Top Ketchikan Shore Excursions

By Brooke Franco

Top things to do when in Ketchikan, Alaska - *Photo by Canva*

A port visit to Ketchikan will likely include a day of adventure and a unique look at the natural beauty and rich culture, making it an unforgettable Alaska cruise destination. Ketchikan offers breathtaking landscapes of the Inside Passage, featuring stunning fjords, lush forests, and majestic mountains. It is a picture-perfect destination and among the favorite stops for cruisers visiting Alaska.

Ketchikan is renowned for its vibrant Native American heritage and fascinating history, making it a cultural hotspot for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of thrilling activities in Ketchikan, like ziplining, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.

Following are eight popular cruise excursions to check out for your visit to Ketchikan, Alaska. We’ve included highlights of each tour and details of where you can book from our trusted third-party partners at a great price.

Read Member Tips and Photos about Ketchikan

1. Hike the Tongass National Forest

Experience Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan's treasured attraction and the nation’s largest national forest. Hike through this majestic rainforest, where you will encounter wildlife and experience the true raw beauty of Alaska. We recommend a guided tour that will take you around the spectacular forest, educate you on the region's flora and fauna and local residents (like bears and deer), as well as provide insights into its history.

These are top tours to consider for your journey to the Tongass National Forest:

2. Flightseeing Tour

*Photos by members Mrsbtemplin / missamarsh*

Looking to get the best views of the Misty Fjords while in Ketchikan? Opt for a flightseeing tour offering the ultimate panoramic look at the region. Most flightseeing tours are small or private groups operated by a professional pilot who will explain the areas you are flying over. As you soar above, enjoy a birds-eye view of Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island, the Tongass National Forest, and the Misty Fjords. During the flight, you might even spot wildlife in their natural environment.

Following are the top Ketchikan flightseeing tours to consider:

3. Canoeing and Kayaking

*Photos by members Islandtime32 / loralor*

Soak in the region's beauty while canoeing or kayaking on a nearby mountain lake. Many canoe tours are done in traditional Alaskan-style canoes, making the experience all the more unique. You will enjoy great views of the Tongass National Forest, all while canoeing or kayaking with a guide who will lead you through the area and teach you about the ecosystems and other facts of the land.

These are the top Ketchikan canoeing and kayaking tours to check out:

4. Get Crabby

Ketchikan is home to some of the best crab fishing in the world. During your visit, learn about the region’s fishing history and sample some of the best king crab legs you will ever try. Many varieties of crab-focused tours are offered here. Some tours offer up-close experiences on a boat to catch these sea delicacies, while other tours focus on bringing the crab straight to the table to sample the local delicacy.

There’s no reason to be crabby if you choose to spend your port time in Ketchikan with any of these excursions:

5. Totem Park Adventure

*Photo by member MichelleEC of Totem Bright Park*

Ketchikan is the right place to go if you want to learn about Southeast Alaskan culture. The area boasts some of the world’s best totem pole artists, who reproduce original totems using hand tools for carving just as their ancestors did. You will find tours that visit the Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Native Village, home to the world's largest standing collection of totem poles.

Following are excursions to explore:

6. Zipline the Tongass National Forest

Calling all adventure seekers! Soar over Ketchikan with a zip-line tour in the Tongass National Forest. These guided zip line expeditions are a fun and safe way to experience the thrill of Alaska:

7. Fishing Tour

*Photos by members poolemon / theseymours*

Experience the thrill of fishing in Alaska, where you can catch salmon, halibut, crabs, and more in small group and private fishing charters. Many charters offer catch and cook options, where you will catch fish with the help of an expert crew and then have it freshly prepared for you before you head back to the ship.

Following are some top Ketchikan fishing tours to explore:

8. Unique Boating Tours

Ketchikan’s waterfront location offers several unique boating tour experiences. Among our member favorites is the Ketchikan Duck Tour, where you will experience the city on land and sea via an amphibious vehicle called a Duck. The tour visits the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek, Whale Park, and Creek Street and ends with a ride right into the harbor at the Tongass Narrows. Another fun tour is the Alaskan Boatman Adventure on a Hulled Inflatable Boat. You will board a 14-foot, fully equipped, rigid-hulled inflatable boat to spot wildlife and nature in Knudsen’s Cove, Clarence Strait, and Clover Pass for this excursion. If you are looking for a super unique water tour of Ketchikan, consider the Hovercraft Eco Adventure. Glide over the water on a hovercraft as you travel between Ketchikan and your destination - a remote island. Upon touchdown at the beach, search for wildlife and capture fantastic pictures of the surrounding landscape.

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Whatever adventure you choose during your stop in Ketchikan, you can’t go wrong. The port offers something for travelers of all types, whether you want to sightsee or take part in extreme adventures. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Explore All Ketchikan Excursions

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