Ketchikan

15 Best Ketchikan Wildlife & Crab Tours

The wildlife quests: whale watching in the channels, eagle-dense shorelines and the Bering Sea crab boat from Deadliest Catch pulling pots with commentary. The crab tour ends with the crew feeding the eagles; cameras out.

1.Wildlife Viewing and Whale Watching Quest

Experience Alaska’s wildlife and whales on a 2.5-hour boat tour from Ketchikan, with expert guides, scenic views, and wildlife sightings.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“We had a great time and saw so many whale sightings! It was great to get away from the cruiser crowd onto a smaller tour for a bit! Leanne and Jake were great guides!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

2.Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan

Experience Alaska’s crabbing life aboard the Aleutian Ballad with knowledgeable crew, stunning wildlife, and hands-on fun. Ideal for curious travelers.

★ 5.0

“This was one of my favorite excursions. It was so interactive! The cast went above and beyond to include my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with ALS and in a wheelchair. We saw so many animals, got to hold so many! It was amazing!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

3.OVER THE TOP TOURS city highlights, wildlife and more!

Explore Ketchikan’s highlights and wildlife on a 2-hour guided tour for $100, with expert local guides, scenic stops, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

★ 4.5

“Our guide took us to the best places in Ketchikan. We saw a bear in the wild eating salmon! We also saw the salmon run and a pretty waterfall.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

4.Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure

Discover Ketchikan’s native cultures and wildlife on this 3-hour guided tour, featuring totem poles, whale sightings, and local storytelling for $89.

★ 4.5

“Dave was a gem of a guide, sharing much about his tribal background, legends and history that we could not have gotten elsewhere. His knowledge and kindness were especially appreciated. And we saw four bears- including a momma and cub.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

6.Hovercraft Eco Adventure and Wildlife Viewing

Explore Alaska’s wilderness on a 75-minute hovercraft tour from Ketchikan. Spot whales, eagles, seals, and walk on remote beaches with expert guides.

★ 5.0

“A lot of fun. About 90 minutes zipping around the islands/ harbor with a stop at one to see wildlife up close. Lots of eagles which was cool. Some time to wander around a bit. Got to see some harbor seals lounging about as well.…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

7.Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

Experience Ketchikan on an open-air cable car trolley, visiting totem poles, wildlife viewing spots, and learning about local culture—an authentic Alaskan adventure.

★ 4.0

“Bruce gave my husband and I an amazing tour. He had tons of facts about the different things we saw on our tour. Would definitely recommend taking the tour with him!!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

8.Ketchikan: Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour

Discover Ketchikan's native culture, stunning totem poles, and local wildlife on an authentic trolley tour tailored for cruise travelers and history lovers alike.

★ 4.0

“Great tour that is respectful of the tight timeline of the cruise ship! We saw some amazing wildlife (bears, deer, and Eagles! Oh my!), and heard the stories of the Totems at the Saxman village. Our tour guide was a cool guy!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

9.Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours

Discover Ketchikan's wildlife and waterfalls on this guided small-group tour, featuring scenic stops, expert guides, and close-up wildlife viewing.

★ 4.5

“Our tour guide was enthusiastic! She really tried all alternative locations to spot a bear. The waterfall area was beautiful. Also the beach area where she went out into the water for starfish(which she returned ). Never saw a purple or orange/orange starfish.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

10.Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour

Explore Ketchikan’s native totems, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints on this private 3-hour guided van tour—perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.

★ 5.0

“First and foremost our guild Art was amazing. He contacted us the morning of the excursion confirming pick up location and any special requests. He took us around the island to a bear viewing spot and we were able to observe a black bear and…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

11.2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion

Discover Ketchikan's wildlife and culture on this small van tour, offering wildlife sightings, native art insights, and local village drives—great value for a short visit.

★ 5.0

“Small van, great driver! Saw whales from shore, then saw bears and salmon swimming up stream. Tons of good information about Ketchikan and life there.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

12.3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk

Discover Ketchikan’s wild side on a 3-hour small-group rainforest, beach, and wildlife walk led by expert local guides. An authentic Alaskan experience.

★ 5.0

“This tour was a highlight of our trip! The day of the tour, there was heavy rain and high winds in Ketchikan, but our guide, Jodan told us that while we would get wet, we would experience none of the annoying effects of rain driven…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

13.Private Ketchikan Fishing Combo & Whale Watching/ Wildlife 5 HR

Discover Ketchikan’s best fishing with this private combo tour—salmon, halibut, whale watching, and wildlife viewing, all in scenic, protected waters.

★ 5.0

“Absolutely amazing experience! I had the best time on this charter. The captain really knows his stuff—tons of fishing experience and insider knowledge. He took us to all the right spots and had all the tricks to help us reel in a great catch. We…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

15.4HR Ketchikan Halibut Hunt Fishing Excursion & Wildlife Viewing

Experience top-notch halibut fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing in Ketchikan with expert guides on a private 4-hour adventure for all skill levels.

★ 5.0

“Tony was a great guide. Fishing was good so that was fortunate but regardless, he was just a great guy. We learned a ton from him. He was really nice and helpful. Service was top shelf. Boat was great, gear was nice and he made…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Ketchikan Wildlife & Crab Tours

4.5Lumberjack Show and Harbor Haus Crab Feast2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$149.00 4.9From Ketchikan: Crab Feast Lunch at World Famous Lodge2.5 hours$92 5.02 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour$100.00 4.6Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour2.5 hours$198 4.7Ketchikan: Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast2.5 hours$157 5.0Tales & Tides: Alaskan Lore & Wildlife Cruise2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$151.20 4.9Ketchikan: Potlatch Park, City and Wildlife Private Van Tour2.5 hours$950 3.5Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Wildlife Center2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)$272.83 4.4Ketchikan: Wilderness Boat Cruise and Crab Feast Lunch4 hours$215 5.0Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour3 hours$249 4.5Alaska Crab Feast1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)$109.00 5.03hr Custom Private Tour of Ketchikan (4 People) Wildlife + More3 hours (approx.)$700.00 5.0Wildlife and Scenery in Ketchikan3 hours (approx.)$450.00 5.04hr Custom Private Tour of Ketchikan (14 People) Wildlife + More4 hours (approx.)$1,000.00 5.04hr Ketchikan Private custom tour (4 people) Wildlife + More4 hours (approx.)$800.00 5.06hr Custom Private Tour of Ketchikan (4 People) Wildlife + More6 hours (approx.)$1,200.00 5.0Ketchikan Ultimate Whale Watching, Wildlife, & Wilderness Dining2 hours (approx.)$599.00 5.02 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (4 people) Wildlife + More2 hours (approx.)$1,000.00 5.0Private Ketchikan Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$1,195.00 5.0Ketchikan Rainforest Adventure Nature & Wildlife Tour2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$119.00 4.8Ketchikan: Alaskan Crab Feast1.3 hours$115 Private Tour Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife$1,040.80 Ketchikan Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise$109.00 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..$650.00

Explore Ketchikan

Totem poles, salmon runs and rainforest straight off the dock.