misty fjords allen marine tours

Misty Fjords Boat Tour: My Explorer Cruise Review

Alaska, known as “The Last Frontier,” boasts some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet. Among its many awe-inspiring destinations, the Misty Fjords National Monument in southeast Alaska stands out as a true gem.

Located 40 miles east of the Ketchikan cruise port, most travelers access it on a port day from their cruise ship. Since large cruise ships can’t access the narrow fjord, you have two options to visit; by air or by sea.

While Misty Fjords flightseeing comes with a high-ticket price, families can enjoy the Misty Fjords boat tour at a reasonable cost.

The Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise offers a fantastic way to experience this classic fjord. During the excursion, you’ll learn how nature creates these steep fjords and discover the hidden corners of its mist-shrouded landscapes.

Cruise lines offer this port excursion, or you can book independently. Our tour was operated by Allen Marine, who has 45 years of experience, and we cruised on the St. Aquilina ship.

Misty Fjords Tours

• 🛳️ Misty Fjords Expedition allows you to explore the wilderness on a private charter
• 🛩️ Misty Fjords Flight Tour gets you to the Misty Fjords National Monument faster, in the comfort of a floatplane

The Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Overview

The Misty Fjords boat tour is wheelchair accessible and a good choice for those who can’t walk too far. Guests board the large catamaran 300 yards from the Ketchikan dock.

Our 5-1/4 hr. excursion took all of a port day, so we did not have time to walk around the town of Ketchikan afterward. However, if you love the outdoors and want a nature lovers’ tour, this one’s for you.

Some cruise lines sell shorter excursions. However, the shortened itinerary determines how much time you’ll spend exploring the wilderness area.

The two-tiered watercraft has comfortable seating, much like you find on a luxury coach. The spacious heated cabin provided lots of space to move around. If you get a window seat, you’ll enjoy a front-row view to see marine wildlife.

Our tour boat had two outside viewing decks, and the upper deck opens to guests once the craft arrives in Misty Fjords.

Drinks and snacks were provided throughout the tour, but we could not purchase meals or hot food. Since our tour ran from 2:30 pm to 7:45 pm, we carried some of our favorite snacks.

The tour includes a naturalist who talks about the environment and landscapes. The naturalist points out bald eagle nests, waterfalls, and rock formations.

About Misty Fjords National Monument

More than 15,000 years ago, ice covered this area. As the ice retreated, the glaciers carved deep grooves into the landscape, creating the fjord seen today.

The fjords are home to harbor seals, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, and pigeon guillemots. Everywhere you look, the landscape is dotted with mesmerizing waterfalls.

The exploration of Misty Fjords traces back to the late 18th century when British explorer George Vancouver navigated these remote waters. In 1793, Vancouver and his crew charted the area and marveled at the breathtaking landscapes.

Before Vancouver’s arrival, the area was home to the indigenous Tlingit people and other native groups who had occupied the lands for countless generations.

The Tlingit people developed a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land, which is still honored and celebrated today.

The Misty Fjords National Monument is a testament to the enduring legacy of the native people and the explorers who marveled at its splendor.

Covering more than two million acres of the Tongass National Forest, the fjord continues to inspire all who visit. As its name suggests, mist often blankets the fjords, creating an ambiance that adds to the landscape’s allure.

The Boarding Process

We boarded a large catamaran close to our ship, the Quantum of the Seas, and we were thankful we didn’t have a take a bus to reach the touring vessel.

While the boat had two levels with comfortable seating, the top upper level filled up fast. That meant the last few guests needed to sit downstairs. The vessel had a maximum capacity of 149, but we cruised with 77 plus the crew of six.

The lower level contained a washroom and an area to get drinks and snacks.

Cruising To Misty Fjords

It takes a two-hour boat tour to reach Misty Fjords, and if I had known that, I’m not honestly sure I would have booked this tour.

In distance, the tour travels 110 nautical miles or 121 miles (202 km) roundtrip. Now, I see the appeal of the more expensive, shorter flightseeing tour.

When leaving Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island, the vessel cruises slowly to adhere to the marine bylaws. Through the Tongass Narrows, you’ll see Pennock Island to your right and the signs of a vibrant fishing industry to the left.

