Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan

Experience the authentic world of Alaska’s commercial fishing with the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan. For around three hours, you’ll step aboard the historic Aleutian Ballad, a 107-foot vessel famous from Deadliest Catch, and cruise through the serene waters of the Inside Passage. Expect to see king crabs, prawns, rockfish, and more in their natural habitat, while listening to lively stories from seasoned fishermen. The tour is priced at $236 per person, and many book it 93 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the up-close encounter with marine life and the insightful storytelling from the crew, which makes the experience both educational and entertaining. The boat offers an open-air upper deck for stunning views and a heated lower deck if you prefer to stay warm. One possible caveat could be the open seating on the top deck; if you’re sensitive to cold or want to avoid wet weather, arriving early for a good seat might be wise.

This tour suits those eager to understand what life is like for Alaska’s fishermen and see real crabs in action. It’s especially recommended for families with children aged 5 and older, wildlife lovers, and anyone curious about the fishing industry. Just remember, it’s a short walk from most downtown hotels or cruise ships, making it a convenient choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Get an insider look at commercial crabbing and fishing in Alaska with a crew that loves sharing their stories.
• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see eagles, sea lions, whales, and porpoises along the way—nature lovers will be delighted.
• Hands-On Fun: Touch and photograph the catch, including king crabs and prawns, and learn about their habitats.
• Educational & Entertaining: The crew’s stories make the tour engaging, providing insights into the dangers and rewards of sea life.
• Comfort & Convenience: Open-air upper decks and heated lower decks cater to different preferences, with raincoats provided.
• Value for Money: For a three-hour tour, the combination of wildlife, industry insight, and hands-on activities delivers solid value.

A Deep Dive Into the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour

If you’re visiting Ketchikan and want to understand the backbone of Alaska’s economy—fishing—this tour hits all the right notes. For $236, you’re not just paying for a boat ride, but for an immersive experience that’s both fun and informative.

Starting Point and Ease of Access

The tour begins at Berth 3509 Water St, within easy walking distance from most downtown hotels and cruise ships. This is a big plus: no need for complicated transfers or extra planning. The boat, the Aleutian Ballad, is a true working vessel, offering a sense of authenticity from the moment you step on board.

What Happens During the Tour

Once aboard, the crew will cast off into the calm waters of Annette Bay. We loved the way the boat’s design caters to different comfort levels—there’s an open-air upper deck to soak in the views and a cozy, heated lower deck if the weather turns chilly. Expect to be on the water for about three hours, a duration that feels just right: enough time to see a variety of marine creatures and hear great stories without fatigue.

Wildlife and Scenery

Traveling through the Inside Passage, your guide will point out eagles soaring overhead, sea lions basking on rocks, and if luck’s on your side, whales breaching or porpoises playing nearby. Many reviews mention “seeing 40 eagles” or “watching bald eagles fly down to pick fish,” which makes it clear how special the wildlife viewing can be.

The Crabbing Demonstration

The heart of the tour is the demonstration of long-line barrel pots and crab hauling. The crew will bait gear with salmon and squid, then toss over enormous crab pots that can weigh up to 700 pounds—yes, that’s a lot of crab! You’ll have the chance to see king crabs, box crabs, prawns, and rockfish hauled onto deck, often with stories about their habitats and the dangers of fishing in such wild waters.

What’s particularly appreciated is how the crew sorts through the catch in front of you, explaining what each creature is and sometimes letting you touch the live animals. Many reviews mention the thrill of holding crabs and prawns or taking photos of the live catch, which adds a memorable hands-on element.

The Crew and Stories

This is not your typical tour. The crew, including “Captain David,” “Andy,” and “Dave,” are described as informative, personable, and passionate. They share tales from their years at sea, including how their boat survived a 60-foot rogue wave—a story that clearly resonates with visitors. Their enthusiasm makes the experience lively, and their knowledge enriches your understanding of Alaska’s fishing industry.

A Word About Environmental Responsibility

Some reviews mention the permits for catching crabs, and the crew’s efforts to preserve marine resources. Instead of actually catching king crabs, which require permits and are protected, they haul display crab pots with crabs already in them. This approach allows visitors to see the animals up close without impacting their population—an important detail for eco-conscious travelers.

Wildlife Encounters and Photo Opportunities

During the tour, many travelers were thrilled to see eagles swooping down to snatch fish, and some had close encounters with whales and sea lions. The guides happily point out and describe these animals, often with anecdotes that make the wildlife feel more real and accessible.

Food, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Raincoats and ponchos are provided, but note that food and drinks aren’t included—you can buy snacks onboard if needed. The tour stays within protected waters, so seasickness shouldn’t be a concern for most, though it’s always wise to bring motion sickness tablets if you’re prone.

A common piece of advice from visitors is to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, especially if you’re arriving at Ward Cove, where transportation is provided an hour early. The experience is capped at 150 travelers, ensuring it doesn’t feel crowded, but it’s wise to reserve well in advance if you’re on a tight schedule.

What We Loved & What to Consider

We loved the authenticity of the experience—not just watching but actively engaging with the catch—and the enthusiasm of the crew. The stories make the time fly by, and the wildlife sightings add a special touch. However, some visitors noted that the open seating on the upper deck can be challenging in bad weather, so arriving early for a good spot is advisable.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re curious about Alaska’s fishing industry or want a family-friendly activity that combines wildlife viewing with a bit of adventure, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, kids aged 5 and up, and those who enjoy learning through hands-on experiences. It also suits travelers who love stories of survival and enjoy seeing eagles, whales, and crabs up close.

Final Thoughts

The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan offers a well-rounded glimpse into the rugged life of Alaska’s fishermen, combined with stunning wildlife and engaging storytelling. It’s a safe, comfortable, and authentic way to connect with the region’s maritime heritage, especially if you want to see real crabs, hear real stories, and observe Alaska’s incredible natural environment.

For those willing to spend a few hours exploring the waters, it provides tremendous value—delivering memorable moments, educational insight, and plenty of photo ops. Whether you’re a family, wildlife enthusiast, or curious traveler, this tour promises a genuine taste of Alaska’s working waters.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5 and older are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity. Just note that the minimum age is enforced for safety reasons.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, which is enough time to see wildlife, watch the fishing process, and enjoy the scenery.

Will I get seasick?
Most of the tour stays in calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage, so seasickness isn’t usually a problem. However, if you’re prone, bringing motion sickness remedies is a good idea.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, layers, and rain gear are recommended. Raincoats and ponchos are provided if needed, but comfortable waterproof shoes are advisable.

Can I touch the animals?
Yes, many reviews mention touching and taking photos of crabs, prawns, and other creatures in the tanks on deck, which adds to the experience.

Is food available onboard?
No, food and drinks are not included, but snacks, such as chips and chocolate bars, are available for purchase.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see eagles, sea lions, whales, porpoises, and a variety of fish and crabs. Wildlife sightings depend on time and luck.

Are there any environmental concerns?
The crew holds permits for crabbing but choose to haul display crab pots with crabs already in them to avoid impacting marine resources, showing their commitment to conservation.

In all, the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan offers an engaging, authentic slice of Alaska’s fishing life, combined with wildlife encounters and great storytelling. It’s a memorable experience for curious travelers who want a genuine, hands-on look at life on the water.