7 Unmissable Ketchikan Whale Watching Tours

1.Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 812 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $178Our pick

Set out from downtown Ketchikan aboard Eagle One for a 2.5-hour wildlife cruise through the Tongass Narrows. Captain Brad and guides including Leanne, Jake, and Theo search for humpbacks and orcas while sharing local stories. You get indoor and outdoor seating, blankets, binoculars, hot drinks, snacks, and a maximum group of 66.

“We had a great experience on this whale watching tour. We saw several whales, seals and a bald eagle. The staff was very informative and constantly checking the water for signs of whales. Even though it was rainy, they had plenty of inside seats and offered coffee, hot chocolate and water. They had binoculars at the tables for all to use.”

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2.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Best value

Leave downtown Ketchikan by fast boat, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves from a 57-foot catamaran. Guides such as Lucas, David, Matt, and AJ offer instruction and wildlife insight. Expect tandem kayaks, full rain gear, a small group, and smoked salmon with hummus afterward.

“This was my first time ever kayaking. Dave was very patient and educational. There was a pod of Orca whales going through and he made sure we were able to stop and see them. Highly recommend this excursion!!”

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3.Private Ketchikan Fishing Combo & Whale Watching/ Wildlife 5 HR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $700

Spend five private hours with a Ketchikan captain such as Tony, Lukas, or Grayson, fishing for salmon, halibut, cod, and rockfish. Your trip includes gear, bait, water, snacks, wildlife viewing, possible whale sightings, and coastal scenery. No fishing experience is needed, and your catch can be processed and shipped home.

“Absolutely amazing experience! I had the best time on this charter. The captain really knows his stuff—tons of fishing experience and insider knowledge. He took us to all the right spots and had all the tricks to help us reel in a great catch.”

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4.Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 24 reviews · 2h 30m · from $198

You’ll cruise from Ketchikan with a guide and captain such as Jessie, Erica, or Capt. Morgan, watching for humpback and killer whales in Tongass Narrows and Nichols Passage. Binoculars, blankets, hot drinks, pastries, snacks, and an onboard restroom make this a comfortable choice, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“No whales were seen, I understand it’s nature but as the whales are travelling South I could not understand why we were going North🤷‍♀️”

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5.Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $198

Take a 20-minute fast boat ride from Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle rainforest islands and quiet coves for 1.5 to 1.75 hours. A guide such as Matt leads the six-person group, with warm gear, smoked salmon, hummus, hot drinks, vegan snacks, and Alaskan beer provided.

“Beautiful day on the water. Orca Cove is breathtaking. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun to explore with .”

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6.Ketchikan Whale Watching and Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews

Join a private boat from Thomas Basin with up to five companions and search Revillagigedo Island’s waterways for humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, bears, otters, eagles, and more. Captain Scott may be your guide, and the trip includes binoculars, snacks, drinks, a warm enclosed cabin, and a return to Ketchikan.

“Captain Scott really made this trip. He has remarkable knowledge of the seas and bays in the area around Ketchikan and it paid off in whale sightings, porpoise sightings, seal sightings, bald eagle sightings and sea otter sightings. This trip had two couples. One person haRead more”

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7.Ketchikan Ultimate Whale Watching, Wildlife, & Wilderness Dining

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $599

Join a small private group with a Coast Guard-certified captain for whale watching, eagle feeding, wildlife viewing, and wilderness dining near Ketchikan. Captain Grayson has led highly praised trips, and the boat includes a covered cabin, guided narration, and views of Saxman Native Village’s Totem Row and Clan House.

“Grayson was a great guide. The weather was wonderful and the boat was beautiful! We would do this trip again anytime. Amazing.”

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