The Best Ketchikan Independent Shore Excursions

 

Ketchikan, located on the southern tip of Alaska's Inside Passage, is one of the state's most popular cruise destinations and is known for its rich Native Alaskan heritage, vibrant waterfront, and stunning natural scenery. Often called the "Salmon Capital of the World," the town offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Alaskan culture while enjoying its charming downtown, which is easily accessible from the cruise port.

One of Ketchikan's most famous attractions is Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. Once the town's red-light district, it is now home to unique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. During the summer months, visitors may even see salmon swimming upstream beneath the boardwalk. Nearby, several totem parks and cultural centers showcase the history and artistry of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples through beautifully carved totem poles and engaging exhibits.
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in and around Ketchikan. The surrounding Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic excursions.

The compact downtown makes it easy for cruise passengers to explore independently. Visitors can browse local boutiques for handcrafted Native artwork, smoked salmon, and Alaskan souvenirs, or relax at one of the waterfront cafés while taking in views of the harbor.

Ketchikan has four cruise docks that welcome ships throughout the Alaska cruise season. Berths 1 through 4 are located within or just a short walk from the historic downtown area, making it easy for passengers to explore attractions such as Creek Street, local shops, restaurants, museums, and the waterfront on foot. Most cruise lines dock at these centrally located piers, providing convenient access to the heart of the city.

Ward Cove, located about seven miles north of downtown, is a newer cruise facility primarily used by Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.  Complimentary shuttle buses transport passengers between Ward Cove and downtown Ketchikan, with the ride taking approximately 20 minutes each way. The Ward Cove complex also features shopping, dining, cultural exhibits, and scenic waterfront walking areas for guests who choose to stay nearby. You can also opt for a water shuttle transfer to avoid the lines.

Click here for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

Looking for an adventure on the water?

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew for the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore. The meeting spot for this tour is about a 5 minute walk from the downtown port. If arriving in Ward Cove take the free shuttle to downtown (allow 45 minutes)

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey. Transportation is included from the downtown port and Ward Cove dock.

 

Ready to catch your meal? This Ketchikan Alaska Fishing and Wilderness Dining trip is a departure from traditional fishing excursions in Alaska. You’ll ride in a comfortable, wide-open skiff, you’ll feel the wind in your hair, the spray on your skin, and no matter which way you turn, you’ll be immersed in an Alaskan sensory experience. We’ll outfit you in rubber raingear and place you next to a warm fire at the fish camp, but getting a little wet is part of the appeal! Pick-up is only available from the main dock in Ketchikan. 

 

Are you brave enough for an underwater adventure?  A great pick for nature lovers, this Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion picks you right up at the cruise ship docks and takes you on an underwater Alaskan adventure. Get suited up in your snorkel equipment and listen to an instruction before you hit the water with a guide who knows the best spots to spot sea life. Hot beverages and water are also provided for convenience during your Ketchikan Snorkeling Shore Excursion. Round-trip transport from the main Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks is included. If arriving in Ward Cove take the free shuttle to downtown (allow 45 minutes)

 

How about a land escapade?

Want a tour for just your group or family? Discover the wildlife and native cultures of Ketchikan on this half-day nature excursion for your private party. Visit an old Native American village to learn about its culture and see the intricately carved totem poles. Learn about the edible plants of the region, see local wildlife such as salmon, whales, and eagles, and visit several of the area’s beautiful beaches. The meeting point for this tour is a one minute walk from the main port. Pick-up can be arranged from Ward Cove. 

Get up close with nature on the Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour. Then, hop into your UTV, offering a blend of comfort and adventure, and start off-roading. Take the wheel and trade off with your fellow explorers as you soak up the views. As you pass by Ketchikan, catch a glimpse of the vibrant downtown filled with local shops, restaurants, historic landmarks, and totem poles. Next, navigate through rugged trails, immersing yourself in the George Inlet Fjords, Tongass National Forest, and Mahoney Lake. Look out for wildlife as you move between each location. The pick-up points for this tour is a just short walk from both cruise docks. 

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage on this half-day small-group tour for 3 hours or this small group 2 hour option. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a waterfall and native flora. And visit a Totem Park: learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and explore a magnificently carved clan house. Both tours offer pick up and drop off from both cruise ship docks. 

How about both a land and sea experience?

Trade in a mellow shore excursion for a thrilling alternative Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari in Ketchikan. Steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style canoe. Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack. Pick-up is available from both cruise docks. 

Looking to soar over the scenery?

Get off your cruise ship, and get your adrenaline going, on this half-day shore excursion to a Ketchikan zipline adventure park. Soar through the Alaskan rainforest on seven ziplines and eight canopy ropes. This natural jungle gym includes suspended logs, rope bridges, a climbing tower and staircase, meaning thrill seekers of all experience levels can share in the excitement. Round-trip port transport included from the main cruise dock. There is a pick-up point near the Ward Cove dock. 

 

Soar above the glacier-carved granite cliffs and waterfall-studded forests of Misty Fjords National Monument on an unforgettable flight tour from Ketchikan. With guaranteed window seating for all passengers in a fixed-wing Alaskan bush plane, you won't miss a thing as you coast over lush mountaintops and hillsides where wild goats and black bears roam. Learn about the ancient geologic history and wildlife of this spectacular landscape through live narration from the pilot during the flight. Pick-up is available from both cruise docks. 

We’ve done our best to select excursions that could be fun for your family. As with all excursions, please do your own due diligence with the excursion provider, review physical requirements for the tour, and read the liability waiver carefully before signing.