Best Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Excursions Ranked

Ketchikan, Alaska’s “Salmon Capital,” offers exceptional cruise excursions including the Misty Fjords flightseeing tour, Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, and Saxman Native Village for totem pole viewing. Popular activities include salmon fishing charters, rainforest canopy ziplines, wildlife viewing at Herring Cove, and exploring Creek Street’s historic boardwalk district.

Quick Facts About Ketchikan Excursions

Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what to expect at each stop?

Top-Ranked Ketchikan Excursions

1. Misty Fjords National Monument (The Crown Jewel)

The Misty Fjords flightseeing experience consistently ranks as Ketchikan’s most spectacular excursion. This 2.3-million-acre wilderness area features dramatic fjords with 3,000-foot granite cliffs plunging into emerald waters.

Tour Options:

• Floatplane tour: 90-120 minutes, typically $250-$350 per person. You’ll get aerial views and often a water landing on a pristine lake
• Boat tour: 4-5 hours, $150-$200 per person. Slower pace but you’re at water level for wildlife spotting
• Combination tour: Fly one way, boat back (or reverse). Best of both worlds but pricier at $400-$500

Insider tip: Request the left side of the plane for better views on the standard route. Also, floatplane tours are weather-dependent and get cancelled frequently in Ketchikan’s notoriously wet climate. Book this for your first day in port if you have multiple days, giving you backup options if cancelled.

2. Saxman Native Village and Totem Poles

Located just 2.5 miles south of downtown, Saxman Village offers the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles with over 30 poles and active carving demonstrations.

What makes it special:

• Watch master carvers work on new totems in the Carving Center
• Cape Fox Dancers perform traditional Tlingit dances in the clan house
• Guides explain the symbolism and family histories behind each pole
• Less crowded than Totem Bight State Park

Pro tip: The standard cruise ship tour costs $80-$100, but you can take a $15 taxi ride and explore the outdoor totem park for free. You’ll only pay if you want the clan house performance ($12) or carving demonstration access.

3. Creek Street Historic District

This boardwalk built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek was once the red-light district where “both men and salmon came upstream to spawn.” Today it’s lined with galleries, shops and museums.

Don’t miss:

• Dolly’s House Museum – preserved brothel from the 1920s ($7 admission)
• Salmon ladder viewing during runs (July-September peak)
• Married Man’s Trail – the discreet back route men used to access Creek Street
• Free walking tour maps available at the visitor center

This is completely walkable from the cruise dock and costs nothing to stroll through, making it perfect for budget-conscious cruisers.

4. Alaska Rainforest Canopy Zipline Adventure

Eight ziplines through old-growth Tongass National Forest with some lines stretching over 800 feet. This 3-hour tour costs around $160-$180.

Real talk: The “rainforest” part means there’s a solid chance you’ll be zipping in the rain. The outfitters provide rain gear, but if you’re someone who lets weather ruin their mood, consider something indoors. That said, zipping through misty forest with rain on your face feels authentically Alaskan.

Weight limits apply: Usually 90-250 pounds. They check at the platform, and yes, it’s awkward if you don’t meet requirements after paying.

5. Sportfishing Charter

Ketchikan didn’t earn the title “Salmon Capital of the World” for nothing. Half-day charters (4-5 hours) run $225-$275 per person.

Species by season:

• King Salmon: May-June (most prized)
• Coho (Silver) Salmon: July-September
• Pink Salmon: July-August (odd-numbered years only – they have a 2-year lifecycle)
• Halibut: available most of cruise season

What they don’t tell you: Most charters include fish processing, but shipping your catch home costs extra – often $200-$300 depending on how much you caught. Some cruise lines won’t allow fish on board. Ask before you book. Many cruisers end up giving away their catch at the dock rather than dealing with logistics.

6. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

This hour-long competition features log rolling, axe throwing, speed climbing and chainsaw carving. It’s touristy, sure, but also genuinely entertaining and especially good for families.

Tickets run $40-$50 per adult. The venue is a 10-minute walk from the port, and shows run multiple times daily to accommodate cruise schedules.

Honest assessment: Some cruise veterans roll their eyes at this one, but kids love it and it’s legitimately skillful. Plus it’s covered seating, which matters in Ketchikan.

