let us know how we can make your personal bucket list fishing trip! 5-10 hour fishing trip for Trophy Salmon or a Halibut, Lingcod combo.
Inclusions: We supply all fishing equipment and bait, heavy duty rain coats, safety equipment., Bottled water, Soda/Pop
Exclusions: 25$ per person state mandated fishing license. Ages 16+, Gratuities, $15 King salmon Stamp when fishing for King Salmon *Or any salmon May-July 1st*
Reviewed By DFPhoto
Captain Scott's wildlife background extends to creatures above and below the water for immersive and complete Southeast Alaskan wilderness experience. When I first visited Ketchikan I was in need of a local guide to show me around the Tongass Narrows for wildlife photography. I was so impressed after the first trip that I immediately booked a second one. Having a small personable experience in search of whales, porpoises, eagles, and even bears on a small private vessel enhanced the experience greatly. This trip is ideal for the "fly in" guest looking to avoid the logistical hurdles of combining a personal itinerary with a cruise ship itinerary. The trip is tailored to what your goals and specific requirements are. To maximize your time in the Tongass Narrows you need a fast vessel, and this trip provides the speed you need so that you can cover plenty of water but also have enough time with whatever wildlife you encounter to take photos or videos. The scenery is breathtaking in all directions as well. Ketchikan from the late spring to the early fall sees a fair number of Humpback Whales, and the larger groups of them are further from town than shorter tours offer. It is also possible to witness Orcas, both Northern Residential Pods (Salmon Eaters) and Transient Pods (Mammal Eaters). I felt even more confident in my decision to book with Captain Scott as he abides by NOAA guidelines for safe and ethical whale watching. If you are traveling as part of a small group this is an ideal way to get a memorable experience with the privacy and comfort of your group guaranteed.
2. Island Hummer Tour
Overall Ratings
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.
3. Photo Safari in Ketchikan, Alaska. Spend 3 hrs "off the tourist beaten path".
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
4. Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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!
5. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
6. Family or Small Group Sightseeing, Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour - six person
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
7. Salmon and Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska
Overall Ratings
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!
8. Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour from Ketchikan
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 164 reviews
Enjoy aerial and ground views of the Misty Fjords National Monument on a 90-minute scenic flight which includes a 15 minute landing on a pristine lake or salt water fjord. As your flight takes off from Ketchikan, you will pass over the Tongass National Forest on your way to the beautiful Misty Fjords National Monument, 2.3 million acres of untouched Alaskan wilderness. You will see stunning blue lakes, snow-capped mountains, glacially carved fjords, and have the opportunity to see wildlife at every turn. Each passenger will have a window seat for amazing photo opportunities and voice activated, noise cancelling headset to enjoy the interactive pilot narration. Your flight includes complementary transportation to and from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on a private shuttle bus.
Inclusions: All-inclusive tour, Transport by private company owned vehicle to and from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau (Berth #2), Voice activated, noise cancelling headset for each passenger, Interactive pilot narration, Guaranteed window seats for all passengers
Exclusions: No food or drinks (excluding water) allowed on the shuttle van or aircraft, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Jim D
Well worth the price. We loved the beautiful float plane ride w our awesome pilot George and beautiful plane. Felt really safe and had a hour plus ride over the magestic preserved mountains to the lodge were we met Mady our awesome host. Our crab feast was the best ever. We will always remember this excursion because Mady' s hospitality was great. We hated to leave. PS. The Alaskan beers were great. Thanks.
9. 4-Hour Private Group Charter
Overall Ratings
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.
10. Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley
Overall Ratings
3.6 based on 13 reviews
2.25 hour Deluxe City Totem Park and Wildlife viewing tour by San Francisco Style Cable Car Trolley. This tour includes the Fish Ladder, City Highlights and Herring Cove Wildlife viewing area where Black Bears, Bald Eagles, Salmon and Seals often habitat the area during the summer season. All park fees admissions and taxes are included in this tour. Fully narrated and guided tour.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges
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.
