Alaska cruises are a different experience than almost anywhere else in the world. Depending on your exact itinerary, your ship may pass close enough to see wildlife and explore the coastline, but probably not. While there are many excursion options, few offer the perfect blend of authenticity, affordability, and opportunity to explore something new. That's exactly what we found though, with Lighthouse Excursions and their Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles excursion from Ward Cove in Ketchikan.
We booked this tour directly through Norwegian Cruise Line using our Free At Sea shore excursion credit for $169 per adult and so while this is far from a cheap option ... it provided a great opportunity for us to see parts of the state we hadn't been able to otherwise.
Top Things To Do From Ward Cove
Beautiful Nature Walk On Ketchikan's Ward Creek Trail
Experience more than just a walk- Ward Creek Trail Nature Hike offers a unique blend of adventure and connection. With SE Alaska vibes, engaging conversations, and mindful moments, our guided hike immerses you in the beauty and history of Ward Creek. Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience, while our thoughtfully curated route leads you to the most scenic spots, perfect for reflection or stunning photos. Whether you are seeking peaceful nature or meaningful exploration, this hike promises unforgettable memories.
Ward Cove E-Bike & Totem Adventure
Explore the stunning landscapes of Tongass National Forest on a 2.5-hour guided E-bike tour. This eco-focused adventure allows you to ride at your own pace, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while discovering local totem poles and hidden gems. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community through regular group rides, events, and workshops. - 2.5-hour guided E-bike tour through Tongass National Forest - Discover local totem pole parks and diverse cultures - Custom tour options available to fit your schedule - Join group rides and community events for a shared experience
Waterfront Shuttle Ward Cove to Downtown Ketchikan
Skip the ordinary bus shuttle line and embrace the extraordinary as you cruise, sip, snack, and explore in style! Enjoy locally ground coffee, delicious sweet and savory snacks and beautiful surroundings to start your day of adventure in Ketchikan on our exclusive water shuttle to downtown Ketchikan. Express Boarding: Skip the hassle of waiting in long bus shuttle lines and enjoy express boarding onto our Waterfront Shuttle. Eliminate the usual wait times associated with traditional transportation methods and make the most of your port day in town. Immerse yourself in the local community as soon as you step onboard. Take in the breathtaking views of Ketchikan’s picturesque waterfront and scenic landscapes. The onboard crew will be available for any questions or suggestions of what not to miss in town!
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What Heather and I loved about this tour was that there was plenty of space on the tour boat and it was locally owned and operated by a husband and wife team and so there were stories and local color that is sometimes missing when working with corporate tour companies. Additionally, this excursion gave us a nice sampler of beautiful scenery, a chance to see some eagles, a view of Totem Bight Historical Park from the water, and then up to Guard Island Lighthouse before turning around to head back to the ship.
The tour departs from Ward Cove and the dock is a short walk from the excursion center location though they also provide a shuttle bus for folks with mobility issues. While you will be on the boat the entire time, because of the walk and sometimes steep gangway (depending on tides), we encourage you to make sure to wear sturdy shoes that are comfortable for walking and avoid wearing flipflops or heels.
Once at the boat, you have the opportunity to select a seat on the open-air top (our recommendation) or inside the climate-controlled first level that is glassed in and may be better in colder weather.
Then the tour begins and while searching for your first bald eagles to spot, a member of the crew came around with hot chocolate and coffee to kep us warm. While there's obviously no guarantee whenever it comes to wild animal sitings, the captain was fantastic and locating spots along our route where there were nests and where they frequently find eagles. It can be a bit tough to see them from a distance so you should plan to bring binoculars or a spotting scope. They did provide them for us to use but I feel more comfortable using my own, rather than sharing.
Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles Excursion (Ward Cove)
Lighthouse Excursions is a locally owned & operated Ketchikan tour company based out of Ward Cove. We pride yourselves on providing guests with an experience of Southeast Alaska through local eyes. Your Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion is a grab-bag of some of Ketchikan's top attractions, with a little something for everyone. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast, a history and culture buff, or love seeing wildlife in their natural environment, this tour is for you! We're passionate about where we live, and we love showing it off to guests from all over the world.
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We had a fantastic time on board the Endeavor tour boat with the folks from Light House Excursions, and we heartily recommend them if you are visiting this port.