Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
Overview
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Your adventure begins as we cruise through the Tongass Narrows, where your guide provides live narration about Ketchikan’s rich history, culture, and bustling shoreline.
From there, we head into prime wildlife viewing areas where the wild side of Alaska comes alive. Keep watch for humpback whales surfacing and diving, bald eagles soaring overhead, harbor seals lounging along the rocks, and a wide variety of seabirds that thrive in the rich waters of Southeast Alaska.
Every trip is unique—no two tours are ever the same!
We operate two vessels: the Eagle One (22 passengers max) and the Eagle One Express (44 passengers max). The boat used for your tour is determined by group size and daily minimums to ensure the best experience for everyone.
Our tours regularly encounter marine life, and we’re proud to have about a 90% success rate for humpback whale sightings—a number we work hard to maintain! That said, wildlife is always on its own schedule, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
This is our official meeting point. Please plan to check in 30 minutes before your tour start time. If your cruise ship docks downtown (Berths 1–4), you’re in luck, we’re just a short walk away! Meeting Point: Berth 2 Visitors Center, 131 Front Street. From Berth 2, it’s about a 1-minute walk from your ship’s gangway. From Berths 1, 3, or 4, it’s an easy 5–12 minute walk, depending on your pace. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you’ll need to take the free shuttle provided by your cruise line. Allow at least one hour before your tour to travel. The shuttle ride takes 20–30 minutes and will drop you off at Berth 4 downtown. From there, it’s an 8–12 minute walk to our meeting location at the Berth 2 Visitors Center. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable Ketchikan adventure!
Thomas Basin
Your journey begins in Thomas Basin, a lively harbor where working fishing boats and local skiffs share the water. Surrounded by historic boardwalks and the hum of Ketchikan’s waterfront, we cast off from this charming port and head into the open waterways to begin your Wildlife and Whale Quest.
What‘s Included
Included in your trip are a variety of chips and pastries, coffee, tea, bottled water, flavored sparkling water.
We have Binoculars and blankets for you if needed.
Be sure to bring weather appropriate clothing! Layering is best.
Options
Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching Quest
Reviews
812 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
missed the mark by a long shot
X257WAsamanthab,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Good: Boat crew/guide, land and pier guide, Car transportation, communication - all great. Bad: The season should really end at some point and that should be before September. Though we felt very safe and comfortable, i do feel like a bit jibbed out of my money; they were squeezing out one more tour and we felt it. We booked September land and sea adventure, and unfortunately the sea part was disappointing b/c we paid the same price someone earlier in the season would have paid for a lot more. Earlier in the season there are much higher chances of spotting whales, seeing seals and eagles (per the guides themselves). By September most, if not all, pods of whales have left, seals are scarce and eagles are no longer surrounding the waters the boat navigates around (per the guides themselves). Additionally, we were made aware that earlier in the season the team even throws fish guts into the water to attract birds of prey, that ended a couple of weeks before we went (per the guides themselves). The land tour was nice very informative, at our own pace, as my family was the only group, but the biggest inconvenience is the bear viewing is from a distance, and that's because you do not actually enter Herring Cove or Herring Cove boardwalk. The viewing is basically done from a residential neighborhood, dead end street across from the park, its a popular spot as many tours take their guests there. And maybe it was my mistake for understanding the land tour included, for the price paid, actually entering into Herring Cove, so this was a huge let down. Fully knowing this, i would have rather paid for the entrance into Herring Cove. The Totem tour was interesting, but also dull, not much more to do there but walk around and see Totems, the wood makers shed was also closed when we arrived, so we just saw the totems used the bathroom and left. closing: i had really, really high hopes for this adventure given the amazing reviews, and again the people are great, caring and knowledgeable and just amazing folks, but the actual tours are not worth the price paid, at least not in September.
Worth it
sullyfrid,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were disappointed that our cruise cancelled our ports and excursion. So when they confirmed that Ketchikan was still on the plan, we were eager to find a fun excursion. Came across this one and from the beginning to the end, the crew was so kind and accommodating. They were determined to find areas with whales and we did see them despite the weather. We also saw seals lounging around. Highly recommend this company
Ketchigan tour
JimF1839,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00LeeAnne was a very knowledgeable and talented guide. Small group tour allowed for more accommodating discussions and site stops for wildlife watching. Would definitely recommend
Whales
earsdurr,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well worth the time and money. Leanne & Jake were out standing, made sure to let us know about the area, and kept a good look out for whales. I would highly recommend this tour and the staff to anyone. Was a great time.
Enjoyed the local scenery and wildlife
beverlyrT9788TL,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Max was a fantastic guide and knew the best spots. We saw the salmon still trying to swim upstream to spawn as well as seals and eagles. He had the best timing as the rain showers would diminish when we stopped and would start back up as we were moving to the next site. Totem parks was especially beautiful. We would book with this group again.
Whale Watching in the Rain with a GREAT Crew!!
jenl51,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We missed whale watching in Juneau due to super bad weather prohibiting us from making port. So, we did some quick research and found Eagle One Enterprises to fit the bill while in Ketchican....GREAT experience!! We had some issues with scheduling due to the port time changes, but the staff was FABULOUS to work with to ensure we got to partake in this excursion. The weather was super rainy/overcast, but the boat captain and staff did a great job keeping the hot chocolate and coffee flowing while trying the darndest to find us whales....which we did AND a pile of seals! Leanne and Jake were fabulous with keeping everyone comfortable and spotting "spouts" to ensure we got to see one of the main Alaskan attractions!! Did I end up wet?? YES!! But had a great experience with a GREAT crew!! (NOTE: make sure to have a nice rain coat and LOTS of layers including gloves and hat!!)
Great tour, highly recommend!
jennylou110,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this whale watching tour. The crew was fantastic and boat was comfortable. The hot coffee and snacks were also a very welcome treat. We saw many humpbacks during our tour, but the highlight was getting to watch some whales bubble net feeding. Very cool experience and would highly recommend to anyone.
Goal—See whales
F2595HVkarenw,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leannne and Jake were great at spotting the whales and providing information about how to spot them. We saw multiple whales and could tell the whole crew was working hard to spot the whales
This was the highlight of...
Shannon C,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of our vacation. Saw many feeding humpback whales. Boat was not crowded and super comfortable. Could sit indoors if the weather was bad and upstairs outdoor for a better view. The snacks, hot chocolate and coffee were icing on the cake. Thanks for a wonderful first time whale watching.
A Whale of a Great Time
Clay Z,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and wonderful crew, Leanne and Jake made sure everyone was ready to capture amazing photos of the many whales we saw during our time on the boat. The boat was well equipped and had both indoor and outdoor seats.
From US$178.00
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