Ketchikan Cultural Discovery

Begin with a scenic drive along the Tongass narrows en route to Totem Bight State Park, and experience Alaska Totem Trading, a quaint museum and gift store. Visit the Deer Mountain Hatchery and Eagle Center, where you can photograph live eagles up-close in a natural setting, and explore the salmon and trout rearing facility. A short walk across Ketchikan Creek brings you to your final stop, the Totem Heritage Center, where you'll view original totems that once stood in outlying villages. Return to your ship passing by Creek Street, Ketchikan's former red light district.

Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show

Become absorbed in the rich living culture of Southeast Alaska's Native Americans and witness a rip-roaring lumberjack competition on this comprehensive tour of Ketchikan. Your first stop will be a visit to Saxman Native Village. For generations, Tlingit villages have maintained a tradition of welcoming visitors in regal style. At Saxman, guests are still afforded this same time-honored welcome. In this Native community, tribal elders and others have worked hard to pass on many of the traditions that have long defined the culture of Southeast Alaska. A visit to Saxman gives the visitor a firsthand opportunity to see the results of these efforts. A short video program introduces the visitor to the culture and history of Saxman. Guests then enter the Beaver Clan House where they are welcomed by song and dance. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the final dance before moving onto the Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. Your guide will help unravel the mysteries of these towering, majestic poles that stand as sentries over the present generation. The next stop is the Village Carving Center where world famous carvers work and pass on their skills to eager apprentices. A visit to the Village Store provides guests with the opportunity to purchase some of the finest Alaska Native art available or a small memento of your visit. On the return trip, see sights of Creek Street and let the fun begin with a stop at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. Hardy lumberjacks bring to life Alaska's colorful forest history with an action packed competition in the partially covered and heated outdoor arena. Cheer on your team of World Champion lumberjacks in events such as chopping, sawing, tree climbing and much more. You will be kept on the edge of your seats as the entertaining host relives rich logging tales of a bygone era. Note: Please note that there may be a short wait prior to the Lumberjack Show. Time can be spent on your own or in the rustic company store located at the Lumberjack Show. Tour may operate in reverse.

Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer

Explore Misty Fjords - one of nature's most spectacular creations - while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for wildlife as the water jet-powered catamaran "flies" at sea level past rugged coastlines. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. Stop to view a bald eagle's nest, and a Tlingit pictograph. Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the sea. You'll explore Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces. Enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here. En route to Ketchikan, you'll have the opportunity to experience Native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation. Note: Be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck, as this tour operates in all weather conditions. Wildlife sightings are frequent, but not guaranteed. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking.

Back Country Jeep & Canoe Safari

Take the wheel of a four-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler and wind your way through the back roads of Revillagigedo Island. Then grab a paddle and join your companions in a Native-style canoe across a mountain lake. On the Jeep portion of your tour, you'll be paired with traveling companions in groups of four. Begin the adventure into the roads of the Tongass National Forest, where your group leader will guide you 'caravan-style' providing commentary by means of interactive radio. The Jeep portion of your tour concludes at Lake Harriet Hunt. Here, you'll experience a unique ecosystem from the vantage point of a large, easy-to-paddle guided canoe. On the other side of the lake, your guide will lead a short nature walk through an old-growth forest.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Join the Captain and decades-seasoned Bering Sea fishermen for an extraordinary journey of discovery on the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat seen on Season 2 of the Discovery Channel series "Deadliest Catch". You'll set out in the calm, protected waters of coastal Ketchikan and relax in the Ballad's heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater as we explore the incredible scenery of southeast Alaska. On the deck below you, a skilled fishing crew will haul up crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing all manner of sea life including king crab, shark, octopus, prawns, and rock fish, just to name a few. The catch is then placed into an on-deck aquarium for you to view and even interact with, if you so desire. Entwined throughout the entire tour are the stories of the men who have spent their lives working on the sea. Common tour sights on the other side of the rail include bald eagles, seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and Native Alaskan fishermen working the scenic coastline.

Eagle Island Sea Kayak

Take a van ride to beautiful Clover Pass for a paddle in the Tongass National Forest. You'll be welcomed and led down to the waterfront facility, introduced to your tandem kayak, and receive a safety briefing. The protected waters of Clover Pass provide you with the opportunity to experience the tranquil setting of the Tongass National Forest. As you paddle, you'll learn about the natural and cultural history of the area while keeping a keen eye out for bald eagles, their nests, seals, jumping salmon and when the tide is right, star fish

Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

This excursion guarantees excellent eagle viewing. Majestic totems and a waterfront clan house demonstrate the historical native culture at Totem Bight State Park. Get a close-up view of Guard Island Lighthouse. Enjoy a short narrated drive through Ketchikan en route to meet your Captain and Alaskan crew. Board your vessel, where you'll hear professional narration, while you munch on salmon spread, cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and cookies. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water, or soft drinks are all free. Relax in the heated main cabin or experience the open-air observation deck. Observe the areas of harvest and ancient old growth, and learn of the historical and modern uses of this very special temperate rainforest and its complex ecosystem. Cruise by historic Ward Cove Cannery and Loggerville, Alaska's only 'floating town.' One half of this tour features the Revillagigedo Island waterfront; with its homes of the local 'rich and famous,' while the remainder explores the remote Guard Island and primitive Gravina Island. Binoculars are provided for your use. Eagles, of course, are guaranteed and we usually see harbor seals and abundant moon jellyfish. Whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of gulls and sea birds are also common.

Neets Bay Bear Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat ride to remote Neets Bay for the chance to watch black bears feeding on salmon in their native streams and along the beaches. After a narrated transfer by bus or van to Knudsen Cove, board a high speed boat and travel 34 miles to Neets Bay where your Captain will scout the shoreline and you will see where bears catch salmon as they enter their spawning streams. Then, you'll stop near a salmon hatchery where it is common to see several bears at once. From the boat, great pictures and video can also be taken of the eagles and seals which are plentiful in this area.

Totem Bight State Park & Ketchikan Highlights

This tour offers a unique chance to learn about the history, lifestyle, and lore of the northwest coastal Natives. Your driver/guide interprets the myths and legends depicted on the many poles standing along the trail. Step into an authentic ceremonial clan house and immerse yourself in stories that describe the lifestyle and rituals practiced by the original inhabitants of the northwest coast. While visiting Totem Bight State Park, enjoy a short stop at the Alaska Totem Trading Store, a quaint museum and gift store. On your way back to town, learn about the industries that helped build Ketchikan and the several canneries that helped make this town the 'Salmon Capital of the World.' You may combine 'Totem Bight State Park' and 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show' tours for a great day in Ketchikan.

Alaska Coastal Expedition

After gearing up in top of the line rain gear, you'll step into your boat for an exhilarating, extraordinary trip. Each boat has a capacity of four people. If you are a party of four, you'll have your own boat; parties of two and three will share with other parties. You'll have the opportunity to drive, while you follow your guide in another boat. Your guide will interpret your historical, cultural and ecological adventure. Head out to Nichols Passage where you'll explore the coastline around Blank Inlet and Blank Island. You may search for bears, seals, whales and spawning salmon or perhaps admire totem poles at Saxman Native Village. You may even cruise Ketchikan's historic red light district Creek Street and historic Thomas Basin.