Ketchikan Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

4.6

69 reviews

Excursion Overview

A wildlife viewing cruise and opportunity to explore Alaska's rich history

Join your Alaskan captain and their crew at our private dock to board your tour vessel. Once underway, you'll learn about Southeast Alaska's coastal history, Native culture, and natural beauty as you journey into Ketchikan's wild seascape. American bald eagle sightings are guaranteed on this sightseeing and wildlife-viewing cruise

Sip on a freshly-brewed coffee or hot chocolate while relaxing in the heated main cabin, or explore the open-air observation deck as we cruise along the coastline of Ketchikan's home Revillagigedo Island. Soak in the beauty of the Tongass National Rainforest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, and learn about Alaska's interconnected ecosystems and the animals that call this region home. Enjoy beautiful water views of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan Native clan house and a collection of 14 towering Tlingit and Haida hand-carved cedar totem poles. Cruise out to one of the first lighthouses to be built in Alaska, Guard Island Lighthouse, where you can take in the panoramic, mountainous seascape surrounding your tour boat. This unique landmark was completed in 1904 and is still operating today.

Additional points of interest include remnants of the Ketchikan Pulp Mill, the oldest working fish cannery in Alaska, unique coastal island homes, Refuge Cove and its outlying islands, and the old-growth forest on our neighboring Gravina Island. Keep a lookout for bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, moon jellyfish, humpback whales, orcas, deer, pigeon guillemots, blue herons, and other seabirds.

A complimentary tasting of delicious treats from Alaskan companies, including a traditional alder-smoked salmon, is included in your tour.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan
Beverages (water, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, soft drinks)
Sampler snack plate with locally sourced goods from Alaskan small businesses (alder-smoked salmon, salmon dip, crackers, bull kelp, artisan chocolate)
Complimentary Bushnell binoculars for your use while aboard the tour boat

Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 2.5-3 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

(for guests docking downtown) 15-20 minutes - transport to Ward Cove
5-10 minutes - loading onto the tour boat
2-2.25 hours - on the water aboard the vessel
5-10 minutes - unloading the tour boat onto the transport
(for guests docking downtown) 15-20 minutes - transport to downtown Ketchikan

Meeting Instructions:

Meeting location varies based on your ship's designated dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 3 steps into and out of the vessel. There is no space for wheelchairs or walkers on the vessel but staff will help to transfer you into one of the onboard wheelchairs for use. We provide dockside storage for any mobility assistance devices while guests are out on the tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

The vessels have a maximum of 35 guests.

There are 2 restrooms on the vessel and 1 restroom in the marina parking lot.

Yes, we have seating on the outside observation decks or guests may choose to sit in the (heated) inside cabin.

No, the entirety of the tour takes place from our boats on the water. We view all our beautiful attractions in full panorama from the tour vessel.

Guests rarely become seasick, as we operate almost the entirety of our tour route in calm, protected waters. However, if you are prone to seasickness, please take typical precautions (medication, patches, wristbands, etc.).

It depends on the weather conditions. Typically we are well-protected along the majority of our tour route. However, seas can be a little bumpy for the 10-20 minutes spent around the lighthouse on windy days.

The average temperature during our summer months is ~55-60 degrees F. However, temperatures on the water can feel ~10-20 degrees cooler. We always suggest guests dress in layers to accommodate variable weather. We are in a rainforest, so we also strongly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

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

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable container are allowed on tour.

Yes, guests are welcome to enjoy a food and beverage service while underway. Beverages include hot chocolate, freshly-brewed coffee, hot tea, assorted sodas, and water. The snack sampler plate consists of alder-smoked salmon, salmon dip, crackers, bull kelp pickles, and artisan chocolate. Most common food restrictions (GF, DF, vegetarian, vegan) can be accommodated with a modified snack plate. Please advise in advance if your food restriction is severe so we can provide entirely pre-packaged food items.

Guest Reviews

Nancy J

On Jun 2023

Our guide was very informative. It was absolutely wonderful to see the process of creating the Totems. Listening to the stories and meaning behind each one was awesome! Unfortunately we didn't see any eagles the weather wasn't the best.

Dennis G

On Sep 2019

Terrific tour! Captain Kyle's humorous and informative narration was interesting, and we saw dozens of eagles and lots of other wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Renee J

On Sep 2019

Our cruise ship was delayed and ASE worked around the situation and we were able to still take our excursion. We loved our captain and had a great time.

Mike L

On Sep 2019

We loved every minute of this excursion and appreciated the knowledge and insights of the area that our tour guides and ship s crew shared. We felt welcome and pampered by everyone from the touring company, and their hot chocolate was the best! We highly recommend this excursion!

Bart A

On Sep 2019

Very interesting and saw several humpback whales along with other wildlife.

$120.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$120.00

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Passengers *

Adult: $120.00

Child (2-12): $70.00

Infant - Free (Under 2): $0.00

Ketchikan Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

Excursion Overview

A wildlife viewing cruise and opportunity to explore Alaska's rich history