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Ketchikan Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour

4.5
19 reviews

Excursion Overview

Experience the Best of Ketchikan: Wildlife, Totem Poles, and Scenic Adventures!

The Ketchikan Wildlife Safari & Sightseeing Tour offers an all-encompassing Alaskan adventure, showcasing the best of Ketchikan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Highlights include the iconic Salmon Ladder, where visitors can witness salmon battling upstream to spawn, as well as Herring Cove, a prime spot for bear sightings and other native wildlife. Nature lovers can also enjoy the tranquil Rotary Beach, where whales, eagles and otters are often spotted, and explore the stunning intertidal marine life. The tour culminates with a visit to Saxman Totem Pole Park, home to one of the largest collections of authentic totem poles, offering an insight into the traditions of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.

Throughout the tour, guests are immersed in the wonders of Alaska’s wildlife and rich cultural history. In addition to wildlife sightings, participants can explore the unique intertidal ecosystem at Rotary Beach. At Saxman Native Village, guests discover the intricate artistry of totem poles, each telling a unique story of the region's indigenous heritage. The tour is rounded off with a delightful snack featuring either smoked salmon or reindeer sausage, providing the perfect end to your visit to Ketchikan.

This tour is typically available from May through October. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from downtown Ketchikan
  • Free Wi-Fi available and umbrellas if needed
  • Alaskan snack of smoked salmon or reindeer sausage lunch boxes (vegetarian option available upon request)

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (roundtrip from downtown Ketchikan)

  • 30 minutes - Salmon Ladder, explore the renowned Salmon Ladder, where salmon battle upstream against powerful currents to spawn and fulfill their life cycle
  • 30 minutes - Herring Cove, a top wildlife spot in Ketchikan, known for seasonal bear sightings as they feast on salmon, with opportunities to see bald eagles and other native Alaskan wildlife
  • 20 minutes - Rotary Beach, a wildlife haven for nature lovers, offering intertidal marine life, eagle, and otter sightings, plus stunning coastal views
  • 30 minutes - Saxman Totem Pole Park, explore rich Native culture with one of the world’s largest collections of authentic totem poles
  • 40 minutes - roundtrip transportation to and from locations

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets in downtown Ketchikan. Guests docking at Ward Cove will need to allow extra time to take a courtesy shuttle to and from downtown Ketchikan. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

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 has an 11 passenger maximum.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. However, nothing can be guaranteed. Herring Cove is an excellent viewing spot for seasonal bear sightings, bald eagle viewing, and more.

Each guest gets a choice of a smoked salmon or reindeer sausage lunch boxes (vegetarian options available upon request). No beverages are provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

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

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

Comfortable, casual, seasonal clothing is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are highly encouraged. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

Ketchikan experiences a lot of rain due to it being located in a rainforest. We encourage guests to wear a lightweight rain jacket and/or dress appropriately for the weather as this tour will run rain or shine.

For safety and logistical reasons, we do not provide car seats. If you are traveling with a child who requires one, please plan to bring your own and install it in the vehicle prior to the tour.

Guests docking at Ward Cove should plan for up to 60 minutes to use the courtesy shuttle to and from downtown Ketchikan. Please allow extra time to ensure you arrive for your tour on schedule.

 

Guest Reviews

4.5

19 total

68%
16%
11%
5%
0%

Nikhil A

On Aug 2026

Tour guide was well-intentioned and showed us the right spots but was almost silent. Would love for him to speak up a lot more, (1) explaining things as you'd expect from a tour guide and (2) setting expectations as we arrived at each stop ("we're going to be here for X minutes, here's what to see.") He felt more like an Uber driver.

LeeAnna B

On Aug 2026

I don t think it is cool driving through neighborhoods in hope of seeing wildlife. But stopping at creeks and the totem pole and long house was cool.

JAY M

On Jul 2026

Perfect for the whole family! We did the Ketchikan Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour as a family, and it was a highlight of our trip. What made it special is that there was something for everyoneâkids and adults alike stayed engaged the whole time. The wildlife did not disappoint. We spotted bald eagles, seals, and plenty of other creatures along the way, and our guide had a sharp eye for pointing things out we would have completely missed on our own. The kids were thrilled every time something new appeared, and honestly, so were we. Beyond the wildlife, the scenery around Ketchikan is stunningâlush forests, water views, and that classic Alaska backdrop everywhere you look. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and great with the kids, keeping everyone entertained with stories and local insight. The pace was comfortable and the whole tour was well-organized, which made it easy and stress-free even with the younger ones along. It's rare to find an activity that genuinely works for every age in the family, but this one delivered. Would absolutely recommend to any family visiting Ketchikan!

Amanda B

On Jul 2026

A good way to be out in the fresh air of AK.

Jane W

On Jul 2026

We saw eagles and bears at Herring Bay, enjoyed a stop at Beaver Falls and Rotary Beach before visiting Saxman Totem Village. It would have been nice to have more information about the totems.

$117.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$117.00

Duration: 2.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2.5 hours



Passenger: $117.00

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