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Don’t Miss These Ketchikan Travel Tips and Local Secrets

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.

A view of deer mountain in ketchikan alaska on a sunny day.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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A humpback whale breaching during a ketchikan whale watching & wildlife tour.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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.

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An aerial shot of a ketchikan wildlife tour boat zooming along the coast on a sunny day.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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.

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A black bear hunting for salmon in the river with a seagull sitting on a rock near him.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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A group of 4 sea lions on a floating on a buoy
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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A harbor seal swimming in the ketchikan harbor
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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A humpback whale singing a whale song
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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Top-Rated Ketchikan Tour: Captain Lukas with a group of cruise ship guests who just got back from the best Ketchikan Wildlife Tour.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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,

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A group of humpback whales swimming in the inside passage of Southeast Alaska during a Ketchikan Wildlife Tour, the perfect excursion to add to your Alaska Cruise Itinerary.
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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Ketchikan Alaska harbor where the cruise ships dock and where our eco tours, wildlife excursions, and whale watching boats are located
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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A humpback whale tail diving down in Ketchikan, Alaska
Marinna Kupselaitis

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

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