We had a great tour with this company. Ketchikan is a relatively small city that measures about 5 square miles in area. There is a diverse array of wildlife that live in the rainforests and waters in the Ketchikan area, including bears, eagles, fish, whales, and more. Buses run daily, about once an hour and costs $2 per ride, or $5 for a day pass ($1 for youths 12-17 and 50 cents for children 11 and younger). ), 31 Unforgettable Things to Do in Lake Atitlan | A Complete Lake Atitlan Travel Guide, A Complete 3 Day Banff Itinerary: How to See the Best of Banff in 3 Days, The Perfect 2 Days in Seville Itinerary: See the Best of Seville in 2 Days. The 9 Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Loved the crew and enjoyed every moment of it. Getting to Ketchikan via plane: Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights to the international airports of Seattle and Juneau, as well as the Alaskan towns of Sitka and Wrangell. The guide was excellent and the hot chocolate was the best we have ever tasted. For the first time ever, were taking you to one of the Caribbeans most exclusive islands. The salmon dip was great and so nice that he shared the recipe. The eagle sitting on top of the tallest totem was beautiful. Delve into the hidden gems of Ketchikan with our expertly crafted shore excursions. Day. The Neets Bay Bear Cruise includes a high-speed boat cruise to Neets Bay to search streams and beaches near a salmon hatchery for . Scenery lovely. Somehow we had not understood it was to be by boat, however that did not detract from the experience. The skipper delivered eagles eagles a great day out. Not bad on the way in but 45 minutes waiting in the rain to get back to the ship. Ships' Registry: Malta and Ecuador. via email. Today, tourism is Ketchikans most important industry, replacing many jobs that were lost with the collapse of the pulp mill. Boarded the duck tour at 09:30, comfy and dry inside (funds well spent). Best Ketchikan Excursions & Tours | Alaska Shore Excursions This shore excursion takes you into Washington States rich wine country for tastings at two prominent estates. Book your Celebrity Cruise today! By the 1920s, Creek Street was a den of bars and brothels. Thanks for the treasured memories. Ketchikan has an efficient transportation network. Southeast Alaska was originally inhabited by the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people who used totem poles to represent and commemorate ancestry, histories, notable people, or significant events in their cultures. Get a glimpse into this murky past at Dollys House Museum. The lighthouse was not much. Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour. Today, Ketchikan has three operational canneries and one cold-storage factory. No matter when you are planning to visit Ketchikan be prepared for the rain (heres a complete packing list)! I was able to get some great eagle photos due to his knowledge of the nests and positioning the boat so we could get in close. There is also a downtown shuttle that runs from May through September. in the end I really enjoyed it. Do be advised that because it is often overcast and rainy, this may cause low visibility and cancellations may occur. An inter-island ferry also operates between Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island, which offers connections to surrounding communities. Tour times below are approximate:. Like, A LOT. Surrounded by the Tongass National Rainforest, it's easy to disappear from Ketchikan's cruise crowds. Ferries range from day boats, to full-service vessels including staterooms, food and beverage service, and more. It is often the first stop on northbound Alaska cruises and an introduction to the rugged Last Frontier. Perhaps the most popular well-known bordello on Creek Street was Dollys House. 149. Suggest that is possible to boat stops at the totems to enhance the experience. Our pictures did not do it justice. was excellent as well as Marcus and I think Andrew. The Captain Kelsey (?) That is a local experience. Theres also a free 20-minute downtown shuttle loop that goes from Berth 4 of the cruise-ship dock to the Totem Heritage Center. The Misty Fjords Flightseeing experience is our pick of the best of the Ketchikan flightseeing tours and is a truly stunning adventure. Need help? By booking with us, you're helping to ensure a bright future for Alaskan tourism. If our children got the same lessons they would would prosper intellectually in a great way. Excellent Tour! Some tours also combine the totem park(s) with other notable attractions and activities in the area, such as a rainforest walk or a city tour. It was absolutely wonderful to see the process of creating the Totems. Our guide was fantastic and he told us so much about the area. Skagway Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Viewing Tour to Haines, Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, Totem Park & Eagles, Join your Alaskan captain and their crew at our private dock to board your tour vessel. The waters surrounding Ketchikan are home to numerous species of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, grey whales, and more. Captain Jeff and his crew took care of us and made sure we had a great experience. Boasting stunning natural beauty, rich native heritage, and a unique history, there are many options for things to do in Ketchikan. Day. The four of us thoroughly enjoyed our excursion! The tour lists 64 significant historic sites, wildlife, nature spots, and more in the downtown area. The snack sampler plate consists of alder-smoked salmon,salmon dip,crackers, bull kelp pickles, and artisan chocolate. If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. . The Alaska Bear