On my recent Alaskan cruise aboard the Discovery Princess, I booked what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable excursions of my trip—a whale watching tour in Ketchikan through a company called Shore Excursions Group. If you’re hoping to spot wildlife like humpback whales, bald eagles, and seals while soaking in the beauty of Southeast Alaska, this experience is a must.
Why Choose a Whale Watching Excursion in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan is often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” but its waters are also home to migrating humpback whales, pods of orcas, sea lions, and countless bald eagles. While the town itself is worth exploring—with Creek Street’s historic boardwalks, salmon runs, and fresh Dungeness crab restaurants—heading out on the water gives you a whole new perspective of Alaska’s wild beauty.
On my first visit to Ketchikan, I stayed in town and enjoyed exploring the city. But on this trip, I wanted to see more of the local wildlife, and booking a whale watching excursion turned out to be the perfect choice.
Booking a Ketchikan Whale Watching Excursion
One of the reasons I chose Shore Excursions Group is because the process was incredibly easy, and the price was noticeably lower than what the cruise line offered. Even better, the tour itself felt more personal. Instead of being packed onto a large boat with dozens of people, there were only about eight of us on board. The small group size made all the difference, not just for the atmosphere but also for photography. With fewer people vying for the perfect shot, I was able to capture incredible photos and videos without distraction.
Early Morning Adventure in Ketchikan
Our ship docked in Ketchikan around 6:00 a.m., and my tour was scheduled to meet at 7:30 a.m. While waking up early on vacation might sound unappealing to some, in Alaska it’s worth every minute. The more excursions you take, the more unforgettable your trip becomes. This is not the kind of destination where you want to sleep in—the adventure starts early, and it’s absolutely magical.
The meeting instructions were simple, and the company even called me when I was running a bit behind. From the cruise ship dock, it was just a 10-minute walk to meet the team from Eagle One Tours. They led us to a small vessel equipped with cozy booth seating inside, outdoor viewing space, and even a restroom. Complimentary snacks, pastries, hot coffee, and cocoa were available—a thoughtful touch for the chilly morning.
Whale Watching in Ketchikan - Highlights
We set out from the harbor, passing our towering cruise ship and even spotting my other favorite ship, Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Almost immediately, the scenery began to deliver surprises. A rainbow arched across the misty sky, deer appeared along the shoreline, and salmon leapt from the water in glittering flashes.
Spotting Humpback Whales
Not long after, our captain received word that a humpback whale had been sighted. Excitement rippled through the boat as we approached the area, and soon we saw the unmistakable spray of water from the whale’s spout. For miles we followed a young humpback, watching it surface, dive, and eventually lift its fluke high into the air as if waving goodbye.
Seals & Sea Lions
The morning only got better. Our captain guided us to a small island where dozens of seals were lounging together on the rocks. They barked, shuffled, and sprawled in the sun. I’d never seen so many in one place—it was an incredible photo opportunity.
Bald Eagles Up-Close
But the highlight of the day came next. The crew brought us to a rocky stretch of shoreline known for its bald eagles. One of the guides pulled out a bucket of fish and waved them in the air, and within seconds, a massive eagle swooped down right in front of us. They began tossing fish onto the rocks, and we watched in awe as not one but two eagles soared and dove just feet away.
I had never seen bald eagles so close before—it was breathtaking. For about 15 minutes we photographed and admired them as they snatched fish and perched proudly nearby. Then, from the treetops above, we heard faint chirps. Sure enough, there was a giant nest high in the branches with a baby eagle perched on the edge. Seeing these birds so close was absolutely breathtaking.
Returning to Ketchikan
After such an incredible encounter, we slowly cruised back toward the docks. giving us plenty of time to wander the town afterward. This whale watching tour ended up being one of the most intimate and rewarding excursions.
Final Thoughts – The Best Ketchikan Excursion for Wildlife Lovers
If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise and wondering what to do in Ketchikan, I can’t recommend a whale watching tour enough. This excursion was intimate, affordable, and packed with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer looking for the perfect shot, or simply someone who wants to experience the wild beauty of Alaska, this is the best whale watching in Ketchikan you’ll find.
If you’re planning a cruise and want to experience wildlife up close—without the crowds—this is the excursion I would recommend. It’s especially ideal for photographers who want the time and space to capture stunning shots. Between the whales, seals, salmon, and bald eagles, this tour delivered everything I had hoped for and more.
Sondra Barker