On the way, our naturalist pointed out the Saxman Native Village, another popular shore excursion. We saw an active bald eagle’s nest and many eagles resting in the trees, which were easy to spot with their white heads.

While Ketchikan experiences 13 feet of rain each year, we were fortunate to visit on one of the few dry days. The wet weather contributes to thick rainforests in the area. However, with clear skies, and calm seas, we enjoyed the rock formations and landscapes from the outdoor deck.

One of the trip’s highlights was the impressive New Eddystone Rock formation. It juts out of the emerald sea like a sore thumb. Located in the Behm Channel, the 237-foot pillar creates quite a majestic image.

The Behm Channel separates Revillagigedo Island from the mainland and offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and emerald-green cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water below.

Keep a keen eye out for wildlife during this part of the journey, as Behm Canal is known to be home to a diverse range of creatures, such as bald eagles, sea lions, and humpback whales.

We took the Misty Fjords excursion during our mid-May Alaska cruise and saw no whales during our 5-1/4-hour journey.

Soon our ship approached Rudyerd Bay, the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords

As we entered the fjord, I could understand its appeal and the true magnificence of the Misty Fjords began to unfold. While mist often blankets this area, we enjoyed the sheer cliffs with clear skies.

The monument is characterized by steep granite rock walls that rise dramatically from the tranquil waters below. Some of these measure a staggering 3,000 feet above sea level.

With high cliffs and abundant rainfall come the cascading waterfalls, one of the most iconic features of the Misty Fjords National Monument.

In mid-May, the higher elevations still had snow. With temperatures beginning to rise, the snow meltwater added to the volume of water in nearby waterfalls. If you visit during a dry spell in the peak of summer, you may not see the cascades we enjoyed.

As we cruised into the fjord, multiple waterfalls were on each side of the vessel. Some were thin strands of angel hair; others gave a powerful display.

With both the upper and lower deck open for viewing, there was plenty of space to accommodate all guests to get photos. Misty Fjords is one of those places where you can’t capture a bad image.

Thick forests of spruce, western cedar, and hemlock line the fjords and, along with the abundance of moss, create a striking contrast with the granite.

The occasional sound of nature punctuates the serenity of the fjord—water lapping against the vessel’s hull, the distant cry of a bald eagle, or the sound of a waterfall.

With eyes peeled to capture the beauty, a guest next to me spotted a lone mountain goat on a cliff. During our trip, the crew scanned the waters and coastline with binoculars for signs of wildlife. We carried a compact pair too.

The rugged cliffs of the fjords are a prime landscape for mountain goats, and I was surprised we only saw one.

As we were leaving Misty Fjords, our crew spotted a black bear roaming the shores for food. While we couldn’t get that close, the crew members remarked it was large and healthy for early in the season.

It seemed unconcerned of our presence and went about its business foraging for food.

Food And Drinks Onboard

Guests could enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate during our tour. The crew also offered chowder and vegetarian chili on the ride back.

Brian tried the chowder and remarked it was good, but I couldn’t try either since they weren’t gluten-free. After the chowder, a sampling of smoked sockeye salmon on a cracker was also offered to the guests.

Brian also took the opportunity to purchase a local stout that came from a brewery in Talkeetna, Alaska.

As with the outgoing journey, returning to Ketchikan took another two hours. Later in the day, it got relatively cool, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

Pros And Cons Of The Misty Fjords Explorer

Having done the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan (which customers rave about), I tend to compare other excursions to that one.

• You can explore an area where larger ships can’t go.
• The tour is accessible to those in wheelchairs or who have limited mobility.
• No transportation is needed to get to the catamaran.
• If you’re lucky, you may enjoy whale-watching and other wildlife sightings.
• At USD 249.99, the tour was over-priced since we spent an hour at Misty Fjords.
• The tour takes 4 hours to go to and from the fjords.
• You may not see any wildlife, depending on when you go.
• If it’s dry, you may not see any waterfalls.

My Thoughts Of The Misty Fjords Boat Tour

Having cruised through Tracy Arm , Endicott Arm, and College Fjord, this tour was a scaled-down version without the glaciers. Although the fjord was picturesque, the travel time to access it was far too long.