Adventure sounds very similar to our Bear Country & Wildlife Expedition but the destination is reached via float plane rather than by bus. Watch these beautiful wild black bears search, Make like Tarzan and Jane, and swing through the trees high above Bear Creek near the lush Herring Cove rainforest reserve on the exhilarating Bear Creek Zipline Adventure! Ketchikan, Alaska. The morning tea provided was excellent. As Alaskas southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, Ketchikan offers eye-popping as well as eye-opening vistas and experiences. Look out for alder-grilled salmon, king crab legs drenched in garlic butter, battered halibut and chips, and creamy smoked salmon chowder. Beverages (water, hot chocolate, coffee, tea,soft drinks), Sampler snack plate with locally sourced goods from Alaskan small businesses (alder-smoked salmon, salmon dip, crackers, bull kelp, artisan chocolate), Complimentary Bushnell binoculars for your use while aboard the tour boat, (for guests docking downtown)15-20 minutes- transport to Ward Cove, 5-10 minutes - loadingonto the tour boat, 2-2.25 hours - on the water aboard the vessel, 5-10 minutes - unloading the tour boat onto the transport, (for guests docking downtown)15-20minutes - transport to downtown Ketchikan. FAQs PoliciesContact UsPrivacy PolicyAbout. we feel that everyone should get the same lowest price possible regardless of how many Introducing our newest award-wining resort at sea, the fourth and most innovative ship in our highly awarded Edge Series. The excursion was good. Book your Celebrity Cruise today! Captain Kyle's humorous and informative narration was interesting, and we saw dozens of eagles and lots of other wildlife and beautiful scenery. The other had been the center on the local football team. Shore Excursions More Than 280 Breathtaking Destinations. 139. from $115.00. We were very pleased with the crew and its members. These months also coincide with the most popular (and arguably best) times to go on an Alaska cruise. Ketchiken is home to the largest concentration of totem poles in the world (and some of the oldest), a sign of its rich native culture. We view all our beautiful attractions in full panorama fom the tour vessel. Would highly recommend during your stop in Ketchikan. You'll board an intimate fishing boat complete with top . My Favorites | Already Booked | Shore Excursions | Make a Payment. Pairs of eagles everywhere. . Below, weve listed some of our top favorites! The boat captain in this tour was absolutely awesome! Checking out the totem poles in the area is one of the most popular things to do in Ketchikan, and you dont even have to leave the downtown area to do so. Climb aboard one of Alaskas famous, With exclusive access to one of Alaskas prime black bear habitats, the Neets Bay Bear Watch Adventure is among the absolute best tours in Ketchikan Alaska (or the state at large!) They explained everything nicely and we could see that they were well trained . One way to observe the areas salmon is to see them climb up the ladder at Ketchikan Creek, just a short walk from downtown. Loved this excursion! Additional excursions may be available directly through Celebrity Cruises. Alas, no bears or whales. It was nice and seen a lot of bald eagles, totems, whales, sea lions. Our cruise ship was delayed and ASE worked around the situation and we were able to still take our excursion. Today, Dollys House has been converted into a museum that gives visitors an insight into Ketchikans colorful history, and the intriguing lives of Dolly and the ladies who lived and worked here. On your Alaska cruise, discover Ketchikans ancient history told through the art and wood carving of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who have lived here for millennia. Day. ), Duration: 2.5-3hours. Spending one day in Ketchikan will give you enough time to experience the best of what the city has to offer, but there is plenty more to do for an extended stay. We walked along the river/creek to see the salmon ladder. Or keep scrolling to see our hand curated staff picks. We've got you covered. All of our excursions provide roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks. Captain was very well understood and knowledgeable. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will enjoy this fun shore excursion at Ketchikan. The Deer Mountain trail is located approximately 1.5 mile from the cruise ship docks however, there is an extremely steep hill for half a mile, so taking a taxi is suggested. Thank You. The best Alaska cruise excursions involve all of those. But you see what it says: eagles, totem pole park, and various other Ketchikan sights. By Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center. Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Good trip. Ferry service is offered every 30 minutes and costs $6, and $7 for a standard vehicle. DAY 4 - Monday , Jul 03. You will then receive your tickets All summer long, the creek beneath teems with salmon forcing their way upstream. The only way to reach Ketchikan is by air or sea (technically, it is only by sea, since you need to take a ferry from the airport). Tours may vary by arrival dates, port arrival and departure times. However, for those that dont or if you choose to navigate on your own, there are a few options. Endicott Arm . Great experience! The narration on the trip was great and very informative. Learn more 2 hours (approx.) Experience kayaking in Alaska the way it should be away from the crowds with these unique Ketchikan paddling tours that make you feel like a true explorer. It is the state's south-eastern-most town and is known for its many Native American totem poles on display throughout the