Back Country Zodiac Expedition

Your tour begins with a short walk to the briefing center. Upon arriving, you'll be outfitted with top-of-the-line rain gear, hat, gloves, socks, boots and safety glasses. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as this seafaring adventure offers photo opportunities from the moment you set sail.

Throughout this nearly 25-mile coastal expedition, your guide will offer narrative covering the area's history, geology, culture and ecology.

You'll board your four-passenger boat and head off the grid to behold the beauty of Alaska far away from the crowds. You'll follow your guide to the harbor in front of Saxman Native Village and chat about the totem poles and Tlingit culture. You'll search for bears, eagles, whales and seals, and venture into the backcountry wilds of Nichols Passage. Here, you will marvel at the beautifully rugged coastline of southeast Alaska , most specifically the intended site of the "Bridge to Nowhere".

You'll navigate through the coves and inlets around Blank Island, view the tranquil cove of an old gold mine and visit a seal rookery. Before you return to the dock you'll make a brief stop in front of historic Creek Street to hear about its wild history.

Once back in town, you'll dock your boat and warm up with a hot beverage before returning to the ship.

This excursion was chosen last season by Princess passengers for overall tour quality and outstanding customer service and awarded Shore Excursion of the Season in Ketchikan.

Adventure Kart Expedition

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive to the base camp, a privately owned rainforest property.

Upon arrival at the base camp, you'll receive a safety briefing and gear up for a thrilling, one-and-a-half-hour guided trek. As you'll soon see, mountain trails through a timber-harvested area offer the perfect venue for off-road challenges.

Feel the rush of adrenaline at the start of your journey as you navigate an obstacle course that tests your ability to traverse through the remaining wilderness. Your caravan of Tomcar adventure karts sets out to explore the remote backcountry along several miles of improved forest trail. A comfortable pace is maintained as you thread your way around steep curves, climbing to reveal breathtaking views of the Tongass National Forest, Behm Canal and Alaska's fabled Inside Passage.

Stops along the route allow you to soak up the grandeur of this lush land, and snap a photo or two of breathtaking vistas, waterfalls and forest ecosystems. Be sure to watch for wildlife throughout the trip as eagles, deer or bears are frequently sighted.

After a light snack, drivers and passengers will have the opportunity to switch positions and try their hand at driving the kart for the return trip to camp. You'll cap your day off with souvenir shopping and a scenic drive back to the pier.

Your excursion concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a scenic drive back to the pier.

Back Country Jeep & Canoe Safari

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive to the Jeep base camp.

Upon arrival, you'll be paired in groups of four for your adventure along the mountain roads of Tongass National Forest. Your group leader will guide you to scenic vistas with a narrated radio system that allows for two-way communication.

The safari travels from sea level to the sub-alpine region of this unique coastal island. You'll learn about the area's natural history as you drive abandoned logging roads. Along the way, you'll make a stop or two to take advantage of photo opportunities and to rotate drivers so everyone has a turn at the wheel.

Your next destination is the secluded mountain lake - Lake Harriet Hunt - where you'll board a large, easy-to-paddle canoe much like the Natives used to travel the coastal waterways. Your safari guide will then lead a brief nature walk through old-growth forest to a remote camp for an Alaska-style snack, including chowder and smoked salmon.

Your excursion concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach, and a scenic drive back to the pier.

Historical Ketchikan & Creek Street Walking Tour

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a short drive to the float deck. Upon arriving, you'll board a DeHavilland Beaver or DeHavilland Otter floatplane with a guaranteed window seat for a 25-minute flight.

You'll fly over Revillagigedo Island en route to Neets Bay in Tongass National Forest. A fully guided nature walk along a quarter-mile trail through old growth forest takes you to Neets Bay Creek, a remote site where the annual gathering of fish is a huge draw for the region's most plentiful concentration of black bears. Along the way, you'll witness Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery, where summer and fall chum, fall coho and chinook salmon are produced to keep the supply plentiful.

From a viewing platform, you'll spend 45 minutes watching black bears fishing for and feeding on salmon heading upstream to spawn, and eagles perch in surrounding trees waiting for scraps. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, keep your camera ready for a myriad of photo opportunities.

Your excursion concludes with a 25-minute return flight back to the float deck, and a relaxing drive back to the pier.

Neets Bay Bear Watch & Flight

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a short drive to the float deck. Upon arriving, you'll board a DeHavilland Beaver or DeHavilland Otter floatplane with a guaranteed window seat for a 25-minute flight.

You'll fly over Revillagigedo Island en route to Neets Bay in Tongass National Forest. A fully guided nature walk along a quarter-mile trail through old growth forest takes you to Neets Bay Creek, a remote site where the annual gathering of fish is a huge draw for the region's most plentiful concentration of black bears. Along the way, you'll witness Neets Bay Salmon Hatchery, where summer and fall chum, fall coho and chinook salmon are produced to keep the supply plentiful.