7. Mountain Point Snorkeling

Yes, snorkeling in Alaska sounds insane. That’s exactly why this 2.5-hour tour ($125-$150) surprises people. You’ll wear a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves, making the 50°F water tolerable.

What you’ll see:

• Giant sunflower sea stars (some over 3 feet across)
• Kelp forests
• Sea cucumbers and urchins
• Occasional octopus sightings

This tour gets cancelled frequently due to weather and visibility. Not recommended for anyone uncomfortable in cold water despite wetsuits.

8. Herring Cove Bear Viewing

Located in Tongass National Forest, this viewing platform offers opportunities to see black bears fishing for salmon during spawning season. Tours cost $80-$120 for 2-3 hours.

Reality check: Bear sightings are never guaranteed. Your odds are best in July-August during peak salmon runs. Some days you’ll see 5-6 bears; other days you’ll stare at an empty creek while mosquitoes feast on you. That’s wildlife viewing.

The platform is accessible and safe, making this suitable for all mobility levels.

Ship-Sponsored vs. Independent Excursions

This decision matters more than most cruisers realize. Understanding the differences between ship-sponsored and independent shore excursions can save you money and stress.

Ship-sponsored excursions:

• Cost 20-40% more than independent tours
• Guaranteed ship wait policy (crucial for anxious travelers)
• Vetted operators with insurance requirements
• Less flexibility with timing and customization

Independent excursions:

• Better pricing and often smaller group sizes
• More authentic local experiences
• Ship won’t wait if you’re late (this is the big risk)
• You handle your own problem-solving if issues arise

For Ketchikan specifically, the port is small and most excursions depart from walkable locations. This makes independent booking lower-risk than at sprawling ports like Juneau. Check out this comprehensive guide to booking Alaska shore excursions for detailed comparisons.

Excursions You Can Skip

Not everything marketed to cruise passengers delivers good value:

• Ketchikan Duck Tour: The amphibious vehicle concept sounds fun but you’re basically paying $60 for information you could get on a free walking tour. The “water” portion lasts about 8 minutes.
• Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour: Unless you’re a massive Deadliest Catch superfan, this museum experience doesn’t justify the $50-$70 price tag
• Generic “City Tour”: Ketchikan’s downtown is tiny and completely walkable. Don’t pay $40 to see things you can walk to in 15 minutes
• Some jewelry store “tours”: These are shopping trips disguised as cultural experiences. True totem pole and native heritage sites won’t be partnered with jewelry sales

Weather Planning Strategy

Ketchikan receives more annual rainfall than any other Alaska cruise port. Here’s how to work with it:

• Book one “rain-proof” activity (Lumberjack Show, Saxman’s indoor clan house, museums)
• Have a backup plan for weather-dependent tours like floatplane excursions
• Invest in proper rain gear (cheap ponchos won’t cut it in sustained rain)
• Embrace the wet – locals say “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing choices”

Surprise bonus: Misty Fjords actually looks more dramatic in misty, drizzly weather. The low clouds create the “misty” effect the monument is named for.

Money-Saving Strategies

• Book direct with operators: Many Ketchikan tour operators offer 10-15% discounts when you book through their websites instead of through the cruise line
• Split your group: For expensive tours like flightseeing, consider having some family members do the boat version while others fly, then share photos. Not everyone needs the premium option
• Walk everywhere possible: The ship-to-downtown walk is easy and free. Don’t pay for shuttles
• Bring your own snacks and water: Port area prices are inflated. A water bottle at the dock costs $4
• Check Groupon and local deal sites: Some Ketchikan operators list last-minute deals when they have space to fill

For more strategic planning, review tips on when and how to book your cruise excursions for the best rates.

