About this experience
The Ketchikan Photo Safari is a fun, small group 3 hour shore excursion designed for short time travelers who want great photos, engaging history, and a deeper understanding of Alaska.
Traveling with a professional photography guide in a group of just 2–9 guests, you’ll explore Ketchikan’s most scenic and culturally significant locations, including a visit to Potlatch Park. Here, you’ll learn about Southeast Alaska Native culture, traditional totem poles, carving, symbolism, and the stories that connect the land and its people.
While photography is a key part of the experience, you don’t need to be photography focused to enjoy this tour. It’s also perfect for guests who are new to Alaska and want to hear great stories, learn local history, and better understand what they’re seeing. Along the way, your guide shares easy photography tips you can use with any camera or smartphone—tips many guests say improve their photos for the rest of their cruise.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- This is a great historic and cultural tour with or without a camera:)
Itinerary and highlights
If you land in Ketchikan on berths 1, 2, 3, or 4 we meet at berth 2 next to the statue called "The Rock". If you land in Ward Cove we will pick you up unless otherwise notified.
The Historic Red Light District where men and salmon go to spawn, now home to a variety of shops & attractions and abundant photo opportunities. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site.
At the Harris Street Bridge, we have an opportunity to talk about the use of backgrounds and foregrounds. During salmon spawning season we will have an up close look at nature in action.
This site has totems, native carvings, informative kiosks, ancient poles and the opportunity to hear the legend of Fog Woman. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site.
We will make our way down East Street to over look Thomas Basin and explore some of the last wooden dock structures in Ketchikan, Alaska. If the weather is right we have an opportunity for a large landscape or what ever strikes our imagination. We will talk about commercial fishing and the history of the town, while collecting some of our favorite photos.
This site offers a variety of attractions including a totem carving building, a traditional Native Clan House, dugout canoe, a gift shop, antique cars and a Russian Museum. Hear stories and information about local culture, history, economy & lifestyles as you travel from site to site. Enjoy your fresh roasted coffee and gourmet cookie at this site.
One last stop for another large landscape overlooking Danger Island and the airplane float. Here we will begin the conclusion of our tour and we thank you for coming on the Ketchikan Photo Safari.
We are excited to share all of these locations, but sometimes the itinerary is subject to change due to weather, lighting and general interests of the crowd.
Meeting and pickup information
- Berth #1 #2 #3 #4 visitors: Meet next to the statue called "The Rock" next to the Ketchikan Visitor's Center on Berth 2 Ward Cove visitors meet your Photo Safari guide near your ship's greeting area. In the Welcoming Center. It is important that you list your ships information so that we know where to pick you up. Ships that tie up in Ward Cove are about 10 miles from downtown, which is a 20-minute drive.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Ketchikan Photo Safari
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Stipulate your desired TOUR DEPARTURE TIME and email for confirmation: [email protected]
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Ward Cove visitors meet your Photo Safari guide near your ship's greeting area. In the Welcoming Center.
It is important that you list your ships information so that we know where to pick you up. Ships that tie up in Ward Cove are about 10 miles from downtown, which is a 20-minute drive.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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