Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour

Photo of Misty Fjords Misty Morning View

What can we say about Misty Fjords? Between 2.3 Million Acres... it's never the same. It's beautiful in full bright sunlight when it is really misty, and at all the stages in between. Waterfalls, shear granite cliffs, trees growing everywhere, even out of shear rock. A true wonderland formed through the millennium out of fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers), where you will see wondrous scenery and have a chance to see nature at its finest. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, bears, deer, mountain goats, seals, or maybe even whales.

Your flight starts in Ketchikan and flies through the Tongass National Forest to The Misty Fjords National Monument. This tour lasts for 1.5 hours and includes flightseeing through the Monument and a stop for 20 minutes on a wilderness Fjord. Enjoy a personal pilot narration with individual headsets on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Massive glacier action created this ice-rimmed wilderness. See majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, jewel-like lakes, and abundant wildlife during your flightseeing exploration. Marvel at sheer walls of granite plunging over 3,000 feet into the fjords, lush forests of spruce, hemlock, and cedar clinging to snowcapped peaks, in this land of incredible natural beauty and rugged grandeur.

The dramatic Misty Fjords terrain is home to a multitude of wildlife. The astute observer may be rewarded with sightings of brown and black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, moose, and bald eagles, as your expert bush pilot flies over this paradise. Visible only from the air, see the splendid 1,000-foot waterfall flowing from Big Goat Lake, which was named for the region's concentration of mountain goats. Colonies of these marvelous high mountain creatures can be spotted and photographed from the air.

Please Report Accurate Weights of each Passenger
Accurate weights are needed to determine the correct size plane for this excursion to fit the balance and weight profile of your aircraft. Reporting inaccurate weights could result in a canceled excursion not eligible for a refund.

Duration: 2 hours (Roundtrip from cruise terminal. )

Inclusions:

Individual headsets to listen to the pilot's narration
Weather permitting - 20 minute stop at a wilderness Fjord
Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship dock
Bottled water

Requirements:

Minimum of 2 participants required for this tour (If one adult and one child, two adult priced tickets must be purchased)
Minimum age: 4 years old
Guests must be comfortable walking short distances
Signed liability waiver
Accurate weights are needed to determine the correct size plane for this excursion to fit the balance and weight profile of your aircraft. Reporting inaccurate weights could result in a canceled excursion not eligible for a refund.

Duration: 2 hours. Tour times below are approximate:

15 minutes - transportation from the cruise terminal to the floatplane dock
1.25 hours - flightseeing via floatplane
15-20 minutes - ground stop in Misty Fjords
15 minutes - transportation from the floatplane dock back to the cruise terminal

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets at the Bronze Statue on the north side of the Visitor's Center. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you will be picked up there and you do not need to take the shuttle. Please review ticket voucher for more information.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is limited mobility and wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to get on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. We are unable to accommodate motorized scooters on this tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if ADA accommodations will be required on tour.

How many passengers ride in the floatplane together?

There is a maximum of either 4 or 6 passengers per floatplane depending on which aircraft is utilized.

What is the temperature in the floatplane?

The temperature during flight is roughly similar to the ground temperature, and each plane is equipped with heaters if necessary. As with any tour in Alaska, we suggest wearing layers and a rain jacket.

Will I get a window seat on the plane?

Yes, all seats on the floatplane have a window view.

Will I see any wildlife or bears on this tour?

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. However, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Are there any age restrictions for children?

The minimum age for this tour is 4 years old. Purchase of a child's ticket must be accompanied by two adult tickets. If purchasing tickets for only 1 adult and 1 child, an adult-priced ticket must be purchased for the child. Please contact us with questions.

Can I bring a backpack?

Small bags may be brought along but must be stored in the rear cargo area of the floatplane.

Can I bring my own food or drink?

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

Are food and drink included?

Bottled water is provided.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances and getting on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance.

What type of clothing should I wear?

Layered clothing and water-resistant jackets are recommended.

Not seeing answers to your questions?

Check out other frequently asked questions here!

Customer Reviews

Sep 2022 - Katia W.

That was a fantastic 2 hours spent flying above the Misty Fjords Monument, but of course we were aided by fantastic weather as well. Our pilot was very funny and knowledgable, and rather than him just giving us the spiel, it was much more interactive. There were 2 parties and 4 guests in the floatplane with the pilot, and each of us had a window seat. Amazing experience!

Sep 2022 - Darlene W.

This excursion was AMAZING and well worth the price. Pick up and drop off was convenient and simple. Dave was a great pilot with seamless takeoffs and landings. The views and pictures we got look like postcards. I would highly recommend this excursion!!

Sep 2022 - Julianne J.

We had a seven-night eight-day cruise. We had the best vacation of a lifetime and saw many things. This was the highlight of our trip and we will remember it as the most amazing experience of our lives. Staff was wonderful and they went out of their way to give us a refund when one member was unable to go on the trip and they returned my AirPods I accidentally left on the plane. First class service.

Sep 2022 - Barbara B.

We absolutely loved this tour! Our pilot, Jim, was awesome and very knowledgeable. Great company.

Sep 2022 - Susan S.

This was an AMAZING Excursion/Tour!! Jim, the Pilot and Tour Guide was the Best! Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but an excellent pilot! And, we Loved his plane!! We would definitely recommend putting Jim and this Misty Fjords Tour on your list of "things to do" while visiting Ketchikan!! Thanks again for a SUPER Tour Experience!

Sep 2022 - Marissa L.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Dave and his knowledge was very informative. My husband enjoyed sitting up front with Dave & being able to take in the views that the pilot experiences & looking at the controls. Would recommend this tour as a must-do for tourists.

Aug 2022 - Rebecca G.

