A popular port, found on almost every Alaskan cruise itinerary is Ketchikan. The city is set on the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. It describes itself as the Salmon Capital of the World, it is also home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Another interesting fact is that it is one of the rainiest cities in America, it receives more than 261% more rain the national average. But don’t let that discourage you from exploring some of the most beautiful wildlife in Alaska. Let’s check out some great excursion offerings to help you learn about and explore this beautiful area of Alaska. 


Explore Lake Harriet Hunt, part of a lush rainforest, by a Native- Alaskan style, 37-foot, 20 person canoe with an experienced guide. These canoes are fast, stable and easy to maneuver. Afterwards step ashore for an Alaskan-style snack followed by a short nature walk. Children must weight 40 pounds in order to participate.  Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail lasts 3 and half hours and is offered from late April until mid-October. Pair this experience with a Backcountry Jeep ride or a tour of Totem Bight State Park.

Take a motorized inflatable Seahawk on a short cruise along the coast of Clover passage where you might spot whales, sea lions, seals, porpoise, bald eagles and migrating seabirds. You will arrive on a secluded beach in the Tongass National Forest and be met by a naturalist guide who will take you for a hike on Betton Island, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the species native to this region. Conclude your day with an Alaskan snack around a campfire and explore some tide pools before you head back to your hotel or ship. Children must weight 40 pounds in order to participate.  Rainforest Island Adventure lasts 3 and half hours and is offered from late April until mid-October. 

Head to the rustic George Inlet Lodge, this historic building was once an old cannery bunkhouse, and enjoy an amazing feast of Dungeness crab, salad and cheesecake for dessert.  World Famous George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast is offered almost daily from the end of April through mid October. Pair this with a Lumberjack Show, Wilderness Exploration, Misty Fjords Seaplane or a visit to the Saxman Native Village experience. 

Take a private tour for up to 6 people on a 30’ Aluminum Chambered Boat on this Saltwater Expedition of Ketchikan’s oceanfront. Cruise the coastline of this charming town and see the scenic waterfront, harbors and local wildlife.  Saltwater Expedition lasts 2 hours and is offered from late April until mid-October.* 

If you can’t choose between a bus or a boat for your day exploring Ketchikan why not both? Take a 90 minute amphibian tour through Ketchikan and see all of the new and historic sights. Head to the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek and view the spanning grounds, live salmon (in season), Whale Park and Creek Street. Next drive into the harbor and pass by the fishing fleet, fishing canneries, seaplane docks and the waterfront community.   Ketchikan Duck Boat Tour is offered from late April until mid-October.* 

Spend the day exploring Ketchikan in a luxury private Hummer that seats up to 5 guests. This tour is customizable if desired. Venues to choose from include Totem Pole State Parks, museums, wildlife viewing areas, waterfalls, an historic city tour, hikes through the rainforest, and panoramic viewing points of Ketchikan and the surrounding areas. Alaska Hummer Adventure is available from late May through mid-October*

Available for groups of 4-6 people is the Misty Fjords Expedition. Board a 30-foot aluminum chamber boat and head to the fjords. Watch for Bald Eagles, bears, whales, and other marine life. See New Eddystone Rock, a volcanic spire that rises from the sea. Explore Rudyerd Bay, see 3,000 foot vertical waterfalls all while learning about the history of the area.  Misty Fjords Expedition lasts 4.5 hours and is available from late May through mid-October*

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience on this Small Group Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure. Alaska’s intertidal zone offers a rich assortment of plants and animals to see. Don’t worry about being cold. 7mm wetsuits with a hood, boots and gloves to keep you warm are provided. Water, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and hot showers are also provided. Participants must weight between 80 and 260 pounds. This three hour tour is offered from the end of April until the end of September.*

Tours denoted with an * at the end offer a Cruise Friendly Refund Policy & Back to the Ship Guarantee.