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Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Ketchikan that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.
1One and a half hours on a seaplane — aerial views of Misty Fjords with a 20-minute lakeside stop for photo opportunities.
“This adventure was truly remarkable. We flew over the stunning landscapes of the Misty Fjords, with our pilot highlighting significant geographical features. The views were spectacular. The gentle landing on a serene lake allowed us to take in the beautiful environment. Every detail was managed with professionalism, from the safety briefing to the pilot assisting with our photos. We will cherish this experience for a long time.”— H4558FFsarag
2Three hours on a Zodiac boat — navigate Ketchikan's islands and channels while searching for wildlife with a local captain and naturalist.
“Captain Eric and nature guide Delaney provided an unforgettable experience. For nature enthusiasts, this tour is perfect, featuring intimate seating on a stunning Zodiak that navigates the waterways around Ketchikan. Bald eagles were abundant, and we saw sea stars and urchins. The sight of harbor porpoises and humpback whales added to the enjoyment. I highly recommend it.”— UncleKor
3Three hours of walking through the Tongass National Rainforest and along secluded beaches — a small group, locally guided exploration of Alaska's diverse wildlife.
“This was an excellent small group tour. The guide was exceptional, providing a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of information.”— Dan_W
4Four hours of kayaking in Clover Pass, with 2-2.5 hours on the water, exploring scenic islands and local wildlife.
“The provision of waterproof gear at the start was incredibly useful. Our guide, Devon, demonstrated extensive knowledge of Alaskan marine life while also being environmentally conscious. I highly recommend this tour.”— Linda h
5Three to three-and-a-half hours on a stable catamaran — search for humpback whales, orcas, and seals while enjoying a locally sourced lunch.
“Judah shared fascinating stories about how he and his wife Chevy started their tour business, highlighting his passion for the comfortable boat. The views can be appreciated both inside and from three different deck areas. He knows the best spots to spot eagles, seals, sea lions, and even whales. We observed seals basking on rocky outcrops and eagles diving for fish, while fellow passengers used binoculars to take in the sights. It was a relaxing experience filled with great conversation and beautiful scenery.”— 682mjt
6Two hours of ziplining across Tongass National Forest — soar at heights up to 135 feet, with chances to spot bears and bald eagles along the way.
“During my Alaskan cruise, I participated in a Zipline adventure with Kawanti Adventures in Ketchikan. The entire experience was fantastic, and I would happily do it again. Although I have a fear of heights, I always felt secure. The crew assisted with our gear, ensuring everything was properly fitted and that we knew what to anticipate. Hannah and Stevie were exceptional, providing guidance and support throughout. Whenever I faced challenges, they were there to help me and made me feel at ease. They transformed what I expected to be a frightening experience into something thrilling and enjoyable. I highly recommend it to anyone interested; it's truly worth it.”— H868AOstephanieh
7One-hour flight from Ketchikan on a Dehavilland bush plane — enjoy sweeping views of waterfalls, cliffs, and old-growth forests with a veteran pilot's insights.
“What a fantastic experience! We landed on a secluded fjord and spent some time on the pontoons. Steve and Lesley, the operators, are wonderful—extremely friendly and provide great value for your money. I highly recommend SeaWind Aviation!”— T4387SIjonl
8Three hours total, small group kayak tour from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove with seasoned guides and local snacks provided.
“Our family of four, including our 9 and 7-year-old kids, had an unforgettable experience with Orca Cove Sea Kayaking that surpassed our expectations. Being experienced outdoor enthusiasts, we set high standards, but the crew—Devon, Xack, and Lukas—demonstrated remarkable skill paired with a genuine, down-to-earth demeanor. The logistics were impressive; a boat captain took us to a vessel anchored in a hidden cove that served as our base, where we were equipped with everything needed before setting off directly from the boat. Despite some windy weather, the crew skillfully adapted our route to bring us closer to diverse environments while remaining respectful of wildlife. We encountered a pod of orcas on our way out, with the captain slowing down to let us appreciate the moment, but the return journey was even more enchanting as we witnessed several humpback whales breaching. The captain made sure the kids were safe and had a good view, allowing them to watch through the windows, and handled a few hot cocoa spills with great patience. Each time we encountered a new species or raised questions about environmental issues, the crew shared insightful knowledge and later provided us with photos from our adventure. With their dedication and passion, this experience is truly worth much more than the cost.”— janetp365
9Three hours on the Aleutian Ballad — commercial fishing life demonstration, live catch viewing, and potential wildlife sightings, including sea lions and eagles.
“This tour was fantastic. The Alaska King Crab served onboard was delicious, and I enjoyed interacting with various sea creatures, including a Pacific Octopus. An unexpected highlight was the American Eagles flying around the vessel, thanks to the permission to feed them from the Tribal community. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Ron from The Deadliest Catch, and hearing the poignant stories of the Aleutian Ballad added depth to the experience.”— Aleesh_CA
10Two hours on foot through the Tongass National Forest and Totem Park, led by a local guide in a small group of up to 11 people.
“We were fortunate to have Kevin as our private guide. He was excellent and shared a wealth of knowledge about the history and significance of the totem pole carvings.”— 464katherinec
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