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.
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.
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.
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.
Dock Port
26+ Available
Alaska
4 Must-See Attractions
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 â
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 â
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 â
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 â
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.
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.
The Ketchikan All In One tour provides both the historical and scenic parts of Ketchikan, in a fully narrated 2.5…
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Enjoy Alaska with a local. Get off the beaten path and on to a more personal tour. Get driven to…
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Your adventure begins as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, where your guide provides live narration about Ketchikanâs rich history,…
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It's a Bus-and-a Boat and it quacks & floats! Only fun people are allowed on this 90 minute tour that…
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On the Ketchikan 4 in 1 you get to experience a fully narrated 2.5 hour historical tour. Starting with the…
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We help you take iconic photographs of several locations in the Ketchikan area, including historical, cultural and nature attractions. We…
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Join this amazing 2-hour Eco Tour with an experienced local guide in a small group with maximum of 11 guests.…
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Enjoy a rainforest walk and visit a Totem Park on our 3 hour excursion in scenic Ketchikan, Alaska on this small group tour…
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2 hour Deluxe City Totem Park and Wildlife viewing tour by San Francisco Style Cable Car Trolley. This tour includes…
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When your cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, spend your time in port soaring through treetops in an Alaskan rainforest! On…
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Spend your time in port in Ketchikan paddling through the waters of the Pacific Ocean and discovering Alaska's Eagle Island.…
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This small-group guided wilderness sea kayaking and boat tour is perfect for anyone who has dreamed of kayaking in Alaska.…
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Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or…
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Explore pristine, untouched wilderness on this 60-minute flight tour through Misty Fjords National Monument. From your own personal window seat…
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Experience a seldom seen view of underwater Alaska. Snorkel Alaska's Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure is an all inclusive and fully…
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Ketchikan Alaska is nicknamed the âSalmon Capitol of the Worldâ because it is! If you've dreamed about fishing these pristine…
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Embark upon a traditional fishing tour of the waters of Ketchikan, Alaska. Try your hand at angling salmon, halibut or…
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Come join us on a lovely 3.6-mile roundtrip hike through an Alaska State Park into the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy…
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This tour is off the beaten path and leaves the pavement and tourists behind for the more rugged mountain dirt…
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Come join us on a stunning 4-mile roundtrip hike in a small group of up to no more than 7…
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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…
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See bears in their natural habitat on this 3 hour tour from Ketchikan.  Take a 20 minute flight west over the…
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Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and…
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Join us on a fun-filled adventure great for the whole family! Dreams come to reality in this wonderland; mesmerize your…
View Details & BookKetchikan 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.
Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.
Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.
Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.
Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.
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.
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.