
Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,081 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. worth booking?
Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. is a 3-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $134 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,081 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,081)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $134 per person
The Ketchikan Photo Safari is a fun, small group 3 hour shore excursion designed for short time travelers who want great photos, engaging history, and a deeper understanding of Alaska. Traveling with a professional photography guide in a group of just 2–9 guests, you’ll explore Ketchikan’s most scenic and culturally significant locations, including a visit to Potlatch Park. Here, you’ll learn about Southeast Alaska Native culture, traditional totem poles, carving, symbolism, and the stories that connect the land and its people. While photography is a key part of the experience, you don’t need to be photography focused to enjoy this tour. It’s also perfect for guests who are new to Alaska and want to hear great stories, learn local history, and better understand what they’re seeing. Along the way, your guide shares easy photography tips you can use with any camera or smartphone—tips many guests say improve their photos for the rest of their cruise.
What you get
About this experience
The Ketchikan Photo Safari is a fun, small group 3 hour shore excursion designed for short time travelers who want great photos, engaging history, and a deeper understanding of Alaska. Traveling with a professional photography guide in a group of just 2–9 guests, you’ll explore Ketchikan’s most scenic and culturally significant locations, including a visit to Potlatch Park. Here, you’ll learn about Southeast Alaska Native culture, traditional totem poles, carving, symbolism, and the stories that connect the land and its people. While photography is a key part of the experience, you don’t need to be photography focused to enjoy this tour. It’s also perfect for guests who are new to Alaska and want to hear great stories, learn local history, and better understand what they’re seeing. Along the way, your guide shares easy photography tips you can use with any camera or smartphone—tips many guests say improve their photos for the rest of their cruise.
What's included
Included
- This is a great historic and cultural tour with or without a camera:)
What you'll see and do
Ketchikan
If you land in Ketchikan on berths 1, 2, 3, or 4 we meet at berth 2 next to the statue called "The Rock". If you land in Ward Cove we will pick you up unless otherwise notified.
15 minutes here
Creek Street
The Historic Red Light District where men and salmon go to spawn, now home to a variety of shops & attractions and abundant photo opportunities. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site.
35 minutes here
Harris Street Bridge
At the Harris Street Bridge, we have an opportunity to talk about the use of backgrounds and foregrounds. During salmon spawning season we will have an up close look at nature in action.
20 minutes here
Totem Heritage Center
This site has totems, native carvings, informative kiosks, ancient poles and the opportunity to hear the legend of Fog Woman. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site.
20 minutes here
Thomas Basin
We will make our way down East Street to over look Thomas Basin and explore some of the last wooden dock structures in Ketchikan, Alaska. If the weather is right we have an opportunity for a large landscape or what ever strikes our imagination. We will talk about commercial fishing and the history of the town, while collecting some of our favorite photos.
20 minutes here
Potlatch Totem Park
This site offers a variety of attractions including a totem carving building, a traditional Native Clan House, dugout canoe, a gift shop, antique cars and a Russian Museum. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site. Enjoy your fresh roasted coffee and gourmet cookie at this site.
40 minutes here
Ketchikan
One last stop for another large landscape overlooking Danger Island and the airplane float. Here we will begin the conclusion of our tour and we thank you for coming on the Ketchikan Photo Safari.
15 minutes here
Ketchikan
We are excited to share all of these locations, but sometimes the itinerary is subject to change due to weather, lighting and general interests of the crowd.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ketchikan Photo Safari
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Stipulate your desired TOUR DEPARTURE TIME and email for confirmation: ktnservices@outlook.com
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,079 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
1,079 verified traveler reviews for Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ketchikan photo tour
What a wonderful time we had on this adventure. Our tour guide Saint was amazing. He was a wealth of knowledge! Even if we didn’t book it for the photography it would have been an incredible excursion. The waterfall, rainforest hike, & beach was amazing. He gave us great tips just using our iPhone cameras. He provided tons of interesting info on flora, fauna, totems, and more. We would highly recommend and don’t forget to ask for Saint!
via Viator
So glad we booked this experience!
Great experience! Brock was awesome and taught me techniques with my iPhone that will enhance how I take photos from now on! He's very knowledgeable about local lore and the cookies and coffee were perfect on a rainy day! Highly recommend if you're in the Ketchikan area!
via Tripadvisor
Fun, enjoyable day!
First of all our tour guide Brock was amazing! Great personality, very knowledgeable and lots of fun. This tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts as well as anyone wanting to experience Ketchikan. My wife is the photographer and I just tagged along for fun. We both enjoyed this tour immensely. Well worth the time and money and definitely recommend it for anyone. We’ve taken lots of tours and this is one of the best!
via Tripadvisor
The best half day with Saint! Such a great tour with beautiful views and expert photography tips and tricks!
We took the 3 hour photography tour and had the privilege of getting Saint as our tour guide. He was not only very knowledgeable about the area but was extremely friendly and courteous. He was able to provide his knowledge of photography to those of us with actual cameras as well as those using phones. We highly recommend seeking out Saint and this tour!!
via Tripadvisor
Book this tour!!!
Book this tour!! Our guide, K, picked us up in port, just steps off the ship. The others booked on our tour did not show up, so we ended up with a private tour of Ketchikan. K knew exactly where to go and got us into the totem park before any tour buses. His photography lessons were spot on, we learned a lot from him, and had the best photo ops with no one else in the park. He also shared knowledge of the Ketchikan area, the native people, and their history and customs. We made multiple stops across the Ketchikan area where he shared more photography tips and stories. We saw Thomas Harbor, Creek Street, salmon spawning areas and even made a stop where K had hot, local coffee and warm cookies for us to enjoy! Quite a treat! The best part was K knew quieter spots in all of these places to get us the best views and angles to photograph from, that were uncrowded, truly living up to the name Off the Beaten Path! We had the best day with K and experienced Alaska in such a unique way. Highly recommend this tour to anyone!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 378
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ketchikan Photo Safari, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Ketchikan Photo Safari runsWhy this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.
How much does Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. cost?
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Prices start at $134 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ketchikan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ketchikan is not rushed.
Is Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,081 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.?
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Around 378 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ketchikan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ketchikan and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ketchikan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ketchikan?
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Ketchikan runs short, cruise-timed excursions: Misty Fjords floatplane flights, Tongass rainforest zip lines, totem park tours, crab feasts and wildlife boats up the Behm Canal. On Outty we rank every Ketchikan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour, 3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk, Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
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May to September, matching the Alaska cruise season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ketchikan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.?
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Included: This is a great historic and cultural tour with or without a camera:). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Ketchikan. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr. if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.?
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Across 1,081 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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