Ketchikan Alaska: The Top 3 Ketchikan Shore Excursions

Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the most popular stops on the Inside Passage cruise route. If your cruise will be stopping in this picturesque fishing village, you'll find you have a huge variety of shore excursions to choose from -- everything from the inexpensive to the exotic.

Ketchikan is located on an island in the Inside Passage of southern Alaska, and the town is surrounded by amazing natural beauty, from incredible fjords to soaring mountains, so there is much to see and do when your ship is in port.

With all the choices available, which Ketchikan excursion should you pick? After all, you'll probably only visit this region once, so you want to select the very best trip. This list of the top three Ketchikan shore excursions can help you select the perfect trip for you, one that will you will never forget.

1. Misty Fjords Float Plane Trip

Misty Fjords National Monument is simply one of the most spectacular areas in all of Alaska. Known as the "Yosemite of the North", Misty Fjords is a series of glacier-carved fjords with cliffs rising up some 3000 feet from the water below. It is a place few cruise ships visit, and it's one of my favorite spots in all of Alaska. So if you have the budget, consider taking this excursion from Ketchikan. It's one you'll remember for a long time to come.

2.Orca Beach Rainforest Excursion

Take a cruise in a large, motor-driven inflatable boat along the beautiful Southern Alaskan coastline. You will take in the lush temperate rainforest and incredible wildlife of this region, including everything from orcas to bald eagles. Then, when you arrive at Orcas Beach, you will head off on a hike through the rainforest, which is simply beautiful. This trip is one of the best ways to experience the coast, forest, and wildlife of Southern Alaska up close.

3. Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursion

Ketchikan is famous for its salmon fishing, and this excursion allows you to fit in an actual salmon fishing trip during your cruise. Any salmon you catch can be shipped home for you. The sea life in this region is some of the most diverse and abundant anywhere, and there is a good chance you will see whales, Orcas, and even bald eagles on this trip. It's a great way to enjoy coastal Alaska up-close while also having an absolutely amazing fishing experience.