While our Ketchikan Misty Fjords tour was over five hours, some cruise lines sell a shortened one of 4-1/2 hours. Should you sail a shortened itinerary, you’ll only spend 30 minutes in the fjord.

We were fortunate to have great weather, although bad weather conditions could make for rough seas and poor visibility.

If you prefer to explore Misty Fjords another way, you can book a Misty Fjords flight with Taquan Air. Floatplane tours are popular in Ketchikan, and with a shortened excursion, you’ll have time to explore picturesque Creek Street, a must-see downtown.

Visitors staying in Ketchikan can arrange kayaking adventures through tour operators. It will include a kayak and drop-off and pick-up in Misty Fjords.

However, taking the Explorer cruise, as we did, was the effortless way to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

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Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer - Allen Marine Tours

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    
• Ketchikan    
• Ketchikan - Attractions    
• Allen Marine Tours

The crew were exceptional especially Alan who went out of his way to provide education in many... read more

There was a lot of opportunity to take pictures. The guides were knowledgeable about the area even... read more

Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer

We had bad weather that day, but the crew and captain were fantastic. They made sure were had a great day and that we got to see everything from the comfort inside of the boat and then we went on top when we could to make sure we got all of the photos we wanted. Long boat ride, but worth it.

I went on this excursion from my cruise ship and it was amazing and wonderful. This is a boat trip, fairly small boat with maybe 40 people maximum and we saw lots of wildlife enroute to our lunch stop. The crew were very knowledgeable about what we were seeing (seals, otters, whales, bald eagles) and properly respectful of the animals by not getting too close but close enough to see (they provided binoculars for everyone on board to use). The beach bonfire was on the tribal lands of the Tsmishian People, and we learned about their history and culture while having a delicious lunch of reindeer sausage cooked over the open fire. There was also a brief hike in the woods where our guide told us about the different plants and what they could be used for. Overall a wonderful trip.

I would’ve loved to have given them 5 stars. The staff was wonderful. But really, you’re spending a bunch of money to be on another boat seeing almost everything you’ve already seen from the cruise ship. The same trees, the same mountains, an eagles nest you had to see through binoculars as well as the sea lions. Eagles were described as golf balls on the trees. There was only one sad waterfall. For the money we spent on the tour, all the hype the cruise line made of it, and just being on another boat for over 4 hours without seeing really anything new.... I was really disappointed. Save your money and just look at the beautiful scenery while you’re on the cruise. It’s just as great.

Our least favorite excursion during our week long Alaskan cruise. Too much talking. Rudyerd Bay was nice and did look like Yosemite partially filled with water. However it was nothing like the Tracy Arm tour in Juneau. That was great. Skip this tour and see or do something else in Ketchikan.

This excursion was the highlight of our week in Ketchikan. The boat was fast and clean, and the tour guides (especially Jessy) were knowledgeable and friendly. The captain of the boat was able to take us deep into the fjords, where we saw a whole bunch of bald eagles circling over a cliff. Plus, they gave us chowder and hot cocoa . . . .

We recently took a 2 week Alaskan vacation and this was the only excursion so NOT worth taking. It started with all of us standing in line for 50 minutes to get on the boat. When they said the tour was 4 1/2 hours you thought it was going to be great. It was all riding down the boring river. Saw the fjords for 30 minutes. Not worth seeing. But the staff was nice.

Allen Marine Tours

Review Highlights

“ We took the Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Tour from Ketchikan and all we can say is WOW!!! ” in 5 reviews

“ Also helped spot some humpback whales in the monument bays. ” in 2 reviews

“ It was evident that she is very knowledgeable of the wildlife and geographic information of the area. ” in 3 reviews

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5 Salmon Lndg

Ketchikan, AK 99901

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Overall rating

Excellent boat and staff. Wonderful tour up to the Misty Fjords despite inclement weather.

As always, Allen Marine delivers. I've gone on many of their tours over the past 20 years, and this was no different. The boat is comfortable and clean, good attention to safety, well staffed with knowledgeable and friendly people. They stop when there is something special to see (we caught a humpback on this trip to the Misty Fjords), and give passengers plenty of time to ooh and ahh over the most spectacular bits, while still getting us back promptly, which is appreciated when I am on a tight schedule. The galley has a variety of snacks and there were plenty of warm beverages available for free. Gotta say, their chili recipe is not my favorite, but I'm fussy that way. Definitely recommend.

