Ketchikan Excursions
If you’re cruising to Ketchikan, get ready to visit one of Alaska’s most unforgettable ports. Dubbed “Alaska’s First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this city offers some of the most unique tours in all of Alaska!
But with so many tours to choose from and only a few hours in port, it can be tough to decide which experiences are actually worth your time and money.
As someone who grew up in Ketchikan, I’ve had the chance to experience many of these excursions firsthand. Before each cruise season, many local tour operators host a special “Locals Day,” where residents can try excursions at discounted rates. Between those experiences and the many summers spent exploring my hometown, I’ve discovered which tours truly stand out and which ones are best suited for different types of travelers.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, or a family-friendly activity, this guide will help you choose the perfect Ketchikan excursion for your Alaska cruise.
Before you book, don’t forget to check out my other Alaska cruise guides:
- 🌲 Advice From a Local: How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Everything you’ll want to bring for Alaska’s famously unpredictable weather.
- 🦅 The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruise Wildlife: Learn where and when to spot whales, bears, bald eagles, sea otters, puffins, and other Alaskan critters.
- 🦀 8 Must-Try Foods on an Alaska Cruise: The local dishes you won’t want to miss while visiting Southeast Alaska!
Now, let’s dive into the BEST Ketchikan excursions!
Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Ketchikan Excursion
| Activity | Duration | Cost | Adventure | Kid-Friendly | Rain Friendly? | Best For… |
| Snorkeling Adventure | 3 hrs | $190 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Yes – you’ll be underwater! | *Adventurous Travelers *Couples |
| Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour | 2 hrs | $390 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Yes | *Couples *Families *Photographers |
| Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour | 3 hrs | $250 per person | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No – but you will have the option to get under cover | *Families *Photographers |
| George Inlet Zodiac Tour | 3.5 hrs | $240 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No – but you will have rain gear | *Adventurous Travelers *Couples *Photographers |
| Fishing Charter | 4 – 6 hrs | $270 – $540 per guest | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No – but you will have rain gear | *Anglers |
| Adventure Kart | 3.5 hrs | $275 per guest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No – but you will have rain gear | *Adventurous Travelers *Families with older kids *Couples |
| Kayaking Around Clover Pass | 3.5 hours | $120 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No – but you will have rain gear | *Families with older kids *Couples |
| Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show | 1 – 2.5 hrs | $80 – $158 per person | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | *Families |
| Ziplining Through the Rainforest | 3.5 hrs | $225 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No – but you will have rain gear | *Adventurous Travelers *Families with older kids *Couples |
| Saxman Native Village | 2.5 hrs | $99 per person | ⭐☆☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | *Families *History Lovers |
| Photography Safari Tour | 3 hrs | $135 per person | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | No | *Photographers *Couples *Solo Travelers |
1. Alaska Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkeling in Alaska? It sounds completely crazy…until you try it. This is one of the most unique excursions you can do on your Alaska cruise, and it offers a chance to see wildlife species that many other cruise ship passengers will never have the chance to see. This is one of the first excursions I recommend to adventurous travelers looking for something they’ll never forget.
Book this if… you want a one-of-a-kind Alaska experience that most cruise passengers never even consider. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who love trying something completely unexpected.
Why You’ll Love it:
- One of the only places in Alaska where cruise passengers can snorkel!
- Explore an underwater kelp forest instead of a tropical coral reef.
- Calm, protected waters at Mountain Point.
- Guided by divers qualified by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
Is the Water Cold?
Water temperatures are surprisingly warm, reaching up to 65 degrees F in the summer, thanks to the longer daylight hours and the lack of glaciers in the area. The tour company will provide 7 mm wetsuits with boots, gloves, and a hood.
Tour Duration and Cost:
- This 3-hour-long tour allows for 1 hour of dive time. They also provide round-trip transportation to and from the cruise ship docks.
- $190 per person
What Wildlife can you See?
- Giant sunflower sea stars
- Purple sea urchins
- Sea cucumbers
- Bright orange sea stars
- Anemones
- Moon Jellyfish
- Lion’s Mane Jellyfish
- Schools of fish
- Occasionally, seals or whales in the distance
Who is this excursion best for?
✔️ Adventurous travelers
✔️ Couples
✔️ Repeat Alaska cruisers
✔️ Anyone wanting a story they’ll tell forever!
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 My Local Tip: Don’t let the water temperature scare you! 7 mm drysuits are heavy-duty, thick suits that will keep you surprisingly warm! My friends and I used to water ski in the Tongass Narrows in 5mm to 7mm suits during the summer.
2. Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour
If there’s one excursion that’s worth splurging on in Ketchikan, it’s a flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument! Located about 40 miles east of Ketchikan, Misty Fjords is often called the “Yosemite of Alaska” thanks to its towering granite cliffs, glacier-carved valleys, countless waterfalls, and mirror-like lakes.
