Ketchikan’s prime location along Alaska’s Inside Passage makes it one of the best spots for whale watching. Four standout tours deserve special attention:
The small-vessel Wildlife Viewing Quest offers intimate encounters without the crowds. Adventurous travelers will love the Orca Cove kayaking experience, paddling through pristine rainforest waters.
For those seeking privacy, Reel Alaska’s charter service provides customized viewing in uncrowded settings. The convenient 2-hour Marine Wildlife tour, departing right from downtown, boasts consistent whale sightings and expert naturalists.
Let’s explore these top whale-watching experiences in detail.
Good To Know
- The Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest offers a unique and less-crowded experience to spot whales, bears, and other wildlife in Ketchikan’s waters.
- Orca Cove Sea Kayaking provides a wilderness kayaking tour to immerse in Ketchikan’s natural beauty and spot wildlife, including a snack of local smoked salmon.
- The Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour showcases stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in a private setting, with the opportunity to see a variety of marine life.
- The Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour offers a 2-hour whale watching experience to explore the area’s marine wildlife and scenery, including complimentary hot drinks and snacks.
- These tours offer a range of experiences, from smaller vessel excursions to private group tours, allowing visitors to choose the option that best suits their preferences and needs.
Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
The Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the waters around Ketchikan and spot a variety of marine life. Departing from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, this tour takes guests aboard a smaller, less-crowded vessel equipped with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as binoculars and blankets to enhance the experience.
With an experienced captain and crew leading the way, guests can expect to see humpback whales, orcas, bears, harbor seals, and bald eagles during the excursion. Throughout the journey, light snacks, coffee, tea, and bottled water are provided to keep guests refreshed. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience for all participants.
With a 94% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable wildlife viewing adventure in Ketchikan.
Read our full review: Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest Review
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Orca Cove Sea Kayaking
Orca Cove Sea Kayaking offers visitors a chance to enjoy Ketchikan’s stunning natural beauty through a wilderness kayaking tour.
The tour includes a short boat ride to the launch point, where guests will embark on a kayak exploration of the area’s old-growth rain forests and wildlife. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a snack of local smoked salmon, a delicious treat that complements the serene surroundings.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as waterproof gear and dry bags, as well as the services of a professional guide. Travelers should note that the activity involves moderate physical exertion and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
The tour operates in all weather, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately. With a maximum of 6 travelers per booking, this intimate experience offers a chance to connect with nature in a truly authentic way.
Read our full review: Orca Cove Sea Kayaking Review
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Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour
Visitors to Ketchikan can embark on a captivating whale watching and nature tour that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The private tour, offered by Reel Alaska Fishing Charters, provides a personalized experience in a fully enclosed cabin, with a maximum capacity of the client’s group. Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, bears, otters, eagles, and orcas, while enjoying snacks, bottled water, and soda.
The tour includes private transportation, heavy-duty raincoats, and the use of binoculars, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged at the cruise ship disembarkation area, the downtown Ketchikan meeting point, or a mutually agreed-upon location. With 6 positive reviews, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the natural beauty and wildlife of the Ketchikan region in a private and personalized setting.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour Review
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Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Frequently, travelers to Ketchikan embark on a 2-hour whale watching boat tour to explore the region’s abundant marine wildlife and breathtaking scenery. This tour offers the chance to spot humpback and killer whales in their natural habitat, as well as other local wildlife like eagles, seals, and sea lions.
Guests can snap photos of the rugged Ketchikan coastline and learn fascinating facts from the engaging guides. The tour includes complimentary hot drinks, snacks, and blankets to ensure a comfortable experience, as well as the use of binoculars. The tour operates in most weather conditions, so visitors should dress accordingly.
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, they’re frequent. The tour departs from the Berth 2 Visitors Center, and guests are advised to check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. This whale watching experience is a popular way for visitors to enjoy Ketchikan’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Ketchikan offers a variety of whale watching experiences. Visitors can embark on wildlife viewing sightseeing tours, go sea kayaking, or take boat tours to see whales and other marine life. These excursions provide opportunities to witness the wonders of the area’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Regardless of the specific tour chosen, Ketchikan is an ideal destination for anyone seeking unforgettable whale watching adventures.