Blog

Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska From Cruise Ship

Lovely view of Port of Ketchikan and docked cruise ship in the terminal.
Source : instagram

Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska from Cruise Ship are Misty Fjords National Monument, Tongass National Forest, The Rock Monument, and more.

The port is the southernmost entrance of the state and it accommodates 1.18 million passengers yearly. In terms of revenue, the city generates $250 million from cruise passengers.

46 Cruise ships visit Ketchikan as their final destination, whereas 570 vessels stop here for shore excursions. This means, there are a lot of visitors who travel to this small city and explore its wilderness.

So, what to do when you stop here, and what are the best things to explore? Well, our cruisevacationhub.com team has gathered details regarding things to do in Ketchikan as a cruise ship passenger.

Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument can be explored via Seaplane.
Source : instagram

Misty Fjords National Monument is the best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska in September. Passengers witness the Alaskan scenery of glacially carved terrains.

It is explorable by seaplane for 2 hours. The introductory price per person for the tour is $389.

Via air, you can see cascading waterfalls with deep gorges that go beyond the ocean - and massive glaciers still in the valleys.

Also, cruise ship passengers can watch the surrounding beautiful mountains, lush forest of cedar, and hemlock in a boat. The tour duration is 4.5 hours, with an asking price of $394 per person.

Misty Fjords National Monument Highlights:

  • Icy blue & Emerald green lakes
  • Steep and Rocky Edge Waterfalls
  • America's Tallest Snowcapped Peaks
  • Glacier Packed Valleys
  • Black and Brown Bears
  • Harbor Seals and Orcas

Tongass National Forest

A beautiful glacier seen in Tongass National Forest.
Source : travelalaska

Tongass National Forest is one of the national parks in Ketchikan Alaska. It is America's largest forest that covers most of Southeast Alaska.

Visitors must buy an entry ticket to travel in the forest. It costs $80 for visitors above 16 years old. But, it would be wise not to travel alone in this 16.7 million acres of dense forest.

Some travel companies organize 3- to 4 hour hiking packages under $300. People travel in groups with a special guide that has years of experience roaming the forest.

You can explore the full wilderness of Alaska in this dense forest. Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Moose, Beaver, Pacific Salmon, Bald Eagle and many other creatures will be seen in the hiking.

The Rock Monument

The Rock monument is just few steps away from the port.
Source : facebook

The Rock Monument is one of the best free things to do in Ketchikan Alaska from Cruise Ship. It is a few feets away from the port.

It is a historical place that explains how the first city in Alaska laid to foundation. There are seven rock figures that represent:

  1. Fisherman
  2. Minor
  3. Logger
  4. Bush Pilot
  5. Frontierswoman
  6. Native Drummer
  7. Chief Johnson

The seventh figure in The Rock is a historical figure - a Tlingit - native of Alaska. The portrayal of Chief Johnson in this figure is to depict the first people who came to this isolated land and made it lively.

It doesn't take a cost to click snappy poses in this monument. You can cheer up with friends and click pictures to add to the travel album.

Related: Things to do in Sitka Alaska From Cruise Ship

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

The place is about economy and culture of Alaska.
Source : instagram

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a visitors center that provides information at a glance. It is an easy and low-cost option to know about Ketchikan.

The center has information and maps of the city regarding every option. The employees will guide you where to find the best restaurant - or where to go for a scenic hike.

You have to pay $5.00 for an entrance fee to watch the interactive displays of the area's cultural and natural history. It is advised to all cruise ship passengers to pay a visit to Southeast Alaska Discovery Center before touring Ketchikan.

  • Address: 50 Main St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Contact: (907) 228-6220
  • Opening Hours: Sunday - Friday (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) Saturday (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

See Bear At Anan Wildlife Observatory

In this place there are both Grizzly and Black bears.
Source : pexels

So, what to do in Ketchikan Alaska Cruise? You can see wild bears at Anan Wildlife Observatory by paying a $10 fee.

In this observatory, you get to see many bears, including brown and black. There are cute scuba diving bears that catch many fishes.

Anana has experienced rangers with wildlife knowledge. They are very friendly - and will provide information regarding bears and their habits.

