Whale Watching in Ketchikan

[Kennywood]

In light of the collision of 2 float planes in Ketchikan, we are rethinking our float plane excursion for next Saturday. My wife is very interested in seeing whales, so I wonder if anyone knew of a DCL booked excursion that offers whale watching.

 

[AgentMama]

Of all of the ports, I'm not sure Ketchikan is the best port to whale watch in. I think Juneau or Icy Straight Point are better.

Have you considered snorkeling?

 

[Kennywood]

My wife can't swim and is really interested in seeing whales. Since our float plane excursion in Ketchikan was cancelled, I was hoping to replace it with some type of whale watching excursion.

Thank you, though!

 

[AgentMama]

I think you'll have to find a private tour. I'm pretty sure DCL doesn't offer whale watching in Ketchikan, I think the port is too far inland to really see whales. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[jtntx34]

I don’t know if there are whale watching excursions in Ketchikan, but I do know there are whales. Last year, when we were in our fishing excursion, a call came on the radio that a pair of “black and whites” were spotted. These, of course, were Orca. The Orca come to eat the fish, so the fishermen weren’t too happy to see them. Also, our fishing guide also offered to take us whale watching if we’d like and said there were humpbacks near, but we had just been a few days earlier and seen: humpback, orca, fin whales, and I want to say one other kind, but I honestly don’t remember now.

I’d say Juneau and Icy Strait have the reputation for being better whale watching ports, but I know Ketchikan does have whales though it might be more dependent on time of year and migration patterns—don’t know.

 

[Geomom]

I agree that Ketchikan isn't a likely whale watching spot--Juneau is always the port mentioned for whale watching excursions. We did see whales (spout and tail) from the Wonder on our last day at sea, so it's possible to see whales from the ship...but not guaranteed.

Ketchikan does have various Totem pole excursions, if you're interested in doing some type of native cultural excursion. They also have the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show which is close to port. We did the Saxman Native Village and Lumberjack Show through a DCL excursion in 2016 and enjoyed it.

 

[Kennywood]

We've decided to not do any excursions in Ketchikan. Instead, we'll sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, explore the port a little, and enjoy the amenities on the ship.

 

[SamFaniam]

Of the places Disney visits in Alaska, I think Ketchikan is the nicest to take a stroll. I especially recommend the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

 

[dclpluto]

You might see whales on the ship. I was on dcl very first Alaska cruise may 2011. Waiting in line for the doors to open for wdw theatre. A cast member yelled there is whales port side. Of course it was a rush to see it. At the end of the cruise it’s like there is whales. Your like ok I guess I will go see them. I’m sure it’s a lot better on a little boat thou.