Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing in Ketchikan
Get closer to Alaska's wild side with Voyij's unforgettable wildlife and whale watching tours. Cruise alongside humpback whales, spot bald eagles in flight, and watch bears roam the shoreline—all with expert guides who bring the experience to life. Whether by boat, bus, or scenic trail, these tours offer up-close encounters with the incredible animals that make Alaska unlike anywhere else.
19 Activities
Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Tour
The Experience: The Traitors Cove Bear Viewing experience begins with a short 20-minute floatplane flight over the lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. Your pilot will narrate along the way, pointing out key points in the area. After you touch down in Traitors Cove, you will be met on the floatplane dock by your personal Alaska Bear Guide who will drive you about one mile down a United States Forest Service (USFS) road to a trailhead. Your guide will safely escort you down the trail (approximately 250 yards) to the Margaret Creek Bear Viewing platform. Along the trail, your guide will point out the flora, fauna, berries and trees as well as any wildlife you encounter. Keep your eyes peeled all around – bald eagles and even bears are known to perch high above in the trees. USFS Facility: The Margaret Creek Bear Viewing observatory is maintained by the USFS whose policy allows bear tours from late July into late September. We operate our bear viewing tours from the beginning of August through mid-September in order to maximize the peak of the bear viewing season. To protect this delicate habitat, only a small number of visitors are allowed on the platform at one time and there is a restriction for the total number of visitors per day. As a result, you are guaranteed an intimate and awe-inspiring experience. An opportunity to visit this location is an opportunity not to be missed! It is advised to book this tour as early as possible due to the strict availability. The Amenities: Upon arrival to the platform, you will be at a prime vantage point to see Alaska’s REAL fisherman! Watch the true champions of the tour – the 5 species of salmon battling in the last part of their life, to arrive upstream to spawn. They are fighting not just the swift current but also the bears. See the black bears fattening up for winter, plunge into the rushing water with jaws wide, to eat the wild salmon heading upstream to spawn. Besides bears feeding, you are also likely to see Bald Eagles feeding on salmon scraps left over by the bears. Your naturalist/guide will answer any questions you have about the local wildlife, flora, and fauna.
Rainforest Sanctuary, Totem Park & Eagles
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre private preserve of temperate rainforest bordering the Tongass National Forest. Take a guided nature walk exploring the wildlife and ecology of the preserve. Visit a historic sawmill, explore a totem park, and view a featured raptor at the Alaska Raptor Center Ketchikan exhibit. Here’s how your rainforest exploration will surprise and delight you. You’ll start out with a scenic eight-mile coastal drive to rustic Herring Cove and the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a temperate rainforest, nestled into the Tongass National Forest. When you arrive, a naturalist guide will be on hand to take you on a 0.75 mile guided rainforest exploration along an improved trail amongst stands of hemlock, spruce and cedar trees. The forest floor is covered with mosses, wild flowers and a variety of berries. Your guide will lead you to a protected open estuary where you follow Herring Creek along an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands. During the seasonal spawning season, bears and seals feed on salmon in Herring Creek. Bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary. Sitka black tail deer, mink and marten also frequent the area. Weather, tides, and seasonal ecosystem changes result in varying levels and type of wildlife activity. Everything here is alive with color and cultural history. After your trail walk your opportunity to learn about the natural history, wildlife and cultural traditions in the region continues. You’ll be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, seeing saws and machinery that powered this mill. Keep your camera ready as you see a bald eagle at the Alaska Raptor Center exhibit. Explore the first Tsimshian totem pole park in the country with its impressive 40-foot totem and 13 poles carved by the same artist. Before your return to town visit the General Store and pick up a souvenir of your uniquely Alaskan experience.
Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion
Join our Alaskan captain and their crew at our dock in Ward Cove – which was once home to North America’s largest operating pulp mill and a working salmon cannery – to board either the Lighthouse Endeavor or Totem Princess. Once aboard, you’ll get to settle into the inside heated main cabin or a seat on the outside observation deck, as you leave the dock for your cruise. Sip a hot chocolate or freshly-brewed coffee and keep your eye out for plentiful American bald eagle sightings. Your captain will navigate the vessel along our developed shoreline while our crew helps you spot the many eagle’s nests along our route. You’ll arrive in front of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan native clan house and 14 towering Tlingit and Haida hand-carved cedar totem poles, where you will learn about Ketchikan’s vibrant Alaska Native culture as well as the history of the park. We’ll provide you with beautiful, panoramic views of the entire park from the water, and an opportunity to get your photo taken with this stunning site. About halfway through the trip, you’ll leave the developed shoreline to head out to Guard Island Lighthouse, perched on its own island near the opening to Clarence Strait. (This fascinating landmark was established in 1904 and is still in operation today!) While here, take a minute to breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eye out for the possibility of some of our favorite marine mammals – seals, sea lions, and, in May and September, sometimes even humpback and orca whales! You also may get a chance to see any number of seabirds, such as great blue heron, pigeon guillemots, or gulls. On your way back to Ward Cove, your captain will bring your tour vessel along the neighboring island of Gravina, showcasing beautiful views of the old growth Tongass National Forest, our world’s largest temperate rainforest, and give you the opportunity to possibly spot some land-based wildlife, such as Sitka Blacktail deer or – if you’re really lucky! – a black bear. Throughout the tour you’ll also get the chance to learn about the unique lifestyle of living on a remote Alaskan island directly from the locals who make this place our home! Highlights: *Guaranteed American bald eagle sightings *Possible sightings of harbor seal, moon jellyfish, pigeon guillemots, blue heron, deer, humpback and orca whales, or other wildlife *Panoramic views of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan Native clan house and a collection of 14 towering Tlingit, Haida & Tsimshian hand-carved cedar totem poles *Voyage to Guard Island Lighthouse to photograph the first lighthouse to be built in Alaska, completed in 1904 & still in operation today *Beautiful scenery embodied in the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, and the seascape of the Tongass Narrows
Expedition Black Bear Traitor's Cove
Come experience bear-watching in Ketchikan, Alaska! In mid-summer and early fall when the salmon arrive to spawn, Margaret Creek, in Traitor’s Cove, is host to a high concentration of black bears. Begin your Alaska bear adventure from Ketchikan Cruise Ship Dock, Berth 3. Traitor’s Cove is located 26 miles north of Ketchikan and approximately 60-70 minutes (one way) by boat. Your Six-Pack licensed captain guides you on a saltwater safari through the Tongass Narrows, Clover Passage, and temperate rainforest to Traitor’s Cove navigating the vessel on a path of scenic sanctuaries, stunning bays, and inlets, and past a majestic lighthouse seeking marine and coastal wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. Quite often you will be able to observe the captivating behavior of whales breaching and tail-slapping, revere bear trails and salmon streams, and marvel at bald eagles feasting on salmon leftovers from the bears foraging. In mid-summer and early fall, when the salmon arrive to spawn, Margaret Creek, in Traitor’s Cove, is host to a high concentration of black bears. At Traitor’s Cove dock, your adventure continues as you drive 1.25 miles by private van to the Margaret Creek trailhead. From here you continue on a short 250-yard walk along a rainforest trail to the bear-viewing falls. The boat is a 30’ Aluminum Chambered Boat with twin Honda 250 outboards, heated cabin and restroom on board, life jackets, and light snacks provided; smooth riding, superior maneuverability, generous deck, and great visibility for memorable photos. Your captain/guide is well equipped and very familiar with travel in bear country as well as knowledgeable about local flora, fauna, and wildlife that inhabit the rainforest. Join us on our epic bear tours in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel ocean air on your face and taste the salt of sea spray as you skim across the waves in search of Alaska's unique wildlife. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer!
Black Bear Express
Ketchikan's finest bear viewing accessible by road! Visit Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary for this unique opportunity to see black bear in their native habitat. Watch for bears from the safety of the raised boardwalks which maximize your viewing and provide protection. This is a short tour focused on opportunity to view bears. Your experience will start with a narrated tour through Ketchikan, followed by a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Within a very short time, you’ll find yourself in bear country. The only drive to bear viewing areas in Southeast Alaska…. This tour offers the same duration for black bear viewing as our comprehensive Black Bear & Wildlife Exploration tour. However, it is streamlined to exclusively focus on black bear sightings, omitting the additional time allocated for exploring our mini-features on site. This experience is curated strictly for seeing black bears in their natural habitat. When you arrive at the sanctuary, naturalist guides will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, exclusively for bear tours only. You can expect to have an intimate viewing experience and to reduce environmental impacts, only a limited number of groups have access to this private bear viewing area. Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll have the chance to observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby. Your transportation will be waiting to pick you up where the tour began. *Please Note: The half-mile long trail is over relatively flat terrain. The focus of your tour will be on viewing black bear in their natural habitat. Your guide may change the order of the tour or time spent in any one area to give you the best chance to see bears. Although the chances for seeing bear are excellent, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The wildlife viewing time is approximately 60 minutes. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No food or drink is allowed on the trail. You must follow your guide’s instructions at all times to ensure your safety. *ABOUT ALASKA RAINFOREST SANCTUARY In the heart of the Tongass National Forest lies Kawanti Adventures’ very own Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for its forest trails and boardwalk system that leads to an open estuary complete with a creek running out to the famous Herring Cove. The sanctuary is a hot spot for all wildlife, but specifically bald eagles and black bear.
