Ketchikan, Alaska - Top Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise
Ketchikan, Alaska © Princess Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Ketchikan, Alaska, a gem hidden in the southeastern region of the state. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this charming town is not only a fisherman's paradise but also a gateway to exploring the raw beauty of Alaska's wilderness. With its rich indigenous culture, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes, Ketchikan offers an array of shore excursions that promise adventure and discovery. From rainforest walks to cultural tours, this guide showcases the top 5 cruise shore excursions that will make your visit to Ketchikan an experience to remember.
Click here to view all shore excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska.
About Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan greets its visitors with colorful totem poles, quaint shops, and a bustling waterfront that tells the story of the town's fishing and timber industry past. Cruise passengers can easily explore the town on foot, walking along Creek Street, a historic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants perched on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. The area is rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the Tongass Historical Museum, Dolly's House Museum, and the Totem Heritage Center. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds Ketchikan, a stroll to nearby Deer Mountain offers hiking trails with stunning views of the town and its waterways.
Click here for the Ketchikan Walking Tour Port Map & Guide.
Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Distance from Port: 10 minute walk
Embark on a scenic boat tour through Ketchikan’s waterways, where you’ll search for Alaska’s diverse marine wildlife. This excursion starts with check-in at the dock before boarding a comfortable vessel equipped with blankets and an onboard restroom. As you cruise through the Tongass Narrows and Nichols Passage, the crew will help spot eagles, seals, and sea lions, while providing insights about the region’s wildlife. The experience is rounded off with opportunities to see humpback whales, killer whales, and other marine life, all while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks.
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Distance from Port: 10 minute drive to departure point
Embark on a Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour to explore the serene waters and vibrant ecosystems of Southeast Alaska. This guided tour takes you through the calm inlets and bays that are teeming with marine life and surrounded by lush rainforest. Paddling at a leisurely pace, you'll have the chance to spot wildlife such as eagles, seals, and maybe even whales. The tour includes all necessary equipment and instruction, making it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels. It's a peaceful and intimate way to connect with the natural beauty of Ketchikan.
Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Distance from Port: 10 minute walk
Take to the skies on a floatplane tour over Misty Fjords National Monument, where you’ll see dramatic landscapes from the air. This excursion starts with a departure from Ketchikan, where you’ll board a six-passenger floatplane for a guided flight over the Tongass Narrows. After soaring past Ketchikan and Revillagigedo Island, you’ll reach Misty Fjords, a remote wilderness known for its towering cliffs and alpine lakes. The experience is rounded off with views of cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and New Eddystone Rock, before returning to Ketchikan.
Rainforest & Wildlife Walk
Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance from Port: 20 minute drive
The Rainforest & Wildlife Walk is a small-group journey through the Tongass National Forest that showcases Alaska's diverse ecosystems. As you walk along the well-maintained trails with an experienced guide, you'll learn about the flora and fauna of the region. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and deer.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show with Crab Feast
Duration: 3 hours
Distance from Port: 5 minute walk
Enjoy a true Alaskan experience with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, followed by a delicious crab feast. This excursion showcases the skills, strength, and bravery of professional lumberjacks in a series of competitive events, including log rolling, chopping, sawing, and climbing. After cheering on your favorite lumberjacks, indulge in a feast of fresh, local crab in a nearby restaurant. This combination of entertainment and cuisine offers a taste of Alaska's logging history and its renowned seafood, all within a short walk from the cruise port.
Which Cruise Lines Go to Ketchikan, Alaska?
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a premier destination for a wide variety of cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Viking Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.
Conclusion
Ketchikan, Alaska, stands out as a must-visit destination for those cruising the Alaskan coast, offering an immersive experience into the natural and cultural splendors of the region. From the awe-inspiring Misty Fjords to the serene kayak eco-tours, the rich heritage of totem poles, the diverse ecosystems of the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, and the lively Alaskan Lumberjack Show paired with a crab feast, Ketchikan encapsulates the spirit of Alaska in every excursion. Each shore excursion in Ketchikan is a doorway to adventure, cultural enrichment, and natural beauty, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