We took the Misty Fjords tour through Princess Cruises and happened to hit it when it was actually misty. I mean, really misty - it rained essentially the whole time. Now, I know that Ketchikan is one of the wettest places in the world so this isn't a rare occurrence, but it did damper the overall feel of the excursion since we had to keep wiping the inside of the windows to remove condensation so we could see out. Allen Marine cannot control the weather and the staff did an excellent job of bringing their bright attitudes to lighten up the tour and make everyone enjoy themselves. Once we arrived in Misty Fjords, we spent some time enjoying nature, but I wish it had been a bit longer. It felt like we trekked all the way out there just to turn around and come back almost immediately. Overall though, this is a great tour company and I would recommend this trip.

Excellent tour from Ketchikan to Misty Fjords National Monument. Also helped spot some humpback whales in the monument bays. The crew was very knowledgeable about the Fjords and their creation. It was a long 4.5 hour tour from Ketchikan. They served a light lunch. Options included a vegetarian chili which was delicious!

We took the Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Tour from Ketchikan and all we can say is WOW!!! The Misty Fjords are just majestic and awe inspiring, but what made this visit even more amazing was the wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable crew aboard the St. Aquilina. From Matt, the on board naturalist, who pointed out the sights and wildlife to Paige, one of the sweet crew members, we were so impressed with this tour. Yes, we booked it through our cruise line and we hands down recommend anyone who is visiting Ketchikan to not miss this wonderful experience!

We booked the Misty Fjords and Wildlife Explorer tour as an excursion on our Alaskan cruise and its probably the worst excursion I have ever booked on any cruise. The tour consisted of a 2 hour somewhat rough boat ride each way to the Fjords. We saw a few eagles along the way, I guess that was the wildlife explorer portion. The rest of the trip the boat was moving too fast on rough waters to move around or see anything but coastline. We spend about a half hour looking at the waterfalls on a cloudy rainy day that the captain said was perfect for this particular excursion. The waterfalls were beautiful and plentiful but the 2 hour boat ride each way was boring. Out of a 4.5 hour tour we only spent a half hour actually seeing something. Many passengers fell asleep on the way back. Overall we felt we had wasted our money and it's not a tour we would recommend to anyone, we were very disappointed.

Wonderful tour to Misty Fjord National Monument. The crew was wonderful. The boat was great too.

Took the Misty Fjords Wilderness cruise tour through Princess Cruises. It was the most disappointing and over priced cruise we took. Your basically taking this really long boat ride, just to see the same things you've already seen on the cruise itself. We saw pretty much no wildlife except for the sea lions that you can see at the zoo. Bald eagles were described as golf balls along the mountainside. The waterfall was pretty pitiful. Saw some beautiful waterfalls at other ports that were way bigger. They really try to hype it up on the cruise line, but really, it's kinda of a rip off.

I agree, the staff is wonderful. Reluctantly booked excursion through Princess cruises after a lot of hype. Was told I would have my "socks blown off". Well, for me, it was a lot of money spent on seeing the same things you've been seeing on the cruise or on your previous excursions. The one eagles nest can only be seen through binoculars. The sea lions also through binoculars. The boat did not move in any closer to them to get a better look. You may see a bald eagle....if you see something that resembles a golf ball on a tree (which we did not). Saw a few birds flying. They say we're going to see waterfalls, but we only saw one, and it was kind of a sorry looking one. When I told my son how much the excursion was, he was shocked. I know I was really disappointed that we had spent our time at port on another boat, basically seeing the same trees and mountains that we had been seeing on Princess. The wildlife wasn't even worth mentioning. Again, loved the staff. Just thought the excursion was overpriced for what you got or in our case, didn't get.

We took the Misty Fjords Boat and Floatplane Adventure Sunday 8/13/17 With our all-female crew, we were whisked away from Ketchikan out to see the fjords. What started as a nice easy ride turned really nasty and choppy when the weather rolled in, but despite that, we had an incredible ride. The captain handled that boat wonderfully, and tried her best to get us out of the bad weather, but it was just socked in. While the float plane was cancelled due to fog, we really enjoyed the ride, rain and wind and all! Allen Marine runs a top-notch organization, and every one of their staff is enthusiastic, fun and helpful! Awesome time!

