Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour

Imagine soaring over remote, untouched wilderness in a sleek floatplane, your window framing glaciers, waterfalls, and rugged mountains. For anyone visiting Ketchikan, Alaska, this 2.5-hour Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour offers a rare glimpse into one of the most spectacular and inaccessible parts of the state. Guided by experienced pilots like Michelle, who brings a genuine passion and deep local knowledge, this tour is tailored for those craving authentic, scenic adventure far from the crowds.

What we love most about this experience is how intimate and personal the flight feels—due to the small six-passenger planes, everyone gets a window seat, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Plus, the water landings add an exhilarating touch that only a floatplane can provide. On the downside, this tour is non-refundable and highly weather-dependent, so flexibility and planning are key.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want more than just a panoramic view. If you’re eager to explore Alaska’s hidden beauty with a knowledgeable guide, enjoy a slow-paced, immersive experience, and don’t mind a premium price for a truly unique journey, then this adventure is for you.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Reach Misty Fjords, a 2.3-million-acre roadless wilderness, only possible by air and sea.
• Small Group Comfort: Six-passenger floatplanes ensure everyone a window seat and personalized service.
• Authentic Experience: Includes both aerial views and a water landing, offering a rare perspective of Alaska’s landscapes.
• Expert Guides: Pilots like Michelle provide detailed narration, making the scenery come alive with stories and insights.
• Convenient Pickup: Easy transfer from the Ketchikan cruise port saves time and hassle.
• Weather Dependent & Non-Refundable: Good weather is essential, and cancellations due to bad weather aren’t refundable.

Discovering Misty Fjords: A Scenic and Authentic Journey

The Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the most striking wilderness areas in Alaska, known for its steep granite cliffs, ribbon waterfalls, and calm fjord waters. Due to its size—larger than Yellowstone—and its rugged, roadless terrain, the only practical ways to see this natural wonder are by floatplane or sea.

When we first heard about this tour, we appreciated its promise of getting away from the cruise crowds. Many reviewers share this sentiment, describing it as a highlight of their Alaska trip. As one traveler put it, it was their “absolute highlight,” noting that the scenery is more dramatic than even the Grand Canyon, with snow-capped peaks towering 3,500 feet above the sea and waterfalls pouring down cliffs in a thunderous rush.

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience begins with a pickup at the Ketchikan cruise port, a smooth five-to-ten-minute transfer to the local airport. Once there, you’ll meet your pilot—some reviews mention Michelle as a standout—who provides a comprehensive safety briefing and answers questions. The aircraft are DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes, well-maintained and designed for comfort with noise-canceling headsets so you can chat easily with your pilot and co-travelers.

The flight itself lasts about two hours, during which you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the wilderness. Expect to see islands, towering mountains, and waterfalls, all narrated with insights into the area’s geology and natural features. The window seats guarantee you a perfect view, and the voice-activated headsets allow you to ask questions or just soak in the scenery.

A hallmark of this tour is the water landing—a moment that many travelers describe as thrilling and unique. You’ll float on a freshwater or saltwater fjord, sometimes on a lake or a pristine river, for about 30 minutes. This allows you to see the fjords from the water, giving a perspective that’s impossible from land-based tours.

Authenticity and Personal Touch

The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and passionate the pilots are. Michelle, for example, is praised for her decades of flying experience and her deep love for Alaska. This isn’t just a sightseeing flight—it’s an educational journey with stories about the landscape, wildlife, and geology.

Travelers have reported their amazement at the pristine lakes and waterfalls, with some quoting the “beautifully smooth landings” and “spectacular views.” The breathtaking scenery, combined with a small, intimate group, makes this feel more like a personal adventure than a typical tour.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins with a convenient pickup at the Ketchikan cruise port, specifically from the Visitors Bureau near the cruise ship berth. The short transfer to the airport gets you ready for the adventure ahead, with plenty of time to settle in and absorb the excitement of flying into such a remote area.

The Flight over Misty Fjords

Once airborne, you’ll immediately realize how vast and unspoiled this landscape is. The steep walls of granite, the waterfalls, and the snow-capped peaks create a dramatic, almost surreal vista. Your pilot narrates, pointing out natural landmarks and sharing insights into how these fjords were carved by glaciers long ago.

One frequent comment from travelers is how quiet and peaceful the flight feels, interrupted only by the pilot’s commentary and the occasional splash of waterfalls. The guaranteed window seat means everyone gets a prime view, and the noise-canceling headsets make conversation easy even over the engine noise.

Water Landing and Shore Time

The water landing is often described as smooth and controlled—a skillful pilot making a gentle touchdown on the water. Once floating, you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the fjord from the water, perhaps disembarking briefly on a small island or shoreline. Many reviews mention the serenity of the water, the pristine lakes, and the abundance of natural beauty.

Return Journey and Drop-off

After your water stop, the flight resumes, providing more sweeping views, and then it’s back to Ketchikan. The entire experience is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable, yet deeply memorable addition to your Alaskan adventure.

Authenticity and Unique Value

When considering the value of this tour, it’s important to note that it includes both aerial sightseeing and a water landing, offering a comprehensive perspective of Misty Fjords that land-only tours can’t match. Many travelers see this as worth the price—$425 per person—especially given the small group size, the personalized narration, and the unmatched scenery.

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the knowledge and friendliness of the pilots, with some mentioning pilots like Michelle, who add a personal touch to the experience. The small plane size ensures intimate, crowd-free viewing, which enhances the sense of adventure and privacy.

However, weather is a critical factor. The tour is non-refundable if canceled due to poor weather, which is common in Alaska—so flexibility in timing and weather planning is a good idea. Travelers who understand this are usually satisfied, as the tour operators do offer rescheduling or full refunds in such cases.

Why This Tour Is a Great Fit

This experience suits adventurous travelers who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path sights and are willing to pay a premium for a small-group, personalized adventure. It’s ideal for those interested in geology, wildlife, or photography, given the stunning scenery and opportunities for great shots.

It also works well for cruise passengers looking to escape the typical shore excursions, as the pickup from the cruise port makes logistics simple. If you’re someone who appreciates expert guides and water-based adventures, this tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as long as they are comfortable with small aircraft and water landings. Please wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as it can be cool and sometimes damp.

How long is the entire experience?
The total time, including pickup, flight, water landing, and return, is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
It includes pickup and drop-off, a guided floatplane flight, noise-canceling headsets, a water landing, and narration from your pilot.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, if the weather prevents flying, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. However, the tour itself is non-refundable if canceled for other reasons.

Are there any extra costs I should know about?
No food or drinks are allowed on the plane, except bottled water. The price covers the flight, water landing, and transfers.

What should I bring?
Dress in layers and bring a camera or smartphone for photos. Avoid heavy or bulky clothing, as the aircraft has limited space.

Final Thoughts

The Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour offers a rare glimpse into Alaska’s wild heart, combining spectacular aerial views with the thrill of a water landing. It’s a chance to see a breathtaking landscape that remains largely inaccessible by road, making it a truly authentic adventure.

This tour is best suited for adventurous spirits, nature lovers, and those who appreciate personalized service and expert narration. While the cost may seem high, many travelers find the value far exceeds the price, thanks to the quality of scenery, small group intimacy, and authentic experience.

If you’re visiting Ketchikan and want to see Alaska from the sky and water, this tour should be top of your list. Just remember to check the weather forecast and be flexible—Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable, but the rewards are unforgettable.