Lighthouse Excursions

Lighthouse Excursions

Lighthouse Excursions
5
About
Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles Excursion is a 3-hour expedition (dock-to-dock). Our dock representative or van driver greets the passengers as they get off of their ship and guides them to their transportation. After a short, narrated bus or van ride out to our rustic Ward Cove location, guests board one of our 60 foot passenger vessels (either the M/V Totem Princess or the M/V Lighthouse Endeavor) to embark on an interactive, educational, and entertaining voyage to Guard Island Lighthouse and back. Notable locations along the tour route include the historic site of the Ward Cove Pulp Mill, Ward Cove Packing Company, Refuge Cove and its outlying islands, Totem Bight State Park, Guard Island Lighthouse, and Vallenar Rocks Wildlife Viewing area. Our primary wildlife viewing is eagles and their nests, but sightings also include seals, sea lions, blue heron and other seabirds, and even humpback and orca whales. We follow a circuitous route, which ensures there is no redundancy in scenery.
Ketchikan, Alaska

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles840 reviews
Excellent
728
Very good
67
Average
24
Poor
8
Terrible
13

R E
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
Captain Kelsey McNeil led an excellent tour and her crew of two did an excellent job of serving the needs of the tourist. The ride was great and the information shared was insightful and the scenery was breathtaking. We saw eagles, their nests and the totem poles. Highly recommend this experience
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, and thank you for the kind review! I'm glad you found the trip to be informative and entertaining. We'll hope to see you again next time your travels bring you to Alaska!
Written May 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Les T
Delanson, NY2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
Simply loved this excursion. The boat was an perfect size and the interior seating was very comfortable. The crew was very friendly and took care offer info about the scenery. The food offered was excellent and a pretty good size portion. Overall we got to see almost everything except for the whales, but we were there later in the season. Definitely a great way to see that part of Alaska.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

barry m
Bishops Stortford, UK297 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Friends
A fabulous tour. Nice people with food and drinks provided during the excursion. We saw lots of bald eagles and had several nests pointed out to us. Although the firm must do this for every cruise ship that comes into port, it still felt personal and it was the stand out tour of our cruise schedule. Highly recommended.
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WhosShemp
NYC144 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019 • Family
Save your money. While the reviews are astounding, be assured that the tour boat was loaded with people who look like they just fell off of a pickle truck and have never seen a good excursion in their lives. If 500 yards away from an Eagle excites you, you’ll have a blast. If a dilapidated shack with a light on top is worth 20 minutes of a rocking boat, knock yourself out. Lots of “there’s a reef under the water here” and “over there, 500 yards away, is where we sometimes see bear.” “That garage has a big boat behind its doors.” There’s some salmon jumping. But if this is indeed the best excursion in Ketchikan....stay on the boat. If I every accidentally wind up here again I’ll take the Sea Plane excursions. To learn that it rains most of the time in this town...risking booking a tour in advance here is dumb. No whales, no jelly fish, no bear, no deer. Really just a boat ride with a few distant eagle sightings as a bonus. Come with tips for two different drivers and the ship crew...because hands and jars will be out.
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review our excursion. Though I am always thrilled to see positive reviews, I am most eager to read the negative ones because it gives me an opportunity to learn how to make my operation better. With that in mind I have studied your review multiple times and I am not able to find anything constructive in it, as every detail you found to criticize are things that are out of our direct control. The beauty of taking an excursion like ours is that we are not in a zoo, and the wildlife we see on our excursion is truly wild. While none of the wildlife you listed is guaranteed, we have never run a tour and not seen one of the many bald eagles that live along our coastline. We of course cannot command the wildlife to come to the tour vessel, so it makes it all the more special when we do spot additional wildlife. We are also lucky to be situated in a fjord, which allows for the boat to sometimes get within 20 feet of the shoreline. Often we are able to spot eagles on low hanging branches over the water, which makes for great up-close viewing. On other occasions bald eagles will even soar down and pick a fish up out of the water in front of the boat. That said, for those occasions where the wildlife is further away, like when an eagle is looking down on us from the top of a 150 foot spruce tree, we provide waterproof binoculars so that our guests may focus in on the details of their plumage. As for the critique of the lighthouse, yes, it is not your typical cylindrical 100 foot tall lighthouse that one might see on the east coast, but neither is any other lighthouse in Alaska. They were all built to withstand our harsh and windy winters, when it is not uncommon for it to blow over 100 mph. Guard Island Lighthouse happens to be the first lighthouse to have been built in Alaska, and it is a sight best observed with its history in mind. You’ll also often hear your captain discussing the reefs and rocks around the narrow waterways, specifically because it puts into perspective the difficulty that Captain George Vancouver would have experienced while navigating through Southeast Alaskan waters in search of the Northwest Passage. Ketchikan also happens to be the salmon capitol of the world, so we find many guests are fascinated when we point out the silver and pink salmon as they jump up out of the water in preparation to make their way up their home rivers to spawn. We are also thrilled to get to share with guests the fact that we are in the world’s largest temperate rainforest on the planet, the Tongass National Forest, and that the 13 feet of rain Ketchikan receives each year provides the fertile grounds for its incredible biodiversity, and the lush, green beauty of the coastline that brings visitors back to Alaska again and again. Finally, I am so grateful that the vast majority of the visitors coming to Alaska genuinely find satisfaction in simply being on a boat surrounded by Alaskan wilderness and wildlife, with helpful and kind crew members ready to point out an eagle, or hand deliver you a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee, no matter the weather. I feel lucky to live here and that we get to share our home with guests from all over the world every day. I am sorry that you were not able to find any part of your experience enjoyable.
Written August 22, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MrShiloh
Hanover Park3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2012 • Couples
Greetings. We want to thank you all so much for our excursion last week.(Thur.Sept 13th, 2012) Although you said it rains there ALOT, you did say that on that date in the early afternoon, you had the worst storm of the season. We also wanted to thank you for driving us back to our ship. You took 4 of us in your van and it was appreciated. We would of had to wait for another bus to come back to pick us 4 up so thanks alot. You also said that since we were not able to go see the lighthouse because the weather and water was so bad, you said you would email us pictures from your own photo album and you would send not only the lighthouse pictures, but also pictures of the orca's, whales, bald eagles,the lighthouse and any other pictures you think we might like. I know Craig would just love that cause although he takes great pictures, it was just raining so very hard that day and nearly impossible to take any good pictures. Thank you very much for everything. We really enjoyed that trip and have told 4 of our friends who are going there next spring to make sure they call and reserve their spot. One needs not to miss this one. Also, the hot chocolate was great!!!
You were so knowledgable & friendly & oh so helpful. You wanted everyone to get their best picture and was willing to turn the boat around so everyone was happy. Honestly, one of the best tour captains in all of Alaska. What a great day, even tho it rain and the water was a tad bumpy, you & your team made it all worthwhile. THANKS ALOT!!!

