★★★★★
Ketchikan city tour · Photo safari
Their guide studies photography and showed everyone phone-camera tricks, and explained the town's history slowly and clearly.
JoAnn G. · Traveller · August 2026
Ketchikan Tours Reviews
What travellers wrote after a town tour past Creek Street, a whale boat, a floatplane or a fishing charter, retold in short, beside each operator's own published rating. Weighing up the best tours in Ketchikan Alaska? The operators' figures add up to more than 11,000 reviews between them.
Traveller reviews of Ketchikan trips, by kind
These are travellers' own accounts, paraphrased. The one-, two- and three-star reviews stay in: a flight called off, a guide hard to hear, a van that had seen better days, a day with no bears. Each tells you more about choosing than another line of praise.
Town and totem tours
★★★★★ 4.6 average across 3,182 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan city tour · Photo safari
A second time on this tour, with Saint as guide. The stops were new to them, and the camera tips included a photo framed through a star-shaped knot hole.
Tracy J. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★☆☆
Ketchikan city tour · Photo safari
Josh knew every location well, but they had expected lessons on camera settings, and those never came even after they asked.
Dave M. · Traveller · July 2026
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan city tour · Photo safari
They brought a new DSLR and lenses for the cruise and wanted teaching on exposure and composition; the tour gave them scenic stops instead.
Michael E. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan city tour · All in one
Rhianna was set on finding them a bear, and they watched one pull a salmon out of the stream.
Jill C. · Traveller · September 2026
★★☆☆☆
Ketchikan city tour · All in one
Norman was pleasant but spoke fast and was hard to follow, and they did not feel the day was good value.
John M. · Traveller · September 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan city tour · Trolley
Richard, the driver, made a very wet day worth it: totem poles and pink salmon in the creek.
Maureen K. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★☆
Ketchikan city tour · Trolley
Travelling as a couple, they liked the smaller trolley group after big coaches. They saw the salmon running, though a local guide would have added more.
Louis I. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan private tour · Custom van
Tiffany knew Ketchikan inside out: bears, salmon, seals, a waterfall and the salmon ladder at Creek Street in one morning.
Linda W. · Traveller · September 2026
★★☆☆☆
Ketchikan private tour · Custom van
The driver was fine but the van was worn, with a seat belt missing, and they felt a walk round town would have done as well.
Paul S. · Traveller · September 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan private tour · Private car
With a few hours after a ship's excursion, Christopher collected them at Ward Cove and took them to the highlights of town.
Steve D. · Traveller · August 2025
Bears and wildlife by road and boat
★★★★★ 4.6 average across 501 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Small group
Lexi found a mother bear and cubs at Herring Cove, then drove round again to give them a second look.
Lorna H. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★☆☆
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Small group
Lexi's microphone was broken that day, so some of the family struggled to hear. They saw salmon, deer and eagles but no bear, and were dropped in town afterwards.
Jenny H. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Neets Bay bears
Henry knew his subject, and they saw three bears and plenty of salmon.
Madi L. · Traveller · July 2026
★★☆☆☆
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Neets Bay bears
A 30 to 40 minute bus ride, then close to an hour by boat, and not a bear on the day; the salmon ladder was the consolation.
Cynthia M. · Traveller · September 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Small van
An easy, short tour early in the season; they still saw one bear and several eagles.
Mary D. · Traveller · May 2026
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan wildlife tour · Small van
In late May there was little to see, and a stronger guide would have made the missing wildlife matter less.
Leigh W. · Traveller · May 2026
★★★★☆
Ketchikan rainforest walk · Sanctuary
Stephanie explained the plants and trees along the forest walk, and they saw young eagles, fish and three black bears.
Denise D. · Traveller · July 2025
Whale boats, Zodiacs and the crab boat
★★★★★ 4.9 average across 2,173 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Wildlife and whale quest
Plenty of whales, and Mark and the captain kept patiently easing the boat a little closer.
Tammie B. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Wildlife and whale quest
Several whales bubble-feeding, with coffee, hot chocolate, binoculars and blankets on board for anyone who wanted them.
Gina D. · Traveller · August 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Wildlife and whale quest
Captain Morgan and Theo on deck were friendly and knew the water, and the time with the whales is the part they will remember.
Lenina H. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★☆☆
Ketchikan whale watching · Wildlife and whale quest
Mostly a boat ride, with eagles drawn in by thrown fish; orcas turned up near the end, though only fins and backs showed.
Randy K. · Traveller · August 2026
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan whale watching · Wildlife and whale quest
Told someone would wait with a sign at the ship, they found nobody, checked every booth and missed the trip.
Rose M. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan crab boat tour · Aleutian Ballad
Her husband is the Deadliest Catch fan, but the crew's stories and their way with the crowd won her over too. She would send anyone visiting Ketchikan.
Tara D. · Traveller · June 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan crab boat tour · Aleutian Ballad
It rained, so the crew handed out raincoats, and they still saw bald eagles, seals and a whale surfacing to blow.
Rebecca R. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan crab boat tour · Aleutian Ballad
Travelling with a serious disability, they found the boat easy to board, and the crew brought the catch over for photos.
