Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan
Board a working fishing boat and watch the catch come up on deck
The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan is a three-hour cruise aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the vessel featured on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, where you observe commercial fishermen at work in the calm waters of the Inside Passage. A live guide walks you through what the crew catches—king crab, box crab, octopus, rockfish and prawns—held briefly in a tank for observation before release; sea lions, porpoise and wild eagles often appear along the route. Raincoats and ponchos are provided; children from age 5 are welcome, and the tour stays in protected waters with no rough seas.
3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Cruise and observe marine life
- Board the Aleutian Ballad
- Cast off towards Annette Bay
- Cruise through Inside Passage waters
- Watch marine creatures caught and hauled
- Observe catch in live tank
- See king crab, octopus, rockfish, prawns
- Spot local wildlife like sea lions and porpoise
- Experience eagle encounter in the wild
The Experience
The Aleutian Ballad casts off toward Annette Bay, and you're standing on a working fishing boat, not a tour vessel. The crew sets lines and hauls the catch onto the deck—king crab with legs splayed, octopus, rockfish—and you watch from a real vantage point as they move through the work. Everything that comes up goes into a live tank so you see it close before it goes back. The boat stays in the calm, protected waterways of the Inside Passage, which means no open ocean swells; if seasickness worries you, this is the reason to choose it over other Alaska cruises.
The three-hour loop gives you time to spot the local wildlife the tour has become known for—sea lions hauling out on rocks, porpoise moving through the water, and the eagles that appear in numbers that surprise first-time visitors. The crew are commercial fishermen, not performers; they talk about what the work is actually like in the Bering Sea, and the boat itself is the real artifact—it was on Deadliest Catch, and that history sits with you the whole time you're aboard.
Raincoats and ponchos come with the ticket, so you're covered if the spray picks up. You need to be on board 15 minutes before departure, and if you're arriving from a cruise ship docking at Ward Cove, the free shuttle into town takes about 45 minutes total, with a five-minute walk to the boat at Berth 3. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board if you want them during the ride.
What’s included
- Three-hour cruise aboard the Aleutian Ballad with a live guide.
- raincoats and ponchos provided.
- observation of commercial fishing catch including king crab, octopus and rockfish, held in a live tank before release.
- wildlife viewing opportunities for sea lions, porpoise and eagles.
Operated by Bering Sea Crab Fishermens Tour
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see commercial fishing in action without the open ocean—the calm Inside Passage waters and the working crew make it accessible for families with young children and anyone who prefers to stay out of rough seas.
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Top questions
What exactly do I see being caught on this tour?
King crab, box crab, octopus, rockfish and prawns come up regularly, held in a live tank on deck for observation before the crew releases them back into the water. You may also spot sea lions, porpoise and wild eagles along the Inside Passage during the three hours you're aboard.
Is this tour actually in the Bering Sea, or is that just the name?
The Aleutian Ballad cruises the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage near Ketchikan, not the open Bering Sea. The boat was featured on Deadliest Catch, but this tour stays in sheltered waterways with no rough seas or large waves, which makes it suitable for all fitness levels and easier on anyone concerned about seasickness.
What do I need to bring or wear?
Raincoats and ponchos are provided as needed, so you're covered for spray and weather. Wear layers and comfortable shoes; the boat is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces are accessible if you need assistance.
Can I bring my young child on this tour?
Children are welcome from age 5 and up—that's the minimum age set by coast guard regulations. The three-hour cruise in calm waters is suitable for families, and the live crew and working catch keep kids engaged throughout.
How do I get to the boat if I'm on a cruise ship?
If your ship docks at Ward Cove, take the free shuttle provided by the cruise lines into downtown Ketchikan; it drops you at Berth 4, and the Aleutian Ballad is at Berth 3, a five-minute walk away. Allow 45 minutes total for the shuttle and walk, and plan to be on board 15 minutes before your departure time. Shuttles run every 3 to 5 minutes.
Will I get seasick on this tour?
The tour stays in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage and does not venture into the open ocean, so large waves and rough seas are not encountered. This makes it one of the gentler Alaska water tours if seasickness is a concern.
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan
3h · EN
from US$ 249 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.85880 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