Worth a trip out to see the fjords. Super friendly staff and stable boat. I often get sea sick but had no problem.

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Allen Marine Tours – Misty Fjords

Allen Marine Tours offers an amazing opportunity to explore Misty Fjords National Monument—one of nature’s most spectacular creations—while cruising in luxury aboard an Alaskan-built, high-speed catamaran. Pass colorful fishing boats and float planes en route to a wilderness experience you will never forget. Enjoy the service and narration provided by your crew, and watch for wildlife as you “fly” at sea level past Revillagigedo Channel’s rugged coastline. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. View an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000 foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces.

Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for the many species of wildlife that thrive here. Be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation decks. 1-888-289-0081

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Misty Fjords

Things to do.

When you close your eyes and picture Alaska, you are in the Misty Fjords National Monument. Icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, glacial valleys … literally everywhere you point your camera, it’s a postcard. 

With “the Mistys,” located just 40-miles south, Ketchikan is the jumping off point for exploring the monument.  There are two main ways to experience this gem: from a floatplane, where you get a true eagle’s eye view; and on a cruise tour, where you can actually feel the vibration of nature. Both are jaw-droppingly incredible.

Allen Marine Tours, Inc.

• 5 Salmon Landing #215 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-8100
• Toll Free: (877) 686-8100
• More Information

Explore Misty Fjords National Monument aboard our luxurious, high-performance catamaran. 4.5 hour fully narrated cruises leave daily from downtown & include tour-use binoculars, a souvenir map and complimentary snacks. Over 45 years of experience!   More...

Classic Alaska Charters

• P.O. Box 6117 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-0608

Wilderness saltwater-freshwater fishing, crabbing n shrimping, and, cruising-wildlife photo adventures for your friends, business group, or family of 4-6 persons. Outstanding overnight 5 day, 4 night private charters away from the crowds.   More...

• 4085 Tongass Ave. Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-8800
• Toll Free: (800) 770-8800

Taquan Air–Ketchikan’s most trusted name in aviation. Specializing in Misty Fjords flights, remote bear viewing, flightseeing tours, fly-out crab feasts, remote fishing excursions, and more! Ketchikan’s Medallion Shield Carrier!   More...

Island Wings

• P.O. Box 7432 Ketchikan, AK 99901
• Phone: (907) 225-2444
• Toll Free: (888) 854-2444

Pilot and owner Michelle Masden will be your personal guide to the spectacular wilderness of southeast Alaska. We offer trips to Misty Fjords National Monument, coastal glaciers, bear viewing at Anan Creek and Traitors Cove or guided fly-out fishing.

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Misty Fjords Expedition

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours & 30 minutes
• Users Boat Capacity: 4-passenger min., max. of 6

Minimum : This tour requires a 4-person minimum to operate, we will do our best to fill the remaining seats however, if the tour doesn’t reach the minimum, you will be given the option to pay for the remaining minimum seats or given a full refund.

Intimate Wilderness Voyage to the Misty Fjords

Feel the magnitude of nature while learning the fascinating history of Rudyerd Bay, the fjords, and Punchbowl Cove on our Ketchikan Misty Fjords boat charter.

What makes our Misty Fjords tours unique is that we offer the only customized boat charter to the fjords. You will work in close partnership with the captain to determine the course. You are the captain of your ship! If you decide you would like to stop and enjoy certain areas of the Misty Fjords longer — perhaps New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea, or the abundant coastal and marine wildlife including bald eagles, black and brown bears, humpback and orca whales, and more — we will do so.

Begin your Misty Fjords Expedition from the Ketchikan Cruise Ship pier. Please call us at (907) 225-9899 or email us at  [email protected]  at least 24 hrs before your scheduled tour for pickup location. Misty Fjords is about 40 miles east of Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage coast in southeastern Alaska, and approximately two hours (one way) by boat. Revel in your private Ketchikan Misty Fjords boat tour through this splendid two million-acre wilderness preserve surrounded by 3,000-foot vertical cliffs, glacial fjords, cascading waterfalls, and abundant marine and coastal wildlife.

