Shore Excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska

Discover 26 amazing shore excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska

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About Ketchikan Cruise Port

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's often the first port of call for northbound cruise ships. This charming fishing town is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and offers excellent access to Alaska's natural beauty, Native culture, and outdoor adventures. Ketchikan is a dock port with four berths, all located right in downtown, making it one of the most accessible ports in Alaska. The port is within walking distance of Creek Street (the historic red-light district), excellent shopping, and the Totem Heritage Center. Ketchikan offers an incredible blend of Native Alaskan culture, stunning natural beauty, and authentic frontier history, making it a perfect destination for cruise passengers seeking both cultural and outdoor experiences.

Exploring Ketchikan and Nearby Areas

Downtown Ketchikan

The historic downtown area is located right at the cruise port, making it easily accessible on foot. This charming area features Creek Street (the historic red-light district), excellent shopping, restaurants, and the Totem Heritage Center. Downtown Ketchikan is perfect for exploring independently.

Misty Fjords National Monument

A stunning wilderness area featuring dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine nature. The monument is accessible via floatplane or boat tours from Ketchikan and offers some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery.

Saxman Native Village

A Tlingit village located about 2.5 miles from downtown, featuring the world's largest collection of totem poles and authentic Native Alaskan culture. The village is easily accessible via organized tours or taxi.

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Key Facts About Ketchikan Cruise Port

Port Type

Dock Port

Shore Excursions

26+ Available

Location

Alaska

Major Landmarks

4 Must-See Attractions

Quick Facts

  • Walking Distance: Most attractions within 5-15 minutes from port
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with peak season in summer months
  • Language: English widely spoken, local language also common
  • Currency: Local currency accepted, credit cards widely used

Top 4 Must-See Landmarks in Ketchikan

  1. 1 Creek Street

    Ketchikan's historic red-light district, now featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants in colorful buildings built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek. This charming area is located just a short walk from the cruise port and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ketchikan's frontier history. The area is perfect for photography and exploring. View tours to Creek Street →

  2. 2 Totem Heritage Center

    A museum featuring one of the world's largest collections of original 19th-century totem poles. The center offers excellent insights into Native Alaskan culture and art. Located in downtown Ketchikan, the center is easily accessible from the cruise port. View tours to Totem Heritage Center →

  3. 3 Saxman Native Village

    A Tlingit village featuring the world's largest collection of totem poles, a carving center, and authentic Native Alaskan cultural experiences. The village is located about 2.5 miles from downtown and is easily accessible via organized tours or taxi. View tours to Saxman Native Village →

  4. 4 Misty Fjords National Monument

    A stunning wilderness area featuring dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine nature. The monument is accessible via floatplane or boat tours from Ketchikan and offers some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Tours typically last 2-4 hours and provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. View tours to Misty Fjords National Monument →

Top Landmarks in Ketchikan - Quick Comparison

Landmark Distance from Port Visit Time Highlights
Creek Street Walking distance 30-60 minutes Ketchikan's historic red-light district, now featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants in colorful buildings built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek. This charming area is located just a short walk from the cruise port and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ketchikan's frontier history. The area is perfect for photography and exploring. View tours →
Totem Heritage Center Walking distance 30-60 minutes A museum featuring one of the world's largest collections of original 19th-century totem poles. The center offers excellent insights into Native Alaskan culture and art. Located in downtown Ketchikan, the center is easily accessible from the cruise port. View tours →
Saxman Native Village Walking distance 30-60 minutes A Tlingit village featuring the world's largest collection of totem poles, a carving center, and authentic Native Alaskan cultural experiences. The village is located about 2.5 miles from downtown and is easily accessible via organized tours or taxi. View tours →
Misty Fjords National Monument Walking distance 30-60 minutes A stunning wilderness area featuring dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine nature. The monument is accessible via floatplane or boat tours from Ketchikan and offers some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Tours typically last 2-4 hours and provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. View tours →