Anan Bear Viewing Tour
Your unique Anan Creek Bear Viewing experience begins not at Anan Creek, but at Seawind Aviation’s home base in Ketchikan, Alaska. Within minutes of departing Ketchikan in one of Seawind Aviation’s seaplanes, you will take flight and be transported over inlets, bays, and lakes and over the lush, wilderness of the Tongass National Forest on a 40-minute flight to the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory. After the water landing at Anan Creek, the pilot will guide the seaplane up to the beach, which, depending on the tidal currents, may be covered with kelp and mussels and possibly a starfish or two. Be aware, however, that the rocky beach may be wet and slippery, so good footwear is a must! On the beach, your party, including a Seawind Aviation “bear guide” will be met by U.S. Forest Service personnel, the stewards of the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, as you move to the trailhead and down the half-mile path to the observatory. Along the way, you will see the thick flora, fauna, and fir and cedar trees that define the rain forest. And don’t forget to look up – bald eagles and sometimes even bears have been perched high above in the trees. * The Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory The Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, maintained and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is open for permitted “bear tours” from early July into late August, which is typically when the salmon run is most abundant and bears are most hungry. After a short walk to the trailhead, and then down the trail – about 1 mile in total – you will arrive at the Anan Wildlife Observatory, which consists of a covered viewing shelter, a photo area accessed by stairs, and outhouse facilities. The viewing “season” is short, as it is the salmon run that brings the bears down to the creek-side. And, to protect this delicate habitat, the U.S. Forest Service issues only a small number of daily passes (obtained by Seawind Aviation upon booking your tour) and a limited number of viewers are allowed on the platform at any one time. Based on past experience, in order to maximize your opportunity for the best bear viewing experience – after all it is Mother Nature! – Seawind Aviation offers Anan Creek “bear viewing tours” during the peak season from early-July through August. So, it is advised to book this tour as early as possible and not miss this intimate and awe-inspiring experience!
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer
Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature’s most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. The adventure begins as soon as you leave Ketchikan’s picturesque harbor, passing by colorful float planes and fishing boats. Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for marine and coastal wildlife as you “fly” at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, described by John Muir as the Yosemite of the North. Along the way you’ll stop to view an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Here, you’ll learn the natural history of the fjords, listen to the call of nesting sea birds, and feel the mist of glistening waterfalls while gliding quietly beneath 3000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs. On the cruise back to Ketchikan, enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages while watching for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to experience culture and history presented by a Native story-teller and artist, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation. *Tour Highlights: -The most luxurious way to experience Misty Fjords! The newest & fastest vessel in Alaska. Spacious, climate-controlled, deluxe seating, wrap-around windows, observation deck, galley & restrooms. -Catamaran reliability! This tour is seldom affected by rain or low clouds. These common conditions, which often cause flightseeing tours to cancel, actually enhance the beauty of Misty Fjords! -Award-winning tour quality from the friendliest crew in Alaska! Tour operator has over 45-years of experience. Perfect for families, reunions and other groups that span generations and interests.
Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise
-Experience the beautiful harbors of Ketchikan’s dynamic waterfront and take in breathtaking wilderness surroundings while cruising aboard a deluxe, Alaskan-built expedition vessel in search of wildlife. -Enjoy your relaxing wildlife quest in search of harbor seals, eagles, humpback whales, porpoise and more while learning about Ketchikan’s unique history. -Every excursion is unique; custom-designed by your experienced Alaskan captain and crew. Throughout your journey prepared to be wowed by tales of this remote oasis as our lively local guides and Expedition team share fascinating insights into its rich history, both natural and human. Sit back and relax in the warm and comfortable main cabin, surrounded by large windows or step outside onto the outside observation deck for maximum wildlife viewing. -This family and Alaska Native tour operator has offered excursions in region for over 50 years!
