By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Planning a cruise to Alaska and wondering which Ketchikan shore excursions are actually worth your time?
I made the mistake of skipping one during my visit to Ketchikan. Instead, I spent our short port day exploring Creek Street, walking around downtown, and enjoying king crab for lunch. It was a fun morning, but by the time we sailed away, I realized I’d missed what makes Ketchikan one of Alaska’s most memorable cruise ports.
After experiencing the port firsthand and researching the top-rated tours, I put together this guide to help you avoid the same mistake.
Whether you’re interested in whale watching, flying over Misty Fjords, riding aboard the famous Deadliest Catch crab boat, or finding the best excursion for your travel style, this guide will help you choose the right Ketchikan shore excursion with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Compare the Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions
- Ketchikan Shore Excursions at a Glance
- Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers
- If I Could Only Pick One Ketchikan Shore Excursion
- Map of Ketchikan Shore Excursions
- What I'd Do Differently on My Next Visit to Ketchikan
- Planning Your Ketchikan Shore Excursion
- FAQs — Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions
- Final Thoughts
Which Ketchikan Shore Excursion Is Right for You?
Short on time? Here’s a quick comparison of the best Ketchikan shore excursions and the type of traveler each one is best suited for.
Best Whale & Wildlife Watching:
Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing & Whale Watching Quest
A well-rounded excursion combining wildlife viewing, scenic cruising, and one of the best chances to see humpback whales.
Best Only-in-Alaska Experience:
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour
Step aboard the famous Aleutian Ballad and experience Alaska’s commercial fishing heritage firsthand.
Best Bucket-List Experience:
Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
Fly over granite cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine lakes in one of Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes.
Best Adventure Tour:
Rainforest Canopy Ropes & Zipline Adventure Park
Zip through the Tongass National Forest on one of Ketchikan’s most exciting outdoor adventures.
Best Family & Group Tour:
3-Hour Private Custom Ketchikan Excursion
Customize your day with a private guide and itinerary designed around your group’s interests.
Compare the Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Not sure which excursion is right for you? Use this quick comparison table to compare the top Ketchikan shore excursions by traveler type, tour length, and price before diving into the detailed reviews below.
| Excursion | Best For | Duration | Price | My Take |
| Wildlife Viewing & Whale Watching Quest | Wildlife & first-time visitors | 2.5 hrs. | $$ | Best all-around wildlife tour |
| Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour | Unique Alaska experience | 3 hrs. | $$$ | My top pick |
| Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour | Scenic views & photography | 2 hrs. | $$$$ | Best bucket-list experience |
| Rainforest Zipline Adventure | Adventure seekers | 3.5 hrs. | $$ | Best active excursion |
| Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast | Food & culture | 2.5 hrs. | $$ | Best family-friendly entertainment |
| Ketchikan Duck Tour | First-time visitors | 1.5 hrs. | $ | Best short excursion |
| 3-Hour Private Custom Tour | Families & small groups | 3 hrs. | $$$ | Most flexible itinerary |
| Private Fishing Charter | Anglers | 4–5 hrs. | $$$$ | Best fishing experience |
Tip: If you’re visiting Ketchikan for the first time and can only book one excursion, I’d choose either the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour for a uniquely Alaskan experience or the Wildlife Viewing & Whale Watching Quest for the best chance to see Alaska’s marine wildlife.
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Ketchikan Shore Excursions at a Glance
| Port | Ketchikan, Alaska |
| Typical Port Time | Usually 5–7 hours, often shorter than Juneau or Sitka |
| Best time to book excursions | 3–6 weeks before your cruise, especially for floatplane tours and private charters |
| Typical Cost | About $79–$900+ per person, depending on the excursion |
| Best for | First-time Alaska cruisers, wildlife lovers, anglers, and families |
| Who Might Skip an Excursion | Travelers with less than four hours in port or repeat visitors who want to explore downtown on foot |
| Should You Book Ahead? | Yes. Popular excursions like the Misty Fjords floatplane tour and private charters often sell out well before sailing. |
Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers
Ketchikan may be one of the shortest port stops on many Alaska cruises, but it offers some of the most memorable excursions. Whether you want to fly over Misty Fjords, watch whales, catch salmon, or experience Alaska’s logging history, there’s something here for almost every type of traveler.
When I visited Ketchikan, I spent my limited time exploring downtown instead of booking an excursion. I enjoyed walking Creek Street and trying fresh king crab, but looking back, I wish I had ventured beyond town. Most of Ketchikan’s signature experiences happen outside the cruise port, and that’s where these excursions come in.
To make choosing easier, I’ve grouped the best Ketchikan shore excursions by excursion type so you can quickly find the one that fits your interests.