Popular Activities in Ketchikan, Alaska

Understanding Cruise Port Terminology

Dock Port
A dock port means your cruise ship can dock directly at the terminal, allowing you to walk directly from the ship to the pier. This makes disembarkation faster and more convenient. Ketchikan is a dock port, making it easy to explore independently.
Shore Excursion
A shore excursion is a tour or activity that you can book to explore the port of call during your cruise. These excursions are designed specifically for cruise passengers and typically include transportation, guides, and a guarantee to return you to your ship on time.
All Aboard Time
All aboard time is the latest time you must be back on your cruise ship before it departs. It's typically 30-60 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure time. Always plan to return to the port at least 1 hour before all aboard time to ensure you don't miss your ship.
Meeting Point
The meeting point is the specific location where your shore excursion group will gather before the tour begins. This is typically near the cruise port terminal or in the main town center. Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting point address and directions.

Getting Around Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a dock port with ships docking at one of four berths, all located right in downtown. The port area is within walking distance of excellent shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Downtown Ketchikan is compact and easily walkable. For attractions further from the port like Misty Fjords or Saxman Native Village, organized shore excursions are highly recommended as they include transportation and expert guides. Taxis are available but can be expensive. The city is relatively small, making it easy to visit multiple attractions in a single day. Organized tours are excellent for first-time visitors as they provide local insights and guarantee return to your ship on time.

Local Culture & Highlights of Ketchikan

Ketchikan offers an authentic Alaskan experience with a strong focus on Native Alaskan culture. The city has a rich history as a fishing town and frontier settlement, and today it serves as a gateway to Alaska's natural beauty. Ketchikan is particularly known for its totem poles, which are found throughout the city, and its excellent access to outdoor adventures. The local culture reflects Alaska's unique heritage, with strong Tlingit and Haida Native influences. The best time to visit is during the summer months (May through September) when the weather is mild and wildlife viewing is excellent. English is the official language, and the local people are known for their friendly, independent nature and excellent hospitality toward cruise passengers.

Top-Rated Shore Excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan All In One in Ketchikan

Ketchikan All In One

The Ketchikan All In One tour provides both the historical and scenic parts of Ketchikan, in a fully narrated 2.5…

4.2★ (963) Price varies by date
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3hr Private Custom Excursion in Ketchikan for up to 14 people in Ketchikan

3hr Private Custom Excursion in Ketchikan for up to 14 people

Enjoy Alaska with a local. Get off the beaten path and on to a more personal tour. Get driven to…

4.9★ (246) Price varies by date
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Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest in Ketchikan

Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

Your adventure begins as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, where your guide provides live narration about Ketchikan’s rich history,…

4.8★ (812) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Duck Tour in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Duck Tour

It's a Bus-and-a Boat and it quacks & floats! Only fun people are allowed on this 90 minute tour that…

4.7★ (2600) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan 4 in 1 in Ketchikan

Ketchikan 4 in 1

On the Ketchikan 4 in 1 you get to experience a fully narrated 2.5 hour historical tour. Starting with the…

4.2★ (108) Price varies by date
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Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. in Ketchikan

Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.

We help you take iconic photographs of several locations in the Ketchikan area, including historical, cultural and nature attractions. We…

4.9★ (901) Price varies by date
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2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour in Ketchikan

2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

Join this amazing 2-hour Eco Tour with an experienced local guide in a small group with maximum of 11 guests.…

4.8★ (187) Price varies by date
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3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours in Ketchikan

3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours

Enjoy a rainforest walk and visit a Totem Park on our 3 hour excursion in scenic Ketchikan, Alaska on this small group tour…

4.8★ (265) Price varies by date
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Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in Ketchikan

Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

2 hour Deluxe City Totem Park and Wildlife viewing tour by San Francisco Style Cable Car Trolley. This tour includes…

3.9★ (142) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Rainforest Canopy Ropes and Zipline Adventure Park

When your cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, spend your time in port soaring through treetops in an Alaskan rainforest! On…

4.9★ (390) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea Kayaking

Spend your time in port in Ketchikan paddling through the waters of the Pacific Ocean and discovering Alaska's Eagle Island.…

4.8★ (359) Price varies by date
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Orca Cove Sea Kayaking in Ketchikan

