Location: Ketchikan
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What to do and see in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK): The Best 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.
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1. Whale Watching & Sailing Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a unique whale watching and sailing tour on Alaska's only Trimarans, experience the beauty and grandeur that is Southeast Alaska from the water when you set sail for an adventure unlike any other. It is the perfect opportunity for you to get out on the beautiful waters of Ketchikan and have an up-close-and-personal experience with nature. An intimate encounter with whales in the wild will be a memory that will last a lifetime! Sign up today and don’t miss out as space is very limited and will sell out fast.
Inclusions: Life Jackets, Snacks, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Rain Gear
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.
2. Cruisin' and Boozin' - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy an entertaining guided historical walking tour of 3 of Ketchikan's favorite watering holes and famous Creek Street. Learn about the colorful events that have shaped Ketchikan, The Salmon Capitol of the World and Alaska's First City. Sample drinks and learn the crazy and sometimes scary history of the bars, historical events and the town of Ketchikan with a local guide. With 3 bars to visit, you'll stroll the Old Town waterfront and Creek Street while taking in the stories and photogenic scenery of this colorful town and its people. Your tour guides are local and know these bars well. Fun, entertainment, drinks, history, and great story telling is what we specialize in! As a bonus, your guide will also be your photographer along the scenic tour. Your camera or ours, you'll get great pictures of you to share and enjoy the memories for years to come! Come join us for this tour!
Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By sl0aneranger
We were mid-way through our cruise and docked in Ketchikan. I overheard some of the “cool guys” mention going on a walking tour, so we decided to join. The experience was very much like having some local friends show you around – we got to see the cool stuff, not just the typical tourist things. We really enjoyed our time, we had some good laughs and took some awesome pics……….Terry’s Tours was a win!
3. Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel the ocean breeze on your face and taste the salty sea air as you skim across the waves. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer.
Inclusions: Full Rain Gear, waterproof Overboots, and USCG approved Life Jackets, Dry bags for personal items , Coffee and/or Tea, A light snack is provided
Exclusions:
Reviewed By KSMfromKTN
This was an amazing way to see wildlife in Ketchikan! After a short 15 minute zodiac ride, we found a pod of humpbacks lunge feeding (that you can see in their excellent cover photo) that we spent most the time watching. We also saw at least a dozen seals and bald eagles, as well as a black bear along the shore!
4. Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 288 reviews
Take a 4-hour guided kayak tour to Clover Pass, with scheduling to fit virtually every cruise ship. This is an amazing waterway with several rainforest islands, about 15 miles north of town. Your guides will get you away from the masses as you paddle scenic island shorelines where dense rainforest meets the sea. The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the U.S. and surrounds Clover Pass. Most tours encounter the resident Steller sea lions, seals, lots of eagles and other birds, a huge variety of inter-tidal life, and sometimes humpback whales, orcas, porpoises and jumping salmon along the route as well. Depending on the time of year we even see the occasional Sitka deer or black bears down at the beach.
Inclusions: Light refreshments, local salmon snack, cold and hot beverages., Mostly Local, Professional Guides / No First Year Guides, Private Transport to and from our downtown office at the Cruise Docks., Small-group tours. 6:1 guide to guest ratio.
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By beckyi245
Amazing bike experience. Devon is funny, generous, free- spirited, and super knowledgeable about the rainforest. I was able to intimatly experience the Tongass on bike as I coasted along beaches, waterfalls, lush green mossy forest. Devon was expertly able to identify plants, mosses, trees, forest history, and other. I saw whale, bear, several bird species, and deer. The bikes are top of the line. This is the best tour in Southeast AK! Thanks Devon
5. Misty Fjords Flight Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Explore pristine, untouched wilderness on this 90-minute flight tour through Misty Fjords National Monument. From your own personal window seat aboard a Dehavilland Beaver (DHC-2) bush plane, view cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and lush mountaintops covered in old growth forest. Interact with you professional, veteran pilot via two-way radio on this small group tour a short flight from Ketchikan.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Professional guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By N3065LKdebbies
What an amazing day due to the expertise of our pilot, Steve. So many gorgeous sights on such a clear day. Our favorite part was landing ( seemed like we were gliding onto a lake with the clearest water. Were able to spend some time walking around for a bit. This experience was our favorite part of our entire trip..absolutely unforgettable! Would do it all over again and ask for Steve! His wife, Lesley was great too.
6. Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 123 reviews
As the first and only electric bicycle tour in Southeast Alaska, we're excited for you to join us on an easy, enjoyable ride on the "road to nowhere". This road dead ends at the edge of the dense Tongass National Forest, an extensive wilderness where you will then take an enjoyable, guided hike along a well maintained trail beside an active salmon spawning stream. The hiking features a beautiful waterfall along the path as well as stunning beach views with potential to spot inter tidal creatures and marine mammals along there coast. The dense rainforest is the highlight of the loop trail through the Tongass and is always changing throughout the season. After enjoying your guided hike you'll return to your e-bikes to cycle back to our marina for smoked salmon snacks and beverages. All our tours provide round trip transportation from our downtown office across the street from the Cruise Docks and excellent gear is provided for all your weather and cycling needs.