Many tours even land on a secluded mountain lake, giving you the chance to step out onto the floats and experience the silence of one of Alaska’s most untouched landscapes! Because so much of Misty Fjords is inaccessible by road, a floatplane is one of the few ways to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of this national monument.
Book this if... you want breathtaking scenery and once-in-a-lifetime views you’ll never forget.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Incredible aerial views you can’t experience any other way
- A floatplane takeoff and landing is an adventure in itself!
- Opportunity to land on a remote alpine lake
- One of the best photography excursions in Ketchikan
Tour Duration and Cost:
- This 2-hour-long tour allows for 1.5 hours of flying time. They also provide round-trip transportation to and from the cruise ship docks.
- $390 per person
What Wildlife can you see?
- Wolves
- Black Bears
- Mountain Goats
- Sitka Black-Tail Deer
- Bald Eagles
- Occasionally, seals or whales in the distance
Who is this excursion best for?
✔️ Family travelers
✔️ Photographers
✔️ Couples
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: If possible, try to book an early morning or late afternoon flight. The softer light makes the granite cliffs and waterfalls even more dramatic, and the calmer water creates beautiful reflections on the lakes.
3. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
Ever wondered what it’s like to work on one of Alaska’s fishing boats? Step aboard the iconic Aleutian Ballad, the famous vessel featured on the show Deadliest Catch. You’ll get an unforgettable look into life on the Bering Sea without the freezing temperatures or towering waves.
During the tour, the crew demonstrates how commercial fishing gear is used to catch Alaska’s seafood. You’ll watch crab pots and fishing equipment hauled from the water, learn about the challenges of commercial fishing, and get an up-close look at some of Alaska’s incredible marine life. It’s entertaining, educational, and one of the best excursions in Ketchikan for kids.
Book this if… you’re fascinated by Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, love wildlife, or are traveling with kids. It’s one of the most entertaining and educational excursions in Ketchikan.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Hands-on, up-close experience with Alaska’s sea creatures
- Great wildlife and scenery viewing photo opportunities
- Cruise around aboard the famous Aleutian Ballad from Deadliest Catch
- Watch real fishing gear demonstrations
- Get up close with Alaska’s fascinating sea creatures
Tour Duration and Cost:
This is a 3 hour tour. The boat is partially covered and heated, and the crew also provides extra jackets for warmth and a small snack.
Wildlife You May See:
- Dungenus Crab
- Pacific Octopus
- Dungeness Prawns
- Moon Jellyfish
- Sea Stars
- Harbor Seals
- Humpback Whale
- Oftentimes, 50-100 bald eagles dive-bomb the boat to grab fish right off the water
Who is this excursion best for?
✔️ Family travelers
✔️ Photographers
✔️ Fans of Deadliest Catch
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Grab a seat along the outer rail if you can. You’ll have the best view when the fishing gear is brought up from the water, and it’s the perfect spot to photograph the bald eagles as they swoop in for fish. Even if it’s drizzling, don’t stay inside the whole time or you’ll miss some of the best moments!
4. George Inlet Zodiac Tour
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore Ketchikan, this Zodiac tour is hard to beat. Instead of viewing Alaska from a large cruise boat, you’ll captain your own two-person Zodiac boat through the protected waters of George Inlet. This gives you an up-close look at Southeast Alaska’s incredible scenery!
As you cruise along the shoreline, you’ll pass towering granite cliffs carved by glaciers, dense Tongass rainforest, and waterfalls cascading thousands of feet into the fjord. Because these boats are small and nimble, you’ll have opportunities to explore areas that larger vessels can’t reach!
Book this if… you’d rather be part of the adventure than simply watch it. Driving your own Zodiac through Alaska’s fjords is perfect for thrill seekers and anyone wanting a more intimate experience on the water.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Drive your own two-person Zodiac boat through George Inlet
- Get closer to the shoreline than traditional wildlife cruises
- Marvel at glacier-carved cliffs and a stunning 2,000 foot waterfall
- A chance to see whales, seals, eagles, and other Alaska wildlife
- Celebrate your adventure afterward with a complimentary craft beer or wine flight
Tour Duration and Cost:
- This 3.5 hour tour provides round trip transportation and rain gear. Before the tour, they’ll outfit you in rain boots, rain jackets, lifejackets so you stay warm and safe in any weather!