We prioritize safety, comfort, enjoyment, and exceeding your expectations!

• Chevron down Boat

A 30’ aluminum chambered boat with twin Honda 250 outboards, deluxe seating, oversize windows, generous observation deck, heated cabin, restroom, life jackets, and great visibility for memorable photos.

• Tour duration is 4.5 hours
• Four- person minimum, seating up to 6 passengers
• Chevron down What to Bring

When exploring Alaska, please consider packing clothing items that can be layered including a lightweight shirt, sweater, and jacket allowing you to adapt to varying temperatures. Lightweight raingear, waterproof hiking shoes, hat, and gloves should be considered as well. Binoculars are provided to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.

Check online for current weather conditions:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/ketchikan-ak/99901/weather-forecast/331730

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Allen Marine Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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1. Authentic Experiences: Say goodbye to generic tours and hello to immersion in the heart of Alaska. Our handcrafted tours are designed to offer genuine connections with Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and captivating wildlife.

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4. Memorable Experiences: Your adventure with True Alaskan Tours won’t just be part of your vacation – it’ll be a highlight that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Forge connections to the people and the land of Southeast Alaska and explore with True Alaskan Tours.

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Experience the remarkable wilderness islands, waterways, and wildlife of historic Sitka. Set out in search of wildlife, including sea otters, whales, bears, and more! Couple this adventure with a meal you won’t forget at Fin Island Lodge. Menu items include crab, fresh caught fish, prime rib, and more!

Wildlife Safari & Beach Bonfire

This tour combines two Ketchikan favorites: the Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest and the Orca Point Lodge Salmon Bake.

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Whale Watching Wildlife Quest

Embark on a scenic cruise into the Alaskan wilderness that guarantees you will see wildlife, including whales!

Vessels Across The Ports

Juneau tour vessels.

The vessels utilized in Juneau are owned and operated by Allen Marine Tours. These custom-built vessels are primarily made right in the Sitka shipyard! Notably, the Juneau fleet is predominantly composed of larger 78′ vessels. These purpose-built vessels have expansive outside decks and panoramic windows to enhance wildlife viewing experiences, as well as shallow drafted hulls, enabling smooth navigation through the icy waterways of Tracy Arm.

Sitka Tour Vessels

At True Alaskan Tours, we pride ourselves on providing premium experiences in Sitka aboard our state-of-the-art outboard vessels. These cutting-edge vessels afford us the ability to navigate Sitka’s waterways with unparalleled speed and agility, ensuring that our guests can explore every corner of this stunning locale with ease and efficiency. We partner with Allen Marine Tours for select Sitka excursions. For precise details on the vessel specifications for your specific tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. We’re here to ensure your adventure with us is tailored to your exact preferences and needs.

Ketchikan Tour Vessels

In Ketchikan, the vessels are owned and operated by Allen Marine, which were constructed in the Sitka shipyard, reflecting a dedication to local craftsmanship. The Ketchikan fleet boasts an impressive range, from spacious 78′ catamarans to intimate 6-passenger vessels tailored for private excursions. The larger vessels are purposefully equipped with four engines, ensuring reliable exploration opportunities to Misty Fjords. The smaller vessels feature beach landing capabilities, enabling unforgettable adventures along the rugged coastlines of Alaska.

Hundreds Of 5-Star Reviews!

We had such an adventure with True Alaskan Tours on our Tracy Arm Fjord tour. If you are in Juneau, this is a MUST! We had a beautiful, sunny day to see all that nature had to offer! We saw a coastal brown bear, black bear, harbor seals, and humpback whales as we cruised to the fjord! We encountered crystal blue icebergs from the minute we entered the fjord. And then came the view of the glaciers--magnificent! Our world seemed so small as we cruised the fjord. The staff was knowledgeable and shared much interesting facts along the way.

We had a wonderful experience on our Tracy Arm Fjord day trip. The crew were terrific, very friendly and super knowledgeable. We really appreciated the funny and informative comments made by our tour guide Sherrie. Her enthusiasm was infectious. The boat was super comfortable, the bathrooms were clean, and the food was basic but good. The Captain spent some extra time with the humpback whales we encountered on the way down and on the way back. We also saw mountain goats and harbor porpoises. But most of all, the scenery was spectacular.

