Private Custom Excursion with a Local for up to 14 people

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience tailored to your group’s interests for up to 14 people
• 3-hour tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, with pickup included
• Visit Native American villages, totem poles, and beautiful beaches to explore local culture and scenery
• See wildlife such as salmon, whales, eagles, and possibly bears in their natural habitats
• Enjoy photo opportunities and insider tips on what to do and where to eat in Ketchikan
• Highly rated with a 5.0/5 from 133 reviews and 97% recommendation rate

Discover a Fully Personalized Ketchikan Adventure

The Private Custom Excursion with a Local offers an intimate way to explore Ketchikan’s natural and cultural highlights. Priced at $680 per group, this tour is designed for groups of up to 14 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or small travel parties who want a flexible, tailored experience. The tour lasts around 3 hours, giving enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed.

One of the biggest advantages is that the tour is completely private, meaning your group receives dedicated attention from a local guide. The tour includes pickup service from a central meeting point in Ketchikan, providing added convenience. With many travelers booking 119 days in advance, planning ahead ensures you secure a spot on this popular experience.

Meet Your Local Guide and Start at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

The adventure begins at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, located at 131 Front St. From here, your local guide, who is familiar with the area and its wildlife habitats, leads you through a variety of stops tailored to your interests. The guide’s enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge shine through, as evidenced by glowing reviews praising their friendliness and storytelling.

Throughout the tour, the guide narrates the history and significance of various sites, including Native American villages and totem pole parks. This personalized approach means that your group can focus on what interests you most, whether it’s wildlife, cultural history, or scenic landscapes.

Exploring Native American Culture and Totem Poles

One of the key highlights is a visit to an old Native American village, where your guide provides insights into the indigenous culture and traditions. You will see intricately carved totem poles, which are significant symbols of native artistry and history. The guide explains the stories and symbolism behind these totems, helping you appreciate their importance.

This stop offers an authentic glimpse into the native heritage of the region. Travelers often appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from a knowledgeable local, making this cultural visit a meaningful part of the tour.

Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, Whales, Eagles, and Bears

Ketchikan is renowned for its abundant wildlife, and this tour maximizes chances to see some of nature’s most iconic species. Depending on the season, you may witness salmon in spawning season, which offers fantastic photo opportunities. There’s also a good chance to see bears, especially near streams or waterfalls, as well as eagles soaring overhead.

The tour also includes the possibility of spotting whales in the waters nearby, adding an exciting marine element. Many reviews highlight extraordinary bear sightings and wildlife encounters, with guides pointing out animals and explaining their behaviors.

Scenic Beaches, Waterfalls, and Trail Hikes

Your guide takes you to several stunning beaches and waterfalls, where you can enjoy the scenery and capture memorable photos. For those interested, a hiking trail is often included at the end of the tour, providing a chance to learn about the lush rainforest environment.

The waterfalls are particularly praised for their beauty, and the guide often shares insights into the local flora and fauna along the way. These stops are well-spaced to allow for exploration and picture-taking.

Insider Tips: Shopping, Dining, and Local Recommendations

Besides wildlife and cultural sites, the tour offers free time in downtown Ketchikan for shopping or dining. Your guide provides insider tips on the best places to buy souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine, making it a practical way to enhance your overall experience.

This personalized approach means you can customize your time in town and avoid typical tourist traps. The guides’ local expertise ensures you get authentic recommendations, whether you’re looking for handcrafted totem souvenirs or fresh seafood.

Flexibility and Pacing for a Comfortable Experience

The 3-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace, ensuring you can enjoy each stop without feeling hurried. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as the activity is mainly outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Because this is a private tour, the itinerary can be subtly adjusted to match your group’s interests or physical needs, offering a tailored experience that larger group tours often can’t provide.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Details

The tour requires confirmation at the time of booking and is fully cancellable for free up to 24 hours in advance. The meeting point is centrally located at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, with pickup included, making logistics straightforward.

Each group can enjoy the experience without sharing with strangers, and service animals are allowed. Most travelers find this tour accessible and accommodating, thanks to its flexible and personalized nature.

Why This Tour Outshines Larger Shore Excursions

Compared to larger, more generic tours, this private excursion offers a more personalized, flexible experience, tailored to your interests. Travelers consistently praise guides like Shad, Matthew, and Mike for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness.

The ability to visit native villages, wildlife-rich streams, waterfalls, and scenic beaches in a custom itinerary makes this tour stand out. The high rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 133 reviews confirms strong satisfaction, especially for those seeking genuine local insights and close-up wildlife encounters.

Suitable for Families, Groups, and Wildlife Enthusiasts

This private tour suits families, small groups, and wildlife lovers who want an intimate, flexible experience. The 3-hour length is manageable for most, and the group size limit ensures personalized attention.

While the tour covers a broad range of sites, it’s especially ideal for those interested in native culture, scenic landscapes, and wildlife viewing. The guides’ local expertise and customized approach guarantee a memorable outing.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Flexible Ketchikan Tour

This private, customizable excursion provides an excellent way to experience Ketchikan’s wildlife, native culture, and scenic beauty. The local guides are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to tailor the experience to your interests, making every trip unique.

At $680 for up to 14 people, the tour offers good value for a personalized experience, especially considering the high-quality stops and insider tips. It’s a strong choice for groups who want a relaxed, in-depth look at Ketchikan’s natural and cultural treasures, away from large crowds.

While the 3-hour duration keeps the pace manageable, travelers should be prepared for outdoor exploration and variable weather. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing flexible planning.

This tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic, local-led adventure that combines wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty in a way that bigger group excursions cannot match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for families, given its outdoor nature and flexible pacing.

What is included in the price?
The $680 fee covers the private, personalized 3-hour experience for your group of up to 14 people, including pickup and the guided tour.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, as a private tour, it allows for some adjustments based on your interests, whether focusing more on wildlife, culture, or scenic sites.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include salmon, eagles, whales, and possibly bears near streams and waterfalls.

What are the main stops?
Highlights include a Native American village with totem poles, waterfalls, beaches, and possibly hiking trails in the rainforest.

How do I cancel the tour?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance through the booking platform.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup at the designated meeting point is included, making logistics simple.

Can service animals join the tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

What if I want to extend or shorten the tour?
The 3-hour duration is standard, but as a private experience, it can be tailored slightly to your preferences.

Is the guide local?
Yes, guides like Shad, Matthew, and Mike are local residents with extensive knowledge of Ketchikan and its wildlife.