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Ketchikan

Ketchikan is often the first port of call actually in Alaska for many cruise travellers. Known by some as the salmon and totem pole capital of Alaska, Ketchikan has developed from a rough and tumble logging and commercial fishing town to become one of the main cruise ports of call on the Inside Passage offering a range of shore excursions. Because it rains so much in Ketchikan (the average rainfall is over 160 inches a year) the natives just smile and joke about it - Cruise visitor to Ketchikan child “How long has it been raining?” Child “I don’t know, I’m only 5”!

Shore Excursions

Ketchikan Undersea Tour - Approx. 1.5 hours

Nautilus V docked in Ketchikan, Alaska Our Nautilus is located behind the Salmon Landing building next to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, just minutes from the main downtown cruise ship dock. Our Coast Guard licensed captain and crew will welcome you onboard the Nautilus where you will be ushered below to the underwater viewing cabin. After a short safety briefing, relax to soothing music while watching an underwater video on our large flat screen monitors. After a short ride the captain will then position the Nautilus over our viewing area. As the Nautilus glides slowly above the ocean floor vegetation and sea life begin to appear. Our marine expert will explain what you are seeing and answer any questions you may have. Nautilus V underwater viewing cabin Marine life you will likely see will be Shiner Surf perch, Pile Perch, different species of rockfish, salmon, herring, sunflower starfish (some as large as 3' in diameter), purple and orange Ochre Starfish, Blood Starfish, giant Spiney Pink Starfish, Kelp Crabs, along with various other crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, Moon Jellyfish, and Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Although allusive, we have seen Wolf Eels, halibut, flounders and sculpins on past tours. This is all open ocean so you never know what you might see. Our underwater camera will capture and entertain you with real time underwater activity. After your underwater viewing adventure guests are welcome to come up on deck to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding islands. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska's temperate rainforest, rustic waterfronts and frontier style buildings as your guide entertains you with local points of interest and stories of days gone by. Binoculars are provided for wildlife viewing which may include Bald Eagles, herons, and seals among other Alaskan wildlife. Upon your return to the dock see Ketchikan's famous Creek Street and Dolly's House and learn about its colorful past and beginnings.

Saxman Totem Village & Wildlife Extension - Approx. 2.5 hours

One of the most popular sites in Ketchikan is the Saxman Totem Village. This is Alaska’s only totem park with 29 authentic totems carved by Tlingit and Haida natives. The poles were moved here from the original site in the 1930's and have been restored by native carvers. To truly appreciate the unique and artesian qualities, a visit is to Saxman is a must when in Ketchikan. The next part of your journey will continue on to Herring Bay, a quaint area that takes you far away from the crowds and people. A small inlet cove that will allow sites and sounds of the beautiful wildlife that only Ketchikan can offer. During Salmon season, Black bears are often spotted in this area. Be sure to keep your eyes wandering and your cameras ready! Your last stop of the day will include a visit to Rainbow Falls. Immerse yourself in the view of a 100 foot waterfall surrounded by a rainforest. This hidden treasure is well known by the locals, but not the tourists.

Tongass Rainforest Hiking Expedition - Approx. 2.5 hours

Hike the pristine Ward Creek Trail, lined by old growth spruce and hemlock. Hear the rushing waters of Ward Creek. See abundant berries, flowers and skunk cabbage in season. The Tongass National Forest is only accessible in Ketchikan by hiking. The trail is groomed to high U.S. Forest Service standards. It is moderately rolling and climbs to an elevation of about 100 feet over 2 miles, traversing a gentle mountain slope. Guests can see a variety of wildlife including waterfowl, woodpeckers and small mammals. Bears are rare. While on the trail, visitors can become more closely acquainted with the issues in the Tongass, including resource and wildlife management and the local economy. The Tongass Rainforest Expedition is a 2.5 hour trip from dock to dock. Our 15 passenger van escorts guests from the dock on a short trip along Ketchikan's waterfront (10 minutes) on the way to the Tongass National Forest (total trip time: 20 minutes). Once at the scenic and remote Ward Lake site, guests begin their hike.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen Tour - Approx. 3.5 hours