My husband and I did the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer tour and it is by far the best tour in my life. The crew were super friendly and the places we saw are beyond what words could describe. If there are even more stars I would give them. The Tracy Arm Fjord was the most breathtakingly beautiful place I have ever seen. We were even able to hear the ice cracking down. There were so many ice bergs floating and we even spotted waterfalls. Tracy Arm Fjord is such a delight to the eyes. Must must must do when you are in Juneau.

The sled dog summer camp was one of the favorite shore excursions for my family and me (all 3 of my kids are in their 20s). Chad and Jaime led an excellent tour and we learned so much about the Iditarod! We got to go on a ride led by 12 beautiful Alaskan Huskies. This was such a blast! At the end we got to hold puppies - it was hard to leave them. And their homemade chocolate chip cookies were darn good too. I highly recommend this shore excursion - it was tied with the Hubbard Glacier tour as the top two shore excursions we took from the Holland America line up to Alaska.

Proud Members Of

• Order Status
• Juneau Tours
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe
• Dog Sledding
• Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Musher's Camp
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
• Taku Lodge Flight & Feast
• Things to Do in Juneau
• Skagway Tours
• White Pass Railroad
• Bennett Scenic Railroad
• Yukon Discovery
• White Pass Summit & Beyond
• Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Chilkoot Horseback
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing
• Things to Do in Skagway
• Ketchikan Tours
• Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument
• Mahoney Falls Extended Tour
• Trolley Tour
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
• Things to Do in Ketchikan
• Icy Strait Point Tours
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife & Bear Search
• Stream Fishing
• Things to Do in Icy Strait
• Sitka Tours
• Premium Scenic Tour
• Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
• Whale Watching Tour
• Things to Do in Sitka
• Things to Do

Ketchikan Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour

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• Things to know
• Reviews (0)

Excursion Overview

Soar through the remarkable misty fjords national monument.

Over two million acres of remote, wilderness region awaits you. Board an authentic De Havilland floatplane to visit one of Ketchikan's most notable highlights. The Misty Fjords National Monument is the second largest wilderness region in the United States. Fly over sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1000 foot waterfalls, and crystalline glacial lakes. Keep your eyes peeled from your guaranteed window seat for Alaskan wildlife. Eagles, mountain goats, whales, and sea lions could be among the wildlife spotted from the skies. Equipped with digital sound systems and individual passenger noise-cancelling headsets to hear the narrative and choreographed music. All flight paths are weather dependent. The adventures could you lead you South where you may see New Eddystone Rock and Big Goat Lake or North past Neets Bay and Bell Island Hot Springs. Flights cancelled due to inclement weather are fully refundable.

Please Report Accurate Weights of each Passenger

• Accurate weights are needed to determine the correct size plane for this excursion to fit the balance and weight profile of your aircraft. Reporting inaccurate weights could result in a canceled excursion not eligible for a refund.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation from the Ketchikan Visitor Center (Berth 2 downtown Ketchikan)
• Window seat
• Noise-cancelling headsets to hear the narrative and choreographed music during the flight

Requirements:

• Guests must be comfortable walking short distances and getting on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance. Please advise, the dock can be a steep incline depending on the tide.

Duration: 1.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 10 minutes - transportation from the Visitor's Center (Berth 2) to the floatplane dock
• 1 hour - flightseeing in the Misty Fjords
• 10 minutes - transportation from the floatplane dock back to downtown Ketchikan

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the Liquid Sunshine Rain Gauge outside of the Ketchikan Visitor's Center. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers. If your ship docks at Ward Cove, you must take a complimentary shuttle do downtown Ketchikan.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to get on and off the aircraft with minimal assistance. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. We are unable to accommodate motorized scooters on this tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if you plan to bring accessibility equipment on this excursion.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend suitable waterproof outerwear and comfortable footwear for this excursion. Sunglasses are a must!

If you are particularly prone to motion sickness, taking a precautionary anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea. However, flights are very smooth and turns are slow and gentle. This is a professional scenic tour, not a thrill ride. Most people do not experience motion sickness and do not need anti-motion sickness medication.

Everyone enjoys a (panoramic view) window seat.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. However, this is not a designated wildlife tour and nothing can be guaranteed.

