Ketchikan: Wilderness Boat Cruise and Crab Feast Lunch

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and considering a tour that combines scenic views with a good dose of local flavor, this cruise and crab feast might catch your eye. It’s a compact, four-hour adventure that promises to take you into the heart of Southeast Alaska’s wilderness. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it seems like a well-rounded experience—especially for those who love wildlife, fresh seafood, and a taste of local life.

We really appreciate the way this tour offers a glimpse into the pioneering spirit of Alaskan coastal communities and combines that with the chance to pull up a crab pot yourself. The highlight for many appears to be the crab feast at the remote lodge, which looks like a true feast of fresh Dungeness crab. However, a possible consideration is that the lunch at the lodge can feel a bit rushed according to a review, so if you’re someone who loves lingering over a meal, that’s worth noting.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a combination of scenery, hands-on activities, and a hearty seafood meal, rather than a purely relaxed or luxury experience. It’s a small-group tour, making it more intimate and personalized—ideal if you’re after genuine interactions and a bit of that Alaskan authenticity.

Key Points

• Authentic Alaskan experience: Combines wildlife viewing, local stories, and a crab pulling activity.
• Beautiful scenery: Cruise through Tongass National Forest and Gorge Inlet.
• Fresh seafood: Enjoy a plentiful Dungeness crab feast at a remote lodge.
• Small group size: Limited to six participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Well-rated guides: Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable, friendly staff.
• Consider timing: Lunch can be rushed, so plan accordingly if you prefer a leisurely meal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins near the “The Rock” statue beside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on Berth 2. From there, a comfortable, air-conditioned van will take you to the cruise departure point. This setup helps keep things straightforward, especially after a morning of exploring. The small group size—limited to six people—means you’ll get more personalized attention and a chance to chat with your guides about local life, wildlife, or the history of the area.

The Wilderness Cruise

Once aboard the boat, you’ll venture through the Tongass National Forest and George Inlet—some of the most stunning waterways in Alaska. The scenery is what you’d expect: towering trees, glacier-carved basins, and sweeping views that make for fantastic photos. The crew is described as sharing stories and history, which adds context and makes the trip more engaging.

A highlight for many is the opportunity to see points of interest like a former cannery—a glimpse into the area’s industrial past—and the chance to spot wildlife, like eagles, which is often mentioned in reviews. One reviewer noted “fantastic viewing of the eagles,” with close-up shots captured during the trip, adding a memorable visual element.

Pulling Crab Pots

A unique feature of this tour is helping pull up crab pots—a hands-on activity that lets you experience what locals do for a living. This aspect is especially appreciated by those who want a more interactive experience. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with one traveler mentioning that “everyone was exceptional at their job.” It provides a feel for everyday life on the water, and you leave with a better understanding of how crabs are caught and enjoyed locally.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge

After the cruise, your journey takes you to the remote George Inlet Lodge, nestled in a rustic setting that’s both cozy and picturesque. Here, the main event is a Dungeness crab feast—a true highlight for seafood lovers. The crab is described as juicy and fresh, with one reviewer noting that plates are continually refilled, so you’ll likely leave feeling full and satisfied.

Your hosts will demonstrate how to crack the crab, making it accessible even for those who aren’t familiar with this seafood. Alongside the crab, a Romaine salad with homemade dressing makes for a simple but tasty accompaniment. For drinks, you’re offered a complimentary glass of wine or beer, which enhances the meal and adds a celebratory touch. The dessert—a blueberry-topped cheesecake—is a sweet finish to a hearty meal.

The Rushed Lunch & Other Considerations

One review mentioned that the lunch can feel rushed, with guests being shooed out the door. This suggests that if you’re someone who enjoys lingering over your meal or taking your time, you might find this aspect less ideal. The lodge has 79 steps to climb, which could be a concern for guests with mobility issues, though a shuttle is available for those who need it.

Duration and Cost

At around four hours, this tour offers a good snapshot of the area without being overly long or tiring. The price is $216 per person, which includes transportation, the cruise, the crab feast, and one drink. Considering the combination of scenic views, interactive activities, and a fresh seafood lunch, many might find this offers solid value—especially since reviews rave about the quality of the food and guides.

What the Reviews Say

The glowing reviews are worth a look:

• Michelle, a repeat customer, calls it “impossible not to recommend,” praising the “juicy, fresh” crab and the friendly staff.
• Multiple travelers mention the exceptional guides and crew, highlighting their knowledge and friendliness.
• A reviewer in June said, “You will never have better crab,” emphasizing just how fresh and plentiful the feast is.
• Another noted that the crab was continually refilled, so you won’t leave hungry.

Of course, not everyone felt the experience was perfect—one reviewer felt the lunch was rushed, which could detract if you prefer a more relaxed pace. But overall, the feedback indicates that this tour is highly regarded for its authentic, engaging, and tasty experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for those who enjoy wildlife, scenic boat rides, and hearty seafood. If you like a hands-on experience—helping pull crab pots—and want to learn a bit about local life in Alaska, this trip checks those boxes. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and are happy to be active during part of the tour.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the combination of beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and fresh crab makes it a worthwhile outing for most visitors. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely lunch, you might find the quick pace a little less ideal, but otherwise, it offers a well-rounded taste of Ketchikan’s coastal charm.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from the meeting point at “The Rock” statue near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is included, making it easy to start and end your day.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the weather, a camera for photos, and perhaps a light jacket or rain gear just in case.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the walking involved (79 steps at the lodge) and the nature of the activity, it’s best for those comfortable with basic mobility. Always check with the provider if you have young children.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, usually scheduled in the morning, giving plenty of time for other activities later in the day.

Is the crab lunch all-you-can-eat?
While the plates are continually refilled, there’s no explicit mention of unlimited crab, but the emphasis from reviews is that the crab is abundant and plentiful.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, though the lodge involves some steps, and a shuttle is available if needed.

This Ketchikan cruise and crab feast offers a delightful mix of scenery, local culture, and a delicious seafood meal—perfect for those wanting to get a genuine taste of Alaska in a small-group setting. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to experience the wilderness in a more interactive way, it’s a tour worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: