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Ketchikan & Juneau Explorer

2 tours

Description

Explore the best of Southeast Alaska's two most iconic ports with the Ketchikan & Juneau Explorer package. Perfect for shorter Inside Passage cruises, this 2-port adventure pairs hands-on Ketchikan excursions with Juneau's glaciers, wildlife, and waterways. Whether you're kayaking past icebergs, watching humpback whales, or hauling up king crab pots, every tour is handpicked for guests who want to get out and explore.

Tour 1 of 2 (Ketchikan)

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

4.87 (863)

3 ½ Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Wildlife Opportunities

Eagles, seals, and whales are seen often!

Limited-Mobility Tour

Can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters!

Board A Fishing Vessel

From Discovery’s ‘Deadliest Catch’

Description

Discover why the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour is Ketchikan's top-rated attraction. Step aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed fishing vessel from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Inside Passage. Your journey includes breathtaking scenery and encounters with Alaska's wildlife like eagles, seals, sea lions, and whales. Experience the thrill of the catch firsthand as local guides haul in crab pots filled with rockfish, octopus, prawns, halibut, and majestic Alaskan king crab.

Unlike typical shore excursions, this tour offers more than just sightseeing. Engage with seasoned fishermen who share captivating stories and deep-sea insights. Hear real-life tales of the industry's challenges and triumphs, all while cruising in the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Ample seating allows you to relax and enjoy the views or get up close to the action at the holding tanks. This unique experience is exclusive to Ketchikan, making early booking essential due to its popularity.

Important note: Guests arriving via Norwegian Cruise Lines at Ward Cove should plan for additional time between their cruise schedule and the tour departure. Allow at least one hour of buffer time to ensure a stress-free experience.

What's Included

Friendly guides and experienced fishermen

Restrooms onboard

Guide gratuity

Food & drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see and do on the tour?

When you step aboard the Aleutian Ballad, you will have an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. We are the only boat of its kind, a true Bering Sea crab fishing vessel featured on the Discovery Channel, taking passengers along to experience and share in the wildlife, the stories and the beauty that is "The Last Frontier". During a typical tour on the (fishing vessel) Aleutian Ballad, we will encounter life above and below the sea. Common sightings include: whales, bald eagles, porpoise, octopus, king crab, shrimp, many different fish and a huge list of unexpected sightings. The experience you have is really up to you. If you would prefer to stay top-side, photographing the wilderness landscapes and relaxing as you listen to the fishermen's tales - that is up to you! Perhaps you'd prefer to stay by the live tank, touching all the sea creatures we pull up from the depths and learning about the different species of fish, octopus and crab - do it! Want to do some shopping? Visit our on board gift shop, and take home some memories of this special day. This tour is what you make of it and it is all at your fingertips...

Will I get sea sick?

Ketchikan is located within Alaska's Inside Passage. The water here is normally very calm. Even when the winds pick up during the winter months and the weather gets bad, the islands create a break for us and we hardly see a wave.The F/V Aleutian Ballad is over 100 feet long and made of solid steel. The boat was specifically created to handle the roughest seas in the world. Also, as the seating area is outside (covered and heated, of course), there is always a lovely cool breeze that refreshes the senses. If you are extremely sensitive to motion, you may want to take typical motion sickness medicine before coming. However it’s highly unlikely that you will need it.

Is transportation provided?

The Aleutian Ballad is actually docked at Berth 3 in Ketchikan and within walking distance of downtown and the cruise ships. A representative from The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour will be waiting for you at the bottom of your gangway (steps off of the boat) 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time. Look for the bright yellow jacket and the sign that reads, “Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour.” You'll receive an email confirmation with full meeting instructions upon booking. **Please note:** If you are cruising on Norwegian Cruise Lines, you will be docking at Ward Cove and will subsequently need more time between your cruise’s scheduled arrival & departure times and this tour. Please ensure you have at least 1 hour of buffer time to comfortably make this tour.

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.

Will we get to see wildlife on tour?

While not guaranteed, there is always a chance to see wildlife along Alaska's shores. Some tours have seen bears, eagles, and other wildlife. Your guides will do their best to keep an eye out for wildlife and make every effort to share when they are in view.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 5 years old

This tour is wheelchair accessible. Please get in contact with an agent prior to your tour if you are planning on needing wheelchair accommodations.

Cancel up to 7-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 7-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Ketchikan

Itinerary • 3h 00min • 5 activities

After meeting your guides at your cruise ship, head on over to the Aleutian Ballad, a ship right out of Deadliest Catch, to meet your crew, go over safety information, and learn about the tour.

Duration

30 minutes

As you head out into Inside Passage waters surrounding Ketchikan, prepare to be amazed by the stories of seasoned fishermen, learning all about the industry from these talented storytellers.

Duration

30 minutes

Prepare to be amazed, as the fishing vessel sails to a nearby island, frequented by eagles, for a viewing experience you won't ever forget.

Duration

30 minutes

Reaching the crabbing pots, you will have the opportunity to see with your own eyes as your guides pull up the pots, and show you the amazing creatures they find inside. You may even have the chance to hold one for yourself!