This was the highlight of our trip! The flight was so smooth and comfortable, our pilot was entertaining and knowledgeable and the views were just beyond beautiful. I highly recommend this excursion!

Aug 2022 - McKensie W.

This tour was excellent. The views and scenery were amazing, there were only two other people on the tour with us, the pilot was clearly very skilled, and the plane was comfortable. We saw bear prints in the sand when we got out to take pictures.

Aug 2022 - Candise R.

Awesome experience. Pilot (Jim) was great. Defiantly an experience I would recommend to others.

Aug 2022 - Shannon K.

This exceeded our expectations! Jim was our pilot and the tour he provided was very informative and amazing. Highly recommend this tour.

Aug 2022 - Cathryn B.

The guides were great. We all had so much fun. So beautiful. And so many eagles, and eagle nests!

Aug 2022 - Tracey D.

AMAZING!!! This is a must when visiting Alaska. The Misty Fijords National Monument sea plane tour was breathtaking. We landed on Big Goat Lake midway through the tour and got the most incredible photos. While in flight we saw mountain goats on snow capped mountain tops, a 2,000 ft cascading waterfall, beautiful lakes, and stunning scenery at every turn. Our pilot/tour guide, Jim was very knowledgeable and had a perfect play list for when he wasn't talking. Our favorite Alaska excursion!!

Aug 2022 - Kevin F.

Very personal pilot- explained the area in detail and very thorough, great experience!

Aug 2022 - Cornelius J M.

What a spectacular trip. We were able to land on a lake with an elevation of 2000' and see a beautiful waterfall. Our pilot was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

Aug 2022 - Jo C.

This was hands down one of the coolest experiences I have ever had. The sights from the seaplane were absolutely breathtaking. Our pilot, Jim, was great. Flew through the winding mountains with ease and gave interesting information along the way while still leaving us in peace to listen to the music and enjoy the scenery. 10/10 I would recommend booking this tour. Worth every penny!

Aug 2022 - Charlene B.

Exceptional. Wonderful guide and excellent customer service.

Jul 2022 - Brian C.

This is a beautiful spot and a great day trip!

Jul 2022 - Jack B.

We had a fantastic trip through the Fjords. Our pilot Jim was knowledgeable, friendly and fun. This was definitely the highlight of our Ketchikan stay!

Jul 2022 - GREGORY S.

Excellent! I highly recommend this excursion. The beauty along the route is definitely worth it!

Jul 2022 - Andrew S.

Misty Fjords was beautiful. To see it from a sea plane was a very unique and memorable experience. Our pilot was great and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot and saw a lot of beautiful scenery. My family and I felt very safe the entire time.

Jul 2022 - Angela M.

Absolutely phenomenal. Worth every single penny. Our pilot Dave was wonderful. It was a peaceful and beautiful sight everywhere you looked in the sky. My husband and I had never experienced anything like that. I would highly recommend adding this to your excursion list. It made our honeymoon that much more special.

Jul 2022 - John B.

Great excursion - spectacular scenery and enjoyed our time after landing on the fjord. Only disappointment was that we didn't see any of Alaska's wildlife - darn moose and bears choose to hide out! Highlight of our Alaska cruise nonetheless.

Jul 2022 - Rhonda W.

Beautiful, enjoyed this adventure very much!

Jun 2022 - GREGG E.

If you think Alaska is beautiful from the ground, try it from the air. Dave our pilot took us over some of the most incredible scenery you would ever want to see. He landed the plane on a pristine lake that was engulfed in mountains, where we sat and took it all in. 5+stars!

Jun 2022 - Michael L.

This was a wonderful excursion! You will not regret doing this excursion!

Jun 2022 - Christina T.

Very informative pilot, such a cool experience!

Jun 2022 - Lauralee T.

Great experience and wonderful pilot!

Jun 2022 - Marsha H.

This excursion was amazing! Landing on the water and stepping outside to total wilderness silence was an experience not to be missed. Another bucket list wish granted. Thank you Alaska Shore Excursions!

Jun 2022 - Bonita H.

Absolutely fantastic! This excursion exceeded my expectations. The pilot, Jim, was super. His commentary during the flight was interesting and informative but he also allowed for time for us to view the splendor with nice background music. I highly recommend!

Jun 2022 - Adrianp B.

On the surface this is quite a pricey excursion which turned out to be well worth it. We were picked up near our ship, transported a short distance to the flat plane dock before boarding our plane. We were on a group of 5 which fitted smugly in the plane. We had a great flight over the Misty Fiords and landed on a lake where we were able to get out and admire the great landscape and quiet. Recommended.

May 2022 - Mark Z.

As a person who gets motion sickness, I wasn't sure what to expect. But taking a float plane above this magical landscape and landing on a glacial lake was an experience that I am so glad I didn't miss! Our pilot was so knowledgeable and her flying was seamless and relaxing. If you go to Alaska, don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity...you won't regret it!!

May 2022 - James J W.

The flight was terrific. The pilot was great. Very smooth ride.

May 2022 - Wayne M.

Breathtaking scenery and Jim landed the float plane on a shoreline so we could get out, take pictures and soak in the views!

May 2022 - Pamela P.

Wonderful tour with amazing views that can't be seen any other way. Truly not to be missed! Our pilot Jim was outstanding - the flight was very smooth and well narrated with great music that enhanced the experience. The entire staff from pickup to drop off was extremely friendly and professional and made us feel at ease. An unforgettable experience!

May 2022 - Jochen K.

Jim has been a very good tourguide. The trip was amazing!!

May 2022 - Erica H.

What a fantastic experience. Well worth the money! Best excursion on our 12 day trip through Alaska. Extremely professional and felt very safe.

May 2022 - Cynthia P.

Jim was a great pilot and tour guide! Loved the music while flying!!