Alaska, United States
Wildlife tours, sea kayaking, rainforest hikes, and ziplining—most from $115 to $250 per person.
Wildlife cruises, kayaking, rainforest hikes, and ziplining make up the bulk of Ketchikan’s 159 tours. Over half of all experiences are private or luxury, but most travelers book small-group wildlife or adventure tours. The majority fall between $115 and $250 per person, with only 3% under $100 and 58% over $200.
The best-reviewed tours—over 90% of those with 100+ reviews—highlight close encounters with wildlife, local guides, and time spent outdoors. Only 8% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, and most of those are in shore excursions or large-group bus tours. Free cancellation is the norm, offered by 86% of tours.
Ketchikan’s catalogue is dominated by wildlife watching, kayaking, rainforest hikes, and ziplining, with 159 experiences on offer. Most travelers pay $115–$250 per person for these, though 58% of tours are priced over $200 and a third over $500—mainly private charters and fishing trips. Private and luxury tours make up two-thirds of the market, but this label covers everything from walking tours to fishing charters, so prices vary widely.
Bus tours and nature excursions are common, but the price range is broad: some are simple sightseeing, others are private vehicles for up to 14 people. Only 8% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, mostly among shore excursions and large-group bus tours.
Inclusions matter: some tours include admission, snacks, or hotel pickup, while others leave these as extras. Nearly all confirm instantly, and 86% offer free cancellation.
| Private and Luxury | 107 | $188 |
| Nature and Wildlife Tours | 57 | $250 |
| Bus Tours | 56 | $250 |
Travelers looking for value tend to book small-group wildlife cruises, kayaking, or rainforest adventures. These tours, typically $115–$250 per person, consistently earn high ratings when they include knowledgeable local guides, close wildlife encounters, and time spent off the bus. For example, the best-rated kayaking and hiking tours spend most of their hours at the actual sites—not just traveling—and often include snacks, local guides, and equipment.
Ziplining and canopy tours in Ketchikan are well-reviewed, especially for first-timers and families. Most are in the $150–$205 range and include all safety gear and port pickup. Photography tours stand out for the amount of time spent at stops (up to 175 minutes out of 180), making them a better value for those who want to explore on foot and learn from a guide.
Private excursions, such as those for up to 14 people, can be a good deal for groups, with per-person costs dropping sharply when filled. These often include hotel pickup, snacks, and flexibility in the itinerary. However, private charters and fishing trips can run $500 or more per person, so check what’s included—admission, gear, and meals can make a price difference.
What disappoints? The lowest-rated tours are mostly large-group shore excursions and bus tours, where complaints focus on limited time at actual stops, guides who stick to a script or are hard to hear, and missed wildlife sightings. Some kayaking and wildlife tours mention occasional hiccups with pickup times or communication, but these are rare. A few private tours disappointed when the guide’s interests didn’t match the group’s, or when the itinerary was less flexible than promised.
Most tours in Ketchikan confirm instantly, and free cancellation is standard on 86% of listings. The most popular wildlife, kayaking, and ziplining experiences are flagged as likely to sell out, so booking at least several days in advance is advised.
Manual confirmation is rare but does occur, especially for private charters or custom group tours. If your schedule is tight, look for instant confirmation and check cancellation terms before booking.
The only private tour priced per vehicle for groups up to 14 people.
4.8 ★ · 489 reviews · 3 h
Includes Bottled water · Snacks · All Fees and Taxes
Lowest price among the water-based adventure tours with port pickup included.
4.9 ★ · 446 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes Professional guide · Use of all necessary equipment · Sea kayak tour
The only tour offering a tasting of alder-smoked salmon and artisan chocolate.
4.9 ★ · 406 reviews · 3 h
Includes Our famous hot chocolate supreme, freshly brewed coffee, and an assortment of hot teas are · Assorted Coke & Pepsi products · Waterproof, fogproof Bushnell binoculars for your use while on tour
35 min at the stops, of 3 h in total
Most-reviewed tour on the page, with instant confirmation and free cancellation.
4.9 ★ · 1,056 reviews · 3 h
Includes This is a great historic and cultural tour with or without a camera:)
2 h 55 min at the stops, of 3 h in total
Lowest price among canopy zipline adventures, with port pickup included.
4.9 ★ · 475 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes All necessary safety equipment · Port pickup and drop off
3 h at the stops, of 3 h 30 min in total
Longest kayak tour here, with a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio and local snacks.
4.9 ★ · 978 reviews · 4 h
Includes Our Guides are Locals or Professional Educators/Return Guides · Local smoked salmon, dip, local vegan options and hot & cold beverages. · Private Transportation from the downtown Cruise Docks & the new dock at Ward Cove.
The only tour combining electric biking with a guided rainforest hike.
4.8 ★ · 673 reviews · 4 h
Includes Roundtrip Transport from the Cruise Ship Docks Downtown & at Ward Cove. · Small-group tours · Local Guides & Professional Educators/Return Guides.
Shortest wildlife tour listed, with over 1,000 reviews and instant confirmation.
4.8 ★ · 1,028 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Included in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, fla · We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
45 min at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
Highest-priced zipline tour, but includes air-conditioned transport and instant confirmation.
4.9 ★ · 398 reviews · 3 h 30 min
Includes All necessary equipment · Air-conditioned vehicle
Only tour focused on a Bering Sea crab fishing experience with rain gear provided.
4.9 ★ · 868 reviews · 3 h
Includes Raincoats and ponchos provided, as needed
The only off-road UTV adventure where guests drive and swap drivers.
4.8 ★ · 585 reviews · 3 h 45 min
Includes Private transportation · Guests drive the UTV's and can trade off · Includes a smokin' reindeer link, vegan chili Beverages available including coffee, tea &
The only dedicated fishing charter, but also the highest per-person price on the page.
4.9 ★ · 376 reviews · 4 h
Includes Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points · All fishing Tacklers/Rods and Wheels, all necessary fishing gears and baits. · Soft Drinks
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 09/09/2026.
Wildlife cruises, kayaking, rainforest hikes, and ziplining dominate. Private and luxury tours are common, but small-group outdoor experiences are the most booked.
Most travelers pay $115–$250 per person. Only 3% of tours are under $100, while 58% are over $200, especially for private charters and fishing trips.
Budget options are rare in Ketchikan. Only 3% of tours cost under $100, and just 2 are priced at $15 or less.
Ziplining, kayaking, and wildlife cruises are popular with families. Many tours include safety gear and guides experienced with first-timers.
Many tours offer hotel or port pickup, especially private excursions and those catering to cruise passengers. Always check the inclusions.
Wildlife, kayaking, and ziplining tours are often flagged as likely to sell out. Booking several days ahead is recommended.
The lowest-rated tours are usually large-group shore excursions and bus tours, with complaints about limited time at stops and guides who are hard to hear.
86% of tours offer free cancellation. Most confirm instantly, but check each tour’s terms for details.
Inclusions vary: some tours offer snacks, admission, or gear, while others do not. Check each listing for details to compare value.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Booking is handled by Viator, part of TripAdvisor. Live prices, free cancellation on most.