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Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest

789 Reviews 4.89 out of 5 stars Based on 789 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Ketchikan, USA
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from $178 per person

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The Eagle One with an Orca tail!
Humpbacks Bubble Feeding
Bald Eagle Soaring
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Killer Whale (Orca)

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On average, this is booked 10 (0.33) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Your adventure begins as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, where your guide provides live narration about Ketchikan’s rich history, culture, and bustling shoreline.

From there, we head into prime wildlife viewing areas where the wild side of Alaska comes alive. Keep watch for humpback whales surfacing and diving, bald eagles soaring overhead, harbor seals lounging along the rocks, and a wide variety of seabirds that thrive in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska.
Every trip is unique—no two tours are ever the same!

We operate two vessels: the Eagle One (22 passengers max) and the Eagle One Express (44 passengers max). The boat used for your tour is determined by group size and daily minimums to ensure the best experience for everyone.

Our tours regularly encounter marine life, and we’re proud to have about a 90% success rate for humpback whale sightings—a number we work hard to maintain! That said, wildlife is always on its own schedule, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What's Included

  • Snacks Included in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, flavored sparkling water.
  • We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
  • Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Front Street
Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

131 Front St

This is our official meeting point. Please plan to check in 30 minutes before your tour start time.If your cruise ship docks downtown (Berths 1–4), you’re in luck, we’re just a short walk away! Meeting Point: Berth 2 Visitors Center, 131 Front Street.From Berth 2, it’s about a 1-minute walk from your ship’s gangway. From Berths 1, 3, or 4, it’s an easy 5–12 minute walk, depending on your pace.If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you’ll need to take the free shuttle provided by your cruise line. Allow at least one hour before your tour to travel.The shuttle ride takes 20–30 minutes and will drop you off at Berth 4 downtown. From there, it’s an 8–12 minute walk to our meeting location at the Berth 2 Visitors Center.We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable Ketchikan adventure!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thomas Basin

Your journey begins in Thomas Basin, a lively harbor where working fishing boats and local skiffs share the water. Surrounded by historic boardwalks and the hum of Ketchikan’s waterfront, we cast off from this charming port and head into the open waterways to begin your Wildlife and Whale Quest.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ketchikan (Pass By)

Cruise along the scenic shores of Revillagigedo Island, home to the City of Ketchikan, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. This island is blanketed by the lush Tongass National Forest, where towering spruce, hemlock, and cedar frame rugged coastlines and reflect beautifully on calm waters. Keep your camera ready for bald eagles perched in the treetops and the occasional deer or black bear along the shoreline. Once salmon season begins, you’ll notice fish leaping from the water... locals call them “jumpers.” Discover why they leap and learn about the salmon’s incredible life cycle during your tour!Fun fact: Ketchikan receives over 140 inches of rain each year, earning it the nickname “The Rain Capital of Alaska.” Be sure to check the weather before your tour and dress accordingly.... while we have indoor and outdoor seating, it’s always great to see guests embracing the rain like true Alaskans, taking in the beauty of the Tongass mist and magic from the deck.
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Tongass National Forest (Pass By)

Cruising through the waterways of the Tongass National Forest feels like gliding through a world untouched by time. Towering spruce, cedar, and hemlock trees rise from the shoreline, their reflections shimmering in the calm, misty waters. Stretching over 16 million acres, the Tongass is the largest temperate rainforest on Earth and teems with life. As we travel through this breathtaking wilderness, it’s common to spot bald eagles soaring above, harbor seals lounging near rocky outcrops, and Humpback whales feeding or swimming along, or Orcas putting on a show and feeding. On rare occasions, deer or Black bear can be seen along the shoreline, adding to the thrill of discovery. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the adventure of exploring Alaska’s wild heart is always unforgettable.
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Metlakatla

Our journey often includes a stop at Metlakatla Island, home to one of the area’s active bald eagle nests. During peak season, you’ll experience something truly special, we’ll pause here to feed the eagles, watching in awe as these powerful birds soar overhead and dive with incredible precision to snatch fish from the water beside the boat. It’s one of those unforgettable “only in Alaska” moments.Afterward, we cruise over to Walden Rocks, a favorite resting spot for spotted harbor seals. When the tide is low, these sleek marine mammals haul out onto the rocks, soaking up the sun or curiously watching our boat drift nearby. We typically spend a few minutes here, giving you time to take in the scenery, snap photos, and hear a touch of local history tied to these very rocks... a story that connects wildlife, people, and the timeless spirit of Ketchikan’s coast.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 66 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-157420P1

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Reviews

4.89
789 reviews

Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 789 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
729
4 stars
40
3 stars
14
2 stars
2
1 star
4

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.33) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Alaska customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Snacks. Included in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, flavored sparkling water.
  • We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
The following is NOT included:
  • Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Alaska. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • SnacksIncluded in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, flavored sparkling water.
  • We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
  • Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 66 travelers

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  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Alaska and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Alaska reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Alaska.
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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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