vicinity. He was entertaining and shared his knowledge of the area. Check out my complete packing list! Youll also find Mexican, pizza, burgers, and Asian cuisine if you reach a point of seafood saturation. Alot of fun. You can also combine ziplining with a skybridge and rappelling for an extra exciting excursion. Once you know what to look for you see them all over the place. Sorry, there was a problem adding the selected quantity requested, please try again. Unfortunately, we had limited time and didnt have a chance to sit down for a proper meal in town. Mostcommonfood restrictions (GF, DF,vegetarian, vegan) can be accommodated with a modifiedsnack plate. You can learn more about everything from Ketchikans rich history, native heritage, and wildlife at one of the citys museums. Are there any age restrictions for children? Book your Celebrity Solstice Shore Tours online at AlaskaCruises.com. But for more information, check out our blog post on Ketchikans best restaurants. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Again, we loved the small vessel and truly local crew. Totem poles were interesting. Saw Several Eagles. and the Crab Cracker are excellent! From here, it is a 5 minute ferry ride into town. As you cruise along these thrilling backroads, be sure to takein the sights, sounds, and, Get behind the controls of a high-powered inflatable Zodiac vessel and head out into Alaskan coastal waters for this ride of a lifetime! Cruises to Ketchikan provide the opportunity for dozens of activities, from sea kayaking and mountain hikes to float plane rides over the island-specked Misty Fjords. Like most ports in the Last Frontier, Ketchikan has character - as do the Ketchikan shore excursions you can book during your Alaska cruise. Guests rarely become seasick, as we operate almost the entirety of our tour route in calm, protected waters. Take a look below to see a selection of some of our favorite Ketchikan tour types! Ketchikan Shore Excursion Reviews - Cruise Critic Duration: 2 hours Price: $345 per person View Details Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing Tour Take a ride to Misty Fjords National Monument on an iconic Alaskan floatplane! I would have liked more time in the town. Ketchikan Cruises: Best Cruises to Ketchikan | Celebrity Cruises Adventure through the pristine beauty & rugged trails of the rainforest to remote Mahoney Lake in your personal UTV. Write up included visiting falls and totems, 30 min tour of town. We did the Zodiac wilderness quest excursion. On a cruise to Ketchikan, your cruise ship will dock in the downtown area, parallel to Front Street. This tour is limited mobility accessible. Whether youre an active or passive nature lover, youll find multiple Ketchikan shore excursions that fit your interests and activity level. Beautiful Alaska and Fun SHORE EXCURSIONS | Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway During its heyday, Creek Street was home to over 20 bordellos and you can still see signs of Ketchikans boisterous past. You will navigate, Ranked #1 out of 88 tours in Ketchikan on TripAdvisor, the Bering Sea Crab Fishermens tour receives a host of glowing reviews from visitors who have boarded the famous fishing vessel Aleutian Ballad for this exciting Deadliest Catch tour. Take time to admire the independent galleries and craft shops, too. Ketchikan, Alaska. 47 Reviews Save to Wishlist From $79.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. There are multiple jewelry shops, many of them selling pretty silver earrings and necklaces made with blue mother-of-pearl or items made from locally sourced jade. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Ketchikan and is a unique way to experience the citys rich logging history brought to life. Is both inside and outside seating available? This tour takes you on a scenic seaplane flight above the majestic fjords youll get a spectacular birds-eye view of the towering fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, and water. One of the other ports we really enjoyed was Ketchikan. Another way to experience the Misty Fjords National Monument is to see them from above on a floatplane. Book your Celebrity Cruise today! schedule in each port. For a luxury gift or souvenir, look out for items made from qiviut, the ultra-soft fleece of the musk ox. Here are free & cheap things to do throughout Ketchikan so you can make the most of your time. Fri, Aug 25, 2023. 7. From wildlife watching to fishing, zip-lining to hiking, Ketchikan has a wealth of exciting shore excursions to offer. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. The free hot chocolate was delicious. Captain Rob with entertaining sense of humour and prepared to go the extra distance to make sure we saw everything. We loved seeing the eagle nests, the totem poles and the beautiful vistas in every direction. . A good mix of fun facts and humor. During the height of the salmon season (July-September), there are sometimes so many salmon that the creek looks black! Keep in mind that if you book tours and cruise excursions, many companies already provide transportation from the downtown area. Everyone on the boat were very knowledgeable about the tour. Ketchikan has everything from wildlife, to stunning glacially carbed fjords, to the sprawling Tongass Rainforest! Go to site . Also saw plenty of seals, even sea lions. A small snack was provided and the bus driver was part of the crew on the ship. We saw lots of bald eagles, seals and the totems. Your credit card will only We highly recommend this excursion! I used to be a lighthouse keeper off the coast of Maine, so this was especially great for me -- East most and West most, near abouts. The snack was a bit if a joke.