Ketchikan Duck Tour

If you’re considering a tour that mixes land and sea in Ketchikan, the Ketchikan Duck Tour seems like a popular pick — and for good reason. This 90-minute adventure on a modern amphibian vehicle offers a unique way to see Alaska’s First City from different angles. Whether you’re a first-timer wanting an overview or someone curious about local wildlife and history, this tour aims to deliver.

What we love about this experience is how engaging the guides are and how much you get to see in a relatively short time. The fact that it navigates both land streets and calm harbor waters means you’ll get a comprehensive feel for Ketchikan’s charm. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that visibility can be tricky if you’re seated on the wrong side, and the tour’s focus on history and wildlife might not be enough for those seeking more adventurous excursions.

This tour hits the sweet spot for travelers wanting an easy, family-friendly outing that’s packed with fun facts, humor, and scenic views. If you enjoy stories about local culture — especially totem poles — or just want a lighthearted way to explore, it’s worth considering. However, if wildlife sightings are your main goal, it’s good to keep your expectations in check since sightings can vary.

Key Points

• Flexible Land and Water Experience: Combines city streets with calm harbor cruising for a well-rounded view.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their humor, storytelling, and local insights.
• Wildlife & Scenic Views: Opportunities to see eagles, seals, and historic landmarks, with reviews highlighting memorable sightings.
• Good Value: At $75, it offers a relaxing, informative experience that most travelers find worthwhile.
• Accessible but with Considerations: Requires navigating a 9-step ladder; most travelers can participate, but it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues.
• Weather Dependence: Good weather is necessary; bad weather can lead to cancellations with a full refund or rescheduling.

What to Expect on the Ketchikan Duck Tour

The tour starts right at the Ketchikan Cruise Pier 131 on Front Street, making it easy to hop on straight from your cruise or hotel. From there, the adventure unfolds in roughly 90 minutes, with a mix of land and water exploration.

The Land Portion: Exploring Ketchikan’s Streets

We loved the way guides take you through the town’s rustic streets, pointing out key sights like totem poles, historic buildings, and local stories. The guides are often praised for their humor and storytelling ability, making the land tour both educational and fun. You’ll get a sense of the town’s character, its history, and its geology, all conveyed in an engaging manner.

Many reviews mention that guides do a good job balancing facts with humor—some even throw in dad jokes that keep things light. For example, one reviewer noted, “Garett and his knowledge about Ketchikan combined with his humor” made the experience memorable. Another loved the stories about eagles and local wildlife, which some guides narrate with real enthusiasm.

Transition to Water: Splash into the Harbor

After the land tour, the vehicle splashes into the harbor, giving you a different perspective of Ketchikan’s scenic waterfront. The amphibian vehicle, known as the “Duck,” glides smoothly into the water, providing panoramic views of the harbor, mountains, and the town’s iconic totem poles. You’re seated during the entire tour, so it’s a relaxed, comfortable ride.

The water portion is where you might get lucky and see eagles in action or harbor seals basking on rocks — as some reviews have highlighted, eagle sightings can be spectacular. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so keep your expectations realistic.

The Highlights

• The history and geology of Ketchikan, shared through lively commentary
• The scenic drive around the town, with plenty of photo opportunities
• The harbor cruise, offering views of totem poles and wildlife
• The chance to spot eagles, seals, and other marine life

Is the Price Justified?

At $75 per person, this tour offers a solid value for a relaxed, scenic, and informative experience. The combination of land and water exploration in a small group (up to 49 travelers) ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed or rushed. Plus, the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge tend to be a highlight, according to reviews.

Some reviewers mention that visibility can be better if you sit on the left side of the vehicle, especially when entering or exiting, but with clear lexan sides and porthole windows, the overall sightlines are generally good. The tour’s duration—about 90 minutes—also makes it a manageable activity for most travelers, fitting comfortably into a day of port exploration.

Additional Costs

Note that there’s a transit fee of $12 per person from Ward Cove to Downtown Ketchikan, which is an important consideration if you’re staying farther out. The tour itself does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan accordingly.

The Experience in Practice

We’ve seen plenty of enthusiastic reviews praising the guides’ storytelling, humor, and ability to spot wildlife. For example, one reviewer said, “Nichole was a great tour guide—fun and memorable, answered questions, and entertained both kids and seniors.” Others appreciated the ease of finding the meeting point and the friendly atmosphere.

However, not everyone loved it. A few felt that the tour was somewhat rehearsed or that there wasn’t enough wildlife to justify the cost. One reviewer remarked, “It was pretty rehearsed and boring,” and that the scenery wasn’t as spectacular as hoped. Still, these opinions are in the minority compared to the high ratings overall.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start.
• Choose your seats wisely—sitting on the left side may improve your view during boarding.
• Dress for the weather, even if the water is calm; layers are a good idea.
• Expect to navigate a 9-step ladder to board, which might be tricky for some.
• Bring your camera — views of the harbor, totem poles, and eagles are worth capturing.
• Be prepared for some humor—guides will often include jokes and stories to keep the mood light.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

This tour is non-refundable, so check the weather forecast ahead of time. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Since the tour stays in calm waters, seasickness isn’t usually an issue, but if you’re sensitive, it’s good to be aware.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Duck Tour is especially suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing with a bit of fun. It’s ideal if you want to learn about Ketchikan’s history and culture without strenuous activity or long hours. Wildlife watchers will enjoy the chance to see eagles, seals, and other creatures, but should temper expectations since sightings can vary.

It’s also a good pick for cruise passengers, thanks to its convenient meeting point and manageable duration. However, if you’re seeking more adventurous or wildlife-heavy tours, you might want to explore options like whale watching or wildlife safaris.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll meet directly at the cruise pier or specified meeting point.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 90 minutes, including both land and water segments.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the relaxed pace and engaging guides make it suitable for most ages. Kids often enjoy the stories and wildlife sightings.

What about wildlife sightings?
Wildlife such as eagles and seals are commonly seen, but sightings are not guaranteed. The guides often share stories of past sightings, so you’ll learn plenty even if you don’t spot animals.

Is there any extra cost?
Yes, there’s a $12 per person transportation fee from Ward Cove to downtown Ketchikan, not included in the tour price.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing if rain is forecast. The water portion of the tour is in calm harbor waters, so seasickness is less of a concern.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, tours canceled due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
Participants need to navigate a 9-step ladder to board, so it might not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts

The Ketchikan Duck Tour offers a fun, informative way to see the town from both land and water. You’ll enjoy engaging guides, scenic views, and the chance to spot local wildlife. It’s a tour that provides good value, especially if you’re after a relaxed but rundown of Ketchikan’s highlights.

While it might not satisfy wildlife aficionados seeking guaranteed sightings or adventure junkies craving adrenaline, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a friendly, family-oriented experience that captures the essence of Alaska’s First City. Just keep an eye on the weather, choose your seats wisely, and get ready for a memorable ride.

Whether you’re eager to learn about the town’s history, enjoy some humor, or simply relax while soaking in beautiful scenery, this tour can be a delightful part of your Ketchikan visit.