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

This small-group guided wilderness sea kayaking and boat tour is perfect for anyone who has dreamed of kayaking in Alaska.…

4.9★ (323) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter in Ketchikan

Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or…

4.9★ (363) Price varies by date
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Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1 hour in Ketchikan

Misty Fjords Flightseeing 1 hour

Explore pristine, untouched wilderness on this 60-minute flight tour through Misty Fjords National Monument. From your own personal window seat…

4.9★ (280) Price varies by date
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Snorkel Alaska in Ketchikan

Snorkel Alaska

Experience a seldom seen view of underwater Alaska. Snorkel Alaska's Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure is an all inclusive and fully…

5.0★ (301) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Fishing Charter (salmon) in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Fishing Charter (salmon)

Ketchikan Alaska is nicknamed the “Salmon Capitol of the World” because it is! If you've dreamed about fishing these pristine…

5.0★ (62) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan salmon fishing adventure in Ketchikan

Ketchikan salmon fishing adventure

Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or…

4.9★ (49) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Magical Old-Growth Creek Trek Guided Tour

Come join us on a lovely 3.6-mile roundtrip hike through an Alaska State Park into the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy…

5.0★ (50) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Backcountry Driving Tour Through the Tongass in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Backcountry Driving Tour Through the Tongass

This tour is off the beaten path and leaves the pavement and tourists behind for the more rugged mountain dirt…

5.0★ (12) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Mountain Lake Trek to Avalanche Chute

Come join us on a stunning 4-mile roundtrip hike in a small group of up to no more than 7…

5.0★ (22) Price varies by date
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Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center in Ketchikan

Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center

Enjoy a beautiful coastal journey into the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, here you can see wildlife ranging from bald eagles to the famous black bears. This tour…

3.7★ (9) Price varies by date
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Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour By Air From Ketchikan in Ketchikan

Prince of Wales Island Bear-Viewing Tour By Air From Ketchikan

See bears in their natural habitat on this 3 hour tour from Ketchikan.  Take a 20 minute flight west over the…

4.9★ (27) Price varies by date
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Traitors Cove Bear Viewing in Ketchikan

Traitors Cove Bear Viewing

Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and…

4.7★ (40) Price varies by date
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Private Shore Excursions Ketchikan Shop, Sites, Bites Group Package 1-15 in Ketchikan

Private Shore Excursions Ketchikan Shop, Sites, Bites Group Package 1-15

Join us on a fun-filled adventure great for the whole family! Dreams come to reality in this wonderland; mesmerize your…

Price varies by date
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Port Map & Terminal Information Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan is strategically located in Alaska, making it an ideal cruise port for exploring the region. The port area provides easy access to Ketchikan's main attractions, with most landmarks and points of interest within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the terminal. Whether you're interested in historical sites, beautiful beaches, or local culture, Ketchikan offers convenient access to a wide variety of experiences.

Port Terminals

  • Berth 1

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

  • Berth 2

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

  • Berth 3

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

  • Berth 4

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

Getting to Your Meeting Point

  • 📍 From Ship: Most tours meet within walking distance of the cruise terminals. Allow 5-10 minutes to walk from your ship to the meeting point.
  • 📍 Meeting Point: Your exact meeting point will be clearly indicated in your booking confirmation email.
  • 📍 Look for: Tour operators typically hold signs with the tour name or company name.
  • 📍 If Lost: Contact the tour operator using the phone number provided in your confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shore Excursions in Ketchikan

What are the best shore excursions in Ketchikan?

There are 26+ amazing shore excursions available in Ketchikan. Popular activities include Tours & Sightseeing in Ketchikan, Day Trips & Excursions in Ketchikan, Outdoor Activities in Ketchikan, and many more in Ketchikan. From guided tours and cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and water activities, Ketchikan offers something for every type of cruise passenger.

How many shore excursions are available in Ketchikan?

There are 26+ shore excursions available in Ketchikan. These include guided tours, day trips, outdoor activities, water sports, cultural experiences, and more. Browse our complete selection of Ketchikan shore excursions to find the perfect experience for your cruise stop.