During the run, you will be familiarized with the AB and her colourful history as a working boat. You will be acquainted with the history of Alaska`s fisheries as well as the type of fishing vessels and gear you are likely to encounter during your cruise through Alaskan waters. Our crew introduce themselves to our guests As the AB pulls up on the first station, you will watch as her crew goes to work. Gear baited with salmon or squid will be set and hauled in. Rockfish, shark, gray cod, ratfish are likely to come flinging over the side. 700 pound Bering Sea king crab pots will be hauled up and landed on deck. Dungeness crab, box crab, octopus and prawns, just to name a few, will be carefully retrieved as you observe the vessel and crew works its way through several types of fishing gear. Just about any creature that swims, crawls, or manoeuvers its way through this underwater paradise could be our guests. Local sea life such as whales, porpoises, and eagles are always curious. If they are in the area they are likely to investigate. The animals brought to the surface will be placed in a live tank for your observation. Be prepared with your cameras to capture them before they are gently released back into the sea. See and touch some of the animals in the live tank. Crab, salmon, prawns and octopus are likely candidates for a friendly photo opportunity. Others, such as the Wolf Eel will need to be approached only with the guidance of experienced crewmembers. Local tribal vessels fishing for salmon work these waters. A great photo opportunity. After the crew has run through the gear you head back to town. When the equipment is stowed and secured, you are offered a tasty snack. This is the crews favourite time. They can share their stories and visit with passengers. You may even be able to persuade the crew to gather for a few photographs. You will find they are not exactly the shyest of folk!

Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail - Approx. 3.5 hours

The adventure begins with a scenic motorcoach tour to a secluded mountain lake, where you will board Indian-style 37-foot, 20 passenger canoes which are fast, stable, and easy to maneuver. Paddle under the direction of an experienced guide, scan the shore for wildlife and learn the unique natural and Indian history of the Ketchikan area. The lake, part of a lush rain forest, is ideal for canoeing and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, one of the largest National Forests in the United States. A stop ashore for a native-style snack including smoked fish, clam chowder, rolls with wild berry jams and beverages. A knowledgeable guide will lead a short nature walk highlighting the flora and fauna of the rain forest, including such features as carnivorous plants. Paddle back to the canoe dock and reboard your motorcoach that returns to the cruise ship pier. This adventure is a rare opportunity to comfortably explore Southeast Alaska in the manner of its original explorers and early culture.

Includes: Round trip transfer from the dock or hotel to the mountain lake; two hours canoeing, which includes the nature walk; snack and beverages consisting of clam chowder, rolls, jam, smoked salmon, crackers, mints, juice, hot chocolate and coffee; and a souvenir "I Canoed Ketchikan" pin. All participants are provided with raingear and life jackets. Souvenir T-shirts are available for purchase.

Back Country Jeep & Canoe Safari - Approx. 4 hours

Fill your senses with adventure and excitement as you take control of a 4-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler® and wend your way through the rugged back roads of Revillagigedo Island. Then grab a paddle and join your companions in a 37-foot, 20-passenger Indian-style canoe to navigate your way across a mountain lake, where a hearty snack and nature hike await. For the Jeep® portion of the tour, you'll be paired with traveling companions in groups of four, and begin the adventure into the mountainous roads of the Tongass National Forest. The route takes you through lush rain forest, and up mountain roads to view magnificent scenery. By means of two-way radio your group leader and guide will provide you with interesting and informative commentary along the way. You’ll be fascinated by the area’s natural history as you pass through old growth and new growth forests. Learn about the timber industry’s reforestation methods while you stop for some fantastic views and photo opportunities. Along the route there will be an opportunity to change drivers. The Jeep® portion of your tour concludes with your arrival at Lake Harriet Hunt. Here, you'll experience a unique ecosystem from the vantage point of a large, easy to paddle, guided canoe. On the other side of the lake your expert safari guide will lead a nature hike through an old-growth forest. A remote camp is base for an Alaskan snack. Enjoy a short narrated transfer back to safari base camp and your ship. Bring your camera and a driver’s license.

