Ketchikan: Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour

If you’re dreaming of soaring above Alaska’s wilderness, the Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour from Ketchikan offers an unforgettable peek into this rugged landscape. While we haven’t personally flown through the skies on this particular trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what’s in store—think dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a chance to spot local wildlife from above.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the thrill of flying with intimate views of untouched nature, the opportunity to hear expert pilot commentary, and the small-group setting that promises a personal touch. Plus, the chance to see New Eddystone Rock and other geological marvels from the air is pretty special. The only caveat? The in-flight narration can occasionally be uneven, with some reviews noting that the prerecorded audio track isn’t perfectly synchronized.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty, enjoy air adventures, and want a more personalized experience than larger boat tours. It’s ideal for those with a sense of adventure who want to see Alaska’s wilderness from a different perspective—by air.

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Key Points:

Stunning Views: Enjoy aerial views of fjords, waterfalls, and cliffs.
Expert Guides: Pilots provide insightful commentary, making the landscape come alive.
Small Group: Limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Wildlife Sightings: Spot eagles, bears, wolves, and other animals from above.
Unique Geological Features: See landmarks like New Eddystone Rock.
Value for Money: A two-hour flight that offers excellent scenery and insight.

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The Itinerary: What to Expect from Takeoff to Landing

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Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins in downtown Ketchikan, where you’ll meet your pilot at a designated meeting spot near the Visitor’s Bureau—specifically by a large bronze statue and rain gauge on berth 2. From there, you’ll hop into a private van that transports you directly to the floatplane base. This small, seamless transfer helps set the tone for a relaxed, personalized tour.

Boarding the Floatplane

Once at the base, you’ll step aboard a 6-passenger floatplane—a cozy but stable craft ideal for aerial views and minimal noise disruption. Your pilot, likely someone with extensive flying experience, will help you settle in and explain safety procedures.

The Flight: A 1-Hour Aerial Adventure

The duration of the flight is about one hour, but the experience feels more like a full immersion in nature. As you ascend over Tongass Narrows, you’ll see the waterway between Ketchikan and Gravina Island, with views of the town shrinking behind you.

The flight takes you eastward over Revillagigedo Island towards the Misty Fjords, a vast wilderness area covering over 2 million acres. Flying through a low-hanging mist—hence the name—you’ll get your first glimpse of fjord walls, waterfalls, and dense forests of hemlock and spruce.

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Key Landmarks and Scenic Highlights

One of the major sights is New Eddystone Rock, visible from the air as a volcanic remnant rising dramatically from the water. The pilot’s commentary (though reviews suggest it’s sometimes uneven) helps you understand the geology behind these formations. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs and narrow passages—each view more stunning than the last.

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Wildlife Watching from the Sky

From the air, it’s surprisingly easy to spot wildlife, especially birds like eagles, which are often seen soaring overhead. Some reviews mention the possibility of seeing bears or deer from the sky, although such sightings are less predictable. The key is patience and an eagle eye—your pilot’s expertise will enhance your chances.

End of Flight and Return

After about an hour in the air, your floatplane will return to Ketchikan, landing smoothly at the same base. From there, your van will take you back to the initial meeting point, wrapping up a uniquely Alaskan experience.

Why the Experience Delivers Real Value

This tour offers a remarkable perspective on Alaska’s wilderness that’s tough to replicate by boat or land. For one, the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the personalized narration from your pilot adds context to the breathtaking scenery. The flight’s duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see a lot, but still manageable within a couple of hours.

While $389 per person might seem steep at first glance, consider the cost of a private helicopter or plane charter. Here, you get a semi-private, guided experience, with the added bonus of narration and wildlife sightings. Plus, the chance to see geological features like Rudyard Bay and New Eddystone Rock from above makes this a unique encounter.

The included transportation simplifies logistics, ensuring a hassle-free start and finish, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local routes. The guaranteed window seat is a nice touch, ensuring everyone gets a good view.

What Could Be Improved?

Some reviews highlight minor quirks—most notably, the audio commentary sometimes falling out of sync or being less engaging than hoped. The musical soundtrack, while meant to set a mood, can occasionally distract from the scenery, according to feedback. However, since the headsets do have volume controls, passengers can adjust or mute as needed.

Another consideration is the weight limit—guests over 250 lbs are asked to pay an additional surcharge, which could be a factor for some travelers. Also, the experience isn’t suitable for anyone over 300 lbs, which might restrict some guests.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration: About 2 hours total (including transportation and flight).
Price: $389 per person, with options to pay later.
Group Size: Limited to 6 participants for a more personal experience.
Inclusions: Flight, live commentary, guaranteed window seat, private van transfer.
Not included: Food and drinks—so consider grabbing a snack beforehand.
Meeting Point: Near the Visitor’s Bureau on berth 2 in Ketchikan.
Additional Charges: $168 surcharge for guests weighing 250 lbs/113 kg or more, to be paid directly.
Children: Under 2 years are lap children; over 2 require a ticket.
Cancellation: Free if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This floatplane adventure is perfect for travelers craving a personalized aerial tour with spectacular scenery and expert narration. If you’re passionate about wildlife and geological features, you’ll appreciate the views of New Eddystone Rock and waterfalls. It’s also great for those who prefer a small, intimate group over larger boat excursions—making it suitable for couples, small families, or solo travelers.

However, if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer ground-based sightseeing, this might not be your best fit. The experience also demands a sense of adventure and willingness to embrace a small aircraft environment.

Final Thoughts

The Ketchikan Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour offers an authentic, visually stunning way to experience Alaska’s wilderness. The combination of expert-guided commentary, wildlife spotting opportunities, and breathtaking scenery makes it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime view of this rugged landscape.

While some minor quirks with audio commentary exist, they don’t overshadow the overall value of seeing Misty Fjords from the sky. This tour truly captures the spirit of Alaska—vast, wild, and full of surprises.

If you’re comfortable with small aircraft and eager to see nature from a fresh perspective, this is a tour you’ll likely remember long after your trip. Just pack your camera, a sense of adventure, and perhaps some patience for the occasional audio glitch.

FAQ

How long is the flight?
The flight itself lasts about one hour, but the entire experience, including transfer and return, is around 2 hours.

What is included in the tour?
Your ticket covers the flight, live pilot commentary, a guaranteed window seat, and private van transportation from and back to Ketchikan.

Are there weight restrictions or surcharges?
Yes, guests weighing 250 lbs/113 kg or more must pay an extra surcharge of $168, payable directly to the provider.

Can children participate?
Children under 2 are considered lap children and don’t need a ticket. Those 2 and older need a ticket, with the tour suitable for families with young kids.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The description doesn’t specify mobility accommodations, so it’s best to inquire directly if you have concerns.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly, even on sunny days, as it can be cool at altitude. Bring a camera and binoculars if you want a closer look at wildlife.

How scenic is the flight?
Expect jaw-dropping views of fjords, waterfalls, cliffs, and volcanic formations like New Eddystone Rock. Many reviewers mention the scenery is even more impressive than expected.

What if I don’t speak English fluently?
The tour includes English-language commentary; non-English speakers might find the experience less engaging but can still enjoy the views.

In summary, if you’re after a scenic, intimate, and educational aerial adventure in Alaska, the Misty Fjords floatplane tour from Ketchikan is a strong choice. It balances adventure with comfort, offering a unique perspective on the wilderness that’s hard to match.