PREPARE FOR YOUR ALASKA ADVENTURE
Plan Your Visit to Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan Fishing Charters & Boat Tours for Cruise Visitors
Planning a Ketchikan port day? Explore private salmon and halibut fishing charters, combination charters, or scenic boat tours through the waterways around town. We offer fishing and boat outings only, with each charter reserved for your group of up to six guests. Compare the experiences and charter lengths to find one that suits your interests and time ashore.
Private Fishing Charters
Compare shorter salmon and halibut charters or a five hour combination charter. Confirm enough time in port before booking.
Duration3, 4 or 5 hours
Group sizeUp to 6 guests
Private Boat Tours
Choose Coastal Discovery or Wilderness Explorer for scenery and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Duration2 or 4 hours
Group sizeUp to 6 guests
Plan Your Cruise Day on the Water
Share your ship name, visit date, arrival time, and return-to-ship deadline. We’ll help select a private charter or tour that fits your port call. Meeting, pickup, and transportation arrangements are confirmed when booking; none are included unless stated in your confirmation.
YOUR PORT DAY STARTS HERE
Don’t Just See Ketchikan From the Ship
Step ashore for a private boat tour through the waterways around Ketchikan. Choose a two or four hour outing for coastal scenery, forested islands, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Share your ship and port times when booking so we can confirm the tour and meeting arrangements for your visit.
Why Book With Ketchikan Wild?
Adventures Worth Stepping Ashore For
Make your cruise stop an Alaska adventure. Choose fishing charters for time pursuing salmon or halibut, or private boat tours for coastal scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. With several charter lengths available, you can find an outing that suits your interests and time in port.
Your Boat. Your Group.
Every charter and tour is reserved for your group of up to six guests. Share the experience with family or friends, with an experienced captain guiding your day on the water. Get to know Ketchikan Wild and our boats, including heated cabins and enclosed marine bathrooms.
Your Group. A Shared Adventure.
Every charter is private for your group of up to six. Compare starting fishing rates and private-boat tour prices to choose your experience, and review what to bring before you arrive. Our frequently asked questions explain more about preparing for your day ashore.
ARRIVING BY AIR
Flying to Ketchikan
Ketchikan is on Revillagigedo Island and is reached by air or water rather than by road from the mainland. Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is on neighboring Gravina Island; travelers use the airport ferry to cross to the Ketchikan side. Allow time for baggage claim, the ferry, and ground transportation when making plans.
If you are staying overnight, consider allowing extra time for weather-related travel changes and for exploring the area at your own pace.
Things to Do in Ketchikan
There is much more to Ketchikan than its cruise ship waterfront. Depending on your interests and available time, consider:
Walking historic Creek Street and exploring downtown shops and waterfront views.
Learning about Southeast Alaska history and culture at local museums and totem-pole attractions.
Exploring rainforest scenery and nearby viewpoints, with local transportation arranged separately.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Ketchikan’s visitor season generally runs from spring into early fall. Summer offers long daylight hours and a wide range of boating opportunities. Fishing opportunities change throughout the season, and wildlife encounters vary with conditions and animal movements.
King salmon, coho salmon, and halibut are among the species anglers may pursue, subject to current seasons and regulations. No particular catch or wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. We will help you select a charter that suits your dates and priorities.
What Is the Weather Like?
Ketchikan is part of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. Rain and changing conditions are normal, even in summer. Temperatures can feel cooler on the water, especially when the boat is moving. Our vessels have heated cabins, but you should still dress for the outdoors.
What Should I Bring?
Warm layers and a waterproof jacket; waterproof pants are useful on wet days.
Comfortable, non-slip footwear, preferably with non-marking soles.
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera or phone for photographs.
Any personal medication you may need, including motion-sickness medication if appropriate.
For fishing charters, bring photo identification and an Alaska sport fishing license and king salmon stamp if required for your age, residency, and chosen charter. Check current requirements with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
We provide fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait, bottled water, soft drinks, and light snacks on fishing charters. You are welcome to bring additional food. Beer and wine are permitted in moderation; hard liquor is not allowed. Please do not bring glass containers or red/orange drinks.
Find more answers in our Frequently Asked Questions or meet the Ketchikan Wild fleet.
What Our Guests Say
Make your time in Ketchikan part of the story you bring home, with a private fishing charter or scenic boat tour.
Ketchican Wild runs a fantastic guide service, top notch boat and gear. I intend to come back every year, nobody can do it better.
Kyle Cirincione
Best Alaska experience ever! Captain Jed got us on all the fish (and squid!) and took us to see some gorgeous places. The boat was extremely comfortable and spacious. We highly recommend this business and Captain if you want to feel safe and experience the bounties of Alaska’s coast. We can’t wait for our next trip!
Marcy Ballman
Incredible experience! Captain Jed was extremely knowledgeable, personable and made the entire experience on the Lotti Rose exciting. The scenery was beautiful, the fish were even better. Salmon, crab, shrimp, squid, black cod and halibut- a 49 pounder! I highly recommend Ketchikan Wild and hope to fish with Captain Jed again in the future. 100/10 stars.
Destiny Palmer
Top notch brand new boat. Top notch guide that really knows where the fish are at. Incredible gear. Book with this company!!!
Mark Wilson
MOMENTS TO TAKE HOME
Book Your Charter. Bring Home the Memories.
Share Ketchikan’s coastal scenery and a private Alaska adventure with the people you love. Wildlife sightings vary and are never guaranteed.
Ketchikan Cruise Visitor Questions
Find answers about choosing a charter, meeting your captain, and planning around your ship’s time in port.
Which charters suit cruise passengers?
Shorter fishing charters, the five hour salmon and halibut combo, and two or four hour boat tours can suit cruise visitors. The right choice depends on your port schedule and transfer time.
Where will we meet?
Pickup and transportation arrangements will be made at the time of booking.
Will we share with other passengers?
No. Every outing is exclusively private for your group, with up to six guests per boat.
Can I plan a fishing charter around my cruise ship’s port visit?
Send us your ship name, visit date, docking location, and scheduled arrival and all-aboard times. Allow time to leave the ship, reach the meeting point, and return before boarding closes. Confirm the proposed outing fits your port schedule before reserving; a full-day charter may not suit a short stop.
What are the cancellation and weather policies?
Cancel more than 14 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 days and no shows are charged the full charter price unless applicable protection covers the cancellation. Captain or unsafe weather cancellations receive a full refund. The planned protection option is awaiting setup. Read our cancellation policy for details.