Joseph S. · Traveller · August 2026
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan crab boat tour · Aleutian Ballad
Engine trouble cancelled their sailing on the day, which nobody could have planned for, and it was still a letdown.
Stephen P. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Zodiac
Humpbacks, eagles and harbour seals, with Eric, Jenny and Delaney as guides. The gear was clean and well kept, and they even held a starfish.
Jennifer F. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Zodiac
Waterproof pants, coat and gloves are handed out, and two whales came close to the boat on a fine day.
Barry H. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan whale watching · Tales and tides
An enclosed boat with outside viewing; Captain Nate kept out of the chop, and though no whales showed, the eagles did.
Brian K. · Traveller · June 2026
Floatplanes
★★★★★ 4.5 average across 375 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan floatplane · Misty Fjords
Their second floatplane flight over the fjords with the same company. It is still their pick of everything out of Ketchikan, and their choice every time they stop.
Steven C. · Traveller · August 2026
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan floatplane · Misty Fjords
The flight was called off at the last minute, though they had watched other planes take off earlier that morning.
Julie M. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan floatplane · Misty Fjords water landing
A comfortable small plane, a smooth take-off and landing on the lake, and wilderness in every direction.
Maureen A. · Traveller · June 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan floatplane · Prince of Wales bears
A mother bear and two cubs came out of the forest to fish the stream while they watched.
Stuart R. · Traveller · November 2017
Kayaks, ziplines, e-bikes and the UTV
★★★★★ 4.9 average across 3,002 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · Kayak
Less strenuous than they feared at 58, with a good paddling briefing; eagles, starfish, seals and sea lions.
Cyndi M. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · Kayak
Jenny guided on a clear day: whales, sea lions, anemones, moon jellies and bald eagles from the kayak.
Jordan L. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · Orca Cove kayak
Paddling with a partner and AJ as guide, whose knowledge of the marine life rubbed off. A curious seal came to look at them, and in their 60s they found the paddling easy.
Michelle W. · Traveller · September 2025
★★☆☆☆
Ketchikan adventure tour · Orca Cove kayak
Only about an hour of the three was in the kayaks, and it felt rushed, with little time to stop and look.
Jessie L. · Traveller · July 2025
★★★☆☆
Ketchikan adventure tour · UTV
Friendly guides and fine scenery, and a good time overall. Only about 30 minutes and 11 miles were on the UTV, though, with a 40-minute drive each way.
Ezra P. · Traveller · May 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · UTV
A dry summer made it dusty, but the ride was a thrill, and the bus up to the camp was an adventure of its own.
Richard H. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · E-bike and hike
The bike ride was a way to get there; the rainforest hike and Cam's knowledge of plants and wildlife were the real reward.
Laura F. · Traveller · September 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan adventure tour · Zipline
Kaycee and Sydney kept everyone at ease on a sunny day, and bald eagles flew past the lines.
Paul H. · Traveller · June 2026
Fishing charters
★★★★★ 4.9 average across 626 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan fishing charter · Salmon and halibut
Warned it was late in the season, they went with Reggie anyway and hooked halibut, dogfish and rockfish in four hours.
Anthony W. · Traveller · October 2025
★☆☆☆☆
Ketchikan fishing charter · Salmon and halibut
Rough seas kept the boat from the better grounds, three people landed four fish, and for the price they wished it had been called off.
Pamela H. · Traveller · August 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan fishing charter · Halibut
Captain Grayson taught four of them to fish for halibut, and rockfish came up too. They kept only what the rules allowed and released the rest.
Melissa B. · Traveller · September 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan fishing charter · Salmon
Their son's dream was fishing in Alaska, and Captain Grayson made sure he did not just fish but caught. The crew checked their licences ahead and dropped them near the shops afterwards.
Jodie M. · Traveller · June 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan fishing charter · Private charter
Captain Moses was good company all morning; they caught nothing, and neither did any other charter they spoke to.
Wendy B. · Traveller · June 2026
Rainforest walks and the distillery
★★★★★ 5.0 average across 697 operator reviews
★★★★★
Ketchikan rainforest walk · Totem park
On a short cruise stop, Kevin's first-hand knowledge of Ketchikan's history made the tour. The rainforest walk was short and interesting, and the stories behind the totem poles held everyone.
Terrance G. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★☆
Ketchikan rainforest walk · Totem park
A patient, flexible guide, though the hike was more of a stroll than they had hoped.
Nadia S. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan private tour · Rainforest and beach
Jordan guided her alone, and his knowledge of rainforest plants, including the medicinal ones, never ran out. They spent time on the beach too, looking at the marine life.
Cathy C. · Traveller · August 2026
★★★★★
Ketchikan rainforest walk · Creek trek
Chad met them on a very wet day and led them into woods they would never have found alone; easy and unhurried.
Chris C. · Traveller · July 2025
★★★★★
Ketchikan distillery tour · Bottle infusion
An old firehouse turned distillery, tastings of vodka, gin and agave, and a bottle they infused themselves to take home.