- $240 per person
Wildlife you can see:
- Humpback Whales
- Orcas
- Sika Black-Tailed Deer
- Harbor Seals
- Bald Eagles
- River Otters occasionally
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Adventure seekers
✔️ Couples
✔️ Wildlife photographers
✔️ Repeat Alaska cruisers looking for something different
✔️ Travelers who want a more hands-on experience
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Dress in warm layers, even if it’s a sunny day. You’ll be provided with waterproof gear, but the breeze on the water can still make it feel much cooler than it does downtown. If you’re traveling as a pair, take turns driving so both of you can enjoy the scenery and snap photos!
5. Fishing Charter
Fishing isn’t just an activity in Ketchikan. Fishing is a way of life. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan offers some of the best saltwater fishing in all of Alaska! Whether you’re hoping to catch king salmon, coho, halibut, or rockfish, the local captains know exactly where to find the fish.
Book this if... you’ve always dreamed of catching an Alaska salmon!
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fish in some of Alaska’s most productive waters
- Learn from experienced local guides
- Opportunity to catch your own dinner
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Most charters last 4–6 hours.
- $270 – $540 per guest
What You May Catch
- King salmon
- Coho salmon
- Pink salmon (seasonal)
- Halibut
- Rockfish
Wildlife You May See:
- Humpback whales
- Harbor seals
- Bald eagles
- Orcas
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Anglers
✔️ Families
Check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: If you’re visiting in July or August, ask your captain what’s running. Different salmon species peak at different times of the summer, and local knowledge makes all the difference.
6. Adventure Kart
Looking for something completely different? Hop behind the wheel of an off-road adventure kart and explore remote logging roads through the Tongass National Forest. Along the way you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking mountains, waterfalls, and peaceful lakes that many visitors never get to see!
Book this if… you want to explore parts of Ketchikan that most cruise passengers never see while enjoying the freedom of driving your own off-road kart through Alaska’s incredible rainforest.
Why You’ll Love It
- Drive your own off-road kart (2024 Polaris RZR’s)
- Explore hidden areas outside downtown Ketchikan
- Fantastic scenery and photo stops
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Approximately 3.5 hours. Rain gear and a helmet are provided. Round trip transportation from the docks are also provided.
- $275 per person
What Wildlife You Can See:
- Sitka black-tailed deer
- Bald eagles
- Black Bears
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Adventure lovers
✔️ Couples
✔️ Families with teens
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Bring a GoPro if you have one. The winding forest roads make for some awesome action footage you’ll want to watch it again later.
7. Kayaking Around Clover Pass
I’m biased on this one. I used to be a kayak guide, and I loved every single day I paddled out on the water. f you want to experience Alaska at a slower pace, kayaking through the calm waters of Clover Pass is hard to beat. Paddle along quiet coves surrounded by old-growth rainforest while keeping an eye out for seals, eagles, and even whales in the distance. Because Clover Pass is generally protected, it’s an excellent option for beginners.
⭐ Book this if you prefer a peaceful, immersive experience in nature.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Peaceful way to experience Alaska’s wilderness
- Beginner-friendly guided tours
- Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
- Beautiful scenery without the crowds
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Approximately 3.5 hours, including transportation and paddling instruction.
- ~$120 per person
Wildlife You May See:
- Sea Stars
- Harbor seals
- Bald eagles
- Salmon (seasonal)
- Humpback whales (occasionally)
- Orcas (Ocassionally)
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Nature lovers
✔️ Couples
✔️ Families with older children
✔️ Travelers looking for a quieter adventure
⭐ Check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Wildlife is much more likely to stay nearby if you move slowly, and some of my favorite sightings have happened when the group simply drifted with the current for a few minutes.
8. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
One of Ketchikan’s most iconic attractions, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a high-energy competition that celebrates Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history. Don’t let the word “show” fool you. You’ll watch world-class athletes competing in events that require incredible strength, speed, and precision.
Cheer for the hometown Ketchikan team as they go head-to-head against their Yukon rivals in thrilling events like axe throwing, speed climbing, log rolling, springboard chopping, and chainsaw carving. The audience participation and hilarious commentary make this one of the most entertaining excursions in town. In fact, you might get FOMO if you decide to skip it because you can often hear them chanting and cheering all over town!
Book this if... you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly excursion that’s easy to fit into your port day.
Why You’ll Love it:
- Watch world-class lumberjacks compete in real logging events
- Photo opportunities with the lumberjacks after the show <3
- Learn about Ketchikan’s historic logging industry
- Plenty of laughs
- Just a short walk from the downtown cruise docks
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Expect to be here for 2.5 hours in total, with an hour-long show and a 75-minute crab fest afterwards (or you can opt just to do the one-hour tour). The stands are covered and heated so this makes a great rainy day activity!
