Private Ketchikan tour: Wildlife, totem poles, Tongass hikes

A private SUV and guide that builds the day around what you want to see.

A private 4-hour tour of Ketchikan in a custom SUV with guide and driver, built around your interests before arrival. You choose the focus (wildlife, totem poles, historical sites, or a mix), and the guide adjusts the route even on the day if weather or conditions shift. Stops can include Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Tongass National Forest hikes, and beach walks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Custom private Ketchikan tour

• Hire private 4 passenger SUV
• Discuss tour preferences with guide
• Visit historical sights and Totem Poles
• View wildlife including bears and deer
• Hike in Tongass National Forest
• Enjoy beach walks and waterfalls
• Explore Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
• Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Tour Saxman Native Village
• See Creek Street and Dolly's House Museum
• Drive through Ward Cove and Misty Fjords National Monument
• Visit Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

The experience

The tour starts from the Port of Ketchikan in a 4-passenger SUV with your private guide and driver. Because each tour is custom-built before you arrive, you tell the operator what matters to you, whether that's black bears and bald eagles, totem poles and Native heritage sites, or a combination of wildlife viewing, historical sights, and forest hikes. The guide knows the island's wildlife patterns, the best times to spot humpback whales and orcas, and where mountain goats and Sitka deer move through the day.

The route stays flexible. If weather clears a viewpoint or closes a trail, the guide changes the itinerary on the spot. A typical day might include Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Historical Park with its carved poles, a hike into Tongass National Forest, beach walks, and waterfalls. Ward Cove, Creek Street, and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center are options depending on what you've chosen. You get binoculars for wildlife spotting, bottled water, and WiFi on board.

Four hours gives you time to move between sites without rushing, though the actual stops depend on what you want to see and how far you're willing to travel. The guide covers the island's aspects and topics, so if something specific catches your eye during the day, you can ask to pivot toward it.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• WiFi on board the SUV.
• private guide and driver in a 4-passenger vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ketchikan Custom Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to steer the day toward what interests you most, whether that's wildlife, totem poles, forest hikes, or a mix of all three. The private SUV and custom route mean you're not following a fixed schedule or stopping at sites that don't matter to you.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What wildlife can I actually see on a Ketchikan tour?

Black bears, bald eagles, humpback whales, orcas, mountain goats, Sitka deer, and salmon are all possible depending on the season and where the guide takes you. The guide knows where these animals move through the day and adjusts stops to match what's active when you're touring.

Can I change the tour itinerary after I book?

Yes. You build the tour around your interests before arrival, but the guide will adjust the route even on the day itself if weather changes or if you want to focus on something different once you're out.

Does the tour include hikes in Tongass National Forest?

Tongass National Forest hikes are an option you can request when you book. The guide will include them based on your interests and fitness level, and the forest is part of what the tour can cover.

What's the difference between Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Historical Park?

Saxman Native Village is a living community where you can see totem poles and learn about Native culture directly. Totem Bight State Historical Park has historic carved poles and is a scenic outdoor site. Both can be included depending on what you want to prioritize.

Is pickup from my hotel or cruise ship included?

Pickup is included in the tour. The guide will arrange to meet you at the Port of Ketchikan or another location you specify.