Wildlife & Whale Watching Excursions
Wildlife is one of the biggest reasons people book a Ketchikan shore excursion. The waters around Ketchikan are home to humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and, depending on the season, salmon returning to local streams. Whether you want to watch whales from a boat or spend the day fishing, these excursions offer some of the best opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife beyond the cruise port.
Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
⭐ Rated 4.8 out of 5
If seeing humpback whales is at the top of your Alaska cruise bucket list, this is one of the best Ketchikan shore excursions to consider.
This locally owned tour takes small groups into the protected waters around Ketchikan, where sightings often include humpback whales, harbor seals, bald eagles, and other marine wildlife. Reviewers consistently mention knowledgeable guides, plenty of wildlife, and an overall relaxed experience on the water.
Why it stands out: A shorter excursion that offers an excellent chance to see Alaska’s marine wildlife while still leaving time to explore downtown Ketchikan before or after your tour.
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone hoping to spot whales and other wildlife.
Good to Know: Bring binoculars if you have them. While whales sometimes surface close to the boat, they’re often spotted farther away, making binoculars helpful for watching wildlife.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Price: From around $178 per adult
👉 Book Wildlife Viewing & Whale Watching Quest on Viator
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan
⭐ Rated 4.9 out of 5
If I only had time for one excursion in Ketchikan, this would probably be my pick. You board the Aleutian Ballad—the working crab boat made famous on Deadliest Catch—where the crew demonstrates how commercial crab fishing works in Alaska. Along the way, you’ll watch them pull up fishing gear, learn about life on the Bering Sea, and often spot wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and seabirds.
Unlike a traditional sightseeing tour, this experience gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Alaska’s most iconic industries. It’s entertaining, educational, and offers plenty of opportunities for photos.
Why it stands out: It’s one of the most unique shore excursions in Alaska, combining wildlife viewing with a real commercial fishing experience you won’t find at most cruise ports.
Best for: First-time Alaska cruisers, families, and anyone who enjoys Deadliest Catch, wildlife, or learning about Alaska’s fishing industry.
Good to Know: This excursion is popular with both adults and kids, so it often sells out well before cruise season. Book early if it’s at the top of your list.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: From around $249 per adult
👉 Book the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour on Viator
Private Ketchikan Fishing Charter
⭐ Rated 4.9 out of 5
Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is one of the best places on an Alaska cruise to experience salmon fishing firsthand. This private charter is just a short walk from the cruise dock, so there’s no need for shuttle transfers or lengthy travel before getting out on the water.
All fishing gear is provided, and the protected waters around Ketchikan make this a great option for both experienced anglers and beginners. Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to catch salmon while enjoying the scenery and wildlife that make Southeast Alaska so special.
Why it stands out: A private experience with your own captain and group, giving you a more personalized fishing trip than larger tour boats.
Best for: Anglers, families, small groups, and cruise passengers who want an authentic Alaska fishing experience.
Planning to fish? The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides current information on salmon seasons and species to help you understand what may be running during your cruise.
Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours
Price: From around $900 per person
👉 Book the Private Fishing Charter on Viator
Flightseeing Excursions
If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket-list experience in Ketchikan, a flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords is hard to beat. Since cruise ships can’t reach this remote wilderness, the only way to see its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine lakes is by floatplane or small aircraft. It’s one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Southeast Alaska.
Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
⭐ Rated 4.7 out of 5
If you’re looking for the ultimate scenic experience in Ketchikan, this is it. Large cruise ships can’t reach Misty Fjords National Monument, so a floatplane is one of the only ways to experience its remote wilderness. During the flight, you’ll soar over towering granite cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and untouched forests that make this one of Southeast Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Every seat is a window seat, giving every passenger incredible views throughout the flight. It’s a premium excursion, but for many travelers it’s also one of the most unforgettable experiences of an Alaska cruise.
Why it stands out: It gives you access to one of Alaska’s most remote and spectacular landscapes that simply can’t be reached by cruise ship.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience.
Good to Know: Flights are weather dependent. Southeast Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so allow some flexibility and review the operator’s cancellation policy before booking.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Price: From around $389 per adult
👉 Book the Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour on GetYourGuide
Adventure Excursions
If you’re looking for something more active than sightseeing, Ketchikan has a few excursions that get your adrenaline pumping. From soaring through the Tongass National Forest on ziplines to tackling aerial ropes courses high above the forest floor, these tours are perfect for travelers who want to experience Alaska from a different perspective.
Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park
⭐ Rated 4.8 out of 5
If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your Alaska cruise, this excursion delivers. You’ll soar through the Tongass National Forest on seven ziplines while crossing rope bridges, suspended logs, and aerial obstacles high above the forest floor. It’s an active way to experience Alaska’s rainforest from a completely different perspective.
