Ketchikan Duck Tour: Amphibious City & Harbor Adventure

Summary

Quirky Ketchikan by land and sea with laughter and harbor views

You’ll roll through Ketchikan’s historic streets on an amphibious Duck Tour before splashing into the harbor for close-up views of Alaska’s First City. Expect laughs from your guide’s live narration, quirky local moments, and a surprising sense of calm out on the water—plus easy pickup and both sightseeing bus and boat included.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the start because I was sure I’d read “duck tour” wrong—thought it was some kind of birdwatching thing at first. But then this bright yellow bus-boat rolled up, and the driver waved like we were old friends. The air smelled like rain-soaked cedar (classic Ketchikan), and our guide, Jamie, handed out little quackers that made everyone laugh way too loudly for 9am. I still have mine somewhere in my backpack.

We rattled through Ketchikan’s streets—Jamie pointed out the old totem poles and told us how the city’s basically built on pilings over the water. She had all these stories about fishermen and cruise ship days; you could tell she really knew her stuff. At one point, a local guy in rubber boots waved at us from his porch, just grinning at the whole spectacle. It felt like we were part of some inside joke only Ketchikan gets.

Then came the splashdown—sudden cold spray against the windows as we slid right into the harbor. Didn’t expect my heart to jump like that (in a good way). Out on the water, everything slowed down: sea planes buzzing overhead, that salty tang in the air, and a kind of soft gray light on the mountains behind town. Jamie kept up with trivia—some of it silly—and there was this moment where everyone just went quiet watching bald eagles circle above us. I didn’t think a “bus-boat” would feel peaceful but yeah… it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ketchikan city and harbor tour

• Board amphibious bus
• Tour rustic Ketchikan streets
• Enjoy live narration and trivia
• Enter harbor on amphibious vehicle
• View Alaska’s First City from water
• Complete 90-minute tour

Top questions

How long is the Ketchikan Duck Tour?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes total.

Does the Duck Tour go into rough ocean waters?

No, it stays in calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage.

Is there live narration during the tour?

Yes, guides provide live narration with trivia and stories throughout.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed onboard?

No, but they are stored securely at boarding and returned after the tour.

Is pickup included for this Ketchikan Duck Tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at departure point.

Can service animals join the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed onboard.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, but guests must climb a 9-step boarding ladder to enter.

What if there aren’t enough passengers booked?

If minimum numbers aren’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative or refund.

What’s included

Your ticket covers both a sightseeing bus ride through historic downtown Ketchikan and a boat cruise around its scenic harbor—all led by a lively local guide with plenty of stories along the way. Service animals are welcome, and your wheelchair or stroller will be safely stored while you’re onboard enjoying Alaska’s First City from land and water.