Includes: Souvenir button, quality raingear; canoeing equipment (life jackets, paddles); Jeep Wrangler® shared with up to three others; snack and beverages consisting of clam chowder, rolls, jam, smoked salmon, crackers, mints, juice, hot chocolate and coffee.

Orcas Cove Sea Kayaking - Approx. 4 hours

The first leg of your journey will be by boat, about a 20-minute ride. You will then transfer to land and receive a friendly greeting from your guides, who will give some basic instructions. Once comfortable, you will set out in your kayaks. The kayaks you are using have a centre pod, which makes it unnecessary for the two travellers to paddle in sync. You will find it easy and, if you do this without a partner, the guides will find you one - perhaps even one of the guides! Before long, you will feel comfortable looking around you at the wildlife, forgetting you are even in a kayak. Now you can observe the wonders of Alaska, with looming mountains and rainforest growth that comes right up to the shoreline. The guides will know the action here, and will show you the Bald Eagle nesting sites that are active. River otters, Black Tail Deer, and even bear can often be observed during your kayak trip, most likely mid to late summer. Sea lions, Orcas, and Humpback whales often play a role in your stay on the water. The key to wildlife in Alaska is to find the fish, the source of life for these creatures. The upwelling of food in the water brings all sorts of critters. The water is amazingly clear and you will be able to observe much of the marine life at low tide. We saw starfish, even in the winter months. The scenery is exceptional as well and dry bags are provided to protect your camera or video recorder. The guides will be happy to record you as you are paddling along the shoreline. In addition, guides will be carrying binoculars to share with the group as well as hydrophones so you can listen to marine life under the water's surface. Just before your return to Ketchikan, you will be treated to a snack of smoked salmon and soft drinks.

Ketchikan City & Saxman Totem Village Tour - Approx. 2.5 hours

Tour Alaska's busiest waterfront. The sights and attractions include Ketchikan's Stair Streets, the former red light district Creek Street, watching as salmon leap and struggle against the current to their birthplace and final spawning place at Salmon Ladder and Falls, and viewing twenty-nine authentic totems in one of Alaska's only remaining totem parks at Saxman Totem Village. Tlingit and Haida Indians are considered some of the top craftsmen and no visit to Alaska would be complete without an opportunity of witnessing the historic totems of Saxman.

Misty Fjords Seaplane Adventure - Approx. 1.5 hours

Southeast Alaska's 17 million acre Tongass National Forest has been described as "over-abundantly beautiful" and this flight adventure offers you a unique perspective of this natural National Monument. The forest has been set aside as a fully protected wilderness area encompassing more than 2 million acres of dramatic granite cliffs, lush vegetation and is home to host of land and marine animals. Taking off from the Tongass Narrows alongside the ship, your flight begins as your pilot provides informative narrative, along with completely choreographed music throughout the flight. From the comfort of deluxe seaplanes, view the misty scenery of 1,000 foot waterfalls and remote mountain lakes. The highlight of the trip is when your plane lands on a serene and remote lake or fjord, as you recount the spirit of discovery and adventure.

Ketchikan Kayaking - Approx. 2.5 hours

Explore Alaska'a first city as you slip up historic Creek Street, before crossing the Tongass Narrows to Penncock Island. Watch for Bald Eagles and inter tidal marine life as you glide along. All instruction and equipment is provided.

Salmon Fishing - Approx. 4 hours

Enjoy fishing in the salmon capital of the world! We are pleased to provide the services of one of the largest fleets of charter boats in the area. Fully guided and all gear and licensing included.