Bonus Tips That Seasoned Cruisers Know

• The tender situation: Large ships can’t dock at Ketchikan and must tender passengers to shore. If you’re on a big ship, book early excursions through the cruise line to get priority tender tickets. Otherwise you might waste 90 minutes waiting for a tender
• Tribal card benefit: Some Ketchikan cultural sites offer free or reduced admission to enrolled tribal members from any nation. Worth asking if applicable
• Photography timing: Creek Street looks magical in early morning light before crowds arrive. Most cruise passengers sleep in – don’t be one of them
• Local tip for fish shipping: Alaska Fish Company near the dock will vacuum-seal and ship your catch. Copper River Seafoods sometimes offers better rates. Get quotes from both
• Hidden totem poles: Beyond the famous parks, Ketchikan has totems throughout town in front of businesses and homes. Grab the free totem map from the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center for a self-guided hunt
• Cell service reality: Most carriers work fine in town but go dead once you leave for places like Misty Fjords. Download offline maps beforehand
• Library secret: The Ketchikan Public Library offers free WiFi and amazing water views from the reading room. Great spot to regroup and check email without buying overpriced coffee
• Salmon spawning timing: If seeing salmon is a priority, avoid May and early June when runs haven’t started yet. Peak viewing runs July through September
• Floatplane booking hack: If the popular operators are sold out, call the air taxi services. They do the same routes for comparable prices but don’t always appear in cruise searches
• Rain doesn’t stop bears: Actually, bears are often more active during drizzle. Don’t cancel your bear viewing tour because of sprinkles

Creating Your Perfect Ketchikan Day

Most cruise ships give you 6-8 hours in Ketchikan. Here are sample itineraries based on different priorities:

Adventure Seeker (8-hour port day):

• 7:00 AM – First tender off, early morning rainforest zipline tour
• 11:30 AM – Quick lunch at Annabelle’s Keg & Chowder House
• 12:30 PM – Walk Creek Street and catch salmon viewing
• 2:00 PM – Browse galleries and grab coffee
• 3:00 PM – Back to ship

Culture & History Focus (7-hour port day):

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast in town at Sweet Mermaids
• 9:00 AM – Saxman Village guided tour
• 11:30 AM – Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (excellent free exhibits)
• 1:00 PM – Self-guided walking tour of downtown Ketchikan’s historic district
• 3:00 PM – Dolly’s House Museum and Creek Street
• 4:30 PM – Return to ship

Bucket List Splurge (8-hour port day):

• 7:30 AM – Misty Fjords floatplane tour (book the earliest flight)
• 11:00 AM – Recovery time and lunch
• 1:00 PM – Short bear viewing tour at Herring Cove
• 3:30 PM – Quick walk through Creek Street
• 4:30 PM – Ship departure

Budget-Friendly Day (6-hour port day):

• 9:00 AM – Walk to free totem parks (Totem Heritage Center worth the $5 admission)
• 11:00 AM – Explore Creek Street and watch salmon
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Pioneer Cafe (local spot with reasonable prices)
• 1:30 PM – Walk the waterfront and Maritime Trail
• 3:00 PM – Last shopping and ship return
• Total spent: Under $50 per person

What Tour Operators Won’t Tell You

Tour companies are businesses, and they’re not always forthcoming about certain realities:

• Group size matters: A “small group” tour might still have 40 people. Ask specifically: “What’s the maximum group size?” Tours with 12 or fewer guests cost more but deliver better experiences
• Timing games: Some operators schedule tours to end right at the ship departure time, creating unnecessary stress. Build in cushion time
• Commission relationships: Your ship’s shore excursion desk gets a cut from recommended “independent” operators. Truly independent means researching beyond ship materials
• Photo packages: Many tours push photo packages that you don’t need. Your phone camera works fine
• The upsell moment: Fishing charters always offer “upgraded” packages once you’re on the boat. Decide your budget beforehand

Mobility Considerations

Ketchikan presents both advantages and challenges for cruisers with mobility limitations:

Accessible options:

• Creek Street has elevators at both ends of the boardwalk (though the historic buildings themselves often aren’t accessible)
• Most boat tours can accommodate wheelchairs with advance notice
• The Lumberjack Show venue is wheelchair accessible
• Herring Cove bear viewing platform works for most mobility devices
• Downtown is relatively flat near the waterfront

Challenging for limited mobility:

• Floatplanes require climbing in and out – difficult for many
• Zipline tours obviously require physical ability
• Some totem parks involve uneven terrain and stairs
• Tender boats can be tricky depending on seas

Always call tour operators directly to discuss specific needs rather than assuming based on website descriptions.

