Ketchikan: Bering Sea Crab Fisherman Tour on Aleutian Ballad

Summary

Real alaska fishermen stories up close on calm ketchikan waters

You’ll join real Bering Sea fishermen on the Aleutian Ballad in Ketchikan, watching live crab pots pulled from protected waters and handling sea creatures before they’re released. Listen to salty stories from the crew, spot eagles overhead, and feel what life is really like out here — even if just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’re not heading out to the wild Bering today — your coffee’s safe,” grinned Rick as we shuffled onto the Aleutian Ballad. He had that weathered, half-smiling face you only get from years at sea. The deck smelled like salt and old rope, mixed with something briny and alive. I kept glancing at the crew — these guys were on Deadliest Catch, but here they were just chatting about their favorite diner in Ketchikan and how many raincoats they’d handed out last week.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much. There’s this moment when they haul up a crab pot — it clanks against the side, water spraying everywhere — and suddenly there’s a king crab waving its claws like it owns the place. Rick let us touch the shell (felt rougher than I thought), and he joked about naming him “Dinner.” The tank was full of all sorts: box crabs, an octopus curling around itself, prawns flicking back and forth. It’s strange watching these creatures up close before they’re gently tipped back overboard.

The boat stayed in calm water near Annette Bay, so no seasickness drama (thankfully). Eagles swooped overhead — one came so close I could see its eyes for a second. Someone next to me whispered that seeing them never gets old here, no matter how many times you’ve done this run. The crew told stories about storms that made my stomach twist just listening, but today was all low clouds and quiet water, with everyone bundled in ponchos or raincoats (they hand those out if you need them). I still think about that view of Ketchikan fading behind us as we drifted further out — it felt like stepping sideways into someone else’s world for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

• Board the Aleutian Ballad
• Cast off from Ketchikan
• Head towards Annette Bay
• Observe marine creatures caught
• Watch catch held in live tank
• See king crab, octopus, and more
• Spot local wildlife like sea lions
• Experience eagle encounter in wild

Top questions

Is this Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

Will I get seasick during the tour?

No, the tour stays in calm inside passage waters; large waves are not encountered.

Do I need extra transportation to reach the Aleutian Ballad?

No additional transport is needed from downtown Ketchikan hotels or cruise ships; it's a short walk.

What animals will I see during the tour?

You may see king crab, box crab, octopus, rockfish, prawns, sea lions, porpoises, and wild eagles.

Is lunch included on this Bering Sea crab fisherman tour?

No lunch is included; however raincoats and ponchos are provided if needed.

How early should I arrive if I'm coming from Ward Cove?

You must meet an hour early at Ward Cove to take provided bus transportation into Ketchikan.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is there an age minimum for children?

The minimum age is 5 years old due to Coast Guard regulations; no exceptions.

What’s included

Your day includes joining the crew directly at the Aleutian Ballad dock (easy walk from downtown hotels or cruise ships), raincoats or ponchos if needed for weather protection, full wheelchair accessibility throughout the vessel, plus bus transfer from Ward Cove if arriving there early by cruise ship.