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You’re in the Right Place to Discover Ketchikan’s Wild Side
If you need help planning you’re Alaska cruise excursion, chances are Ketchikan is one of your most anticipated ports of call — and for good reason. As the gateway to the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is packed with unforgettable wildlife encounters, rich Native culture, and authentic Alaskan charm.
In the blogs below, we’ll share expert tips to help you make the most of your time ashore — including what to wear in the rainforest, the top Ketchikan wildlife tours, and where to catch breathtaking views (and maybe spot a bald eagle or two). From whale watching in Ketchikan to exploring totem poles and scenic boardwalks, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending a full day, we’ll help you uncover the best things to do in Ketchikan — and why it just might be the highlight of your Alaska cruise.

How We Keep Our Ketchikan Wildlife Tours Clean, Comfortable & Guest-Ready
At Ketchikan Wildlife Tours, we believe guests should be focused on enjoying Alaska’s incredible scenery and wildlife… not worrying about crowded spaces or cleanliness during their excursion. From the moment guests step aboard, our goal is to create a clean, comfortable, and relaxing experience while exploring the beautiful waters of

Why August Is the Best Month for Ketchikan Whale Watching Tours
Introduction: Why August Is Peak Whale Season When it comes to Ketchikan whale watching tours, August is the month that delivers everything—calm weather, long daylight hours, and an unbeatable mix of humpbacks, orcas, and bald eagles. The region’s ecosystem is at its most vibrant, fueled by the late-summer salmon run that brings

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Bald Eagles in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan Alaska Eagles: More Than Just a Pretty Sight If you’re planning a visit to Southeast Alaska, prepare to be amazed by one of nature’s most powerful symbols: the bald eagle. Known for its striking white head, massive wingspan, and fierce hunting skills, the bald eagle is a common —

Cruising to Ketchikan This Summer? The Perfect 5-Hour Ketchikan Cruise Itinerary
Introduction: Your Ketchikan Cruise Itinerary at a Glance If your Alaska cruise stops in Ketchikan, you might be wondering: “What’s the best way to see everything in just a few hours?” We’ve designed the ultimate Ketchikan cruise itinerary to make the most of your port time. In just 5 hours,

Whales, Eagles & Epic Fishing: Best Ketchikan Excursions for Alaska Cruise Guests (2025)
If you’re visiting Southeast Alaska on a cruise this summer, one port stands out for its breathtaking natural beauty and unforgettable wildlife: Ketchikan. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this charming town offers some of the most exciting excursions in all of Alaska. For cruise guests arriving in July,

June in Ketchikan: Whale Watching, Wildlife & Weather Cruise Guests Will Love
What Makes June in Ketchikan So Special? If your Alaska cruise brings you to Ketchikan in June, you’ve scored. This is one of the best times of year to experience the raw beauty and wildlife of Southeast Alaska. From breaching humpback whales to bald eagles fishing in the misty morning

Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours in Ketchikan — Why Fishing Guides Make the Best Captains
If you’re visiting Ketchikan, Alaska, chances are you’re hoping to see some amazing wildlife — maybe a whale breaching, an eagle diving, or a seal sunning on the rocks. Whether you’re here for just a few hours on a cruise or spending a few days in town, a Ketchikan wildlife boat tour is one of the top experiences to book.

Best Whale Watching Tours in Alaska – Why Ketchikan Is #1
If you’re looking for the best whale watching tours in Alaska, Ketchikan is where your Alaskan wildlife experience should begin. Nestled along the Inside Passage and surrounded by protected marine waters, this coastal town offers something that’s hard to find elsewhere: easy access to feeding humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and more—right from downtown.

Experience the Best of Ketchikan: A Coastal Wildlife Cruise + A Taste of Town
On our Coastal Wildlife Cruises, you’ll journey into secluded bays and channels where larger tour boats can’t reach—quiet, pristine spots brimming with wildlife like whales, seals, sea lions, and even black bears fishing along the shore.
Then, back in town, you’ll be perfectly positioned to walk, shop, and explore Ketchikan’s most iconic attractions.

Is Whale Watching Better in Juneau or Ketchikan? Here’s the Honest Answer.
If you’re cruising through Southeast Alaska, chances are your itinerary includes both Juneau and Ketchikan. Both are popular ports, and both offer opportunities to see whales. But if you’re trying to decide where to book your whale watching tour — there’s a clear winner.