It has a sure-shot chance to see these cute furry animals in the wild. Moreover, you can encounter other wild animals like Beavers, Bald Eagle, Mountain Goat, Grouse, etc.

  • Address: Wrangell, AK 99929
  • Phone: (907) 874-2323
  • Opening Hours: Daily (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Do Whale Watching & Marine Sightseeing

Alaskan waters have a guarantee of whale watching.
Source : instagram

You can do Whale watching & Marine sightseeing from early May to late September. Check out the Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska that goes during that time.

Humpback, Grey Whales, and Orcas are frequently spotted in this area. Though passengers can see these creatures on cruise ships, it is rare.

The noise and vibration of larger vessels make the whales go away. So, the tour companies organize small boat marine exploration tours in Ketchikan.

Whale watching costs $195 - $300 per person, so manage your budget accordingly.

Related: 6 Best Norwegian Cruise To Alaska [With Itinerary]

Deadliest Catch Crab Fishing Tour

A giant crab caught in the cage.
Source : instagram

Deadliest Catch Crab Fishing Tour is one of the unique things to do in Ketchikan Alaska. It is a family-friendly fishing tour on a small boat.

Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab & Chionoecetes are some species that you can catch while touring. There is a humongous population of giant crabs in the Alaskan waters, so you don't have to depend on luck.

Unlike the fishing expeditions shown on Discovery Channel, it is sailed on calm waters. The captain won't take the boat to splash zones.

We would like to recommend you book the tour with Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour company. Their service is highly rated amongst all in Ketchikan.

  • Address: Tender Float, Berth 3, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Phone: (888) 239-3816
  • Cost: $219 per person
  • Rating: 4.9 stars

Shop Local Products

Local products from Ketchikan are great gifts.
Source : tripadvisor

The made-in-Ketchikan products are quite popular among passengers. Shopping for local items in Ketchikan boosts the city's economy too.

Just like things to do in Skagway Alaska from Cruise Ship, you can explore the places to shop for local handmade products in Ketchikan.

There are varieties of products such as gold nuggets and natural gold quartz. There are exotic products, from ivory to authentic native art & totems.

Alaskan Jam and Jellies are also famous things to carry home. Alaskan Jewelry is budget-friendly and duty-free. You don't need to pay taxes for local items while returning home.

Here are the names of a few stores in the city near the port:

  • Orca Corn
  • Dune Ketchikan
  • USDOI/ Indian Arts and Crafts Board
  • Poker Creek Gold
  • Rain Barrel
  • Golden Nugget Convenience Store

Eat At Alaska Fish House

Crowds gathered up for the tasty dish in Fish House.
Source : facebook

Alaska Fish House is a waterfront eatery that mainly serves seafood. The main dish of this restaurant is Dungeness crab and Local Silver Salmon.

They have a range of items included in the menu such as Fresh Seafood, Alaska's Finest Craft Beer, Handpicked Wine and Locally Roasted Coffee.

Alaska Fish House also offers catch and cook to the tourists encouraging them to cook crabs and fish that they caught during Crab Fishing Tour.

Fishing is all about the culture of this small city. A large part of their economy is covered by this industry. The city mayor and local governance also endorses these types of restaurant as a must visit place.

  • Address: 3 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Phone: (907) 247-4055
  • Rating: 4.6 stars (Google)

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

It is the the Rowdiest Competition in The Last Frontier.
Source : instagram

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a family-friendly event representing Southeast Alaska's logging history. It is full of action and laughter for one hour.

Basically, the performers in this show display how Alaskan loggers grew gradually according to time. Wood-cutting techniques include chopping, sawing, cross-cut sawing and logrolling.

It is held in a heated covered hall with a cushioned grandstand. The performers are World-Champion athletes that have shown demonstration in this sport.

  • Address: 420 Spruce Mill Way, Ketchikan, AK 99901
  • Phone: (907) 225-9050
  • Cost: $37 for adults, $18.50 for kids
  • Hours Open: Daily (7:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Some FAQs

Can you see the Northern Lights in Ketchikan Alaska?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Ketchikan Alaska from late August to early May.

What to do in Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port?

You can explore the Rock Monument, stroll on the sidewalks, or visit local shops in Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port.

Related: Things to do in Nassau Bahamas Near Cruise Port