The 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a watery playground where the Pacific Northwest meets Alaska’s rugged wilderness. Whether you want to zip across the water on a zodiac spotting sea lions and eagles, chase black bears during salmon spawning season, or cruise through Misty Fjords with a private guide, this town offers remarkable ways to connect with nature. With so many options—like a wildlife and whale watching tour, a rainforest island adventure, or a cultural cruise—it can be overwhelming to choose what’s best for your trip.
This guide highlights nine of the best boat and cruise experiences available in Ketchikan, focusing on their unique features, what they include, and who they suit. You’ll find from adrenaline-pumping rides to serene scenic expeditions, all with practical details on duration, price, and what makes each stand out. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, a landscape lover, or looking for a family-friendly outing, these tours promise memorable Alaskan moments.
1. Zodiac Fast Boat Adventure
Starting with a burst of adrenaline, the Zodiac Fast Boat Adventure is a 4-hour thrill ride in a military-grade inflatable boat. This tour stands out because you get the chance to drive your own boat or simply sit back and enjoy the speed and splash of the open water. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore some of Ketchikan’s best wildlife hotspots, from seals and sea lions to bald eagle nests and even humpback whales if luck is on your side. The guide will steer you off the beaten path, away from crowds, into areas where wildlife is more likely to pop up.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its mix of adventure and education. The 4-hour experience costs $189 per person, making it a good value considering the excitement and wildlife seen. The small-group format, with only 55 reviews giving it a perfect 5.0/5, ensures personalized attention. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the chance to operate the zodiac if desired, making it perfect for thrill-seekers and wildlife lovers alike.
Bottom Line: If you crave a fast-paced, hands-on boating experience with wildlife spotting, this adventure delivers. Prepare for a wet, wild, and unforgettable ride.
2. Expedition Black Bear – 6 Passenger Boat
Next up is the Expedition Black Bear, a 4.5-hour journey focusing on observing Alaskan black bears during their salmon-spawning feast at Margaret Creek in Traitor’s Cove. This tour shines for its seasonal specificity—offered only in mid-summer and early fall—when the bears gather in droves. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll follow these bears as they catch salmon, gaining insights into their behavior and the local rainforest ecosystem.
The tour’s $426 per person price reflects its exclusivity and focus on wildlife, with only 17 reviews but a perfect 5.0/5 rating. The boat’s small size (6 passengers) allows close-up encounters and a more intimate experience. Besides bear-watching, the tour includes visits to scenic sanctuaries, bays, and inlets, with chances to see whales, seals, and eagles. The guides are praised for their passion and expertise, making the journey educational as well as exciting.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re a wildlife enthusiast eager to see bears in action and learn about their environment, but note that it’s seasonal and more on the costly side.
3. Misty Fjords Expedition – 6 Passenger Boat
The Misty Fjords Expedition is a 4.5-hour private cruise that offers a personalized look at one of Alaska’s most striking landscapes. The $400 rate includes a private charter departing directly from Ketchikan, giving you the flexibility to customize your itinerary. Your captain will take you past towering cliffs, glaciers, and waterfalls, stopping at sights like Rudyerd Bay, Punchbowl Cove, and New Eddystone Rock.
What makes this tour exceptional is its private, customizable nature—no large group, just your own party exploring at your own pace. Expect to see mountain goats, bears, whales, seals, and sea lions, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The captain provides a rich narrative about the area’s natural and cultural history, turning the cruise into an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity, flexibility, and intimate access to Misty Fjords’ grandeur, especially those who appreciate personalized guiding.
4. Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise
For those interested not only in wildlife but in local stories and legends, the Tales & Tides cruise is a 2.5-hour adventure priced at $189 per person. This tour takes you aboard a comfortable enclosed vessel from Clover Pass Resort and weaves in recorded tales of Alaskan history, legends, and encounters with the wild. It’s a relaxed way to learn about local culture while keeping your eyes peeled for bears, eagles, and marine mammals.
This tour’s niche is its storytelling, making it appealing for history buffs or families wanting a gentle introduction to Alaska’s rich folklore. The small group size enhances the experience, and reviews highlight the engaging narration and scenic beauty. It’s shorter and less intense than some others, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Great for families or history lovers who want a blend of wildlife, storytelling, and scenic views, all in a cozy setting.
5. Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
This marine wildlife and whale watching tour lasts around 2.5 hours and costs $199 per person. Starting at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, it offers a classic experience: the chance to spot humpback and orca whales, along with eagles, seals, and sea lions. The tour is well-equipped with hot drinks, snacks, and blankets so you can stay cozy while cruising.
What sets this apart is its focus on whale sightings and wildlife education, delivered by friendly guides. Reviewers rave about the surprise whale sightings despite rain, with one saying, “Despite the rain they found us bald eagles and whales!!” The outdoor covered seating ensures comfort even if the weather turns sour.
Bottom Line: Suitable for families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting a reliable, guided whale watch, especially those who value comfort and educational commentary.
6. Ketchikan: Wilderness Boat Cruise and Crab Feast Lunch
For a taste of local industry and cuisine, this 4-hour tour costs $216 per person and combines a boat cruise with a crab feast. You’ll explore the Tongass National Forest and George Inlet, with stops at points of interest like a former cannery and glacier-carved basins. The highlight is helping pull up crab pots and then feasting on fresh Dungeness crab.
This experience offers a hands-on element—helping with the crab pots—making it ideal for those interested in Alaska’s fishing culture. The lunch is hearty but, based on reviews, can feel a bit rushed. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to combine scenery, local history, and a delicious seafood meal.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting a “day in the life” experience of coastal Alaskan living, with the bonus of fresh crab.
7. Ketchikan Rainforest Island and Boat Adventure
This 4-hour tour at $199 per person takes you from Ketchikan into the Tongass National Forest via a Seahawk boat. Once on a remote island, explore old-growth forests with a guide, walking along a boardwalk trail that showcases the natural beauty and native trees of Alaska. The boat ride itself offers a chance to see whales, sea lions, and eagles.
What makes this tour appealing is the combination of marine exploration and forest hiking, perfect for travelers who want to experience both environments in one outing. The guided walk through ancient trees offers an educational perspective on Alaskan flora and native cultures.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nature lovers who want a balanced mix of boat and land exploration, especially those interested in ecosystems.
8. Saltwater Expedition Sightseeing & Wildlife – 6 Passenger Boat
With a 3-hour duration and a price of $275 per person, this small-group tour takes you to experience coastal and marine wildlife along the Tongass National Rainforest. The personalized approach allows stops at Revillagigedo Island or Orchard Lake, with plenty of time for photo opportunities.
Reviewers highlight the spectacular wildlife and informative captain. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a private experience with flexible itineraries and a focus on marine and coastal scenery.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples wanting a private, adaptable wildlife tour with plenty of photo ops.
9. Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion
Lastly, the Alaska Historical Tour combines a cruise to Metlakatla, hiking the Yellow Hill Trail, and experiencing native Tsimshian culture. Costing $259.95, it’s more comprehensive and suited for those who want a cultural perspective along with nature.
You’ll visit Alaska’s only Native reserve, see petroglyphs, and enjoy a traditional dance at the longhouse. The local sockeye salmon lunch and wildlife watching en route round out the experience.
Bottom Line: Great for cultural explorers and active travelers who want a deeper connection with Alaska’s indigenous heritage and scenic landscapes.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a boat or cruise in Ketchikan, think about your interests first. If you love wildlife and active adventures, the Zodiac Fast Boat or Black Bear expedition are excellent picks. For a private, flexible experience, the Misty Fjords or Saltwater Expedition fit well. Those wanting a cultural touch should consider the Cruise Hike and Cultural Tour.
Budget also matters: tours range from around $189 to $426. Longer, private, or specialized excursions tend to cost more but offer unique, personalized experiences. Booking early, especially in peak season (summer), ensures availability and better rates.
Consider the season, as some tours, like the bear expedition, are seasonal. Weather can influence your comfort and safety—bring layers and rain gear regardless.
Ketchikan’s boat tours offer a remarkable window into Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, and native culture. Whether you choose a high-speed zodiac adventure, a scenic fjord cruise, or an immersive cultural experience, you’re sure to leave with stories to tell. Booking early is advised—these tours fill fast when the cruise ships arrive, and missing out on your top choice is the last thing you want.
Enjoy your trip and remember: the water in Ketchikan isn’t just a scenic backdrop—it’s the heart of Alaska’s wild, fierce, and beautiful spirit.