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!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4-6 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels welcome; some sitting and standing required
Wildlife
History
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.
Conservation
Reel Alaska prioritizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife while educating visitors about local conservation efforts.
Reel Alaska Fishing Charter
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!
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
Weather can change quickly on the water; bring layered clothing to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars
Magnify distant sightings and maximize your wildlife viewing experience.
Use sun protection
Apply sunscreen and wear hats to shield yourself from the sun during long hours outdoors.
Stay alert
Wildlife sightings are unpredictable; keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready.
Binoculars
Enhance your ability to see whales, bears, and birds clearly from the boat.
Layered clothing
Prepare for changing weather with waterproof and insulating layers.
Camera with zoom lens
Capture stunning wildlife moments from a safe distance.
Sunscreen and hat
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the trip.