Ketchikan Shore Tours
Reservations • 1 844 626 9600 •
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
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View LargeThere’s no telling just what marine wildlife the crew will haul in! Besides crabs, massive octopi are a common catch! -
View LargeKeep your camera at the ready as you move along the coastline! Both humpbacks and orcas frequent these fertile waters! -
View LargeA fascinating and biologically ancient organism, Bering Sea king and Dungeness crabs are fascinating to observe. -
View LargeIt’s not just crabs that these fishermen catch! Prawn, octopi, and various fish often make their way up in the crab pots as well! -
View LargeSo numerous are the eagles along the Ketchikan coastline that in some cases you may even see them flock like pigeons! -
View LargeThe seasoned ship captain and fishermen that will guide your tour are overflowing with knowledge from decades of Alaska fishing experience, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! -
View LargeYou may recognize the Aleutian Ballad or its crew members from the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch series! -
View LargeWow, talk about a giant critter! -
View LargeMine! Bring those zoom lenses, as you may just catch a swooping eagle at the picture-perfect moment! -
View LargeIf you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the exhilarating world of Bering Sea crab fishermen, this is your chance! -
View Large“Wait, I know that ship!” The Aleutian Ballad gained its reputation battling the elements on the high seas! -
View LargeThe Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour is a great way to catch a glimpse into the lives of these bold Alaskans! -
View LargeThe star-studded crew will haul in crab pots, just like it does out on the Bering Sea, to give you a taste of true crab fishing! -
View LargeBesides being talented fishermen, the crew on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour are extremely knowledgeable about local marine critters! -
View LargeFeeling brave? Try holding one of the dungeness beauties for a great photo op! -
View LargeYou certainly won’t want to be caught without a camera on this adventure! -
View LargeKids love the Bering Sea crab tour as well! An age limit of 5 exists, but for older kids this excursion is an unparalleled educational opportunity! (Not to mention that it’s a blast!) -
View LargeElegant and skilled as hunters, some of Ketchikan’s numerous bald eagles will surely accompany you on your fishing excursion!
You may have seen this tour topping the charts for things to do in Ketchikan and with good reason. The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's tour was rated 'Ketchikan Tour of the Year' from 2008 - 2013 and consistently receives rave reviews. This one-of-a-kind ocean exploration tour puts you onboard an actual Alaskan fishing boat and right into some astounding scenery, wildlife and of course...crab!
Ketchikan Shore Tours Navigation
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What to expect and what not to expect with this Ketchikan shore excursion
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour isn't your ordinary shore excursion. Load up onboard the Aleutian Ballad, an equipped fishing vessel actually featured on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch. Meet your hosts - local fishing guides that are full of colorful stories from their experiences which they'll share as you begin to disembark from port on this 3.5 hour tour. Explore the calm waters of the Inside Passage while keeping your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, sea lions and whales, which are all frequently spotted on the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour. When the time is right, you'll be part of the action as the guides start hauling crab pots and fishing gear containing anything from rockfish, stars, octopus, prawns, halibut and a variety of crab. Specimens will be brought on board the boat in holding tanks so you can actually feel and touch Alaskan king crab!
- 3 hours duration
- Join a real crab fishing vessel featured on Discovery's 'Deadliest Catch'
- A family-friendly and scooter-accessible excursion
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Very popular tour - book your seats early!
Tales from life at sea compliment the wealth of knowledge and information shared by your fishermen/guides during the tour. It's hard to believe the danger and adventure inherent in this industry through some of the stories, but unlike many fishing stories, these tales are real! The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour doesn't head out into the open ocean but stays within the calm protected waters of the Inside Passage making it a smooth sail. Ample seating on the boat allows you to sit back and enjoy the views or choose to position close to the holding tanks to become part of the action. A truly unique experience only found in Ketchikan - but be sure to book early because this one fills up quick!
Southeast Alaska is full of other family-friendly options! Take a look at the Icefield Helicopter Excursion in Juneau & the Sled Dog Adventure & Musher's Camp in Skagway!
Minimum Ages, Cancellations, Accessibility, Etc.
KETCHIKAN TOUR DETAILS:
- Restrictions: The minimum age for participants on this tour is 5 years old (no exceptions).
- Accessibility: This tour is appropriate for guests with limited mobility and is wheelchair accessible. Scooters are also allowed onboard the vessel as the main deck area is all one level. If you need assistance getting to the boat, please contact us in advance.
- Cancellation Policy: Cancel with a refund up to 14-days before your tour (or up to 24-hours before if you include Flex Cancel with your reservation), less any non-refundable fees., If for any reason the tour is canceled (due to unpermitting weather, for example), or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund, minus any non-refundable fees.
- What to Wear: Because you are venturing out into the Alaskan outdoors, please be prepared with closed-toed shoes and warm layers. Fleece-lined full length raincoats can be provided if necessary. And don't forgot your cameras!
For availability and timing, complete the information on the sidebar
- Adult Rate: $199
- Child Rate: $119 (ages 5-12) + 6.5% sales tax
You've got questions, we've got answers
Q:Will I get sea sick?
Ketchikan is located within Alaska's Inside Passage. The water here is normally very calm. Even when the winds pick up during the winter months and the weather gets bad, the islands create a break for us and we hardly see a wave.
The F/V Aleutian Ballad is over 100 feet long and made of solid steel. The boat was specifically created to handle the roughest seas in the world. Also, as the seating area is outside (covered and heated, of course), there is always a lovely cool breeze that refreshes the senses. If you are extremely sensitive to motion, you may want to take typical motion sickness medicine before coming. However it’s highly unlikely that you will need it.
Q:What will we see and do on the tour?
When you step aboard the Aleutian Ballad, you will have an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. We are the only boat of its kind, a true Bering Sea crab fishing vessel featured on the Discovery Channel, taking passengers along to experience and share in the wildlife, the stories and the beauty that is "The Last Frontier".
During a typical tour on the (fishing vessel) Aleutian Ballad, we will encounter life above and below the sea. Common sightings include: whales, bald eagles, porpoise, octopus, king crab, shrimp, many different fish and a huge list of unexpected sightings.
The experience you have is really up to you. If you would prefer to stay top-side, photographing the wilderness landscapes and relaxing as you listen to the fishermen's tales - that is up to you! Perhaps you'd prefer to stay by the live tank, touching all the sea creatures we pull up from the depths and learning about the different species of fish, octopus and crab - do it! Want to do some shopping? Visit our on board gift shop, and take home some memories of this special day. This tour is what you make of it and it is all at your fingertips...
Q:Is transportation provided?
The Aleutian Ballad is actually docked at Berth 3 in Ketchikan and within walking distance of downtown and the cruise ships. A representative from The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour will be waiting for you at the bottom of your gangway (steps off of the boat) 30 minutes prior to the tour departure time. Look for the bright yellow jacket and the sign that reads, “Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour.” You'll receive an email confirmation with full meeting instructions upon booking.
Q:Will we make it back to the ship in time? What if we don't?
We've never left anyone behind and only schedule tours that work well with your cruise ship's itinerary. We leave plenty of cushion so you can confidently book your trips independently.
Q:Will we make it back to the ship in time? What if we don't?
We've never had a guest miss their ship and we only schedule tours that work well with your cruise ship's itinerary. We leave plenty of cushion so you can confidently book your trips independently. If you were to miss your ship’s departure through no fault of your own on a tour that has been booked with us, we'll get you to your next port of call.
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