Wildlife Safari & Beach Bonfire
On this one-of-a-kind wildlife safari, your knowledgeable Captain will use his understanding of tides, weather and seasonal evolutions to design an expedition uniquely suited to the day. Humpback and orca whales, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals and bears are a few of the species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the Captain will maneuver the vessel to provide optimal views, and your expert Naturalist will explain their fascinating life-cycles and behaviors. Take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore on remote Annette Island, welcomed by a greeting from your Tsimshian Alaska Native hosts: “La Gwelga Lak!” (The Fire Has Been Lit!). This gentle bay area, with a sloping beach fringed with lush vegetation, presents stunning views of the surrounding islands. Here, you have will have the opportunity to explore the old-growth rainforest, learn about the intertidal zone and traditional harvesting techniques, and enjoy an Alaska-style beach bonfire. While your camp hosts tend the fire, you can indulge your adventurer’s appetite with a scrumptious feast that includes reindeer sausage hotdogs, kettle chips, salmonberry jam and other local delights, while sipping on an Alaskan Amber Beer, or your choice of wine, soda or juice. Finish your meal with an American classic: roasting marshmallows for S’mores made with locally-crafted chocolate. Back aboard the vessel, you’ll continue exploring the coastline and scanning the water for signs of wildlife while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate. You may also wish to purchase locally-harvested items such as smoked salmon, devil’s club tea, pickled bull kelp and salmon jerky. *Tour Highlights: -Unparalleled access to remote Alaska! Cruise by expedition vessel through beautiful passages that are home to an abundance of wildlife. -Step ashore on a remote wilderness island to enjoy every day Alaskan cuisine alongside a beach bonfire, the way the locals do it! -Experience true Alaska – explore old growth rainforest, discover life in the intertidal zone and learn traditional native harvesting techniques.
Private Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Rates Up to 12 Passengers (Ages 5+): $1400 Duration 2 Hours and 30 Minutes (on the water) About Go on an adventure as you explore the deep mysterious waters of island studded sea passages in search of wildlife aboard a rugged Zodiac expedition craft. Your experienced captain and expert naturalist will use their considerable local knowledge of the area to unlock the secrets of this biologically rich ecosystem. You will feel ocean air on your face and taste the salt of sea spray as you skim across the waves. You will indulge your curiosity as you navigate narrow channels, next to rocky coast lines, emerald forested islands, and black sandy beaches. You will become an explorer, a mariner, an adventurer. The Private Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition option allows guests to book an exclusive tour for their group. Up to 12 passengers can be accommodated on this private tour. Please note our private tour cancellation policy prior to booking as it differs from our standard tours. More Information Our meeting & outfitting location is about a 10-15 minute walk from the downtown cruise ship docks (Berth 1-3), and about a 20 minute walk from Berth 4 & the Ward Cove shuttle drop off. Most guests enjoy the walk through the historic downtown area which includes several points of interest like Creek Street. If you require a pickup from the downtown cruise ship docks, please contact us at least 48 hours prior to your tour time. For our guests arriving at Ward Cove (NCL and affiliates), we will reach out with more information regarding the Ward Cove shuttle.
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer (Ward Cove Departure)
Take a round trip adventure from Ward Cove! Tour Highlights • Catamaran reliability! This tour is seldom affected by rain or low clouds. These common conditions, which often cause flight seeing tours to cancel, actually enhance the beauty of Misty Fjords. • The most luxurious way to experience Misty Fjords! The newest and fastest vessel in Alaska. • Award-winning tour quality! Tour operator has over 45 years of experience. Skilled Captain, professional Naturalist, and the friendliest, most attentive service crew in Alaska. • Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew and watch for marine and coastal wildlife as you 'fly' at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel. • Along the way you may stop to view an active bald eagle's nest, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. • Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay. Here you'll learn the natural history of the fjords and listen to the call of nesting seabirds while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot glacier sculpted cliffs. • On the cruise back to Ketchikan, watch for whales, seals, eagles, and other wildlife!
