Ketchikan Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

Experience overview

Keep your camera close at hand because this relaxed coastal cruise from Ward Cove is full of incredible photo moments and a true taste of Alaska's wild beauty. Departing from a private dock just minutes from the Ward Cove Welcome Center, you'll meet your friendly Alaskan captain and crew before setting out through the wildlife-rich waters of the Tongass Narrows. As you travel along the shoreline, watch for numerous active eagle nests and soaring bald eagles overhead, guaranteed sightings on every trip. With the binoculars provided, you may also spot harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, and moon jellyfish, and if you're lucky, humpback or orca whales. Enjoy sweeping water views of Totem Bight State Park, home to 14 impressive Tlingit and Haida totem poles and a traditional clan house, before continuing toward the historic Guard Island Lighthouse, built in 1901 on its own small island. Along the route, your captain and crew share fascinating stories about Alaska's maritime heritage, Indigenous cultures, and the timber and fishing traditions that have shaped life in this coastal community. You'll pass colorful homes and cabins tucked along the forested shoreline, travel by the former Ward Cove Cannery, and glimpse the islands that dot the Narrows, including the storied "Bridge to Nowhere" island. During your cruise, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or soft drinks, along with local specialties such as alder-smoked salmon, bull kelp pickles, crackers, and artisan chocolate. The 36-passenger vessel features a heated cabin, an open-air observation deck, restrooms, and a small gift shop. Crew members are always happy to capture a photo for you in front of Totem Bight, Guard Island Lighthouse, or in the wheelhouse with the captain. This one-of-a-kind excursion blends wildlife, culture, and scenic splendor into an authentic Alaskan adventure found only in Ketchikan.