Choose between a 3-hour or 4-hour private tour.
A 3-hour private tour includes all four locations listed below, which are minutes from each other, allowing a comfortable and relaxed pace.
A 4-hour private tour is recommended for groups larger than 11 or those traveling with the Norwegian Cruise line (NCL). All NCL ships dock 8 miles outside of town and in the opposite direction of the itinerary.
These are private tours, which means your family and friends will be the only guests in the tour van. Our tours are designed to allow a comfortable pace for visiting all four locations listed below, with the option to customize your itinerary as you go! You can choose to spend more time at certain locations and less at others. Enjoy the flexibility to adjust your tour on the fly without being restricted by rigid time constraints at each stop.
Experience the thrill of wildlife with the chance to see bears, bald eagles, salmon, and seals! This open grassy field and creek attracts a variety of wildlife to this location! The main attraction is always the bears! Please keep in mind, sighting a bear is not guarantee, but we make every effort possible for our guests to see one!
The drive to this location is alongside the inner passage, with the opportunity to see whales swimming through the passage! If whales are spotted, don't worry your guide will safely pull over so you can get out and take photos and videos!
Discover the diverse tide pools along the coastal inner passage, where you may spot purple and orange starfish, crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and more! Chance to also see eagles in the trees, seals in the ocean, and with a little bit of luck a whale passing through. The variety of wildlife will change with the tide levels. When the season is right, you can also pick and enjoy the wild edible berries in this location! (rocky and sandy terrain)
Experience the beauty of this breathtaking waterfall and take in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder just steps from exiting the van. You can even take a step inside the lush rainforest for more awe-inspiring views of this natural wonder!
This location includes a Native Totem Park, a retired Sawmill, and Bifrost Blacksmithing! First, stroll through the Native Totem Park as your guide will share captivating stories that breathe life into these magnificent works of art! In addition, this location has an active totem pole carving center. You can witness the intricate process and even engage with the carvers, asking questions about their craft!
Next, walk through a retired sawmill for a quick fun, and interesting look into Ketchikan's past that is entertaining for all ages! The sawmill sits on 20-foot-high stilts, providing an amazing view of the estuary below, with more chances to see harbor seals, beavers, salmon, eagles, and bears!
On our way out we will stop at Bifrost Blacksmithing, knives handcrafted in Ketchikan using locally sourced materials. These knives are made with recycled steel for the blades and handles crafted from Sitka black-tailed deer antlers, each carrying a unique story. Engage with the blacksmiths, Jake and Joron, as they talk about their craft and the intriguing stories behind each knife!
The Totem Park, Sawmill, and Bifrost Blacksmithing are together in one location. Please note this privately owned site has a $10 per person entry fee (ages 12 and under $5) upon arrival to this location.
Pick up/Drop off
Pick up in front of your cruise ship 10 minutes before your selected tour time. Your guide will be waiting at the bottom of the ramp, holding a sign that reads Emerald Forest Tours.
Drop-off is back to your ship or anywhere in town if you plan to walk around and see the sites before boarding your cruise ship! Rest assured you will be back to your ship on time, our reputation depends on it!
Maximum Guests per booking:
Maximum 11 guests per booking (Tour van holds 11 guests including passenger seat). Groups larger than 11, please contact us for special arrangements.
Inclusions
Mobility Equipment
Our vans can fit collapsible/foldable wheelchairs and walkers.
Child seats and Booster seats
We have both child and booster seats available. If one is required, please comment in the section labeled special requests, when making your reservation.
Cancelation Policy
Our cancellation policy is flexible and understanding. We kindly ask you give us 2 weeks notice before your scheduled reservation, so we have adequate time to fill the spot. We also understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and if you need to cancel even within 24 hours of your tour, we will happily provide a full refund.
Emerald Forest Tours
Ketchikan Alaska
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