From a viewing platform, you'll spend 45 minutes watching black bears fishing for and feeding on salmon heading upstream to spawn, and eagles perch in surrounding trees waiting for scraps. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, keep your camera ready for a myriad of photo opportunities.

Your excursion concludes with a 25-minute return flight back to the float deck, and a relaxing drive back to the pier.

Rainforest Ropes Course & Zipline Park

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive out of downtown to Knudson Cove, an "off the beaten track" waterfront property, your playground for the next 2.5 hours.

Your professional guides will instruct and outfit you with the best safety equipment in an open-air rainforest pavilion. The high ropes portion of the course includes eight different spans across the canopy. Some of the ropes elements include suspended logs, rope bridges and swinging steps. Don't worry, for the less adventurous members of your party, a guide will assist you in skipping elements upon request.

Then, gravity pulls you along a series of seven lines zipping between the biggest old growth red cedars. You will catch glimpses of bald eagles and the ocean below as you glide along through the rainforest canopy. Once back on ground, if you still haven't had enough, head over to the 50-foot climbing tower where guides will show you techniques needed to climb to the top. A circular staircase inside the tower enables others to climb up, take in the view and snap photos of their companions proudly ringing the bell at the top of the wall.

After a short stop to take off your gear and shop for souvenirs, you'll board your motorcoach for your return drive back to the pier

Totem Bight State Park Tour

You'll depart your ship and begin your guided two-and-half hour tour with a scenic motorcoach ride in and around Ketchikan. You'll see Alaska's busiest waterfront, bustling with floatplanes and boats, and drive by infamous Creek Street, Ketchikan's former red-light district during the Gold Rush. Then, you'll travel along beautiful North Tongass Highway, passing salmon canneries and a pulp mill that was once the largest of its kind in the world.

After your city tour, your guide will introduce you to Totem Bight State Park, where an awesome sight awaits. Established in 1938, this unique park offers you a glimpse into the native Tlingit and Haida Indian cultures. Start by walking along a winding trail through a forest of mighty hemlock. You'll come to an old Indian campsite filled with colorful totem poles, each one telling its own fascinating tale. Totem carving is a time-honored craft, passed down over generations. Native carvers, using traditional hand-made tools, recreated the totems, restoring those that were badly damaged by time and weather.

Explore further to see a replica of a 19th century Clan House, or community house. These structures served as homes to several families at once, with each headed by a house chief of the same lineage. You'll get to step inside and learn more about the rich Native Alaskan culture.

Then, it's time to enjoy some hot chocolate, coffee, a cookie and some shopping at the Alaska Totem Trading Company before re-boarding your motor coach for your return ride back to your ship.

Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Walk

This delightful three-hour tour will give you the rare opportunity to commune with nature in the breathtaking setting of the Ketchikan rainforest.

Your rustic adventure starts with a scenic coastal drive to Herring Cove, where a naturalist will guide you along improved trails to experience first-hand the splendor of the forest and a multitude of plants in the lush rainforest. Wandering through tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaskan cedar, you will be encouraged to stop at viewing platforms to photograph this natural wonderland.
Your guide will then lead you along the trail to an elevated boardwalk overlooking Eagle Creek where, during spawning season, the salmon runs attract eagles, bears, seals and shorebirds. Mink, marten and wolves also frequent the area. Due to seasonal changes, animal sightings cannot be guaranteed but you will have plenty of time to peacefully drink in the landscape while enjoying nature's symphony in this spectacular setting. As if that wasn't the very definition of bliss, you will also have the chance to meet and feed an Alaskan reindeer, and take pictures with these gentle creatures.

Afterwards, you will visit the Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill and observe an Alaskan master carver working with totem poles, before photographing bald eagles up close at the Alaska Wildlife Foundation exhibit. There will then be plenty of time for you to browse the General Store and enjoy a snack before the ride back to town.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

Your excursion begins as you board the vessel, Aleutian Ballad, at the pier. This Bering Sea crab fishing vessel was featured on the 2nd season of the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch, and is the only Bering Sea crab vessel in the world licensed to carry leisure passengers.

After gearing up, you'll set out on calm, protected waters and relax in the heated and sheltered outdoor amphitheater as you explore the incredible scenery of southeast Alaska. Entwined throughout your excursion, you'll hear personal stories from men who've spent their lives working on the ocean, eager to share their passion for fishing and the sea. This tour does NOT go out into the rough waters of the open ocean. It remains in the calm protected waterways of the Inside Passage surrounding Ketchikan.

On deck, a skilled fishing crew hauls up 700 lb. crab pots and long lines from the depths, revealing king crab, shark, octopus, prawns, and rock fish, just to name a few. The catch is placed into an on-deck aquarium for you to view, snap photos and even hold.

A stop near Annette Island offers sightings of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, whales, and native Alaskan fishermen working the scenic coastline. You'll cap off your day with a short walk back to the ship, and unforgettable memories about the Aleutian Ballad.

This excursion was chosen last season by Princess passengers for overall tour quality and outstanding customer service and awarded Shore Excursion of the Season in Ketchikan.

Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive through Ketchikan to a private dock, where you'll meet your captain and Alaskan crew and board your vessel. Keep your camera within easy reach, because photo opportunities abound on this seafaring excursion that has earned a C.R.U.I.S.E. Award each of the last 9 years.

You're free to relax in the heated main cabin or enjoy the open-air observation deck, as you witness an abundance of eagles with binoculars provided to you. You will see ten eagles nests and baby eagles in season. Harbor seals, pigeon guillemots and moon jellyfish are commonly spotted daily. Whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of sea birds are seen throughout the entire season. Along the way, you'll hear of the area's maritime history, the rich Tlingit culture, the timber and fishing industries and local lifestyles.

You'll observe harvested and old growth areas of the Tongass National Forest, and travel past historic Ward Cove Cannery. You'll continue to Loggerville, the "Floating Ghost Town of Alaska", and circumnavigate the Guard Island Lighthouse established in 1901. No other excursion offers this itinerary or a view of Totem Bight State Park from the water. You'll view totem poles including Ketchikan's tallest, the clan house as you travel past the park, and see colorful cabins, mansions of the local rich and famous and unique homes, many built on their own islands. Your deckhands are pleased to take your picture in front of the totem park or lighthouse or you may pose with your captain for a memorable photo in the wheelhouse.Your captain will unravel historic mysteries of Alaska's most dangerous island, Danger Island, and you will circumnavigate or have clear viewing of twelve islands on your tour route. Many of these islands are inhabited only by Alaska's wildlife.

Enjoy Alaska's most scrumptious "Hot Chocolate Supreme", coffee, tea, water or your favorite soft drinks along with salmon spread, crackers, cheese, fresh fruit, cookies & mints: all complimentary and they make for a delightful treat as you take in the breathtaking seascape and professional narration. Our salmon spread recipe will be provided to you to take home. Eagle photo portraits, prints, Guard Island Heritage memberships, lighthouse souvenirs, post cards, pens, magnets, plush animals and other items are available from the onboard gift shop. As your tour concludes, you will realize why Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion has earned the "Tour Guide of the Year" each of the past 9 years. With a walk back to your motorcoach and a relaxing drive back to the pier, you'll have a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime and will probably agree, "Wow! That was a great excursion!"

This excursion was chosen last season by Princess passengers for overall tour quality and outstanding customer service and awarded Tour Guide of the Season in Ketchikan.

Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Walk & Crab Feast

Get a taste of what makes Alaska such an awesome place to visit all on one fascinating tour! Take a walk through the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary with a knowledgeable guide for a chance to see salmon, black bears, reindeer, and bald eagles within a protected rainforest setting. Then sightsee to the rustic George Inlet Lodge for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.

This moderate half-day tour starts with a delightful coastal drive from charming Ketchikan to a private reserve located at scenic of Herring Cove. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your naturalist guide who will lead you on an informative walking tour that immerses you in the color green!

You'll be surrounded by towering spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, enchanted by dense fern, rhododendron, and huckleberry shrubs, and intrigued by the lush carpet of moss and trilliums that transform the forest floor into an enchanting miniature garden. With viewing areas strategically placed along the trail, you'll have ample opportunity to soak it all in.
As the trail opens onto a protected estuary, you'll follow an elevated wooden boardwalk overlooking grassy wetlands and streams that are home to major salmon runs. During the spawning season bears and seals feed on salmon in Eagle Creek and bald eagles and other birds wait for scraps in the estuary. Sitka black tail deer, mink, marten and wolf also frequent the area, with seasonal ecosystem changes resulting in varying levels of wildlife activity. Your guide will keep a watchful eye to help you spot as many different animals as possible.
At the conclusion of your mile-long trail hike, however, you're guaranteed to see and feed reindeer and to get up close and personal with bald eagles at the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center. A raptor specialist is on hand to explain the heritage and habitat of America's national symbol.

Following these great photo opportunities, you will be guided through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company saw mill, established by legendary pioneer Ben Fleenor. Observe a master Native totem pole carver at work. Explore the interpretive displays and enjoy complimentary refreshments while browsing in the General Store. Later, enjoy the scenic drive to the rustic yet elegant George Inlet Lodge for a feast of fresh Dungeness crab! Rounding out the menu are baby red potatoes, fresh oriental salad and a scrumptious blueberry cheesecake dessert and it's all topped off with tall tales and a rowdy Crab Shell Stacking Competition.

The scenic return drive to your ship provides additional opportunities to soak up the scenic landscape and to learn intriguing details about the history, native culture and pristine habitat of picturesque Ketchikan. .

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