First time in Ketchikan: what shore excursions should you do?
Known as the "First City" and the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan is nestled against the dramatic cliffs of Revillagigedo Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Here is how first-time cruise passengers can experience Ketchikan’s best sights without wasting precious port time.
What should a first-timer do on a cruise stop in Ketchikan?
First-time visitors to Ketchikan should choose between three signature experiences: a floatplane flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument ($330–$395), a guided rainforest wildlife and bear-viewing tour at Herring Cove ($120–$180), or sea kayaking along the Tongass coastline ($145–$185). Pair your tour with an hour strolling historic Creek Street, Dolly's House, and seeing the world's largest collection of standing totem poles.
First-timers should pick one signature excursion: a Misty Fjords floatplane flight with an alpine lake landing ($330–$395), a guided bear viewing and rainforest tour at Herring Cove ($120–$180), or sea kayaking in coastal coves ($145–$185). Pair your tour with an hour exploring historic Creek Street, Dolly’s House, and the native totem poles right in town.
tour end time + 45 minutes ≤ ship all-aboard time. If timing cannot be verified, an excursion is never labeled cruise-safe.Key Decisions & Experience Breakdown
1. Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane (Signature Splurge)
Misty Fjords sits 22 miles east of Ketchikan and has no road access. Seaplanes take off directly from the harbor next to the cruise berths, cruising over 3,000-foot granite sea walls, sheer waterfalls, and jade-green fjords. Authentic tours include an active water landing on a remote mountain lake.
2. Rainforest Wildlife & Bear Viewing at Herring Cove (Top Wildlife)
During salmon spawning season (mid-July through September), black bears gather along the tidal flats and streams of Herring Cove to feast on pink and chum salmon. Guided excursions provide safe elevated boardwalk viewing alongside bald eagles and harbor seals.
3. Coastal Sea Kayaking (Top Active Adventure)
Paddling tandem kayaks through protected coastal channels lets you glide silently past starfish, sea urchins, harbor seals, and diving bald eagles. Stable boats, warm spray skirts, and professional marine guides make this accessible even for first-time paddlers.
4. Creek Street & Totem Heritage (On Foot in Port)
Built on wooden pilings over Ketchikan Creek, Creek Street was the town’s historic red-light district during gold rush and fishing booms. Today it is a charming boardwalk filled with galleries, salmon ladders, and access to the Totem Heritage Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my ship docks at Ward Cove instead of downtown?
Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania ships dock at Ward Cove, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan. Continuous free motorcoach shuttles run between Ward Cove and downtown (approx. 20-minute ride). All independent tours meet either at downtown Berth 2 or provide dedicated Ward Cove transfers. Allow an extra 30-minute cushion when returning to Ward Cove.
Does it rain every day in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan is part of a temperate coastal rainforest receiving over 150 inches of precipitation annually. Tours operate normally in misty rain, and operators provide waterproof jackets and pants. The lush green scenery and waterfalls are at their most dramatic in the rain!
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