The Ketchikan Duck Tour offers a lively 90-minute exploration of Alaska’s First City using a state-of-the-art amphibian vehicle that travels seamlessly on land and water. For $75 per person, this tour delivers a blend of historic insights, scenic views, and fun. With an average booking time of 48 days in advance, it’s clear that this experience is popular among those seeking a memorable way to see the town. The tour departs from the Ketchikan Cruise Pier and is perfect for visitors wanting a rundown of Ketchikan’s sights within a manageable timeframe. It features a knowledgeable guide, a sightseeing boat cruise, and the chance to marvel at totem poles and local scenery—making it an engaging choice for a family outing or solo adventure.

While the tour provides excellent visibility thanks to porthole windows and clear lexan sides, some guests note that seat positioning can affect what they see. Still, most travelers find the tour well worth the price, especially for the mix of land and water perspectives. The tour operates within calm waters of the Inside Passage, so seasickness is rarely a concern, and it’s accessible for most participants. This tour combines entertainment, education, and scenic beauty—a solid pick for those wanting to see Ketchikan from a unique vantage point.

Key Points

90-minute amphibious vehicle tour combining land and water exploration.
$75 per person, booked typically 48 days in advance.
Includes a guided city and harbor tour plus a sightseeing boat cruise.
Highlights feature totem poles and local history explanations.
Designed for most travelers, with seating maintained throughout and calm water routes.
Not included are hotel transfers and restroom facilities on board.

Departing from Ketchikan Cruise Pier at Front Street

The tour begins at Ketchikan Cruise Pier 131, conveniently close to the cruise ships, making it easy for visitors to find. It concludes back at the same meeting point, simplifying the logistics of the day. Travelers should be aware that transportation fees of $12 per person apply from Ward Cove to Downtown Ketchikan, if they choose to use this transfer option.

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Exploring Ketchikan’s Historic Streets and Harbor

The land portion of the tour takes you through the rustic streets of Ketchikan, allowing a glimpse of historic buildings and local neighborhoods. Your guide shares stories about the city’s past, emphasizing geology and regional history. This provides context to the beautiful scenery, including the numerous totem poles that are scattered across the town.

Marveling at Ketchikan’s Totem Poles

One of the standout features of this tour is the chance to see many totem poles up close. These carved wooden sculptures are sprinkled throughout Ketchikan, and the guides often explain their cultural significance. Visitors find this part particularly informative and visually striking, making it a highlight on the land tour segment.

The Amphibian Vehicle Experience

The amphibious vehicle is state-of-the-art, capable of navigating both city streets and harbor waters smoothly. The vehicle’s large windows offer good visibility, though some reviews note that seat position can influence what’s visible. Passengers stay seated during the entire cruise, which lasts about 45 minutes on the water.

Wildlife and Scenic Spotting Opportunities

While marine wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, some rare and exciting moments include feeding frenzies of bald eagles—which are notoriously hard to see but highly memorable when they happen. Other common sights include harbor seals and bald eagles, and the calm water route reduces the chance of seasickness.

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The Guide: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

The tour is praised for guides who combine humor, storytelling, and expertise. Guides like Garrett, Stacy, Nichole, and Miguel are frequently mentioned as friendly, informative, and engaging. Their jokes and stories help keep the atmosphere lively, with some guides incorporating local history and bear stories to enrich the experience.

Group Size and Accessibility

The maximum group size is 49 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, engaging environment. Guests need to be able to navigate a 9-step ladder to board, with each step approximately 6 inches high. The tour seats everyone during the entire experience and is accessible for most, with service animals allowed.

Weather Considerations and Cancellations

Since the tour takes place in calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage, seasickness is rarely an issue. The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, full refunds or rescheduling are possible. The tour is non-refundable if canceled for other reasons, but the small group size and flexible cancellation policies make it a reliable choice.

The Overall Value and Experience

Most reviews highlight the high value of this tour, noting entertaining guides and beautiful scenery. The combination of land and water offers a comprehensive view of Ketchikan. Some minor drawbacks include limited visibility if seated on the wrong side and some perception of rehearsed content, but these are balanced by the lively commentary and scenic highlights.

Suitable Audience for the Ketchikan Duck Tour

This tour appeals to families, solo travelers, and history buffs eager for a fun, informative, and scenic experience. It’s particularly attractive for those interested in totem poles and local stories or those wanting a durable, easy-to-join activity close to the cruise port. It’s less ideal for wildlife enthusiasts seeking guaranteed sightings but still offers some rare eagle moments.

Final Thoughts on the Ketchikan Duck Tour

The Ketchikan Duck Tour combines scenic views, storytelling, and a playful ride on a modern amphibious vehicle. It offers a good mix of history and nature, making it a satisfying option for visitors looking to see the town from both land and water perspectives. While seating and visibility can vary, the friendly guides and diverse sights make this tour a reliable pick for a memorable day in Ketchikan.

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Ketchikan Duck Tour

4.5

80% 5-star

“It's was sooooo worth it! It was a blast! Captain Mike and Damon were fantastic, knowledgeable and funny.”

— Darren F, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s seating and vehicle design make it appropriate for children and most adults.

Are there any physical requirements?
Guests should be able to navigate a 9-step ladder to board; the tour is otherwise accessible for most.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bus sightseeing, a guided land tour, and a boat cruise on the harbor.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
Wildlife sightings such as eagles and harbor seals are possible but not guaranteed. Rare eagle feedings have been noted.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing, consider rain gear if weather looks uncertain, and bring a sense of humor.

Is there any restroom on board?
Restrooms are not available on the amphibious vehicle.

How long does the entire tour last?
The overall experience lasts about 90 minutes from start to finish.

What about transportation fees?
There is a $12 per person fee if taking transportation from Ward Cove to Downtown Ketchikan.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour is non-refundable unless canceled due to bad weather, in which case full refunds or rescheduling are available.