Thank you, again. We can't wait to see the pictures.
Sincerely, Shirleen & Craig Johnson
Written September 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

the_cadmans
Jersey, UK137 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Couples
My wife and I did this excursion on Sat 22nd June 2019 from the Queen Elizabeth Cruise ship, our 1st stop of our trip.

We had a fun time doing this trip, the staff were great, the boat comfortable and we saw a few things of interest which got us off to a great start for our holiday.

We saw The Totem Pole Park which was very good and the boat was positioned in a position where you get a good photo of it and as we had a 'Bald eagle' sat on top of the tallest Pole, was quite a nice thing to see.

We also had a nice cruise around the local coast with great commentary from the staff and Captain, who were all great and exceptionally helpful with photo's and info.

We also cruises across to a lighthouse, which didn't really do it for us and I don't think was needed, but we then saw Harbour and Grey Seals on our way in so a good day and you get what it says, so no complaints at all.

We enjoyed the fresh air, and scenery for about 2 hours and of course their legendary Hot Chocolate !! It is good, so we had 2 cups each.

Thanks guys we enjoyed it
Written July 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

aK cruiser
20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Family
Great way to see bald eagles and eat a delicious salmon spread in Ketchikan. The bus picked us up right in front of the cruise ship and took us about 15 minutes outside of town to Ward Cove. We then loaded a two-deck boat and set sail for the channel. Great narration along the way by Captain Jeff who would stop the boat and allow time for everyone to find the eagles in the treetops before moving on. The Totem Park was too far too really appreciate but did like the legend of Fog Woman to go with the respective totem. The Lighthouse had an interesting history before getting shut down and Captain Jeff did a good job stopping there and pointing out more eagles and ship hazards nearby . Deckhands Andrew and Haley were awesome in taking everyone's picture in front of the sights. They also made a delicious salmon spread with crackers and fruit along with top-notch hot chocolate with a heapful of whipped cream. Overall a great way to see Ketchikan from the water. You can stay inside the cabin where it's warm or go top-side and to the bow if you're willing to brave the wind.
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carol D
New Jersey13 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Couples
First, this is a very nice, if somewhat expensive tour. Captain Rob is an experienced seaman and naturalist. Snacks, binoculars are a thoughtful touch, and his assistants are fabulous. There were plenty of eagles and the day was gorgeous.

But...Captain Rob does a "humorous" monologue pretty much the whole time. Favorite targets are: neighbors & competitors (dumb & greedy), women (dumb & gabby), foreigners (cowardly Italians; others dumb, hairy and smelly), Obama (dumb, and more), people on welfare (dumb, lazy, & greedy); and...tourists (that is, us, the paying customers--dumb and dumber). Geez... I am sure that he will reply that he just uses a little "politically incorrect" humor and doesn't mean to offend anyone, but this is really ugly, mean-spirited stuff at everyone else's expense. My husband and I left feeling a little queasy, and it wasn't from seasickness!
Written June 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patricia G
Henderson, NV27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2013 • Couples
What an incredible tour. You see historic sites and wildlife with scenic rugged Alaska as a backdrop. The boat captain is friendly, knowledgeable and an excellent host. His narration is closely choreographed to the historic sites and wildlife as he spots it and directs passengers to the exact position of the sighting. The tour provides binoculars to use and the boat is heated. Both liquid refreshments and snacks are provided as part of the tour. The crew was very polite and helpful. Wildlife sightings were abundant. Captain Rob shares anecdotes about various landmarks during the tour. I highly recommend this excursion!
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cotonboy
Cambridge, UK395 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2013 • Couples
The tour gives you what it says. A cruise around the Ketchikan area taking in a small island with a lighthouse, a cruise past the totem pole centre and regular views of Bald Eagles. There is a regular commentary and complimentary drinks, try the hot chocolate. Those with good camera's will get very good eagle shots, at the right time of year; which this was , as they now have young to feed.
Overall I would say it is one of the better trips in the area. Three hours was just about right, we had an overcast and dry day, however Ketchikan is notorious for wet weather and I would not have liked to have been out in really damp conditions, so I would advise booking in port.
Written June 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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