How Long Does It Take to Get Off the Cruise Ship in Ketchikan?
Practical planning guidance for independent excursions. Port operations can change, so confirm your berth, operator meeting instructions, and cruise-line all-aboard time for the actual sailing.
Quick planning answer
Downtown berths can make the transition into Ketchikan quick, while Ward Cove requires additional ground transfer time. Your exact timing depends on berth assignment, queues, and the current shuttle or operator plan.
1. Know your berth
Ketchikan cruise calls may use downtown berths or Ward Cove. Those locations create very different travel times, so confirm where your ship is scheduled to berth before choosing a meeting time.
2. Allow for the gangway
Even at a convenient berth, ship clearance and passenger queues can affect the first part of the port day. At Ward Cove, include the transfer process in your planning rather than counting only driving time.
3. Check the meeting point
Some excursions meet downtown, some use operator transportation, and some may accommodate Ward Cove differently. The specific booking's meeting instructions are more reliable than a generic port-wide assumption.
Excursions in Ketchikan
25 connected tours
Adventure Kart Expedition - Ketchikan
$275 | 3.25 Hours
Alaska Bear Adventure & Flightseeing
• 3 hour 15 minute tour •
All Island Hummer Tour
description: #*All Island Hummer Tour* __________ ##About This 4 hour tour begins on the Ketchikan cruise ship dock and is customizable at any point along the way. A “Guest Preference Card” is given to you to fill out at time of booking thus ensuring that we can provide the very best in customer service. This card asks for such information as car seat size if required for a child, and venues of interest; history, culture, wilderness, hiking trails and or errands. This custom tour enables you to tour all over the island and experiences multiple venues with privacy and luxury with your own group. We like to think of it as “Touring in Rugged Luxury”. Each Hummer carries two sets of binoculars and umbrellas for the guests to use while on tour. Guests should consider this tour as a private car service with a knowledgeable Alaskan tour guide. A light snack and cold bottled water is provided.
Anan Creek Bear Adventure & Flightseeing
Anan Creek
Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari
4 Hours • Driver's Must Be 25+ • All Individuals Must Be 5+ and 50lbs or More
Bears, Brews, & Boardwalk
Bears, Brews, & Boardwalk
Black Bear Expedition - Traitor's Cove
4-5 Hours
Black Bear Express
2 Hours
Gift Cards
GIFTCARDS PURCHASED HERE CANNOT BE REDEEMED FOR FLIGHTSEEING TOURS OR TOURS SOLD ONBOARD
Island Hummer Tour
4 Hours
Island Hummer Tour- Van
4 hours
Ketchikan Duck Tour
90 minutes • All Ages
Mahoney Lake UTV Offroad Safari
Ages 8+ • 3.75 Hours • Pick-up and transportation included • Lunch included! • Starting at $244
Misty Fjords Expedition
4.5 Hours
Misty Fjords Flightseeing
For all ages! • 2 Hours • Enjoy the misty fjords national monument!
Orca Cove Fast Boat & Sea Kayaking Tour
$179 per Person | Ages 5+ | 3 Hours | Includes Smoked Salmon snacks/vegan snacks.
Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail
3.5 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure - Ketchikan
$200 | 3.5 hours | Daily
Rainforest Island Adventure
4 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary & Totem Park - Ketchikan
$110 | 2.75 hours | Daily | Half Mile | Great for wildlife viewing and photos!
Saltwater Expedition
3 Hours
The Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkel the calm, clear waters of Southeast Alaska. Don’t Miss this Once in a Lifetime Experience!
Totem Bight Park & Rainforest Canoe Adventure
4 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure
3 Hours • Must Be 40lbs or More
Wilderness Zodiac Quest
Ages 4+ • 195 Minutes • 14 People Maximum • Starting at $244
Use timing as guidance, not a guarantee
If your ship uses Ward Cove, allow substantially more transfer time than you would at a downtown berth. In every case, confirm the operator's meeting instructions and your cruise line's current all-aboard time.
WTA can help compare a tour against the ship window you provide, but the cruise line's current all-aboard instruction and the operator's actual meeting and return details control your port day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ward Cove from downtown Ketchikan?
Ward Cove is outside downtown, so passengers should plan for a ground transfer rather than treating it like a downtown berth. Check current cruise-line shuttle information for your sailing.
Do Ketchikan tours all start downtown?
No. Meeting locations vary by operator and excursion, so check the specific tour instructions before planning your transfer from the ship.