4 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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