Expect the unexpected! We have experienced “typical” summer days ranging from 50 degrees and raining to 85 degrees and sunny. It is always smart to plan for anything in Alaska.

The Tongass National Forest is a 17 million-acre rainforest that makes up much of Southeast Alaska. We Alaskans have learned to appreciate the rain and never let it spoil a good time. If it is otherwise safe and quality flying weather, we will fly in the rain. A little-known fact is that the weather in Ketchikan and Misty Fjords can often be very different. Ketchikan is on an island located very close to the open ocean as Misty Fjords is located on the mainland 40 miles in the opposite direction. Misty Fjords experiences less rain than our coastal area near Ketchikan.

The Seaplane Captains are experts in the decision-making process when it comes to weather. The safety of passengers is the number one priority. The tour will not fly if it is not safe. The second priority is tour quality, and flights will not go out if tour quality is poor. If the flight is cancelled due to weather you will receive a full refund.

As far as the best time of the day for a Misty Fjords tour, you should primarily consider your personal schedule. Most of the summer month, Ketchikan is blessed with beautiful flying weather, and the time of day whether it is in the morning or in the afternoon will make no difference.

Fjords are formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. Glacial melting is accompanied by rebound of Earth’s crust as the ice load and eroded sediment is removed in some cases this rebound is faster than sea level rise. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea. Fjords generally have a sill or rise at their mouth caused by the previous glacier’s terminal moraine, in many cases causing extreme currents and large saltwater rapids.

There are no road systems that extend to the Misty Fjords. Access is strictly by floatplane or small boat.

A floatplane is an aircraft that utilizes water as its runway with the use of floats or pontoons instead of wheels. This is a popular mode of transportation throughout Southeast Alaska for access to remote locations or communities without a land-based runway.

The DeHavilland Turbine Otter can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Depending on the group size, the DeHavilland Beaver can accommodate up to 6 passengers and the Cessna 185 is the most intimate experience with just 2-3 passengers.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

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Duration: 1.5 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult: $ 350.00

Child (2-12): $ 350.00

Infant: $ 0.00

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Related tours.

Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour

$375.00 / Person

Juneau Glacier Flightseeing via Seaplane Tour

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$399.00 / Person

Misty Fjords National Monument via Seaplane Tour

$389.00 / Person

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Contact & Reservation Information

We sincerely believe that touring with Allen Marine is the ultimate way to enjoy the amazing scenery and wildlife of Southeast Alaska while enjoying time with family and friends.  Knowing that your trip to Alaska is going to be a substantial investment and, likely, a once-in-a-lifetime event; we truly appreciate your decision to consider including us in your plans.

Whether you’re going to be traveling by cruiseship or on your own, we have a wealth of knowledge that we would love to share, and we want to do everything we can to help you plan your great Alaska vacation.  If you have any questions about our tours, please give a us call or send us an email.  Every inquiry we receive will be addressed quickly, thoughtfully, and with enthusiasm.

If you have recently been on one of our tours and would like to share a photo or let us know how we did – we would consider it an honor to hear from you. Frequently we share a gift from our store if you surprise us with a good photo or memory.

Tour Reservations

If you are going to be visiting Alaska by cruiseship, please check with your cruiseline for tour availability, pricing information, and to secure your tour reservations.  If the Allen Marine tour you are interested in is not listed on your cruiseline’s shore excursion website, or if you are not traveling to Alaska aboard a cruiseship, please book our tours online at truealaskantours.com .

If the Allen Marine tour you are interested in is not listed on your cruiseline’s shore excursion website, or if you are not traveling to Alaska aboard a cruise ship, please book tours online at  truealaskantours.com .

Juneau Contacts:

Phone:  (907) 789-0081 Toll Free:  1-888-289-0081 Fax:  (907) 789-1743 Email:  [email protected]

Ketchikan Contacts: Phone:  (907) 225-8100 Toll Free:  1-877-686-8100 Fax:  (907) 225-8101 Email:  [email protected]

Sitka Contacts: Phone:  (907) 747-8100 Toll Free:  1-888-747-8101 Fax:  (907) 747-4819 Email:  [email protected]

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• Juneau Alaska Tours
• Ketchikan Alaska Tours
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