Whale Watching in Ketchikan: A Bucket-List Adventure for Cruise Guests
Save up to 20% with our May Wildlife Tour Specials! Must book directly over the phone to secure the savings! Call Now: (907) 220-4767 Experience the Real Alaska — Not Just the Cruise Version If your cruise is stopping in Ketchikan, Alaska, you’re already in one of the world’s most

What Wildlife in Ketchikan Will I See This Summer?
A Month-by-Month Guide for Cruise Guests Planning a cruise stop in Ketchikan, Alaska? You’re in for more than scenic views and souvenir shops — you’re stepping into one of the most wildlife-rich corners of North America. From whales breaching in the bay to bears fishing along the shoreline, this is where Alaska’s wild

Discover the Tongass National Forest: The Wild Heart of Southeast Alaska
Towering spruce trees, misty fjords, glacier-fed rivers, and the echo of bald eagle calls — welcome to the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world and the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska. Spanning nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass is not only the largest national forest in the United States,

Killer Whales in Ketchikan: Alaska’s Apex Predators of the Sea
Powerful, intelligent, and awe-inspiring, killer whales — also known as orcas — are some of the most iconic marine mammals in the world. In Southeast Alaska, they are more than just a thrilling sight. Killer whales in Ketchikan are a vital part of the region’s ecosystem, culture, and connection to

Discover Steller Sea Lions in Ketchikan, Alaska
If harbor seals are the quiet watchers of Southeast Alaska’s coastline, Steller sea lions are their louder, larger, and more animated cousins. Whether they’re barking loudly from a rocky haul-out, splashing in the water near your boat, or jostling for space in their boisterous colonies, these powerful marine mammals are

Harbor Seals of Ketchikan: The Quiet Icons of Southeast Alaska
While out on the water in Southeast Alaska, keep your eyes peeled for a sleek, silvery head bobbing in the water. The harbor seals in Ketchikan quietly observe their surroundings with soulful eyes and a calm presence. While often overshadowed by orcas and bears in Alaska’s wildlife spotlight, harbor seals

Humpback Whales in Ketchikan: Behaviors, Culture & Whale Watching
Southeast Alaska is one of the world’s best places to see humpback whales in the wild. These ocean giants migrate thousands of miles each year, returning to nutrient-rich Alaskan waters to feed, socialize, and put on one of the most breathtaking wildlife displays on Earth. If you’re planning a Ketchikan Wildlife Tour, prepare for an unforgettable

Bald Eagles In Ketchikan: Why This Alaskan Town Has One of the Highest Bald Eagle Populations in the World
Why Ketchikan Has One of the Highest Bald Eagle Populations in the World 1. The Perfect Habitat for Bald Eagles Ketchikan is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America. This vast wilderness provides bald eagles with an ideal habitat, offering plenty of

Ketchikan Wildlife Tours: Exploring the Rich Marine Ecosystem
Ketchikan, Alaska, offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences in the world. Known for its stunning marine life and diverse ecosystems, Ketchikan’s waters are a key factor in the area’s thriving wildlife population. Whether you’re on a cruise to Ketchikan with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Carnival, or Holland America,

Alaska Cruise Itinerary: Why Adding a Ketchikan Wildlife Tour is a Must
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a must-see destination for anyone cruising the Inside Passage, making it an essential part of your Alaska cruise itinerary. Whether you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, or another line, Ketchikan offers a unique experience that goes beyond the typical cruise ship sights. Known for its pristine

A Local’s Guide to Ketchikan Wildlife Watching: Top Spots & Best Times to Visit
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a nature lover’s paradise, especially for those eager to witness the wonders of wildlife in their natural habitat. As a local, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Ketchikan’s wildlife up close, and in this guide, I’ll share my favorite spots, best times to visit, and some insider

Top 5 Things to Do in Ketchikan for Cruise Passengers
Ketchikan, Alaska, is one of the most beautiful and vibrant towns to visit on your Alaskan cruise. Whether you’re in town for a few hours or a full day, you’ll want to make the most of your limited time. From historical landmarks to local experiences, this guide will help you

The Best Time to See Whales in Ketchikan, Alaska (May-October)
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering one of the most exciting opportunities for whale watching in the world. If you’re a cruise guest on board Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, or Disney, Ketchikan is the perfect stop to experience the wonders of Alaska’s marine

