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Join Reel Alaska Fishing Charter on a wildlife-packed cruise through Tongass National Forest—spot whales, bears, and stunning scenery in southeastern Alaska. Read on for the full adventure!
Join Reel Alaska Fishing Charter on a wildlife-packed cruise through Tongass National Forest—spot whales, bears, and stunning scenery in southeastern Alaska. Read on for the full adventure!
Book with Reel Alaska Fishing Charter
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Reel Alaska Fishing Charter · Ketchikan, Alaska
easy.
4-6 hours.
All fitness levels welcome; some sitting and standing required
Yes, the waters around Tongass National Forest are prime whale habitat, and sightings are common during the season.
The tour requires minimal physical effort—just sitting, standing, and a willingness to observe wildlife.
Typically, tours offer light snacks and drinks, but catering varies by operator—check with Reel Alaska prior to booking.
Summer months, from June through September, offer the best opportunities for whale and bear sightings.
Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages, but children should be supervised at all times.
Bringing binoculars, layered clothing, and a camera can greatly enhance your experience.
The Tongass National Forest, established in 1960, is the largest national forest in the U.S., with a rich history of indigenous habitation and resource-based industries.
Reel Alaska prioritizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife while educating visitors about local conservation efforts.
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.
Book with Reel Alaska Fishing Charter