Wildlife Safari & Beach Bonfire from Ward Cove
Take a round trip adventure from Ward Cove! Tour Highlights • Unparalleled access to remote Alaska! Cruise by expedition vessel through beautiful passages that are home to an abundance of wildlife. • Step ashore on a remote wilderness island to enjoy everyday Alaska cuisine alongside a beach bonfire, the way locals do it! • Experience true Alaska--explore old-growth rainforest, discover life in the intertidal zone, learn traditional Native harvesting techniques, and enjoy an Alaska-style beach bonfire. • Humpback and orca whales, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, and bears are a few of the species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the Captain will maneuver the vessel to provide optimal views, and your expert Naturalist will explain their fascinating life-cycles and behaviors. • Take a leisurely break from cruising to step ashore on remote Annette Island, welcomed by a greeting from your Tsimshian Alaska Native hosts: “La Gwelga Lak!” (The Fire Has Been Lit!). • Indulge your adventurer’s appetite with a scrumptious feast that includes Alaskan hotdogs, chips, seasonal jam, and other local delights, while sipping on an Alaskan Amber Beer, or your choice of wine, soda or juice. • Finish your meal with an American classic: roasting marshmallows for S’mores made with locally crafted chocolate.
Available Timing
Full Day Combo Fishing Tours
This is that Alaska trip we all talk about for the rest of our lives. Take the whole day and fish for your own bucketlist Halibut, Salmon, Lingcod, rockfish, shark or sea monsters on this trip! Whales and wildlife keep everyone excited while we take the full day to explore the Alaskan great outdoors. Add crabbing $+150 flat. *DEPARTURE TIME MAY VARY
Long range Ocean Whales & Wildlife Excursion
Approximately 15-100 miles round trip, we pick you up right at the cruise ship or convenient dock. From there we head out FAST in order to cover ground and ensure you the best chance at witnessing the wildlife that make up the ocean seamounts and islands of South East Alaska! Bring the camera Humpback Whales, Seals, sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, Orca, eagles, and more are what we are looking for on this private tour. *DEPARTURE TIME MAY VARY
Ketchikan Crabbing, Whales & Wildlife Excursion
We start off the tour with a nice trip over the whale watching grounds on a 12 mile run to the crabbing location. From there we put your names on the crab pot buoys, bait the pots and toss them over. Huge Dungeness crab, rock crab, and even Puget Sound king/Box crab, starfish and other oddities are hauled up in our crab traps. We can spend some time doing a bit of fishing or whale watching in the middle of the tour. *DEPARTURE TIME MAY VARY
Backwater Bears & Whale watching Excursion
Approximately 50-100 miles round trip, we pick you up right at the cruise ship or convenient dock. From there we head out FAST in order to cover ground and ensure you the best chance at witnessing the wildlife that make often frequent the wilderness rivers and tributaries of the the Tongass National Forest. Wildlife hot spots like Neets Bay, Traitors Cove, and Cleveland peninsula are on our list locations to check in order to provide you the best chances at witnessing these wild animals no matte *DEPARTURE TIME MAY VARY
Private Misty Fjords National Park Tour
Approximately 100-150 miles round trip, deep into the Misty Fjords National Monument, a 2.3-million acre wilderness of shear rock walls, temperate rainforest, and glacier-carved waterways. Bring the camera because we are going to need it! Whales, Bears, Deer, Mt Goats and even wolves are often seen on this epic ride into the wilderness on our high speed boats. We also stop off at the Iconic New Eddystone volcano that erupted 15,000 to 13,800 years ago. Once in a lifetime trip. *DEPARTURE TIME MAY VARY
Bears
. We can explore some of the Tongass National Forest at certain stops and get those beautiful photos of the many species of the flora and fauna that is nestled in the rainforest. Herring Cove is minutes from downtown Ketchikan; we will bring you to prime locations where Black Bears are often seen. This journey into the homes of our wildlife, we will tell you stories of growing up in Ketchikan and our own personal encounters with the bears. We share this forest in their home; to respect the forest and its animals, we will continue to practice safety first for our customers. Before we get started on your tour, a brief introduction about animals that are in Ketchikan and what to expect. Taking a tour with us, we can explore other parts of Ketchikan on the back roads to look for bears. We use a small vehicle to drive in residential areas where bears are known to disturb your garbage bins. Always have your video ready, sometimes wildlife appears out of no where.
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