Highlights of Ketchikan

special offer banner Highlights of Ketchikan
Rated 4.7 out of 5
Read 47 Reviewsor
Excursion Highlights:
  • Discover the charm of Ketchikan, Alaska, from snow-capped moutains to black bears
  • Learn about the salmon industry at canneries and Eagle Point Education Center
  • See the Saxman Native village noteworthy totem poles
  • Spot humpback and orca whales at scenic Rotary Beach
  • Watch for wildlife at Herring Cove
Price: $99.00   Sale Price: $79.00   Save: $20.00
Children ages 5 and under may attend the tour free of charge with advanced notice at the time of booking.
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We really enjoyed our excursion. Watching the salmon swim upstream and using the salmon ladder was unbelievable.
- Tamara Autry
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Easy
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and shoes. Guests should bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Restrictions Guests must be able to get in and out of the transportation. This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair. Children ages 5 and under may attend the tour free of charge with advanced notice at the time of booking.

Highlights of Ketchikan Tour

Ketchikan, Alaska, is a small city that directly faces the famous Inside Passage, known as a popular cruise destination. It is the state's south-eastern-most town and is known for its many Native American totem poles on display throughout the vicinity. You can experience snow capped mountains, salmon spawning streams, waterfalls and rich wildlife including bald eagles and black bears.

Your day of discovery into this charming city starts with a short Ketchikan city tour where you will drive by some of the area's many salmon canneries and learn about the salmon industry. From town you will make your way to the Eagle Point Education Center. Here you will have the opportunity to see eagles in their natural setting and see a native carver working on a totem pole. While here you will also be provided the opportunity to try delicious, local salmon samples.

After eagle point you will travel to Saxman Native village where you will be greeted by the largest collection of standing totems in one location. Walk through the 25 replicas of original Native Alaskan totem poles and observe the artistic carvings revealing stories of the people and legends of the past.

From here continue to scenic Rotary Beach. Make a brief stop to check for whales and other wildlife that may be spotted in the area. This beach is popular with the locals and it's easy to see why with the great opportunities to see humpback and orca whales as they migrate through Nicolas Passage.

After that it's off to Herring Cove for an excellent chance to view the areas majestic bald eagles, seals, heron and even bears at times, not to mention thousands of salmon returning to the place of their birth upstream!

Your tour will stop last at one of the area's cascading and beautiful waterfalls for picture opportunities before your comfortable return trip back to the pier area and your ship.

Your visit to Ketchikan will most certainly be one to remember when you book this tour. For those who love nature and animals you don't want to miss out, book now!

Please Note: Restrooms available at Rotary Beach, Saxman Village and Herring Cove. Also, please be advised wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

47 Ratings
4.7out of 5 stars
21 Customer Photos
Submitted by Lynda S
1-10 of 47 Reviews
Rated 4 out of 5
Dec 28, 2024
Very informative and the town had a nostalgic feel about it
This town I felt was the most historic. I learnt the most about totem poles and how they are read. The tour guide was great but as the afternoon tour, I found it rushed. Though we did see a black bear come out of the forest down to the river on this one.
DONNA MAREE L
Rated 5 out of 5
Oct 7, 2024
Great experience, tour guide provided useful information and directions.
Hamid s
Rated 4 out of 5
Oct 5, 2024
Highlights were above average
Our tour guide really made this worthwhile for us. I didn't care for the trip to the tour office and lecture. I think that part could be eliminated. We did see a bear catching fish along a river, and we were able to take pictures. The totem poles are interesting, too. The magic waterfall was nice. Highlights yes, but it could be more interesting.
Lynda S
Rated 3 out of 5
Oct 4, 2024
The tour guide was great and the price was spot on. Due to the late start of the tour I was unable to see the famous Creek St. area due to failing light and dinner obligations which disappointed me.
Donald M
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 26, 2024
Ketchikan was an interesting town with a wonderful museum that we really enjoyed.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the visit to Ketchikan interesting. Enjoyed learning about how the Native Americans used the totem poles to share their history.
Kathy P
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 22, 2024
Quintessential Alaska!
Ketchikan was my favorite port of our trip. It was exactly what I’ve always thought Alaska would look like! We enjoyed traveling around and hearing about the local history. We visited the totem poles, and finally got to see a bear!! Definitely a must do when you visit quaint, little Ketchikan!
Sheri C
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 20, 2024
Loved it very informative lovely afternoon saw bears abs loads wildlife
Nada A
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 17, 2024
Great way to see Ketchikan!
This was a wonderful way to see Ketchikan up close! As a small group, we were led by Chief Wolf who told us about their history, showed and explained the meaning of totem poles, and led us to a creek to see jumping salmon. Seeing the salmon run was truly an exciting experience!
Jean B
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 24, 2024
Highlights of Ketchikan
The tour was interesting. We were running overtime, but after reminding the driver that we had to be back by a certain time, she dropped us off right at the ship. The highlight was seeing a bear close enough that we could take a photo. Unfortunately we had a large party on board who continued to speak loudly to each other in a foreign language. The driver did warn them to keep quiet, and that helped to some extent.
Teresa M
Rated 4 out of 5
Aug 21, 2024
Ketchikan Highlights Tour
Unfortunately we missed the meeting point for our excursion and were changed to another one not quite the same. Nevertheless it was an interesting tour and the driver gave us excellent information about the town and surrounding area.
Pam B