Customize Your Own Private Tour

Key Points

• Private and customizable tour designed exclusively for your group of up to 9 people.
• Four-hour experience led by passionate local guides with excellent reviews.
• Wildlife sightings include black bears, bald eagles, seals, and salmon.
• Stops include Totem Bight State Historical Park for Native culture and Herring Cove for wildlife viewing.
• Comfortable transportation with a pickup at the cruise port and mobile ticket options.
• High customer ratings of 5.0/5 from 62 reviews, with 98% recommending the tour.

A Private Tour Tailored to Your Interests in Ketchikan

This customizable private tour in Ketchikan, offered by KETCHIKAN EXPEDITIONS LLC, costs $1,000 per group (up to 9 people) and lasts approximately 4 hours. It provides a flexible, intimate experience led by local guides passionate about their town and wildlife. The tour is booked on average 62 days in advance, highlighting its popularity among visitors seeking a personalized adventure.

The tour features pickup at the cruise port or a nearby meeting point, and the mobile ticket option makes it easy to join. The experience is suited for most travelers, including those with service animals, thanks to its accessibility. The focus is on offering a comfortable, engaging exploration of Ketchikan’s natural beauty and cultural highlights.

Exploring Totem Bight State Historical Park

The journey begins with a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park, a short walk through the rainforest that offers a chance to learn about Native culture. Here, visitors will see totem poles and the Clan House near the beach. The spot provides an authentic glimpse into local traditions and artistry, making it a meaningful cultural stop.

While admission tickets are not included in the tour price, the park’s outdoor setting and impressive totem displays make it a captivating introduction to Ketchikan’s indigenous heritage. The walk is described as easy and accessible, suitable for most physical levels. Expect to spend around 20 minutes here, soaking in the art and stories behind the totems.

Wildlife Viewing at Herring Cove

After the cultural stop, the tour heads to Herring Cove, a prime location for observing Alaska’s wildlife in their natural environment. The area offers a 30-minute chance to see black bears, harbor seals, salmon swimming upstream, and bald eagles poised for action.

This stop is free of charge and highly praised for the opportunity to witness animals in their habitat. Depending on the day’s luck, visitors might see bears catching salmon, seals fishing, and eagles soaring overhead. Guides are attentive and knowledgeable, making sure everyone gets a good view and understands what they’re seeing.

Traveling Comfortably in an Exclusive Vehicle

Throughout the tour, guests travel in a comfortable vehicle that accommodates the private group. The vans are described as roomy, with water provided on board, ensuring a pleasant journey. Guides like Clarke and Christopher are known for their friendly, professional demeanor, and their passion for sharing local insights makes the ride enjoyable.

Because the tour is private, groups have the flexibility to go at their own pace and request specific sights or wildlife encounters. This flexibility, combined with the personalized attention from guides, allows for a more relaxed and tailored experience compared to larger group excursions.

Knowledgeable Guides and Local Insights

The guides are often highlighted for their extensive knowledge and friendly personalities. Clarke and Christopher receive high praise for their engaging storytelling, passion for Ketchikan, and willingness to go off the beaten path. Many reviews mention how guides show waterfalls, totems, eagles, salmon, deer, and black bears, ensuring travelers see a variety of local wildlife and scenery.

Guests also appreciate the insider tips shared about other places to visit in Ketchikan, making this tour a helpful introduction to the town beyond the stops. The guides’ professionalism, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel special stand out as major reasons for the tour’s excellent ratings.

Wildlife Encounters: Bears, Eagles, and More

The tour’s emphasis on wildlife viewing is a major highlight. Guests frequently report seeing multiple bears, counts of eagles, and seals during the stops at Herring Cove. The timing and guide expertise often make the difference in spotting these animals.

Along With bears and eagles, travelers may see salmon swimming upstream, deer, and waterfalls, adding diversity to the wildlife encounters. Many reviews mention seeing over 20 bald eagles, several bears, and numerous eagles, often in just a short amount of time.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Sights and Cultural Landmarks

Beyond the main wildlife stops, guides take groups to less touristy areas, showcasing local waterfalls, totem poles, and the town itself. The stops are carefully chosen to highlight Ketchikan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with guides providing informative commentary to deepen the experience.

Clients note how guides like Christopher and Clarke make an effort to show sites that are not on typical cruise excursions, offering a more authentic and personalized sightseeing experience. The tour’s ability to adapt and include hidden gems adds significant value.

Increased Flexibility and Personal Attention

Since this tour is private and customizable, guests can request specific sights or wildlife encounters. The guides are praised for being accommodating and attentive, ensuring the tour fits your interests. You’ll find the pace is relaxed, with enough time at each stop to take photos and ask questions.

The van’s roomy interior and friendly guides make the four-hour experience comfortable for all ages, including families with children and seniors. The flexibility and personal touch are what set this tour apart from standard cruise-line excursions.

Easy Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking this tour is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately at the time of booking. The tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. If weather conditions are poor, the tour can be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund.

This flexibility makes it a reliable choice for travelers concerned about weather, which can influence outdoor wildlife viewing. The local experience provider ensures a smooth process from booking to completion.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This customizable private tour appeals most to travelers seeking a personalized, flexible experience** with high-quality wildlife viewing and cultural insights. It’s ideal for groups wanting full control over the itinerary and those who value professional guides with local expertise.

The tour suits families, small groups, or couples looking for a comfortable, intimate exploration of Ketchikan’s natural and cultural highlights. It’s particularly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate detailed explanations and off-the-beaten-path sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most travelers, including families with children, as it is private and flexible in pacing.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?
Expect to see black bears, bald eagles, seals, salmon, and possibly deer, depending on timing and wildlife activity.

How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, featuring stops at Totem Bight State Historical Park and Herring Cove, along with personalized sightseeing in a private vehicle.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. In case of poor weather, the tour can also be rescheduled.

What’s the price and group size?
The cost is $1,000 per group, accommodating up to 9 people. The experience is private, ensuring personalized attention.

How do I meet the guide?
The tour starts at The Rock, 210 Front St, Ketchikan, with pickup options available. Guides like Clarke or Christopher will have a sign and call you if needed.

This private, adaptable tour offers an excellent balance of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and personal service, making it an attractive choice for visitors to Ketchikan who want a meaningful and enjoyable day on the water and land.