Planning Your Ketchikan Cruise Ship Excursion?
If your Alaska cruise includes a stop in Ketchikan, you have the opportunity to experience something truly authentic. This isn’t just another coastal port — Ketchikan is the Salmon Capital of the World, and our local way of life revolves around the water. Fishing isn’t just a tourist attraction here; it’s the heartbeat of the community.
From commercial fishing fleets to family-run charter boats, nearly everything in Ketchikan flows through the water — and if you want to experience the real Ketchikan, a salmon fishing charter is where it begins.
At Ketchikan Finest Fishing Charters, we offer cruise-friendly, all-inclusive fishing trips designed to fit perfectly into your port schedule while delivering a true Alaskan adventure.
Start with a Salmon Fishing Charter Right from the Cruise Dock
When you book with us, you’re not just signing up to catch fish — you’re immersing yourself in one of Alaska’s most treasured traditions. Our cruise ship excursions are designed for convenience and quality. We meet you at the cruise dock, and within minutes you’re aboard a fully equipped vessel, heading toward some of the richest salmon waters in the world.
What You’ll Catch:
Depending on the season, we target:
King Salmon (Chinook) – prized for their size and strength, best May to July
Silver Salmon (Coho) – fast and aggressive, ideal from July to September
Pink Salmon (Humpy) – plentiful and fun, best in July and August on even-numbered years
These trips are perfect for all skill levels, from first-time anglers to seasoned pros. We supply all gear and expert instruction. Our Ketchikan fishing guides are lifelong Alaskans who fish these waters daily — you’re in great hands.
What’s Included:
Brand new fishing charter boats
High-quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait
USCG Certified Captains with 20+ years of experience each
Fish cleaning, vacuum sealing, and optional shipping
Guaranteed dockside pick-up and return aligned with your ship schedule
After Fishing: Discover the Best of Downtown Ketchikan
After your charter, you’ll still have time to enjoy the highlights of downtown Ketchikan — all within easy walking distance from the cruise port. Here are some of the top ways to experience the town on foot:
Walk Historic Creek Street
Originally Ketchikan’s red-light district, today Creek Street is one of the town’s most scenic and historic boardwalks. Built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek, this area features charming shops, art galleries, and a real glimpse into Alaskan history. Depending on the time of year, you can even see salmon swimming upstream right beneath the boardwalk.
Creek Street is a perfect post-charter stroll — relaxing, photogenic, and rich with local character.
Visit the Totem Poles and Cultural Sites
Ketchikan is home to one of the world’s largest collections of totem poles, and several are located right in town. The Chief Johnson Totem Pole, standing tall near Creek Street, is a popular landmark. For deeper insight into Native history and craftsmanship, consider a stop at the Totem Heritage Center or the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
These cultural sites provide context for the art and stories that define the Indigenous cultures of Southeast Alaska, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
Shop Local Indigenous Art & Handmade Goods
Downtown Ketchikan has numerous galleries and shops featuring locally made goods, including jewelry, carvings, masks, and prints. Supporting these small businesses not only brings home a unique souvenir — it also supports the artists who carry on generations of Alaskan tradition.
If you’re looking for something meaningful and handcrafted, this is where you’ll find it. We highly recommend checking out The Rain Barrel or Caribou Creek.
Eat Like a Local at the Alaska Fish House
If you’re hungry after a morning on the water, Alaska Fish House is a must-visit spot just steps from the harbor. It’s popular with both visitors and locals — and for good reason.
We recommend the halibut fish and chips or fish tacos — both made with freshly caught seafood. The portions are generous, the flavor is incredible, and the fries are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. (I don’t know what they season them with but you’ll be addicted after the first bite – trust me).
Grab a seat with a harbor view, a local beer and enjoy a well-earned meal.
Capture the Classic “Welcome to Ketchikan” Photo
Before heading back to your ship, make sure to walk under the iconic “Welcome to Ketchikan” sign on Mission Street. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in town and the perfect memento to mark your time in the Salmon Capital.
Check out the Famous Ketchikan Rain Gauge
Ketchikan gets over 140 inches of rain each year — and locals love to lean into that. On the cruise dock, you’ll find the Ketchikan Rain Gauge, a playful but accurate monument to the town’s famously wet weather. It’s a lighthearted photo stop and another reason to embrace the charm of Southeast Alaska.
One Day, Two Experiences: Ketchikan Salmon Fishing & Exploring Downtown
You might think you need to choose between a fishing charter and exploring town — but in Ketchikan, you can easily do both. Most ships are docked for 5 to 7 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy a 4-hour Ketchikan salmon fishing excursion and still walk, shop, eat, and sightsee.
Our charter trips are specifically designed for cruise ship passengers, and our crew ensures you’re back in time with no stress, no rushing, and no missed ships.
Why Choose Ketchikan Finest Fishing Charters?
We’re a locally owned and operated charter that understands what cruise visitors are looking for: authentic, hassle-free Alaskan adventure. We don’t overbook, we never cut corners, and we always put experience first.
What sets us apart:
Cruise dock pick-up and drop-off
Friendly, experienced, and safety-conscious guides
Top-tier gear and boats
Deep knowledge of local waters and salmon behavior
5-star rated by cruise passengers and independent travelers alike
If you want a real Ketchikan cruise ship excursion — one that gives you the thrill of fishing and the richness of exploring the town — we’re here to make it happen.
Book Your Ketchikan Cruise Excursion Today
You only stop in Ketchikan once — make it count. A salmon fishing charter is the ultimate way to experience what this town is all about. Combine it with an easy, walkable afternoon of sightseeing, and you’ve created a day you’ll never forget.
Reserve your charter now with Ketchikan Finest Fishing Charters and let us show you why this small Alaskan town leaves such a big impression.
