Ketchikan Recommendation

[Two from Virginia]

While in Ketchikan, would you recommend doing a tour of the port on your own or booking a tour? What independent our operator would you recommend? Is it better to book ahead or to book when you are in port?

 

Thanks.

[Assateague Island Princes]

We really enjoyed flightseeing with Michelle of Island Wings - independent tour operator. Expensive, but so worth it! The views were breathtaking and the landing on an isolated cove was spectacular - we spent about a 1/2 hour there on this HUGE rock jutting out into the cove. So peaceful with gorgeous scenery everywhere you looked!

[Budget Queen]

While in Ketchikan, would you recommend doing a tour of the port on your own or booking a tour? What independent our operator would you recommend? Is it better to book ahead or to book when you are in port?

 

Thanks.

 

You have to determine what tour, before you decide how to book it and what operator. Look over a shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. There are HUNDREDS of tours to consider. You are way best to have all your plans and reservations in place before you go. You will be using up valuable port time if you wait until you get there.

[AkSusan]

We used Ketchikan Taxi Cab Tours last year http://ketchikantaxicabtours.com/

 

Dave had me ask what the group wanted to do (there were 6 of us) and from there he made sure that we hit all that we asked him to see. It was really a great tour!

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[Starlaker]

We enjoyed walking around Ketchikan on our own. Creek Street is very nice and don't miss Dolly's House up there. Really interesting. We were there in Sept. and enjoyed watching the Salmon in the creek and watching them jump up the fish ladder up above Creek Street. We had been to Ketchikan before when we moved from Fairbanks to the lower 48 and took the Alaska State Ferry out. We saw the totems with our kids on that trip.

[cole]

We have 7 booked with Dave & Kat on May 15, which means there is room for 5 more. The tour leaves from our ship (the Pearl, but all ships dock at the same pier) at 8:00 and returns at 10:00. 5 more can join us in order to fill the cabs. The price is the same ($75 an hour plus tip) no matter how many are on the tour.

B. Cole

[cole]

By the way, Kate and Dave own the Ketchikan Cab Tours!

[Two from Virginia]

We have 7 booked with Dave & Kat on May 15, which means there is room for 5 more. The tour leaves from our ship (the Pearl, but all ships dock at the same pier) at 8:00 and returns at 10:00. 5 more can join us in order to fill the cabs. The price is the same ($75 an hour plus tip) no matter how many are on the tour.

B. Cole

 

Would love to join you but we won't be there until July. I wonder if there are any July travelers out there wanting to do this tour?

[psblin99]

Michele was worth every penny!

[Disneyworld]

Would love to join you but we won't be there until July. I wonder if there are any July travelers out there wanting to do this tour?

 

Funny you should mention July cruising, we are doing B2B July 8th Northbound and July 15th southbound on Carnival spirit. We just contacted them today and since we are only 2 people suggested we try to find 2 more.

We will be in Ketchikan July 10th nortbound and July 20 southbound. On the 10th we are on a fishing excursion with Northern Lights at 7 am, this is a 1/2 day excursion.

On the 20th, we don't have anything booked. We will be in Ketchikan July 10th from 6:30 am to 5 pm and on July 20 from 11:00 am until 8 pm.

[Two from Virginia]

Funny you should mention July cruising, we are doing B2B July 8th Northbound and July 15th southbound on Carnival spirit. We just contacted them today and since we are only 2 people suggested we try to find 2 more.

We will be in Ketchikan July 10th nortbound and July 20 southbound. On the 10th we are on a fishing excursion with Northern Lights at 7 am, this is a 1/2 day excursion.

On the 20th, we don't have anything booked. We will be in Ketchikan July 10th from 6:30 am to 5 pm and on July 20 from 11:00 am until 8 pm.

We will be in Ketchikan on July 9th. We would have been glad to join you if we were there on the 10th.

[neecee23]

We have 7 booked with Dave & Kat on May 15, which means there is room for 5 more. The tour leaves from our ship (the Pearl, but all ships dock at the same pier) at 8:00 and returns at 10:00. 5 more can join us in order to fill the cabs. The price is the same ($75 an hour plus tip) no matter how many are on the tour.

B. Cole

 

You should post this on your roll call board or any other roll calls for ships that will be in port when you are.

We, too, booked with Ketchikan Taxi last summer. Kat was our tour guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour.

[sandytoes03]

I'm wondering about this port too. What are the can't-miss sights?

[cole]

You should post this on your roll call board or any other roll calls for ships that will be in port when you are.

We, too, booked with Ketchikan Taxi last summer. Kat was our tour guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour.

 

Great idea! How do I find out which ships are in port on that date. We are on the Pearl.

B. Cole

[travelbuds]

Great idea! How do I find out which ships are in port on that date. We are on the Pearl.

B. Cole

 

Hi,

Check this out.

http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html

Bruce

[kkstexas]

I reserved the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary for my family (includes a 3 year old). It says that they also take you to feed some reindeer. I have read some reviews that aren't so favorable and am wondering if I should cancel this excursion and just go on our own.

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Budget Queen]

I reserved the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary for my family (includes a 3 year old). It says that they also take you to feed some reindeer. I have read some reviews that aren't so favorable and am wondering if I should cancel this excursion and just go on our own.

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

In my opinion, this can be a very costly excursion for petting some caribou. :) And a 3 year old can be tough to keep entertained. :)

 

If an option for you, you may be better off doing a walking tour, taking the city bus to Totem Bight, renting a car etc etc etc. probably for less money?

[cole]

Hi,

Check this out.

http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html

Bruce

 

Thanks Bruce! What a help you are!

B. Cole

[travelbuds]

Thanks Bruce! What a help you are!

B. Cole

 

Hi,

You're welcome. These boards are great! Someone had passed that website to me a while back.

Bruce

[anchorage1977]

We really enjoyed flightseeing with Michelle of Island Wings - independent tour operator. Expensive, but so worth it! The views were breathtaking and the landing on an isolated cove was spectacular - we spent about a 1/2 hour there on this HUGE rock jutting out into the cove. So peaceful with gorgeous scenery everywhere you looked!

 

I too am a fan of Michelle's at Island Wings. We took a trip with her a number of years ago and although I've flown in a LOT of small planes up here, she was the best pilot I can remember. All flights are expensive, but her's are 100% worth it.

[travelbuds]

I too am a fan of Michelle's at Island Wings. We took a trip with her a number of years ago and although I've flown in a LOT of small planes up here, she was the best pilot I can remember. All flights are expensive, but her's are 100% worth it.

Hi,

We are looking forward to our flight with Michelle in mid-June. Shona has been very good emailing us about the trip.

Bruce

[mamadot]

The city bus is great here to get to Totem Bight or just see the town. We love getting with the locals and hearing their tales. The drivers and pax love to entertain.

[Two from Virginia]

The city bus is great here to get to Totem Bight or just see the town. We love getting with the locals and hearing their tales. The drivers and pax love to entertain.

 

 

Did you visit Saxman Village or just Totem Bight? If both, which one did you like best?

[shirleyt80]

will be on the spirit leaving july 15. interested in the tour. we we are 2 Shirleyt80@msn.com

[shirleyt80]

WE will be the Spirit southbound July 15. WE would be intersted in joining you for the taxitour. Shirleyt80@msn.com