Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. worth booking?
Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. is a 3-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $650 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (4)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $650 per person
Broaden your horizons: CustomIze Tour Tour? We are an Alaskan Native (Haida) owned and operated guide service in beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, specializing in small group tours that will enhance your knowledge about the rich culture and history of the Haida & Tlingit people. You can’t experience Ketchikan without spotting some wildlife, so we have 3 stops just for possible sightings of bears, salmon, and eagles. You will also learn all about the history behind the iconic totem poles of Alaska as we explore the Totem Heritage Center and hear legendary stories that have been passed down for generations. All vans are equipped with microphones so everyone can enjoy the great narration of everything Ketchikan and Haida. We will also show you what medicinal plants and berries are edible as we travel through the Rainforest in comfy van. Traveling with us means no questions are left unanswered and that you leave Ketchikan satisfied with your cultural experience.
What you get
About this experience
Broaden your horizons: CustomIze Tour Tour? We are an Alaskan Native (Haida) owned and operated guide service in beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, specializing in small group tours that will enhance your knowledge about the rich culture and history of the Haida & Tlingit people. You can’t experience Ketchikan without spotting some wildlife, so we have 3 stops just for possible sightings of bears, salmon, and eagles. You will also learn all about the history behind the iconic totem poles of Alaska as we explore the Totem Heritage Center and hear legendary stories that have been passed down for generations. All vans are equipped with microphones so everyone can enjoy the great narration of everything Ketchikan and Haida. We will also show you what medicinal plants and berries are edible as we travel through the Rainforest in comfy van. Traveling with us means no questions are left unanswered and that you leave Ketchikan satisfied with your cultural experience.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Umbrella
What you'll see and do
Ketchikan
Ketchikan City Highlight's
15 minutes here
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totems, skillfully carved by artists in Southeast Alaska, reflect these resources with symbolic characters carved on totem poles and on the community house at Totem Bight. This guide will introduce some of the characters carved on the poles. Despite early misunderstanding by European missionaries, totem poles were not worshipped; they were silent storytellers. There was no written language. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and are not guaranteed.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Salmon Ladder
See salmon make their way up Ketchikan Creek using the famous salmon ladder!
15 minutes here
Herring Cove
This famous bear viewing area is the perfect place to spot black bears and eagles fishing for salmon. There are many mother bears that bring their cubs here as well so be on the lookout! (Bears like all wildlife are unpredictable)
45 minutes here
Rotary Beach Park
Possible Whale sightings with tidal poles at low tide. Scenic view of Nicholes Passage and the Gateway to the Gulf of Alaska.
30 minutes here
Creek Street
A short stop at Creek Street with Historical facts of days gone before statehood.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ketchikan
Departure Point: A representative will be at the Ketchikan Rain Gauge, located outside of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on BERTH 2 of the cruise ship dock, holding a sign that says "Clan House Tours."
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: A representative will be at the Ketchikan Rain Gauge, located outside of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on BERTH 2 of the cruise ship dock, holding a sign that says "Clan House Tours."
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Clan House Tours LLC
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Must be able to get in and out of a transit van with relative ease, a step stool is available
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience... Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My friends and I truly...
My friends and I truly enjoyed ourselves with this private tour. It was a great experience. We received undivided attention and our trip was catered to our preferences. We love that Our guide was local and is part of the american Indian community who was very knowledgeable with Ketchikan. We enjoyed her company so much. We would use them again when any of us go back. we would recommend this experience to anyone.
via Viator
A Wonderful Excursion
This tour was great! We located the van at the #2 dock. Echo Hawk was our guide for this excursion. She was extremely knowledgeable and taught us so much about the culture and lifestyle of the Alaska natives and Native American clans. We saw things we might not have seen on other tours.....like the Eagles sitting in the tree, the salmon running the ladder, and a bear climbing stairs to someone's home ! It was a great experience!!
via Tripadvisor
Not what we expected.
The title and description of this tour emphasize wildlife sightings, which was the primary reason we booked it. Unfortunately, we found that the tour was not actually focused on wildlife. Instead, a significant portion of our time was spent learning about Native culture and visiting Totem Pole Park. The park itself is lovely, and Dan shared interesting stories about the totem poles and local history. However, this experience did not match the wildlife-focused excursion that was advertised. We were also disappointed that we visited Totem Pole Park during the morning, when bears are often most active along the river. By the time we reached the salmon area later, we had missed what is generally considered the best viewing opportunity. Additionally, the van we were picked up in was noticeably dirty, which made for a poor first impression. Overall, we felt the tour was overpriced for what was included. We could have easily walked to the salmon ladder ourselves and had a similar wildlife-viewing opportunity without the expense. While the cultural information was enjoyable, the tour description should more accurately reflect that it is primarily a cultural tour rather than one focused on wildlife.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Wildlife is a major part of this experience, but because these are wild animals, we can never guarantee bear sightings. On your tour, you were able to see bald eagles and seals at Herring Cove, which are also some of the area’s most iconic wildlife. Our tour is intentionally designed to combine Alaska Native culture with wildlife viewing. Totem Bight State Historical Park is an important part of the experience, and we strive to share the history and traditions of the region alongside opportunities to see local wildlife. We understand this balance may not match everyone’s expectations, and we appreciate your suggestion that we make the tour description even clearer. Regarding bear activity, sightings vary from day to day and are influenced by many factors beyond the time of day. We plan our itinerary to provide guests with the best overall experience based on conditions. We’re also sorry to hear the van did not meet your expectations for cleanliness. That’s not the standard we aim for, and we’ll share your comments with our team. Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. It helps us continue improving the experience for future guests.
via Viator
Rebecca was wonderful....
Rebecca was wonderful. She explained the clans, and native culture. Unfortunate we did not see whales nor bears. An eagle and other birds.
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had a memorable experience with Rebecca. She loves sharing her knowledge of the clans and Indigenous culture, and it’s great to hear you enjoyed learning along the way. While it’s always a bit disappointing not to spot whales or bears, we’re glad you were able to see an eagle and other birds during your time out. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan someday!
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
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Clan House Tours LLC, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.2.
See everything Clan House Tours LLC runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.
How much does Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. cost?
+
Prices start at $650 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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. take?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 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.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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 Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr., Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour, 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
Included: Bottled water; Binoculars; and Umbrella. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
Departure Point: A representative will be at the Ketchikan Rain Gauge, located outside of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on BERTH 2 of the cruise ship dock, holding a sign that says "Clan House Tours." Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. offered in?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience.. if the weather is bad?
+
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 Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience..?
+
Across 4 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Alaska Native Wildlife & Scenic Experience...
Pick your date