The Truth About Timing Your Visit

Cruise season in Ketchikan runs May through September, but your experience varies dramatically by month:

May:

• Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices, spring flowers blooming
• Cons: Coldest weather, salmon runs haven’t started, bears less active
• Verdict: Best for budget travelers who prioritize scenery over wildlife

June-July:

• Pros: Longest daylight hours, salmon runs beginning, comfortable temperatures
• Cons: Peak crowds and prices, everything books up fast
• Verdict: Sweet spot for wildlife viewing and weather balance

August-September:

• Pros: Peak salmon runs, best bear viewing, slightly lower prices than July
• Cons: More rain, shorter days as September progresses, some tours reduce schedules
• Verdict: Best for serious wildlife enthusiasts

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I really need to book excursions in advance or can I decide when I get there?

Popular tours like Misty Fjords flightseeing and fishing charters sell out weeks ahead during peak season. Less popular options like the Lumberjack Show usually have same-day availability. If you have specific must-do activities, book 6-8 weeks out. If you’re flexible, you can find good options upon arrival.

Will I see whales in Ketchikan?

Ketchikan isn’t known as a premier whale watching destination compared to Juneau or Icy Strait Point. Humpbacks do pass through, especially in summer months, and you might spot them on boat tours to Misty Fjords. But if whale watching is your priority, save that activity for other ports with dedicated whale watching excursions.

How wet will I actually get?

Ketchikan averages 150+ inches of rain annually. There’s roughly a 50-60% chance of rain on any given summer day. That said, rain is often light drizzle rather than downpours. Good rain gear matters more here than at any other Alaska port. When locals say “liquid sunshine,” they’re being diplomatic about the constant drizzle.

Are the totem poles at Saxman better than Totem Bight?

Saxman has more poles, active carvers, and cultural performances. Totem Bight offers a more natural forest setting and is free to visit. Saxman feels more curated while Totem Bight feels more like discovering poles in the wild. If you only have time for one, Saxman provides more comprehensive context through guides and demonstrations.

What happens if my independent tour runs late and the ship leaves?

The ship leaves. You’re responsible for getting to the next port at your own expense. This is why many cruisers stick with ship-sponsored tours despite higher costs. If booking independently, choose tours that end at least 90 minutes before all-aboard time. Build in buffer for traffic, weather delays, and tender wait times if applicable.

Can kids do the fishing charters?

Most charters welcome children as young as 5-6, though it depends on the operator. That said, half-day fishing trips involve long periods of waiting between bites. Younger kids often get bored or seasick. The sweet spot is ages 10+ who have patience for fishing and can handle boat motion. Some operators offer family-specific shorter trips that work better for young children.

Is there good shopping in Ketchikan?

Creek Street and downtown have galleries featuring local artists, with prices ranging from affordable prints to investment pieces. The jewelry stores near the dock sell similar cruise port items you’ll find everywhere (tanzanite, diamonds, watches). For authentic Alaska purchases, look for locally made items at Soho Coho Gallery, Scanlon Gallery, or Alaska Eagle Arts. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center gift shop has quality native crafts at fair prices.

Do I need bear spray or any special safety gear?

For organized tours, no. Operators provide all necessary safety equipment and protocols. If you’re planning independent hiking away from developed areas, bear spray is wise, but most cruise passengers stick to guided tours and populated areas where bears are not a concern. Downtown Ketchikan itself has zero bear danger.

Personal Experience

When our cruise docked in Ketchikan last summer, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of excursion options. After reading through countless reviews and rankings, I decided to skip the typical tourist traps and focus on what really made sense for our family. We ended up booking a wildlife watching tour that took us through Misty Fjords, and honestly, seeing those humpback whales breach just a few hundred feet from our boat made the entire trip worthwhile. The guide was a local who’d been doing this for twenty years, and you could tell he genuinely loved showing off his home.

The next day, we explored the totem heritage sites and visited a local cultural center where we watched carvers actually working on new pieces. What struck me was how different it felt from the crowded jewelry stores near the dock. The rangers explained the stories behind each totem, and my kids were actually engaged instead of complaining about being bored. Looking back at our port day, I’m so glad we took the time to research which excursions were actually worth the money. Some of our fellow passengers stuck close to the ship and later said they wished they’d ventured out more. Ketchikan has so much to offer beyond the shopping district, and choosing the right tours made all the difference.