Inclusions: Light refreshments, Local Guides & Professional Educators/Return Guides / No First Year Guides, Private Transport to and from our downtown office at the Cruise Docks., Small-group tours
Exclusions:
Reviewed By missjenjen
Devon was amazing he took us out and showed us where to find the creatures on the rocks and took some out and let the kids touch. He explained interesting facts about each creature he showed us. It was a beautiful day and the kids enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommend this tour for a family outing! A really great way to really be immersed in nature and you can’t beat the photos you’ll have after!
7. Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 61 reviews
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. 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 2.5 hours including: the two hour flightseeing tour and fifteen minutes for the pick-up and fifteen minutes for the drop-off. This tour takes you on a flight from Ketchikan to the Misty Fjords National Monument with a landing on a freshwater lake or a saltwater fjord with approximately a thirty minute stopover.
Inclusions: Pick-up and drop-off by Island WIngs van from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on Cruise Ship Berth 2 , Interactive narration with your Pilot, Voice activated, noise cancelling headsets for every passenger, Guranteed window seats for every person, US Forest Service Special Use Permit for Shore stops within Misty Fjords National Monument, We operate well maintained six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes
Exclusions: No food or drinks allowed on the floatplane, except bottled water, Gratuities
Reviewed By JenniferH9999
My husband went on a combination tour of Misty Fjords and Traitors Cove in late July 2020. We absolutely loved our tour. It was worth every penny. Shona, a member of the office staff, kept in frequent contact with us and let us know just what to expect the day of our tour. Flying with Michelle was a delight. She’s an absolute inspiration! I have a slight fear of flying, but I felt very comfortable with Michelle. We knew we were in very good, safe hands. During the flight, Michelle told us about what we were seeing; we learned a tremendous amount. Michelle also told us a couple personal stories about her life. She seems like a fascinating person. The Misty Fjords portion of the trip landed at Nooya Lake, which was gorgeous. Nooya Lake is only accessible by air so this was a treat. The water also reflected the scenery beautifully. We spent a good amount of time at Nooya Lake. It wasn’t rushed at all. If you go to Nooya Lake, do bring bug spray. After visiting Nooya Lake we flew to Traitors Cove to look for black bears. Jensen was our guide. He was very knowledgeable, and we asked him a ton of questions and he always seemed very happy to answer them. While at Traitors Cove, we didn’t see any other people; it was just Jensen and us. It was nice to experience Traitors Cove like this. We also didn’t feel rushed at all in Traitors Cove. I felt like everyone at Island Wings was really devoted to giving us the most special experience possible and everyone that we interacted with (Shona, Michelle, Jensen) was very professional and took great pride in what they were doing.
8. Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Zodiac Wildlife Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 110 reviews
Enjoy an exhilarating 2.5-hour ride on Southeast Alaska's open waters on this zodiac wildlife adventure. Driving your own 14-foot inflatable zodiac boat behind an expert guide, cruise to the Southeast Alaska Inside Passage in search of wildlife such as whales, seals and sea lions. You may even catch a glimpse of some the commercial crabbing vessels featured on the Discovery Channel’s 'Deadliest Catch!'
Inclusions: Professional guide, Beverages, Bottled water, Snacks, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transport to/from attractions, Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee
Reviewed By ubiquitous7
Went on a seaplane from Ketchikan to remote landing, then walked for about 15 minutes through woodland. There was then a hide overlooking a river where we watched black bears catching salmon in the river buy a small waterfall, absolutely magical. Loved that they only let small groups in, we were very quiet and watched, got great video of a bear actually catching a salmon. The seaplane flight was amazing too as weather was sunny and clear, could see for miles. Would recommend this trip for anyone who loves to see animals in their natural habitat, we booked it whilst on cruise from Vancouver to Alaska.
9. Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 140 reviews
This small-group guided wilderness sea kayaking and boat tour is perfect for anyone who has dreamed of kayaking in Alaska. Escape the crowds in town and spend all of your tour time on the water. Travel 20 minutes by boat from Ketchikan to Orcas Cove. Explore rain forest islands and sheltered coves by sea kayak with fun and friendly guides. Enjoy a snack of local smoked salmon before returning to town by boat.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Waterproof outerwear, Drybags for guest cameras
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Lee6659
I can not thank you enough for a wonderful kayaking trip. Charlie was a great captain and Matt a wonderful informative guide. Thank you for our 34th anniversary cake and celebration. You made our day!!! Good luck to our fellow kayakers in Georgia. We highly recommend your company and kayaking experience. Thank you again. Bill and Sharon
10. 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.
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