Round-trip transportation from the cruise port is included, so all you have to do is show up ready for the adventure.
Why it stands out: It combines the excitement of ziplining with incredible rainforest scenery, making it one of Ketchikan’s most active shore excursions.
Best for: Adventure seekers, active travelers, and families with older children looking for something beyond traditional sightseeing.
Good to Know: Expect a moderate level of physical activity. You’ll be climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, and navigating rope elements between ziplines.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Price: From around $150 per adult
👉 Book the Zipline Adventure Park on Viator
Food & Culture Excursions
Some of Ketchikan’s best experiences don’t involve spotting wildlife or soaring over the rainforest. If you’d rather learn about Alaska’s history while enjoying fresh seafood, these excursions combine local culture, storytelling, and great food into an experience that’s both entertaining and memorable.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast
⭐ Rated 4.9 out of 5
If you’re looking for an excursion that’s equal parts entertainment and great food, this is one of the best choices in Ketchikan. You’ll watch professional lumberjacks representing Alaska and Canada compete in events like axe throwing, log rolling, chopping, and speed climbing before sitting down to an all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab feast.
It’s a fun way to experience a piece of Alaska’s logging history while enjoying one of the state’s most famous seafood dishes. Even if you’re not usually drawn to stage shows, the energy and audience participation make this excursion a memorable experience.
Why it stands out: It combines live entertainment, local history, and a classic Alaska seafood meal into one excursion.
Best for: Families, couples, food lovers, and travelers looking for a fun, low-activity excursion.
Good to Know: If someone in your group doesn’t eat shellfish, check the tour details to see what alternative meal options are available before booking.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Price: From around $158 per adult
👉 Book the Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast on GetYourGuide
Sightseeing & City Tours
If this is your first visit to Ketchikan and you want to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, a sightseeing tour is a great option. These excursions combine several of Ketchikan’s highlights into one trip, making them ideal for travelers who prefer a broad overview rather than focusing on a single activity like fishing or whale watching.
Ketchikan Duck Tour
⭐ Rated 4.7 out of 5
I didn’t book this excursion, but I watched the Duck Tour vehicles roll through downtown several times while exploring Ketchikan. They looked like a fun way to see more of the city, especially if it’s your first visit or you have a shorter port day.
The tour starts on land, taking you past many of Ketchikan’s historic landmarks before splashing into the harbor for a different perspective of the waterfront. It’s a relaxed excursion that combines sightseeing with a unique ride in an amphibious vehicle.
Why it stands out: It offers both a city tour and a harbor cruise in one excursion, making it an easy way to see more of Ketchikan in a short amount of time.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, and cruise passengers looking for a fun, low-activity sightseeing tour.
Good to Know: This is one of the shorter excursions in Ketchikan, making it a good choice if you want to leave plenty of time to explore Creek Street, shop, or grab lunch downtown afterward.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Price: From around $79 per adult
👉 Book the Ketchikan Duck Tour on Viator
3-Hour Private Custom Ketchikan Excursion
⭐ Rated 4.8 out of 5
If everyone in your group has different interests, this private tour offers the most flexibility. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, your guide can tailor the experience to match what your group wants to see, whether that’s scenic viewpoints, local history, wildlife, totem parks, or hidden spots around Ketchikan.
Because it’s a private tour, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed pace without the crowds or rigid schedule of larger group excursions. It’s a great way to experience Ketchikan if you prefer a customized day over a one-size-fits-all tour.
Why it stands out: A fully customizable itinerary lets you focus on the places and experiences that interest your group most.
Best for: Families, small groups, multigenerational travelers, and anyone who prefers a personalized sightseeing experience.
Good to Know: Contact the tour operator before your cruise if there are specific places you’d like to visit. Many private tours can tailor the itinerary to your group’s interests when arranged in advance.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: From around $680 per group
👉 Book the 3hr Private Custom Excursion on Viator
Still not sure which Ketchikan shore excursion is right for you? Compare the table above before deciding which tour best fits your travel style and budget.
If I Could Only Pick One Ketchikan Shore Excursion
After spending time in Ketchikan and researching the top Ketchikan shore excursions, the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour would be my first choice. We enjoyed exploring downtown, but looking back, I realized the experiences that make Ketchikan truly memorable happen beyond the cruise port.
The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour combines Alaska’s commercial fishing heritage, incredible scenery, wildlife viewing, and an experience that’s difficult to find anywhere else. If I return to Ketchikan, this is the excursion I’ll be booking first.
Map of Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Planning your day is easier when you know where everything is. Use the map below to see the cruise docks, downtown attractions, and where many of these excursions depart. It can also help you estimate walking distances if you have time to explore before or after your tour.
