Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer from Ketchikan

Travelers looking for an impressive Alaskan adventure often turn to boat tours exploring Misty Fjords — a land of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Our review of the Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer from Ketchikan aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect, helping you decide if this $293.95 tour fits your travel plans.

What we like about this trip is its beautiful scenery and the opportunity to see iconic landmarks like Rudyerd Bay and New Eddystone Rock from the comfort of a purpose-built vessel. The onboard amenities—heated cabins, panoramic windows, and a snack shop—make the long journey more comfortable. The lively guides sharing stories and insights add a personal touch that many travelers appreciate.

However, a potential downside is the long travel time involved — roughly two hours each way — which can make for a tiring day, especially if you’re not a fan of extended boat trips. The commentary, according to some reviews, may also feel a bit dull, making it a less engaging experience for those seeking more dynamic narration.

This tour would suit nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and those keen to tick off a key Alaska highlight without venturing into remote backcountry on their own. If you’re comfortable with a longer boat ride and enjoy wildlife and scenic views, this could be a worthwhile addition to your Alaskan itinerary.

This experience made our article of The 7 Best National Park Tours In Ketchikan.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The towering cliffs and waterfalls are breathtaking, especially Rudyerd Bay and Gods Pocket.
• Comfortable boat: Inside cabins, panoramic windows, and heated spaces help make the long trip more enjoyable.
• Wildlife sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, seals, and other critters along the way.
• Educational narration: Guides share stories about the natural wonders and history, though some find it dull.
• Valuable photo opportunities: Outside viewing decks and close-up vistas make for excellent shots.
• Long travel time: About 2 hours each way, which some travelers find tiring and a bit of a loss if the commentary isn’t engaging.

The tour begins at 300 Spruce Mill Way in Ketchikan, where travelers gather to set off on a purpose-built vessel designed specifically for scenic cruising. As you depart downtown, the excitement builds, knowing you’re headed to one of Alaska’s most striking natural areas: the Misty Fjords National Monument. The boat is equipped with inside cabin seating, panoramic windows, and outdoor viewing decks, allowing you to choose your preferred vantage point.

The First Stop: Misty Fjords National Monument

This is the core of the trip — a 1-hour 15-minute cruise through Rudyerd Bay and the surrounding fjords. Here, the cliffs soar up to 3,000 feet, creating dramatic scenery that’s ideal for photography and awe. The guides share lively stories about both natural history and human history, providing context that enriches the experience.

You’ll see landmarks like Gods Pocket and Owl Cliffs, which lend the landscape their distinctive character. Expect to see gorgeous waterfalls, the spray from which adds to the magic, and maintain watch for eagles and seals that often frequent the water’s surface. The guides’ commentary, while informative, might not satisfy everyone — one reviewer described it as “very boring,” feeling like they “lost the day” despite the stunning views.

Second Stop: New Eddystone Rock

After the fjord exploration, the boat cruises past the towering volcanic spire that is New Eddystone Rock. Rising dramatically from the sea, it offers a striking visual and is a favorite photo stop. The stop itself lasts about five minutes, but it’s enough to appreciate its rugged grandeur.

Additional Highlights

• History of Rum Runners: The guides share snippets about Alaska’s Prohibition era and the clandestine activities that took place along these waters—interesting for history buffs.
• Saxman and Totem Poles: As the boat cruises past Saxman, you’ll learn about the region’s Indigenous culture and the significance of totem poles, adding depth to your understanding of the area.
• Annette Island: The only Alaskan reserve visible on the trip, offering an insight into local Native lands and communities.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are coffee and tea, sweet and savory snacks, and guides in English. For non-English speakers, written guides are available in Spanish, French, and German, which adds value for international travelers.

One thing to keep in mind is that binoculars are not provided, so if wildlife viewing is a priority, bringing your own might be wise.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The good:

• The stunning vistas of the fjords and cliffs are genuinely breathtaking. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.
• The comfortable vessel makes the long trip more bearable, especially with heated cabins and panoramic windows.
• The wildlife sightings are a bonus, with eagles and seals often seen along the route.
• The narration and stories offered by guides help you connect with the landscape and its history.

The not-so-good:

• The long travel time can be a downside for travelers with limited time or stamina, as the outbound and return journeys each take about two hours.
• The commentary can feel dull or uninspired, making the long hours seem more tedious than they need to be.
• Some travelers might feel the tour is somewhat overpriced for what’s delivered, considering the duration and content.

How Does It Compare?

If you’re considering other excursions from Ketchikan, like whale-watching or wildlife safaris, this tour offers a different kind of scenic experience. It’s less about active wildlife encounters and more about soaking in spectacular views from a comfortable boat. The tours linked in similar experiences often include additional wildlife viewing or cultural activities, which could be a better fit if those are your priorities.

This scenic cruise is best suited for travelers who:

• Crave spectacular scenery and memorable photo ops.
• Are comfortable with long boat rides and don’t mind extended travel times.
• Enjoy guided commentary and want to learn about the area’s natural features and history.
• Appreciate comfortable amenities onboard like heated cabins and panoramic views.
• Are traveling with family or groups looking for a relaxed way to explore Alaska’s wilderness.

Conversely, if you’re seeking close-up wildlife encounters, more active adventures, or a shorter experience, you might want to explore other options.

The Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer offers a chance to see some of Alaska’s most impressive scenery without venturing into the wilderness on foot. Its strengths lie in the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and vistas that make Misty Fjords famous. The vessel’s amenities and the engaging guides enhance the experience, especially if you enjoy a comfortable cruise.

However, the long travel time and occasionally dull narration might leave some feeling the experience doesn’t quite justify the price. It’s a good choice for travelers who prioritize visual beauty over active exploration or storytelling. If you’re a photo enthusiast or simply want to enjoy serene, awe-inspiring views from the comfort of a boat, this trip could be worth considering.

This tour provides a solid, scenic introduction to Misty Fjords — but be prepared for the journey and set your expectations accordingly.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including about two hours each way for travel time.

What’s the main highlight of the trip?
The most striking part is the cruise through Misty Fjords, especially the views of Rudyerd Bay and the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife along the way.

Is the vessel comfortable?
Yes, the boat features heated indoor cabins, panoramic windows, outside viewing decks, and onboard restrooms, making the long ride more comfortable.

Are meals or drinks included?
Coffee, tea, and snacks (sweet and savory) are included, but no full meals are provided.

Are there options for non-English speakers?
Yes, written guides are available in Spanish, French, and German, which adds value for international travelers.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
While wildlife sightings like eagles and seals are common, they are not guaranteed. The focus is more on scenery, but wildlife spotting can be a bonus.

Is this tour suitable for small children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, and the boat’s amenities accommodate various ages. However, consider the length of travel if traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, binoculars if you have them, and warm layers—weather can change quickly on the water.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, the Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer stands out for its breathtaking scenery and the comfort of a well-equipped vessel. It’s a good choice for travelers eager to see Alaska’s iconic fjords from the water without extra hiking or strenuous activity. While the long hours and some dull moments in narration might detract for others, the views alone can make this trip worthwhile. For those who value scenery over adventure, it’s a scenic cruise that’s easy to recommend—just be ready for a full day on the water.