Speed through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on a 2-hour private boat tour with Reel Alaska Fishing Charter. Spot Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Sea Lions direct from your cruise ship in Ketchikan.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Approximately 2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated with some standing on the boat
Wildlife
History
Ketchikan was established as a salmon canning hub in the early 20th century, deeply linked to Southeast Alaska’s maritime traditions.
Conservation
Operators like Reel Alaska Fishing Charter follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine mammals and support local conservation efforts.
Reel Alaska Fishing Charter
Speed through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage on a 2-hour private boat tour with Reel Alaska Fishing Charter. Spot Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Sea Lions direct from your cruise ship in Ketchikan.
Reel Alaska Fishing Charter operates from Ketchikan, Alaska, providing guided fishing charters and wildlife excursions throughout Southeast Alaska.
The company offers a range of trips including Full Day Combo Fishing Tours, Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursions (maximum six clients per vessel), Half Day Bottom Fishing & Nature Tours, Ketchikan Crabbing, Whales & Wildlife Excursions, Ketchikan Whales & Wildlife Excursions, Backwater Bears & Whale watching Excursions, and Private Whale Watching & Misty Fjords National Park Tours.
Excursions range from two-hour wildlife searches departing directly from cruise ships to extended backwater journeys of 50–100 miles into the Tongass National Forest and 4.5-hour private passages into Misty Fjords National Monument. Target species listed in trip descriptions include halibut, all five species of salmon, lingcod, and Dungeness and rock crabs. Several tours combine fishing with whale and wildlife viewing; wildlife highlights named in trip copy include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and coastal bears, and scenic features such as New Eddystone volcano.
Trip information indicates options to ship fresh catch home after crabbing or fishing trips and notes private charter options for customized itineraries. The Private Whale Watching & Misty Fjords National Park Tour description references high-speed boating through wilderness channels. Several excursions explicitly depart directly from cruise ships, offering shore-friendly options for cruise passengers visiting Ketchikan.
Itineraries focus on angling for halibut, salmon, and lingcod, combined with guided wildlife observation across Southeast Alaska locations including the Inside Passage, Misty Fjords, Neets Bay, and Traitors Cove.
Location
Ketchikan, Alaska
Operating in Southeast Alaska waters
Max Group Size
6 (salmon trip)
Maximum six clients on salmon trips
Trips Offered
7 Trips
Fishing, crabbing, whale & private tours
Cruise-Friendly
Cruise Ship Departures
Some tours depart directly from cruise ships
Reserve a full-day, half-day, crabbing, or private Misty Fjords excursion from Ketchikan — limited space on select departures, especially cruise-ship shore excursions.
Dress in layers and waterproof gear
Alaskan weather is unpredictable; be prepared for rain and wind even in summer.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens
Wildlife can appear at a distance—quality zoom helps capture clear shots without disturbance.
Arrive early for your cruise ship pickup
Meeting locations near cruise berths can be busy; allow time to locate your guide and board promptly.
Use motion sickness remedies if prone
The boat moves fast and can hit some chop—consider medication or wristbands if you get seasick.
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Protects against rain and chilly sea breezes throughout the year.
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Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing from a distance.
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Sturdy, non-slip footwear
Ensures safe movement on a wet boat deck.
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Sunscreen and sunglasses
Alaskan sunlight reflects off water and snow, increasing UV exposure.
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