- $80 – $158 per person
Wildlife you can see:
- Lumberjacks 😉
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Families with kids
✔️ Rainy-day travelers
✔️ Anyone looking for a fun, easy excursion close to the cruise port
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: This was one of my favorite attractions growing up! When I was younger, the lumberjacks would teach the local kids how to log roll after hours when the cruise ships would leave. Even if you aren’t usually drawn to live shows, the competition is genuinely exciting, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the skill and athleticism behind Alaska’s logging history. It’s also one of the easiest excursions to fit into your port day since it’s only about a block from the cruise ships.
9. Ziplining Through the Rainforest
Soar through the canopy of the Tongass National Forest, the the largest national forest in the United States, covering nearly 17 million acres,. This adventure combines adrenaline with breathtaking scenery as you zip between towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees high above the forest floor. Sometimes you’ll even be able to spot black bear wandering down below.
Book this if … you’re looking for an adrenaline rush in the rainforest.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fly through America’s largest national forest
- Incredible views of the rainforest canopy
- Safe and beginner-friendly
- A fun way to experience Alaska from a new perspective
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Approximately 3.5 hours, including transportation and safety briefing.
- $225 per person
What You’ll See:
- The canopy of an ancient rainforest
- Bald eagles
- The occasional black bear
- Mountain views
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Adventure seekers
✔️ Families with older kids
✔️ Couples
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Even if it’s lightly raining, the zipline is still an incredible experience, and honestly, the rainforest feels even more magical when it’s misty.
10. Saxman Native Village
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Alaska with a visit to Saxman Native Village. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem poles, this tour offers an opportunity to learn about the traditions, artistry, and stories of the Tlingit people.
Many tours include a traditional dance performance inside the Beaver Clan House, where you’ll hear stories passed down through generations and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska Native culture. Also, Nathan Jackson, the world renowned totem carver, is often spotted here working away on his latest project. He helped replicate many of the 25 original totem poles and his work is featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian in Washington D.C.
Book this if… you want to experience Alaska Native culture and history.
Why You’ll Love it:
- See one of the largest collections of authentic totem poles in the world
- Experience traditional Tlingit dance and storytelling
- Learn about the history and meaning behind the totem carvings
- Watch local artisans like Mr. Jackson at work in the carving center (on select tours)
Tour Duration and Cost:
- Expect to take 2 – 3 hours for the tour with roundtrip tansportation from the docks.
- $99 per person
What You’ll See:
- See the largest collections of authentic totem poles in the world
- Beaver Clan House
- Totem carving demonstrations
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ History lovers
✔️ Families
✔️ Anyone interested in Alaska Native culture
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Take your time reading the interpretive signs around the village. Every totem tells a story, and understanding their meaning makes the experience much more memorable.
11. Photography Safari Tour
If you want to return home with more than just phone snapshots, a guided photography tour is one of the best ways to discover Ketchikan’s hidden viewpoints. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even just your smartphone, these local guides know exactly where to find the best lighting, wildlife, and scenic overlooks!
Book this if … bringing home incredible photos is one of your top priorities.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Visit beautiful photo locations away from the crowds
- Capture waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, and mountain views
- Great for begineers and experienced photographers
Tour Duration and Cost:
- 3 hour tour with transportation available.
- $135 per person
What You’ll Photograph:
- Misty mountain landscapes
- Tongass National Forest
- Bald eagles
- Waterfalls
- Working harbors and floatplanes
- Salmon
Who Is This Excursion Best For?
✔️ Photographers
✔️ Nature lovers
✔️ Couples
✔️ Solo travelers
If you’re interested, check out tour times here.
💙 Local Tip: Ketchikan is beautiful even in the rain. Low clouds and mist often create the most dramatic photos, so don’t let an overcast rainy forecast discourage you!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re flying over Misty Fjords, paddling through quiet coves, watching lumberjacks compete, or discovering the underwater world while snorkeling in Alaska, there’s no shortage of unforgettable adventures awaiting in Ketchikan. The best excursion really depends on what kind of traveler you are, but no matter which one you choose, you’ll experience a side of Alaska that’s unlike anywhere else in the world!
As someone lucky enough to call Ketchikan her home, I hope this guide helps you experience the same beauty and adventure that I’ve come to know and love.
Still planning your trip to Alaska? Don’t forget to check out my other guides!
- 🌲 Advice From a Local: How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Everything you’ll want to bring for Alaska’s famously unpredictable weather.
- 🦅 The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Cruise Wildlife: Learn where and when to spot whales, bears, bald eagles, sea otters, puffins, and other Alaskan critters.
- 🦀 8 Must-Try Foods on an Alaska Cruise: The local dishes you won’t want to miss while visiting Southeast Alaska!
I’m always adding new Alaska travel guides, local tips, and cruise itineraries, so be sure to bookmark this page before your trip. Have a favorite Ketchikan excursion that I should add? Let me know in the comments. I love hearing about your Alaska adventures!
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