Tara V. · Traveller · July 2026
★★★☆☆
Ketchikan distillery tour · Bottle infusion
An entertaining guide, but mostly vodka, gin and agave rather than whiskey, and pricey for what it was.
Robert T. · Traveller · August 2026
What travellers keep saying
Find your meeting point first
The worst reviews are about the start, not the tour: a traveller who could not find the booth at Berth 2 and missed the boat. From Ward Cove, add the shuttle ride into town to your timing. Read where yours meets, and the booth number, before you leave the ship.
Wildlife is never promised
Reviewers who saw bears, whales or orcas write the happiest reviews, and those who did not write the angriest, even when the guide was praised. Reviews from late May and late in the season describe the quietest days.
The guide makes the day
Reviewers name their guides more than their stops: Rhianna finding a bear, Lexi driving round for a second look, Jordan on rainforest plants, Captain Grayson with a first-time young angler.
Weather can cancel a flight
Floatplanes fly only when the pilot says so, and several reviews describe a flight called off on the day. Read the refund terms: the Misty Fjords water-landing flight and the Prince of Wales Island bear flight refund nothing.
Operator ratings and review counts
These figures are the operators' own, published on their booking pages and shown as they stand. They belong to the operators, not to us. The third column tells you where each trip starts.
| Tour | Kind | Where it starts | Rating | Reviews | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchikan All In One | Town | Meets downtown | 4.2 | 1,185 | From $94 per person |
| Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. | Town | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 1,064 | From $134 per person |
| Ketchikans Best Wildlife, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest | Whale watching | Meets downtown | 4.8 | 1,038 | From $178 per person |
| Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour | Adventure | Pickup downtown or Ward Cove | 4.9 | 982 | From $100 per person |
| Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan | Crab boat | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 879 | From $249 per person |
| Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour | Adventure | Pickup downtown or Ward Cove | 4.8 | 679 | From $161 per person |
| Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour | Adventure | Meets at Ward Cove or downtown | 4.8 | 593 | From $255 per person |
| 3hr Private Custom Excursion in Ketchikan for up to 14 people | Private | Meets downtown | 4.8 | 505 | From $680 per group (up to 14) |
| Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park | Adventure | Met at the cruise docks | 4.9 | 476 | From $150 per person |
| Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure in Ketchikan, AK | Adventure | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 404 | From $205 per person |
| Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter | Fishing | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 376 | From $700 per person |
| Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafeast | Whale watching | Meets at Ward Cove or downtown | 4.9 | 359 | From $196 per person |
| Orca Cove Sea Kayaking | Adventure | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 344 | From $205 per person |
| 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley | Town | Meets downtown | 4.7 | 310 | From $85 per person |
| Misty Fjords Floatplane Flightseeing Tour | Misty Fjords | Meets downtown | 4.4 | 294 | From $349 per person |
| 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour | Shore excursion | Met at the cruise docks | 4.9 | 263 | From $95 per person |
| Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition | Whale watching | Meets downtown | 5.0 | 224 | From $209 per person |
| 3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk | Private | Pickup downtown or Ward Cove | 5.0 | 208 | From $117 per person |
| Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park | Wildlife | Meets downtown | 4.6 | 208 | From $110 per person |
| Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience | Distillery | Meets downtown | 5.0 | 172 | From $149 per person |
| Alaskan Bear Encounter by Land & Sea | Wildlife | Meets at Ward Cove or downtown | 4.8 | 148 | From $414 per person |
| Customize Your Own Private Tour | Private | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 118 | From $1,000 per group (up to 9) |
| BEST HALIBUT Fishing Excursion & Wildlife - KETCHIKAN Top Rated | Fishing | Meets downtown | 5.0 | 110 | From $499 per person |
| 2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion in Ketchikan | Town | Meets downtown | 4.6 | 107 | From $80 per person |
| Award Winning Salmon Fishing & Wildlife - Ketchikan 4hr | Fishing | Meets downtown | 5.0 | 81 | From $489 per person |
| Private Ketchikan Halibut and Salmon Fishing Charter | Fishing | Met at the cruise docks | 4.8 | 59 | From $685 per person |
| Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour | Adventure | Hotel pickup | 5.0 | 54 | From $258 per person |
| Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1.5hr -includes 20 minute water landing | Misty Fjords | Met at the cruise docks | 4.9 | 54 | From $470 per person |
| Ketchikan Rainforest Adventure Nature & Wildlife Tour | Town | Meets downtown | 4.7 | 49 | From $119 per person |
| Ketchikan Wildlife Tours “Over The Top Tours” | Town | Meets downtown | 4.4 | 38 | From $100 per person |
| Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise | Whale watching | Meets downtown | 4.8 | 32 | From $189 per person |
| Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour By Air From Ketchikan | Wildlife | Meets downtown | 4.9 | 27 | From $575 per person |
A tour with a thousand reviews and one with a handful are not a verdict on each other: the gap is mostly how long each has been on sale. A newer listing with a 5.0 rating across a few reviews is worth reading closely rather than skipping.
Read the practical detail on visiting Ketchikan and check the FAQs. Then compare every tour on Ketchikan Alaska Tours.