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3 hours
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A MUST DO TOUR IN ALASKA! One of the highest rated tours offered along Alaska's beautiful inside passage. Find out what life is like as a commercial fisherman from men who have worked in the rugged Bering Sea. These guys are the real deal! On board the Aleutian Ballad, a boat that was featured on the Discovery Channel’s popular TV show Deadliest Catch, you’ll cruise through the calm, protected waterways of the Inside Passage with an expert crew, watching as marine creatures of all kinds are caught and hauled up on deck. Catch is then held in a live tank for observation before being released back into the wild. You’ll see king crab, box crab, octopus, rockfish, prawns and more, plus you may catch sight of other local wildlife like sea lions and porpoise. This tour has also become world renowned for a spectacular encounter with eagles in the wild.
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years, no exceptions due to coast guard regulations.
You MUST BE ON BOARD THE ALEUTIAN BALLAD for check in 15 minutes before your departure time.
If you are concerned about seasickness, please note that this tour stays in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage and does not go out into the open ocean; large waves and rough seas will not be encountered. You WILL NOT be in the Bering Sea.
Please note: additional transportation is not required, as it is a short, easy walk to get to the fishing boat from any downtown Ketchikan hotel or cruise ship.
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
Guests arriving at Ward Cove need to meet an hour early to get into town. We will provide bus transportation for you but it is very important you know to meet AN HOUR EARLY to account for travel time into Ketchikan.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Raincoats and ponchos provided, as needed
Food and drinks, unless specified (snacks, such as chips and chocolate bars, are available for purchase on board)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
Once on board we will cast off and head towards the sovereign waters of Annette Bay, Alaska.
745 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
leon r,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The formerly working crab boat as been outfitted as a tour boat capable of handling a goodly number of guests. The fishermen (the real guys) have become quite dynamic tour guides. The route is not into the Bering Sea, but to a relatively protected area of water controlled by the local indigenous tribe(s). Some of the "catch" are realistic-looking models. But they demonstrate everything with real pots and lines in the water, and sometimes bring up some real critters. Per agreement with the tribe, anything they do catch has to be promptly returned to the sea, but not before you have a chance to touch or handle some the crabs, etc. The bald eagles flying down near the boat to snag some bait fish provide a great photo op. In spite of how this may sound, it's a fun, informative and pleasant experience. Highly recommended.
534francesl,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
So much fun! The crew was excellent and the tour was great. Go if you get the chance. They have a tank on board with other marine life, starfish, shrimp, etc. that you can hold. They even brought up a 45 pound octopus in one of the pots!


richardsA3095KK,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The photos you see of passengers holding King Crabs does not occur. They said it was because it "upsets the crabs". Later they tell you they give the crabs that they have in tanks, away to the native people to cook and eat. Guess that does not upset the crabs! They do hold up King Crabs...so you can photograph them. They have a lot of personal stories of their experience crab fishing. Some interesting tales. But unfortunately include their alcohol and drug use. One crew member talked endlessly about his personality defect of not being able to talk to people...which was "cured" by hugs from a 7 year old girl. BS. Fake crabs are pulled up from a crab pot. Does not make for a great video. A single whale was spotted and they said to look for bubble feeding...which as most know takes multiple whales. They threw out fish by an island to try to attract bald eagles... mostly attracted sea gulls. Again does not make for a great video. And as the cruise ends they ask for money for their charity for dead fisherman's families.
MichelleONR,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Another highlight of our Alaska vacation! What a great excursion with Captains David, Dave and Ron! They shared their personal touching experiences aboard the Aleutian Ballad from the show The Deadliest Catch Season 2. What brave souls they are! They were so friendly, knowledgeable, informative, emotional when talking about the hardships they lived which really touched our hearts and very funny. Also, they demonstrated how they catch crab (box and king) and octopus. They also allowed us to touch Box Crab, Shrimp and starfish. Interesting fact, starfish all have a star in the middle. Afterwards, they also brought us to see the eagles. We lucked out because they are the only boat that has an agreement in America with the natives who own the land and water to feed fish to the eagles due to good relations with the tribe. So cool to see the eagles swoop in and grab the fish. We also lucked out and saw a humpback whale jump from the water in the air. What a thrill to see it in person! This excursion was amazing and the three captains made all the difference with their stories! They are the best humans! We both highly recommend this excursion, you won’t be disappointed!
Margaret M,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
The crew treats you like family, telling stories, explaining the hazards and joy for the life of a fisherman. Hands on experience.
Passenger25799681289,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My favorite excursion of the entire cruise! The tour was educational and informative. It was an unexpected surprise to do some whale watching and to see the eagle habitat. The crew is what truly made this a memorable experience. I absolutely loved hearing their life stories and their experiences on the water
Lois M,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic staff and experiences. Saw bald eagles dive for fish on side of boat. Scenery and crab fishing along with great sea stories. Best excursion!
robertwF6710GY,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience on the Aleutian Ballard, the crew and skipper were fantastic. My heart goes out to all the brave souls, who challenge the Bearing sea.
Christina D,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was one of my favorite excursions. It was so interactive! The cast went above and beyond to include my Mom, who was recently diagnosed with ALS and in a wheelchair. We saw so many animals, got to hold so many! It was amazing!
juiceboxgirlatl,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an amazing excursion and absolutely worth the price we paid! We have watched Deadliest Catch for years and the Captain and crew balanced education with fun and a personal touch sharing their experiences! I would highly recommend this when in Ketchikan!


Operated by Bering Sea Crab Fishermens Tour