Duration

1 hour

As you return to port, enjoy final stories from the crew, take pictures with your guides, or hop inside to learn more about the Aleutian Ballad. Reaching port, your guides will escort you back to your dock, or you can explore nearby downtown if you are docked close by.

Duration

30 minutes

Customer Reviews 863

Total score

4.87

807

Tour 2 of 2 (Juneau)

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

4.78 (1437)

6 Hours Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Guaranteed Whales

Guaranteed on tours May 15 - September 15. Bald eagles and sea lions also common.

Family Friendly

Suitable for all ages and abilities

Two Tours in One

Juneau’s signature attractions together

Description

There are two things you definitely need to experience while you’re in Juneau: whale watching & Mendenhall Glacier. This Juneau whale watch and glacier tour is an unbelievable way to do both in a single excursion (helping keep your Alaska shore excursions cheap)! Whale watching in Juneau Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and this tour offers guaranteed sightings of these giants of the deep. You’ll have two hours aboard a customized whale-watching vessel to view massive humpback whales breaching the surface, as well as sea lions, seals, orcas, porpoises, eagles, and innumerable other sea birds. The specially designed boats on this Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour offer uninterrupted viewing from an outdoor deck or indoor heated cabin. Then, after your amazing experience whale watching in Juneau Alaska, it’s time to head to majestic Mendenhall, the world’s only drive-up glacier. Here, you’ll be entranced by the beauty of the crystal-blue glacier and by your untamed wilderness surroundings. Plus you can explore some of the nature trails in the area at your own pace and pay a visit to the visitor center, where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating information.

Your double Juneau whale watch and glacier adventure begins with convenient pick-up near the cruise docks for a short drive to Auke Bay, with your guide providing an entertaining narrative as you drive through downtown Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Once you reach the water, it’s anchors aweigh as you head out into the Inside Passage (and prime whale watching waters!). When your captain spots a whale, the motors will be shut down and the boat allowed to drift. The whale watching boats are not allowed to directly approach the whales, but with the motors off these gentle giants often come closer of their own accord! After two hours of stunning wildlife viewing, your Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier tour continues with your return to harbor where you’ll step aboard a bus for the short drive to Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor’s Center, you’ll have about ver an hour for a *self-guided* exploration of this beautiful area, which includes educational information about the Juneau Icefield, binoculars to get a better view of the glacier, and a gift shop. You'll have time to walk the trail to popular Nugget Falls for even more incredible and close-up views of the face of the Mendenhall Glacier! After you’ve had your fill of exploring this natural wonder, you’ll hop aboard the bust to hitch a ride back to the cruise docks. This Juneau whale watch and glacier experience is a great value, one that helps you combine Alaska shore excursions cheap, and is a family-friendly tour everyone will enjoy! If you’re looking to go whale watching in Juneau Alaska, this budget-friendly option is the way to go!

Please note: This tour may run in reverse.

* Please note that the Visitor Center building will be closed on Saturdays during the 2025 season. The park area, trails, and restrooms will all remain open, still providing exceptional views of Mendenhall Glacier.

For a shorter and simpler adventure, check out our Whale Watching Tour.

What's Included

Roundtrip Transportation

Knowledgeable Guides

Light Snack

Guide Gratuity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on this tour?

There are two different boats used for this tour. The enclosed jet boats seat up to 28 people, and the larger catamarans can accommodate up to 49 people (if the tour is at full capacity). There is no way to request or know in advance which boat will be used for your departure.

What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?

Is there a restroom on board the boat?

Yes, there is a small restroom on board the boat and also an opportunity before leaving at Auke Bay Harbor. We certainly recommend using the facilities at Auke Bay before leaving, as the onboard restrooms are quite small.

What should we wear and bring?

This tour operates rain or shine, and rain is common as we lie in a temperate rainforest! For comfort, we typically recommend long pants, closed-toed shoes and a waterproof jacket. Some guests choose to bring a small bag or backpack along to store extra layers, a bottle of water and cameras.

How can you guarantee that we will see whales?

The captain and crew are out there everyday, and understanding the whales' patterns and behavior is their job! Whales are creatures of habit like us and prefer certain feeding locations. Whale sighting guarantee valid on tours from May 15 to September 15.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour

No minimum age to participate on this tour

Walkers or folding wheelchairs are allowed. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the ramp down to the boat will be steep and may be difficult to navigate at low tide.

Either a 24-passenger jetboat for a 49-passenger catamaran. Guests cannot make requests for vessel type.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center portion is a self-guided tour and guests WILL NOT get on/near the glacier

Guests docking at AJ Dock will need to select a departure at least 60 minutes after arrival.

Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Juneau

Itinerary • 6h 00min • 6 activities

Guides will meet you at the downtown cruise ship dock and direct you to your bus.

Duration

20 minutes

Duration

30 minutes

Once aboard your vessel, you'll enjoy 2 hours of whale watching with your captain and crew as they navigate the waters of Auke Bay.

Duration

2 hours

Hop back on your shuttle to get to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center.

Duration

30 minutes

Enjoy a self-guided tour of the visitors center to learn more about the glaciers that shaped the landscape and enjoy the many trails.

Duration

1 hour 15 minutes

Proceed to the return bus stop to load the shuttle back to the cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau.

Duration

50 minutes

Customer Reviews 1437

Total score

4.78

1218

155