Top Ketchikan Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. See the famous salmon ladder, admire the traditional totem poles at the Saxman Native Village, enjoy whale-watching from Rotary Beach, and look out for seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove.

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.

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.

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Pick between multiple tour times to suit your schedule, and meet your guide in central Ketchikan, or 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. 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. Tour is fully narrated.

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 tranquil, protected waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew, and marvel at the variety of marine creatures caught in barrel pots and hauled up on deck. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

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.

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 of no more than eight people for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

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.

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.

We help you take iconic photographs of several locations in the Ketchikan area, including historical, cultural and nature attractions. We offer advanced and basic photographic instruction for cell phone, poin'n'shoot & DSLR camera users. We conduct our tours over a set route of 7 or 8 different locations with each location offering unique photo opportunities AND teaching opportunities. Although a majority of my photography instruction is equally applicable to BOTH cell phones, point’n'shoots and DSLR cameras, some of my instruction is specific to DSLR users. Photo techniques taught for BOTH DSLR & cell phone & point’n’shoots include: composition, subject identity, subject proximity, subject balance, exposure, cropping, angle of approach, light compensation, macro photography... We look forward to serving you soon.

Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel the ocean breeze on your face and taste the salty sea air as you skim across the waves. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer.

Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and began her business in Ketchikan in 1993. Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Share our love of flying through our vast Alaskan wilderness. Experience the freedom of flight over the wild grandeur of the mountains, the islands and the endless sea. In business since 1993, Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Our focus is the quality of your experience. From the handling of your reservation, to the equipment we operate, to the places we visit; we don't compromise and neither should you. The total time for this tour is 4.25 hours including: the flight, three hours onsite at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory, and fifteen minutes for the pick-up and drop-off.

Explore the Alaskan rain forest aboard an electric 4x4 buggy on this 3-hour tour in Ketchikan. Steer the wheel yourself, or sit in the passenger seat and relax, learning about the area’s history and plant life along the way from an informative guide. Reach a wilderness camp, where you’ll enjoy a pancake buffet, followed by campfire-roasted marshmallows. Round-trip transport from Ketchikan hotels and the cruise terminal included.

Explore the native heritage of the Inside Passage on a guided tour of Ketchikan and its famous totem poles. Visit Potlatch Park and the Totem Bight State Park, together home to dozens of painted totems plus an Alaskan clan house, cabins, and canoes that re-create a traditional native village. See how totems are carved at a workshop, and enjoy a bonus visit to an antique car exhibit and a Russian museum that houses a rare gun collection.

While in Ketchikan, embark on this 4-hour adrenaline-fueled Super Saver Combo tour. Rumble along the back roads of Tongass National Forest in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® — and keep your eyes open for bald eagles, moose, deer, and the occasional bear. Along with your group, paddle across a lake in a Native American–style canoe, and enjoy delicious snacks at a remote camp. Learn about the forest's wildlife and vegetation on a short walk through the woods. Save money and embrace the beauty of Ketchikan on this quintessential Alaskan tour.

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.

Swap the big bus tours for a more personalized experience of the Tongass National Rainforest and Revillagigedo Island. This private tour is exclusively for your group and takes you exploring the area in style and comfort in a deluxe H2 vehicle. Explore nature trails, see a collection of hand-carved totem poles, visit historic sites and look out for wildlife, including bears.

Take a 3-hour shore excursion to explore Alaska’s Rainforest Sanctuary. See numerous native animals such as black bears, bald eagles, seals, and a number of marine birds in their native habitats. Learn about the area’s ecosystem from your informative guide as you walk along the trails of the sanctuary. Enjoy light refreshments and a fresh smoked salmon snack during your tour.

Bring your closest friends, family and loved ones become part of a select group of anglers who have braved the wild waters of Alaska! Drop us a line to let us know how we can make your personal bucket list fishing trip! 5-10 hour fishing trip for Trophy Salmon or a Halibut, Lingcod combo.

Alaska is home to stunning landscapes and several wildlife species. Discover both of these aspects aboard a private boat tour around Revillagigedo Island departing from Ketchikan. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife including humpback whales, bears, otters, eagles, and even orcas. This is an opportunity to spend hours on the water and see as much wildlife as possible.

Experience our home in a comfortable and safe family atmosphere! We created this Covid-19 tour for families and small party's up to 6 see Ketchikan while we maintaining the most safe measures. We will do our best! Our guides are local citizens who call this wonderful place home. We offer exclusive opportunities to see and experience the local Native Cultures of Revillagigedo Island! This is your touring experience and we will do our best to accommodate your experience.