Top Ketchikan Nature and Wildlife Tours

The trail does have several sets of stairs and uphill / downhill portions. Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a natural waterfall and see the native flora. Then, visit a Totem Park, learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people and explore a magnificently carved clan house. This small-group tour ensures a more personal experience and includes pick up at the cruise port.

Create beautiful memories of Ketchikan with this small-group photography tour. Your guide will lead you to all of the best photo spots in the area, including historical, cultural and natural attractions, and provide helpful tips and instruction on composition, exposure and more for all types of camera, from a DSLR to a point and shoot or cell phone.

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

Embark on an unforgettable private tour of Ketchikan that is customizable to suit your preferences. Uncover the beauty of Alaska's stunning landscapes while traveling in the lap of luxury with a private transportation service that ensures your comfort. Learn about Native Alaskan cultures at the Totem Park as you take in spectacular views along your amazing journey—all while sipping on the complimentary bottled water.

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Meet your guide at your cruise ship dock. See city highlights, including historical Creek Street and a local salmon hatchery, before continuing out of town: you’ll visit totem parks, pretty tide pools and beaches, nature preserves, and more. As you go, learn all about the region’s indigenous heritage.

Explore the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car trolley. Traveling on this open-air vehicle, you'll see attractions such as the Fish Ladder and the Native American totem poles of Saxman Native Village, plus look for wildlife such as bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles at the Herring Cove viewing area. This is a fully narrated and guided tour.

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this 3.5-hour guided shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and as you paddle around the island, spot wildlife including bald eagles, seals, salmon, and perhaps even humpbacks and orcas. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

Discover the wildlife and native cultures of Ketchikan on this half-day nature excursion for your private party. Visit an old Native American village to learn about its culture and see the intricately carved totem poles. Learn about the edible plants of the region, see local wildlife such as salmon, whales, and eagles, and visit several of the area’s beautiful beaches.

Learn about the native cultures of Alaska during your time in Ketchikan on this private shore excursion. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, a salmon hatchery, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, your guide teaches you about Native American culture and traditions.

While in port in Ketchikan, take to the skies over stunning Misty Fjords National Monument on this 1-hour flighted tour. Board a floatplane and fly over the lakes, sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Misty Fjords, a part of Tongass National Forest covering more than 2 million acres (900,000 hectares) of alpine wilderness. Keep an eye out for any wildlife including bears, eagles and other marine life. Tour duration includes a 1-hour flight, safety orientation, loading and unloading time and gift shop time. • Fly on an incredible journey with breathtaking views of the Misty Fjords National Monument with Ketchikan’s premier flight seeing operator • With 45 years in business and trusted legacy partnerships with all major cruise lines, we bring the experience and the knowledge that will make your trip unforgettable • Window seat guaranteed • Unique pilot narration • 100% Guarantee that you will NOT miss your cruise ship all-aboard • Private van transportation including pickup and delivery

Make the most of your time in Ketchikan by booking this combination tour. Traveling in a small group, by both land and sea, your Alaskan adventure includes scenic views, wildlife (including black bears or whales, depending on the time of year), Dungeness crab pot pulling, historic totem poles, and all the highlights of the city.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Tongass National Forest on this 3.5-hour guided tour from Ketchikan. Paddle with a group of up to 20 passengers in a Native American–style canoe across a secluded lake, and then enjoy a nature walk through a rain forest. Gain insight into local Native American history, as well as the wildlife and plants you see along the way. A riverside snack and hotel transport are included.

A truly unique experience which is only offered here. Explore one of the best beaches of Ketchikan at low tide. This special excursion is ONLY offered once a day to take advantage of the lowest tide. One of Ketchikan's best locations for spotting bald eagles, seals, and whales from land, this beach is known for its rock and tide pools. At low tide, you can walk the beach and find dozens of different types of crabs, starfish, urchins, and sea anemones. You might even see an octopus. After exploring, warm up at the beach bonfire and roast some s'mores. On the drive to, or back from, the excursion, stop by Totem Bright State Park for a self-guide visit to learn about local Alaskan Native culture. And of course, see some totem poles. This excursion is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Marvel at the pristine Alaskan wilderness and explore untouched beaches inaccessible to other boats with Alaska’s only hovercraft tour. Spot whales, seals, eagles, and other magnificent wildlife as you glide through the waters of Ketchikan with a small group of just 12, then hop out and stretch your legs after your hovercraft pulls up on the deserted beaches. Snap photos of the native fauna and the spectacular forested landscape.

Embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour escapade with Alaska Bigfoot Adventures. This one-of-a-kind experience guarantees an authentic Alaskan adventure, led by a local guide. Explore our brand-new trail through the enchanting deep woods of Alaska. Get ready for a town tour, an exhilarating ATV ride, and an immersive trek into the wild. Perfect for Bigfoot enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone with a curious spirit. Join now and make memories that will last a lifetime.

For many, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and so is this. You’ll start on the water in a heated vessel, cruising for sneak peeks at whales, eagles, and seals. You’ll land in a remote corner of the Tongass National Forest, where a boardwalk floats you above the mossy floor. When you’re finished exploring, you'll head to the onsite lodge for an Alaskan seafood boil, all your senses in extravaganza mode.

After relaxing aboard your ship, this off-road Ketchikan shore excursion will pump up your adrenaline. First, steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style, 20-person canoe! Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack of smoked salmon, clam chowder, fresh bread with local wild-berry jam, and hot chocolate.

Misty Fjords National Monument is a remote, road-less wilderness area that can only be reached by air and sea. This floatplane flightseeing tour takes you into the heart of the park where you can see untouched areas of Alaska far from the hoards of cruise ship passengers that flock to more accessible areas. The tour includes a water landing—a unique experience only a floatplane can provide.

First-time visitors to Tongass National Forest may find it intimidating to explore alone as it’s one of the United States’ largest national forests. Prebook this small-group hiking experience from Ketchikan and follow a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) trail with a guide navigating the way. Along the way, see old-growth Sitka spruce trees and a forested lake nestled amidst the surrounding mountains.

Discover the old-growth forests of Tongass National Forest on this trek that begins with pickup in Ketchikan. Join a small group and hike through an Alaska State Park and the forest to find enchanting old-growth rain forests of Sitka spruce and western red cedar. Walk along a river and catch sight of a few waterfalls in the area.