Ketchikan, Alaska Port Reviews

The free city shuttle right off the pier with stops all around Ketchikan is a great idea. However after waiting to board one around 45 min (big crowds, small buses) we grabbed a cab to heritage center for some totem pole history. From the parking lot we grabbed a free and empty trolly to Creek Street. Spent a couple hours enjoying this area. We then took the easy walk back to ship. Weather was amazing!

I pre-booked this Whale & Wildlife Tour in December, 2023 for our Alaskan Cruise scheduled for June 2024. My Hubby gets sea sick and we choose this specific boat perfect for small Groups. Hence the early booking. Captain Jesse and 1st Mate Kaylee, were our experienced Guides for the day. The tour began with a brief but informative introduction about the types of whales we might encounter and the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. As we ventured into the open sea, the anticipation grew, and we were not disappointed. The Tour boats communicate with one another to provide info on where the Whales are feeding for their morning breakfast. It took about 30 minutes to arrive at the site. Pretty thrilling to see Whales surface/breach, dive and spout water high into the air! The Tour lasted about 3 Hours and we were fortunate to not only see Whales but an Island with chillaxing Sea lions and a convocation of Bald Eagles. BONUS: This is the only authorized area, where the Crew can toss frozen herring to the Eagles. Super cool to see them swoop and dive and catch them in their beaks. Get your camera's ready, they are quick! On the way back, we saw a few deer on the coastline grazing. As we docked at the pier, another wildlife bonus: Otters swimming under the pier. Overall, I highly recommend Eagle One looking for a semi private Whale watching excursion. EO provided complimentary blankets, hot chocolate, water and snacks. Bring your own binoculars our borrow a pair, totally worth it! BTW, Bathroom on board, but steady yourself, male or female ;)

We did the Lumberjack Show Excursion and it was amazing. We went back after that but really annoying crossing guards who scream and yell at you if you Jay walk right next to the designated walking space. Creek Street was nice from the front but we did not go. There is a lot of jewelers and shops which hides the real Alaska charm from Ketchican though.

It had many shops and things available to see or do. I thought the village would be bigger.

Visited: Jun 05, 2010

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Go to the totem pole park. Also, the lumber jack show was a lot of fun. The shopping is more of the same. After a couple of ports, you've seen it all!

Visited: Aug 08, 2009

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We took the self-guided walking tour and enjoyed just walking around the town at our own pace. We went into the totem heritage center and learned a lot about totem poles. We just enjoyed the feel of the town in general. We were the only cruise ship in port, so that may have helped!

Visited: Jun 16, 2008

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This was a very interesting port and we ate the Halibut at a dockside fish and chips stand that was excellent.

Visited: Aug 15, 2010

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Disappointed that I only saw two bald eagles and they were in an environment similiar to a zoo. Not much to see

Visited: Jul 14, 2007

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Not enough time to see things and could only take one tour, had to rush back to the ship.

Visited: Jul 07, 2007

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Tremendous fun. If a few ships are in port it can be terribly crowded. Check the port schedule before you book the cruise. Also you know if you are tendering that other ships already are scheduled at the docks. Great shops and restaurants. Expect some rain.