Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most fascinating cruise ports, offering a mix of Native culture, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Its compact size makes it easy to explore, but the real magic lies in the variety of shore excursions tailored to different interests. Whether you want to learn about the Haida and Tlingit peoples, see eagles soaring above rainforests, or cruise the waterways in search of whales, Ketchikan has something to offer. The best tours blend authentic cultural insights with natural beauty, giving you a memorable taste of southeastern Alaska.
Unlike some ports that focus heavily on scenery, Ketchikan’s tours tend to combine cultural storytelling, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures. This list features options that range from a deep dive into native traditions to boat trips that get you close to some of Alaska’s iconic animals. Planning ahead is key, as these excursions are popular and often fill up quickly. To help you decide, we’ve highlighted three top options, each with its own unique appeal.
Quick Overview
Our list includes cultural and scenic experiences, wildlife adventures, and rainforest explorations. The first, Ketchikan: Alaska Native Cultural and Scenic Shore Excursion, offers a deep dive into native traditions and local wildlife. The second, Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seafeast, combines a boat cruise with a seafood feast in a small-group setting. The third, Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center, focuses on Alaska’s iconic birds and animals in a scenic rainforest environment.
1. Ketchikan: Alaska Native Cultural and Scenic Shore Excursion
At number one, this tour combines cultural storytelling, wildlife spotting, and rainforest exploration in a compact 2.5-hour experience. Starting at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, you’ll head through the lush rainforest to learn about the Haida and Tlingit peoples’ traditions. The highlight is a visit to the Totem Heritage Center, where you can see authentic totem poles and hear stories passed down through generations. Throughout the tour, you’ll visit scenic stops such as the Salmon Ladder Vista and Rainbow Falls, where you’re likely to see bears, eagles, and salmon. The tour also includes a wildlife viewing component — spotting bears, salmon, and eagles at three different stops.
What makes this experience particularly engaging is the rich storytelling from guides who share family stories and traditions, enriching your understanding of local culture. The van is equipped with microphones, so everyone can clearly hear the guide without straining. Reviews praise this tour for its balance of culture and nature, with many noting the guide’s knowledge and personable approach. The $89 price is quite reasonable considering the depth of experience and the wildlife seen during the stops.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to native culture and local wildlife, perfect for travelers wanting an authentic and educational experience in a short amount of time.
2. Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seafeast
For those seeking a more immersive, hands-on adventure, the Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seafeast is a 3 hour 45-minute trip that combines a boat cruise, nature walk, and a seafood meal. The tour begins with pickup at the cruise port, followed by a scenic drive to Clover Pass Resort, known as one of Alaska’s oldest fishing lodges. From there, you’ll board a 29-foot boat for a wildlife cruise through bays and inlets.
During the cruise, you’ll have opportunities to observe eagles, porpoises, seals, and, between May and September, whales. The boat tour provides detailed commentary about the environment, marine life, and local history. After the cruise, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch featuring the catch of the day, in a small-group setting that allows for personalized attention.
This trip stands out because of its combination of land, sea, and culinary experiences, along with the convenience of port pickup and drop-off. The small-group format makes it more intimate, and the boat cruise offers a chance to see Alaska’s wildlife in their natural habitat. The price is higher, but the included seafood lunch and cruise make it a worthwhile splurge, especially for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: If you want a scenic boat trip with the chance to see whales and seals, plus enjoy a fresh seafood meal, this tour delivers a full Alaska experience in just under four hours.
3. Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center
This 2 hour 45-minute tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who love birds, bears, and the lush rainforest. It visits the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, a private reserve about 8 miles from the port, where you’ll walk along trails and observe bald eagles, black bears, seals, and various bird species. The guide, often a naturalist, shares insights about the ecosystem, salmon runs, and native wildlife.
What makes this tour stand out is the up-close eagle viewing opportunities and the chance to see reindeer. Light refreshments, including a smoked salmon snack, are included, adding a tasty local touch. The sanctuary offers excellent photo opportunities, particularly of bald eagles in their natural habitat. The tour’s reviews commend Gavin, the guide, for his knowledge and friendly demeanor.
While this tour is shorter and less comprehensive than others, it’s ideal for those who want to focus specifically on Alaska’s native animals in a pristine environment. Its $230 price reflects the exclusive setting and the wildlife viewing experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in Alaska’s fauna and rainforest scenery, this tour offers an intimate wildlife encounter with the chance to see eagles and bears up close.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, time constraints, and budget. The Native cultural tour (link) is great if you want a balanced experience of culture and wildlife in a short time and at a reasonable price. The Silverking Lodge adventure (link) suits travelers eager for a boating adventure with wildlife and a delicious seafood meal—a bit pricier but offers a comprehensive marine experience. The Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Center (link) is perfect for those focused on seeing native animals in a beautiful setting, especially if you have a little extra time and want a more exclusive experience.
Consider your physical comfort, as some tours involve walking or boat rides, and book early to secure spots during peak cruise season. If wildlife or native culture are your main passions, these tours are all excellent options, but each offers a different window into Alaska’s natural and cultural landscape.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan’s shore excursions range from immersive cultural visits to wildlife cruises and rainforest walks. For a comprehensive introduction to native traditions and local wildlife, the Alaska Native Cultural and Scenic tour is a standout. If you’re after sea adventures and fresh seafood, the Silverking Lodge experience offers a flexible, intimate outing. And for those primarily wanting to see Alaska’s iconic birds and bears in their natural environment, the Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center provides a focused wildlife fix.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Each tour showcases a different facet of Ketchikan’s appeal, making your cruise stop not just scenic but genuinely enriching.