Everything You Need To Plan Your Ketchikan Tour

Cruising to Ketchikan?

Traveling to Ketchikan on a cruise ship? We proudly partner with most major cruise lines to offer the best possible experience and maximize your time in port. Book directly with us, or through your cruise line below.

Where will we meet our tour?
Our tours pick up guests from both Ward Cove and the downtown cruise ship docks. Guests arriving at Berths 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be picked up in front of Berth 2 at the statue known as “The Rock,” located just outside the Ketchikan Visitor Center (210 Front Street).

Will we get back to the ship on time?
Through our partnerships with the cruise lines, we stay in close communication regarding ship schedules and any changes, ensuring your timely return to the ship.

What will the weather be like?
Typically, our summer temperature ranges between 50 and 60 degrees from May through September, though temperatures frequently reach the mid-70s in July and August.

Ketchikan is located in the heart of a temperate rainforest, so there’s always a chance of rain-- and we love it! ...it’s what keeps our forests lush and green!

What should I wear?
Layers are strongly recommended. A fleece jacket or sweatshirt under a waterproof jacket or rain coat for the outer layer works nicely. For hiking adventures, we suggest wearing sturdy, comfortable walking or hiking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. Most waterproof tennis shoes are fine. For a more comprehensive list, please see our blog post. << LINK >>

I’m not a professional photographer, do I need specific photography equipment to participate on a photo tour?
No experience necessary to join our photography tours! From cell phone cameras, “point and shoots” , to sophisticated DSLR cameras, our seasoned guides can help you learn tips and tricks for taking better photos no matter your device.

What safety precautions do you take?
Our guides are safety trained on all of the hiking trails and tour locations, and carry a first aid kit and bear repellant on all hikes.

Will we see wildlife?
While mother nature provides no gaurantees, our access to the vast wilderness and planned hiking trails provide many opportunities for wildlife sightings. Eagles are abundant in Ketchikan, and there’s a very high chance you’ll spot America’s National Bird here. While salmon are spawning, you’ll be able to see them swimming up the creeks and many will be jumping out of the water. Other possible sightings include black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, Orca and Humpback whales, and seals.

What if we see a bear?
Our guides are trained on bear safety and it is important to listen to their instructions to Be Bear Aware. We always give bears their space, and we are taught to make noise while hiking so we don’t startle any bears. NEVER approach a bear and NEVER feed a bear. While most of our bear sightings usually occur from a distance and from above, typically, they are more interested in fishing than in people. However, in the event may cross our path and a bear is close to you: talk loudly and wave your arms in the air. DO NOT RUN-- stand your ground, as bears have a chase instinct. Bears on their hind legs are typically a sign of curiousity, not threat.

Bear attacks in Ketchikan are extremely rare, but as a safety precaution, we carry bear repellant on all hikes.

What is your cancellation policy?

• If your cruise ship does not dock in Ketchikan for any reason, your payment is fully refundable.
• Cancel 10 or more days ahead of your tour; your payment is fully refundable.
• Cancel less10 days ahead of your tour, your payment is refundable less a $20.00 per person cancellation fee.
• Tours cancelled within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

We are fortunate to live and work in one of the most wild places on Earth, and we are passionate about keeping these lands pristine. Here are some of the environmental practices we adhere to on all of our tours using the Leave No Trace Philosophy 

Leave What You Find.

We leave things where we find them-- but we can take really great photos to remember.

Respect Wildlife

For our safety and theirs, we don’t feed animals or birds and we keep our distance from them. It’s important to Be Bear Aware at all times.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

There’s plenty of nature to share, we don’t disturb other visitors on our excursions.