The Top Tours in Ketchikan

Ketchikan offers a wide range of unforgettable shore excursions, from scenic flightseeing over Misty Fjords and hands-on fishing adventures to wildlife encounters and classic local entertainment. This guide highlights top tours that showcase the region’s coastal wilderness, marine culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities — helping cruisers choose experiences that match their interests and time in port. 

Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour

Tour Type: Small Group, Flightseeing Tour

Points of Interest: Misty Fjords National Monument, Rudyerd Bay, Granite Cliffs, Glacial Waterfalls

Best for: First-Time Alaska Visitors, Scenic and Photography Focused Travelers, Comfort-First Travelers, Limited-Time Visitors

This flightseeing tour offers one of the most awe-inspiring ways to experience Southeast Alaska’s remote wilderness. You’ll soar above the Misty Fjords National Monument, taking in towering granite cliffs, deep fjords, and expansive emerald lakes. With panoramic windows and expert narration from your pilot, this tour provides incredible photo opportunities and a true sense of Alaska’s vast, untouched beauty.

 

Ketchikan Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining Tour

Tour Type: Small Group, Fishing & Culinary Experience

Points of Interest: Protected Coastal Fishing Grounds, Remote Beach Dining, Tongass National Forest

Best for: Food Lovers, First-Time Alaska Visitors, Couples and Small Groups, Relaxed Pace Travelers

This unique excursion combines hands-on fishing with a memorable wilderness dining experience. You’ll head out to calm, protected fishing grounds to try your luck at catching local rock fish (or whatever else might bite), then travel to a remote beach where your fresh catch is expertly prepared for you. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, this tour offers a true taste of Alaska—both literally and figuratively—and is perfect for travelers who want a laid-back, immersive experience.

 

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour

Tour Type: Large Group, Boat Tour, Educational Experience

Points of Interest: Bering Sea Fishing Vessel, Crab Pots & Gear, Commercial Fishing Grounds, Working Fishermen Crew

Best for: First-Time Alaska Visitors, Families and Multi-Generational Groups, Educational and Interactive Travelers

Step aboard a real Bering Sea crab fishing vessel and experience life on the water through the eyes of working fishermen. This engaging and interactive tour offers live demonstrations of crab pots, fishing gear, and marine life pulled straight from the sea. Led by an authentic fishing crew, you’ll hear firsthand stories of life in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry while gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenging and rewarding work that defines it.

 

Ketchikan Halibut Fishing Tour

Tour Type: Small Group, Fishing Charter

Points of Interest: Pacific Halibut Fishing Grounds, Coastal Waters of Ketchikan, Tongass National Forest Shoreline, Scenic Mountain Backdrops

Best for: Fishing Enthusiasts, First-Time Alaska Visitors, Small Groups, Adventure-Oriented Travelers

This halibut fishing tour offers a classic Alaska experience on the water. You’ll cruise through scenic coastal waters to prime fishing grounds, where experienced captains guide you through the techniques needed to reel in these impressive fish. Between bites, enjoy sweeping views of forested shorelines and rugged mountains. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this tour delivers an authentic and rewarding day on the water.

 

Neets Bay Bear Encounter by Land & Sea

Tour Type: Small Group, Wildlife Viewing Tour

Points of Interest: Neets Bay Bear Viewing Area, Tongass National Forest, Salmon Spawning Streams, Coastal Wildlife Habitat

Best for: Wildlife Enthusiasts, Scenic and Photography Focused Travelers, First-Time Alaska Visitors, Nature Lovers

Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you breathless, from the coastal beauty to the majestic sights of nature's greatest symbols in the Alaskan wilderness. This unforgettable wildlife experience offers one of the best opportunities to observe bears in their natural habitat. Traveling by boat and then on land, you’ll watch from the viewing platform near the Neets Bay salmon hatchery, where black bears are seen feeding along salmon-rich streams. Knowledgeable guides help spot wildlife and share insight into bear behavior and the rugged history of Ketchikan.

 

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Harbor Haus Crab Feast

Tour Type: Show & Dining Experience

Points of Interest: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena, Ketchikan Harbor, Historic Downtown Ketchikan

Best for: Families and Multi-Generational Groups, Food Lovers, Easy-Paced Travelers, First-Time Alaska Visitors

This classic Ketchikan experience pairs high-energy entertainment with a delicious seafood feast. You’ll enjoy the world-famous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where skilled athletes compete in traditional logging events with plenty of humor and audience interaction. After the show, head to the Harbor Haus for a satisfying crab feast overlooking the harbor. It’s a fun, flavorful way to experience local culture without a strenuous schedule.

 

Ketchikan Mahoney Lake UTV Off Road Safari

Tour Type: Small Group, UTV Off-Road Adventure

Points of Interest: Mahoney Lake, Remote Backcountry Trails, Tongass National Forest, Alpine & Lake Scenery

Best for: Active and Adventure Seekers, First-Time Alaska Visitors, Families with Older Children, Scenic and Photography Focused Travelers

This off-road adventure takes you deep into Ketchikan’s rugged backcountry aboard a UTV designed for Alaskan terrain. You’ll navigate forest trails, climb into alpine landscapes, and stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking Mahoney Lake. Along the way, guides share local knowledge and point out wildlife and natural features. It’s an exciting, hands-on way to explore areas few visitors ever see.

 

Ketchikan Excursion FAQ:

 

How far is downtown Ketchikan from the cruise ship docks?

Most cruise ships dock close to downtown Ketchikan, making it easy to walk to shops, attractions, and tour meeting points. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, complimentary shuttle transportation is provided into downtown Ketchikan, typically taking about 15–20 minutes.​

What should I keep in mind if I dock at Ward Cove?

If your cruise ship docks at Ward Cove, it’s important to allow at least one hour between your scheduled arrival time and the start of any downtown Ketchikan tour. Ward Cove is located outside of town, and guests must take a cruise-provided shuttle into downtown Ketchikan, which typically takes about 15–20 minutes. During busy cruise days, shuttle lines and crowding can add extra time.

Planning that one-hour buffer helps ensure a smooth, stress-free start to your excursion and gives you plenty of time to arrive at your meeting location. Please review our Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide for more details. 

Where do I find information on where to meet the tour operator?

We also always recommend thoroughly reviewing the Meeting Instructions on the tour page for each tour, as some guides pick up from Ward Cove and others do not. All meeting instructions will also be listed on your ticket vouchers.

What should I wear for Ketchikan excursions?

Layers are key in Ketchikan. We recommend a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing that layers easily. Even on sunny days, temperatures can change quickly, especially on the water or in forested areas.

Can I do more than one excursion in Ketchikan?

Yes, many guests choose to do two excursions in one day, especially if their ship is in port for an extended time. Just be sure to allow enough time between tours—particularly if transportation is involved—to ensure a smooth experience. Usually, 30 minutes to an hour should be enough time to meet a secondary tour operator.

Is it better to book Ketchikan excursions through the cruise line or independently?

Booking independently often provides smaller group sizes, more personalized experiences, and better value. Alaska Shore Excursions also offers a back-on-board guarantee, so you can enjoy your excursion with peace of mind.

What wildlife can I see in Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is an excellent place to see wildlife. Depending on the season, guests may spot whales, bears, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are common, but nature is unpredictable, so sightings can’t be guaranteed.