What I’d Do Differently on My Next Visit to Ketchikan
Looking back, skipping a shore excursion in Ketchikan was the wrong choice for us. We enjoyed our morning exploring Creek Street, browsing the shops, and having king crab for lunch, but a short port day like ours didn’t leave enough time to experience what makes Ketchikan such a popular Alaska cruise stop.
If you’re curious what it’s like to explore Ketchikan on foot, I shared everything we did in my Ketchikan Cruise Port Day guide. It’s a good option if you have a shorter port stop or simply prefer exploring on your own.
After spending time in Ketchikan and researching the available tours, I’d book an excursion on my next visit. Whether that’s flying into Misty Fjords, stepping aboard the Aleutian Ballad on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour, or getting out on the water for whale watching or fishing. Those are the experiences I’d prioritize next time because they’re what make Ketchikan different from every other Alaska cruise port.
Who should skip a paid excursion? If your ship is only in port for a few hours or you’ve already visited Ketchikan and want to spend your time shopping, eating, and walking around downtown, exploring on your own can still make for an enjoyable day. For most first-time visitors, though, I’d recommend booking an excursion. Even one of the shorter tours on this list takes you beyond the cruise port and shows you a different side of Ketchikan.
Planning Your Ketchikan Shore Excursion
Ketchikan is one of the shorter port stops on many Alaska cruises, so planning ahead is important. On our cruise, we were in port from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., which was enough time for one excursion or exploring downtown on foot—but not both. Check your ship’s schedule before booking to make sure your tour fits comfortably within your time in port.
If you’re interested in the Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour or a Private Custom Tour, book early. These popular excursions have limited capacity and often sell out during peak Alaska cruise season. Booking independently through Viator or GetYourGuide can also often provide competitive pricing and flexible cancellation policies.
Finally, come prepared for rain. Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s wettest cities, and many excursions spend most of the day outdoors. A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes can make all the difference.
Not sure what to bring? Check out my complete Alaska Cruise Packing List, where I cover the rain gear, layers, footwear, and other essentials I actually used during my cruise.
Cruising to more than one Alaska port? Don’t miss my guide to the best excursions in Juneau, where I compare the top whale watching, glaciers, and sightseeing tours cruise passengers book most often.
🛡️ Exploring Alaska Soon? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance.
It can help protect your trip if weather, illness, or travel delays affect your vacation.
FAQs — Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions
What is the best Ketchikan shore excursion?
It depends on the experience you’re looking for. For first-time visitors, the Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing & Whale Watching Quest is a great all-around choice with an excellent chance of spotting whales and other marine wildlife. For a truly unique Alaska experience, I’d choose the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour aboard the Aleutian Ballad.
How long is the port stop in Ketchikan?
Port times vary by cruise line, but Ketchikan is often one of the shorter Alaska cruise stops. On our cruise, we were in port from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Always check your itinerary before booking to make sure your excursion fits comfortably within your schedule.
Do I need to book Ketchikan excursions in advance?
Yes, especially for the Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour and Private Custom Tour. These excursions have limited capacity and often sell out during peak Alaska cruise season. Booking early also gives you the best choice of dates and departure times.
What’s the best Ketchikan excursion for families?
The 3-Hour Private Custom Excursion is a great choice because the itinerary can be tailored to your group’s interests. For a fun, low-activity option, the Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast is another family favorite.
Can you explore Ketchikan without booking an excursion?
Yes. Downtown Ketchikan, Creek Street, shops, restaurants, and the waterfront are all within walking distance of the cruise port. If it’s your first visit, though, a shore excursion is the best way to experience the scenery and wildlife beyond downtown.
Are independent Ketchikan shore excursions safe to book?
Yes, as long as you book with a reputable operator that guarantees you’ll return before your ship departs. Many tours listed on Viator and GetYourGuide are designed specifically for cruise passengers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Ketchikan shore excursions can completely change your experience in port. While exploring downtown, walking Creek Street, and enjoying fresh king crab made for a fun morning, the excursions are what take you beyond the cruise port and into the experiences that make Ketchikan so memorable.
Looking back, I wish we’d booked an excursion. Whether it’s flying over Misty Fjords, spotting whales, climbing aboard the famous Deadliest Catch crab boat, or heading out on a fishing charter, these are the experiences I’d prioritize on my next visit.
No matter which excursion you choose, planning ahead will help you make the most of your limited time in port. I hope this guide helps you find the Ketchikan shore excursion that’s the best fit for your Alaska cruise.
Ready to book your Ketchikan shore excursion? Browse the top-rated tours and reserve your favorite before your cruise.
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