Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

5.0

117 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore the world of commercial fishing aboard the Aleutian Ballard

The Bering Sea crab fishermen's tour will have you set out into the calm protected waters of Ketchikan, Alaska on the Aleutian Ballad crab boat which was a part of season two of the Discovery Channel's award-winning TV series Deadliest Catch.

The Aleutian Ballad is the only genuine Bering Sea crab fishing vessel licensed to carry leisure passengers. It has been completely remodeled to provide the comfort and safety you expect in a top-notch excursion. The Bering Sea Crab fishermen's tour allows people from all walks of life to stand on the edge of the commercial fishing world.

It is a profession that has captured the interest and fascination of millions worldwide. Our heated amphitheater allows you to enjoy an experience unlike any other. You will watch the crew work through many different types of commercial fishing gear as you are educated and inspired by their way of life.

Be prepared with your camera to capture the King and snow crab, octopus, prawns, and sharks, just to name a few, that are placed in the live tank on deck before being released back into the wild. Alaska is home to eagles, whales, seals, and sea lions. These magnificent creatures form images and memories that will live with you forever. What we share with you is the extraordinary experience of life aboard a beautiful working boat. What you take home with you - is the heart of its crew.

An adventure so real - you can hold it in your hand!

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation (for guests docking at Ward Cove, pick-up time is 1 hour prior to actual tour time)
Insulated coats and raincoats are provided if needed
4 restrooms are available for use onboard

Requirements:

Minimum age: 5 years old
*Important Booking Notes for guests docking at WARD COVE*
Norwegian, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas) & Additional Cruise Line guests who will be arriving at the Ward Cove dock are required to take a 50-minute bus ride from your ship's gangway to the tour starting location, provided by the tour operator. Please leave yourself at least 1 hour between your ship's arrival time and the tour start time, as well as the tour end time and your ship's all-aboard time. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. Reach out to the Alaska Shore Excursions team with any questions.

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

30 minutes - general information, crew introduction, and safety briefing
30 minutes - sail to fishing grounds, stories from the crew and longline fishing
30 minutes - eagle encounter
60 minutes - crab fishing, octopus barrel and stories from the crew
30 minutes - return to port, final stories, and photos with the crew

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets at your ship's gangway. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. Please note, if your cruise ship is docking at WARD COVE, the tour operator will pick you up one hour BEFORE the tour time selected.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is wheelchair and scooter accessible. Service dogs are welcome. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for motorized equipment will be required on tour. If the operator is unaware beforehand of necessary accommodations, they may not be able to accommodate guests day of.

Refund Policy:

You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is accessible to all.

The minimum age to participate is 5 years old.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Yes, the F/V Aleutian Ballad was featured on Season 2 of the Discovery Channel’s number-one series Deadliest Catch. It was made famous when, purely by chance, a camera was mounted in the wheelhouse by the camera crew. Just moments later a massive rogue wave that almost capsized the boat was caught on film. It has become one of the most watched film clips in the series' history.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sighting animals above and below the sea are part of the tour! Bears are spotted on occasion but are not guaranteed.

The tour is located in Ketchikan, Alaska which is 1,200 miles from the Bering Sea. You will not be in the Bering Sea.

All crew are Bering Sea crab fishermen and had to have fished at least one season in the Bering Sea in order to work aboard our boat.

The boat was designed to ensure all seats would have premium visibility.

Depending on the day-of conditions, seating is covered and heaters ensure guests stay nice and dry in even the wettest weather.

Layered clothing and weather-appropriate outerwear. The seating area of the boat is covered and heated.

Outside food and drink are not allowed. King Crab and other snacks are available for purchase aboard the ship.

It’s highly unlikely that you will need it, however, if you are extremely sensitive to motion you may want to take typical motion sickness medicine before coming. This tour is conducted in the very calm and protected waters of Southeast Alaska and the boat is built for premium stability.

Yes, there are 4 restrooms available to use onboard.

Guest Reviews

5.0

117 total

Kathy T

On May 2025

Capt and crew were absolutely phenomenal. The narration throughout the entire trip was beyond informative. Another highly recommended excursion.

Jeff H

On Oct 2024

This is going to be the most memorable excursion during our Alaska tour. Just having the chance to ride on the Aleutian Ballad, one of the boats we followed on the Deadliest Catch was amazing. But it gets better, our crew was absolutely exceptional! From showing us how they pull pots for crab to the three Eagles that flew around our boat, it could not have been better. If you have the chance to take this tour, don't hesitate, book it!

Michael A

On Oct 2024

Great tour and experience. We went at end of season so the boat was not full which made the whole experience more intimate. Sat in the covered area on deck one right in front of the tanks and under the heaters. The crew was very engaged and took turns telling stories the whole time. Kids loved holding all the various crabs and sea animals. The ride was super smooth.

Amy B

On Sep 2024

Captain Ron, Andy and Dave were so authentic and great entertainers. We loved the sustainable element of the tour and how interesting the team were with all their stories. The creatures we saw were fantastic. They even stopped at the end as the local whale, Phoenix, made an appearance. This was a hugely entertaining tour!!

Rebekah S

On Sep 2024

This is a great experience for adults and children. The ship has been turned into a classroom! The 3 fishermen are so good at giving info and life stories. Seeing the crabs, fish and octopus first hand was amazing. We absolutely loved it and was our very favorite excursion by far. Not to be missed!

$219.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$219.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours

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Adult (13+): $219.00

Child (5-12): $169.00

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

Excursion Overview

Explore the world of commercial fishing aboard the Aleutian Ballard