Ketchikan, the gateway to Alaska’s rich marine environment, offers a captivating boat tour that promises an unforgettable encounter with the region’s diverse wildlife. Embarking on this 2-hour excursion, visitors can expect to witness the majestic presence of humpback and killer whales, as well as the graceful movements of eagles, seals, and sea lions. Complemented by stunning coastal scenery and the comfort of both outdoor and covered seating, this tour provides endless photographic opportunities. But the true allure lies in the chance to take in the natural wonders that make Ketchikan a premier destination for those seeking to explore the heart of Alaska’s marine ecosystem.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ketchikan.

Key Points

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Key Points

  • A 2-hour excursion priced at €179.07 per person, offering opportunities to see humpback and killer whales, eagles, seals, and sea lions.
  • Scenic Ketchikan coastline provides a picturesque backdrop, with endless photo opportunities throughout the tour.
  • Complimentary hot drinks, fresh pastries, and snacks available, ensuring guest comfort during the cruise.
  • Wheelchair-accessible boats available, but restrooms are not, with recommendations for appropriate clothing and motion sickness medications.
  • Positive customer reviews highlight knowledgeable crew and abundant wildlife sightings, making it a recommended activity for visitors to Ketchikan.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour offers a 2-hour excursion to observe the region’s abundant marine life and majestic whales for €179.07 per person.

Passengers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour provides ample opportunities to see humpback and killer whales breaching the waters, as well as various other wildlife like eagles, seals, and sea lions.

With both outdoor and covered seating available, guests can stay comfortable while taking in the scenic Ketchikan coastline and snapping photos of the incredible wildlife sightings.

Wildlife and Scenery Experience

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Wildlife and Scenery Experience

During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to observe humpback and killer whales in their natural habitat, witnessing these majestic creatures breach the waters.

Along the scenic cruise, guests can also spot a variety of local wildlife, including:

  • Bald eagles soaring overhead

  • Seals and sea lions lounging on the rocky coastline

  • A diverse array of bird species, from graceful gulls to vibrant puffins

  • Other marine life such as otters, porpoises, and schools of fish

The rugged and picturesque landscape of Ketchikan’s coastline provides the perfect backdrop for these awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, offering endless photo opportunities for guests to capture the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Onboard Amenities

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Onboard Amenities

To enhance the overall experience, the tour provides a variety of onboard amenities for passengers to enjoy during the cruise.

Theres some good complimentary hot drinks like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and flavored soda water. Plus, a selection of fresh pastries, crackers, and assorted chips are available for snacking.

The boat features both outdoor and covered seating areas, allowing visitors to choose their preferred viewing spot. Blankets are also provided for added comfort, ensuring passengers stay warm and cozy as they take in the stunning scenery and wildlife.

The onboard binoculars offer a closer look at the whales and other marine life, making the experience even more immersive.

Accessibility and Important Information

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Accessibility and Important Information

Wheelchair-accessible boats ferry guests to the tour, though the restrooms aren’t wheelchair-friendly.

Visitors should pack a windbreaker, camera, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing, and keep their smartphones charged for capturing unforgettable moments.

Motion sickness medications are recommended, as the tour continues in most weather conditions, though wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed despite their frequency.

The tour has the following important guidelines:

  • Smoking, swimming, diving, or riding animals isn’t allowed.

  • Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.

  • The tour has a customer rating of 4.7/5 based on 12 reviews.

  • Positive feedback highlights knowledgeable crew, ample snacks, and enjoyable wildlife sightings.

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Meeting Point and Customer Feedback

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Meeting Point and Customer Feedback

Guests can check in for the Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour at the Berth 2 Visitors Center, located at 131 Front Street in Ketchikan, and are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time.

The tour boasts an impressive 4.7/5 customer rating based on 12 reviews, with passengers highlighting the knowledgeable crew, ample snacks, and abundant wildlife sightings.

Reviewers consistently praise the overall enjoyable experience of the tour, which offers the chance to witness humpback and killer whales, as well as diverse local wildlife, while cruising along Ketchikan’s rugged coastline.

With a convenient check-in location and positive customer feedback, this tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Ketchikan.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour lasts 2 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing guests to book with confidence.

This flexible policy gives travelers the freedom to plan their schedules without worry. Should plans change, they can easily receive a complete refund, no questions asked.

Plus, the tour operates on a ‘reserve now, pay later’ basis, so guests can secure their spot without an upfront payment. This convenience allows for easy booking and reduces financial risk.

The tour’s duration and cancellation policy provide a hassle-free experience, ensuring guests can fully enjoy the marine wildlife and whale watching adventure.

  • 2-hour tour duration

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

  • ‘Reserve now, pay later’ booking option

  • Flexible policy for carefree planning

Photo Opportunities With Wildlife

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Photo Opportunities With Wildlife

Visitors embark on a thrilling journey, with ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photos of the area’s diverse marine wildlife, including the majestic humpback whales that are known to breach the water’s surface in spectacular displays.

As the boat cruises along Ketchikan’s rugged coastline, guests can expect to spot a variety of species, from soaring eagles to playful seals and sea lions.

The onboard binoculars provide a closer look, allowing guests to snap stunning images of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

With the crew’s expertise and the abundance of wildlife, this tour offers an unparalleled photography experience for nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs alike.

Complimentary Drinks and Snacks

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Complimentary Drinks and Snacks

Aboard the tour boat, guests can indulge in a selection of complimentary hot beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and flavored soda water, as well as an assortment of fresh pastries, crackers, and chips.

These onboard amenities are designed to enhance the overall experience, ensuring guests stay comfortable and energized throughout the scenic cruise.

The tour operator understands the importance of providing sustenance during the journey, catering to the needs of both avid whale watchers and casual sightseers alike.

The variety of complimentary snacks and drinks offered on this Ketchikan tour is a testament to the operator’s commitment to guest satisfaction.

  • Warm hot chocolate to savor on a chilly day

  • Freshly-baked pastries to satisfy mid-tour cravings

  • Refreshing flavored soda water to quench thirst

  • Assorted crackers and chips for a satisfying snack

Frequently Asked Questions

Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may be suitable for young children, as it provides complimentary snacks and blankets, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. However, the 2-hour duration and lack of a wheelchair-accessible restroom could present challenges for some families with young kids.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. The tour provides complimentary snacks and beverages, but guests can supplement these with their own items as desired.

Is There Any Discount Available for Senior Citizens?

The tour operator offers a senior citizen discount of 10% for guests aged 65 and older. Passengers can take advantage of this discounted rate when booking their tickets in advance or upon arrival at the check-in counter.

How Often Do You Guarantee Whale Sightings?

While the tour operator can’t guarantee whale sightings, they indicate that wildlife sightings are frequent. Guests can typically expect to see humpback and killer whales, as well as other local marine life, during the 2-hour boat tour.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, the tour operator allows customers to extend the 2-hour tour duration for an additional fee. Guests can inquire about this option when booking or during check-in to customize their wildlife viewing experience.

Recap

The Ketchikan: Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour offers a captivating 2-hour journey through Alaska’s breathtaking coastal waters.

Witness the grace of humpback and killer whales, alongside other diverse marine life, while enjoying complimentary refreshments and ample photo opportunities.

With free cancellation and comfortable seating, this tour provides an unforgettable experience to take in Ketchikan’s rich natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: