OVER THE TOP TOURS city highlights, wildlife and more!

Exploring Ketchikan, Alaska, becomes effortless with the Over the Top Tours city highlights, wildlife, and more experience. For $100 per person, this 2-hour guided tour takes visitors to the most scenic and wildlife-rich spots of this charming town. Starting from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau near the ship docks, the tour offers a relaxed journey through the area’s top sights, enriched with insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides. With a maximum group size of 9 travelers, it maintains a personal touch, making it ideal for those who want a comprehensive, yet intimate glimpse of Ketchikan’s natural beauty and local highlights.

While the tour doesn’t guarantee wildlife sightings, it provides ample opportunities to see bears, eagles, otters, seals, and various birds at key stops like Herring Cove. The comfortable private vehicle features air conditioning and heat, ensuring a pleasant ride regardless of weather. Timing can influence what wildlife you see—early May may yield fewer bears and eagles, but the tour still offers fascinating scenery, including Ketchikan Creek, Rotary Beach, and a breathtaking waterfall at 10 Mile.

Key Points

• Cost-effective at $100 for a 2-hour guided experience exploring Ketchikan’s highlights and wildlife.
• Meet at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau near the ship docks for a hassle-free start.
• Wildlife sightings depend on timing, with the best opportunities during salmon season for bears and eagles.
• Stops include Ketchikan Creek, Rotary Beach, Herring Cove, and a waterfall at 10 Mile.
• Guides are local and knowledgeable, providing personalized commentary and stories.
• Tour operates with a small group of up to 9 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Convenience and Meeting Details in Ketchikan

The tour begins at Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at 131 Front St, conveniently located near the cruise ship docks and public transportation. From there, a private vehicle transports guests to various scenic and wildlife spots around town. The 2-hour itinerary is designed to maximize the experience without feeling rushed, with stops ranging from 15 to 30 minutes each.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to the ship. Booking in advance is recommended, with most reservations made about 103 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

Exploring Ketchikan’s City Highlights and Scenic Spots

The tour kicks off with a visit to Ketchikan itself, giving an overview of the town’s colorful buildings and historic sites. The guide points out notable landmarks and shares stories that bring the town’s character to life. This initial city drive sets the stage for the scenic adventure ahead.

Next, the Ketchikan Creek stop features the salmon ladder, where during spawning season (starting in July), salmon migrate upstream. Although this feature is less active in early May, the guide explains how the salmon ladder works, offering insight into local wildlife cycles. Watching salmon jump is a highlight during peak seasons.

Rotary Beach offers a stretch of black sand beaches, perfect for beach combing and enjoying Alaska’s rugged coastline. Depending on the tide, guests can explore, walk along the shore, and take in views of the surrounding landscape. The stop provides a relaxing break and an opportunity for photos.

Wildlife Viewing at Herring Cove and Beyond

Herring Cove is the most wildlife-rich stop on the tour. The scenic overlook is ideal for spotting bald eagles, ospreys, cranes, harbor seals, and various birds. While sightings are not guaranteed, the guide’s local knowledge increases the chances of seeing these animals in their natural habitat.

Guests often see bears in this area, especially during salmon season, but the guide emphasizes that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The presence of animals depends on seasonal migration and day-to-day wildlife activity. The guide shares educational commentary on each species and their behavior, making the experience informative even when animals aren’t visible.

A breathtaking waterfall at 10 Mile provides a stunning backdrop for photographs and a chance to enjoy the natural landscape. The waterfall is a must-see feature, renowned for its scenic beauty.

The Comfort of a Private Vehicle with Climate Control

Traveling in a private, air-conditioned, and heated vehicle ensures comfort during the approximately 2-hour tour. The vehicle’s size allows for a relaxed pace, with stops carefully planned to balance sightseeing and wildlife observation.

This style of transport offers an intimate experience, ideal for small groups looking for personalized attention. The small group size of 9 travelers minimizes waits and allows guides to tailor some commentary based on guest interests.

The Guide and Local Expertise

Guides like Johnny and others are local residents with extensive knowledge of Ketchikan’s geography, wildlife, and history. Review highlights emphasize guides’ enthusiasm, storytelling abilities, and genuine passion for sharing their hometown’s secrets.

Guests frequently comment on how the guides go out of their way to find wildlife and share stories about Ketchikan’s culture and environment. Some guides even give souvenirs, like jewelry made from local materials, enhancing the personal touch of the experience.

Timing and Seasonal Considerations

Timing influences wildlife sightings significantly. Early May visits might see fewer bears and eagles, since the salmon run has not yet started. However, whales passing through and lush greenery are often visible during this period.

Tour providers recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak salmon season, to maximize wildlife opportunities. The tour’s flexible design allows guides to adjust stops based on weather and animal activity, making each trip personalized.

Value and Overall Experience

Priced at $100 per person, the tour offers a good value considering the personalized service, multiple scenic stops, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The small group size enhances the experience, fostering a more engaging and informative environment.

Guests praise the guides’ local knowledge and the ability to see wildlife and stunning scenery within a short timeframe. While wildlife cannot be guaranteed, the expert commentary and scenic stops provide a memorable overview of Ketchikan.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour is designed to be accessible and suitable for most travelers, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on seasonal activity. The timing of the visit plays a crucial role; visiting early or late in the season may affect what is visible.

The tour is relatively brief—2 hours—which is perfect for a quick overview but might not satisfy those wanting a longer or more in-depth wildlife experience. However, the personalized service and scenic stops make this a practical choice for a short, engaging tour.

The Sum Up: A Compact, Personal Introduction to Ketchikan

This tour from Over the Top Tours provides a well-rounded introduction to Ketchikan’s stunning scenery and wildlife within a short, 2-hour timeframe. The cost of $100 includes stops at Ketchikan Creek, Rotary Beach, Herring Cove, and a spectacular waterfall, making it a convenient way to see the highlights.

Guides are praised for their warmth, local knowledge, and storytelling, making each trip personal. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the chances are good, especially during peak seasons. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized service.

This tour suits those looking for a timely, scenic, and wildlife-focused overview of Ketchikan. It’s especially beneficial for cruise passengers seeking an efficient, enjoyable excursion close to the dock that offers a blend of nature, scenery, and local insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $100 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, with stops ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at 131 Front St, near the ship docks.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on seasonal activity and day-to-day animal behavior. The guide will do their best to find animals like bears, eagles, and seals.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear comfortable clothing suitable for weather conditions, and bring camera equipment. The vehicle has climate control for comfort.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund if canceled in time. Less than 24 hours before the tour starts, refunds are not available.