Orca Beach Nature Trail - Approx. 4 hours

Join an experienced Alaskan trail guide for a walk through natural, unspoiled beauty in the coastal rain forest on a remote island in the Tongass National Forest. The trail takes you through a beautiful old growth forest, by way of a secluded beach, and is mostly boardwalk, about one-mile in length and well maintained. Follow your knowledgeable guide through this ancient forest and learn about botanic species native to this region, like Western red cedar and yellow cedar that early Natives were so dependent upon for spiritual enrichment, shelter and transportation, and how Sitka spruce was instrumental in the construction of Howard Hughes’ famous “Spruce Goose” and other early vintage fighter planes. After hiking this gently sloped historic trail, enjoy an Alaskan snack of smoked salmon, cheese and crackers, hot chocolate and juice. Then take some time to explore the natural beauty around you. A motorized rigid inflatable Seahawk provides a short, but exciting cruise along the coast of Clover Passage. Whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, porpoise, bald eagles and migrating seabirds may be spotted on this route. Knudson Cove is the drop-off and pick up point for transportation from your hotel or pier. Bring your camera and binoculars!

Includes: Round-trip transportation from dock or hotel; quality raingear; life jackets; snack and beverages consisting of smoked salmon, cheese crackers, juice, hot chocolate and coffee.

Misty Fjords Boat & Floatplane Wilderness Adventur - Approx. 4.5 hours

Take the ultimate tour by boat and plane through Misty Fjords National Monument, one of the most majestic creations on earth! Cruise in luxury aboard our comfortable high-speed vessel into the heart of the Monument, then enjoy an incredible tour through Behm Canal and Rudyerd Bay, surrounded by cliffs towering thousands of feet and waterfalls cascading into emerald waters. You’ll visit many points of interest, such as an active eagle’s nest, a mysterious Native pictograph, and Punchbowl Cove with its columnar basalt formations and the colourful Mossy Wall bird rookery. A knowledgeable naturalist will provide in-depth commentary on the natural history of the area as you enjoy an assortment of food and beverages. Watch for bears, mountain goats, timber wolves, seals, sea lions, and humpback and killer whales from the warm comfort of enclosed cabins or with the mist on your face on the outside deck. At the far reaches of Rudyerd Bay is a floating dock from which you’ll transfer to an authentic Alaska seaplane. From the air, you can truly appreciate the magnitude and majesty of Rudyerd Bay, the crown jewel of this two million acre monument. Soar over pristine wilderness and enjoy the unspoiled forest, lakes and muskeg bogs. Keep a sharp eye out for more bears and whales. Upon your return you’ll see a wide, panoramic view of the city of Ketchikan before making a safe water landing.

Includes: Transfer to or from seaplane dock, narrated cruise and narrated flightseeing. Complimentary snacks and beverages served aboard the cruise.

Misty Fjords Wilderness Cruise - Approx. 5.5 hours

Experience Misty Fjords National Monument aboard our comfortable high-speed vessel. A cruise to the heart of the 3,570-square-mile Monument provides an opportunity to view Misty Fjords from a dramatic perspective. A naturalist will provide in-depth commentary on the natural history of the area as you enjoy an assortment of complementary food service including a continental breakfast in the morning and clam chowder and smoked salmon throughout the rest of the day. Bring your camera, as photo opportunities of spectacular scenery and wildlife opportunities abound! Watch for mountain goats at dizzying heights up the rocks or brown or black bears on the shore. We'll take you near seal rocks, the summer home for scores of seals. You'll see soaring bald eagles. Guillemots and Marbled Murrelets dot the waters of the fjords, and other seabirds nest in mossy niches on the cliffs. You'll be surrounded by cliffs towering thousands of feet and view waterfalls cascading into emerald waters. Your cruise includes many points of interest; an active eagle's nest, a mysterious Native pictograph, Punchbowl Cove with its columnar basalt formations and the colourful Mossy Wall bird rookery. Enjoy the dramatic landmark New Eddystone Rock, an ancient volcanic plug that juts up 237 feet from the water. Learn about Captain George Vancouver's exploratory trip through the area in 1794 and how the rock was originally mistaken for a tall ship. A day cruise to Misty Fjords National Monument is an experience you’ll always remember. Day cruise, narration, continental breakfast and snack will be enjoyed.

Best of Juneau, Ketchikan & Skagway Package - Approx. 2.5 hours each

Our Juneau City & Mendenhall Glacier tour, the Ketchikan City & Saxman and Skagway Great Frontier tours all make up this special package option. By selecting this option you will receive tickets for all three excursions.