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2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion

5 (10)
Ketchikan, US
5 (10)
Ketchikan, US
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Experience the true essence of the area with a 2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion. Join a local guide and embark on a narrated island excursion where you will have the chance to watch for wildlife and immerse yourself in the authentic art and culture of the region. From the best spot to observe bears in their natural habitat during spawning season to witnessing the majestic sight of salmon jumping up the rapids, every moment on this tour is filled with excitement and wonder. Explore the Totem Heritage Center and marvel at the 200+ year old totem poles, discover the fascinating history of Saxman native village as you drive through, and even visit a popular local beach if the tide is low enough. Don't miss out on this incredible adventure that showcases the wildlife and cultural treasures of the area.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-14 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Chance to spot wildlife at Herring Cove
  • Opportunity to witness salmon jumping up the rapids
  • Viewing 200+ year old totem poles at Totem Heritage Center
  • Drive through Saxman native village with totems and clan house
  • Visit a popular local beach, weather permitting
  • Bottled water
  • All fees and taxes

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More about this experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the captivating wildlife and rich culture of the area with the 2-Hour Wildlife and Culture small van Excursion. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this small group island tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

What to expect?

During this excursion, you can anticipate encountering diverse wildlife and experiencing the authentic art and culture of the area. Get a chance to spot bears, bald eagles, seals, salmon, and other magnificent creatures at Herring Cove, especially during the salmon spawning season. Marvel at the sight of salmon jumping up the rapids and swimming up the ladder at the Salmon ladder, a stop made exclusively during the spawning season. Explore the Totem Heritage Center and be mesmerized by the remarkable art and 200+ year-old totem poles crafted by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Take a scenic drive through Saxman native village, where you'll pass by totems, a clan house, and a totem carving center.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to all nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, art enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this excursion offers something for everyone. Open to people of all ages, this experience is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and learn more about the region's indigenous art and culture.

Why book this?

Embark on this tour to enjoy a unique and immersive experience led by a local guide who knows all the hidden gems of the area. Witness the beauty of wildlife in their natural habitat, from bears to bald eagles, and gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of this ecosystem. Dive into the rich indigenous heritage by exploring the Totem Heritage Center and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of centuries-old totem poles. The opportunity to drive through Saxman native village offers a chance to glimpse the history and customs of the Tlingit people. Book this excursion to create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders that this area has to offer.

Good to know

The tour starts and ends in Downtown, birth two, right outside the visitor center, next to the rain gauge. The duration of the tour is approximately 135 minutes, ensuring plenty of time to explore the various stops along the way. It is advisable to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera to capture the mesmerizing wildlife and cultural sites, and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Remember to keep your senses alert, as you never know what incredible sightings await you during this unforgettable adventure.

Reviews

Feedback from previous participants highlights the exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm of the local guide. Travelers were amazed by the up-close encounters with wildlife and the profound insights into the indigenous art and culture. Visitors appreciated the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to explore a range of unique attractions. The excursion received rave reviews for its ability to provide an immersive and educational experience while leaving participants with lasting memories of the area's majestic wildlife and vibrant cultural heritage.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Herring Cove

Herring Cove is the best place we can drive to for the chance to spot some wildlife. Bears are very common there especially in salmon spawning season (mid July through late September) If any questions please call 9078218383 Bald eagles are extremely common there from May to August. There are many different bird species you can sometimes spot including Kingfishers, blue heron, steller blue jays, and ravens. other possible wildlife includes seals, salmon, Sitka blacktail deer, and otters.

Salmon Ladder

We make this stop only during salmon spawning season, and you can see salmon jumping up the rapids, and swimming up the ladder. Customer service: 9078218383

Totem Heritage Center

Founded in 1976 the Totem Heritage Center contains amazing art, and 200+ year old totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center preserves the art of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples. The Center houses endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites. The Center contains 33 authentic poles, numerous historic artifacts, and Native art works.

Admission Included

Saxman Native Village

(Pass by)

We drive through a Tlingit town, known as Saxman. We will pass by totems, a clan house, and a totem carving center.

Reviews

(10)

5 (10)

Eleazar_L

Great tour!!! General view and understanding of everything that Ketchikan has to offer. Culture, Salmon cycle, wildlife and waterfalls. Paul, Thank you for sharing your time with us, the ferns and the and the keepsake Polaroid!!!

Samantha_F

We had a great tour with Dale and Daniel. Great paced tour with great stories about Ketchikan. Very small tour as it was just my husband and I. Would definitely take this tour again!

Denise_T

Seeing the areas around Ketchikan. Saw wildlife, learned the culture and history of the clans of the area. Learned a little about the way of life living there. Did not get to see any bears, bummed about but that’s not in anyone’s control. Maybe on my next visit

Barbara_P

This was advertised as two and a half hours. We rushed from the ship to the meeting place, but the other guests (another party of two) were late. We were told the actual trip is only two hours, in case of late comers etc. This needs to be addressed. The ride to Herring Cove was a few miles along the coast- passing the Saxman totem park and a waterfall; a pleasant drive; . Unfortunately, no bears or other wildlife that day. Back in Ketchikan, we were taken to the Totem Heritage Centre, (interesting), via the salmon ladder. Matt, who runs the tour, is pleasant, however the transport, being very low headroom to access rear seats, is not really suitable.

Joe_A

Very nice tour of Ketchikan, Matt is very nice and helpful, we saw a huge waterfall, a salmon ladder and the totem poles, it was great experience seeing the town, Matt was very informative

Marina_M

Matt was an awesome guide! We really enjoyed this tour! Ketchikan is a beautiful city and he really made it memorable for us!

YANIRA_M

My husband and I reserved for a Wildlife Excursion on 8/25/23. On that day Matthew texted with all directions needed. We didn’t know our cruise arrived to a different port. Because it was far, we couldn’t make it to the tour. We explained the situation to Matthew and even though it was OUR mistake, he was understanding and gave us a full refund. He was very communicative and understanding. We are very grateful and definitely recommend his business. Thank you, Matthew!

Anna_A

Matthew was extremely accommodating and kind. Half of our party was 30 minutes late and he was patient and understanding. He explained the history of the area and information regarding the Native tribes and land. We had several stops including Saxman Village, Herring Cove, a waterfall, and back to Herring Cove where we saw several black bears and eagles, including a mama bear and her three cubs! He let us choose between stops and had binoculars for use as well as water and green tea. I needed supplies, so he stopped at the grocery store so I could get necessities. He explained the origin of the nearby islands and cities. He grew up in Alaska and owns the business. The van was clean and Matthew was very professional. He even took us back to our ship that was 20 minutes away so we didn’t have to wait in line for a shuttle. We highly recommend Matthew for a Ketchikan custom tour!

antonioaV2850UA

The view was so pretty, we even got to see black bears. The mama and the cubs! He’s very kind! 10/10 I am definitely coming back next time I visit Alaska . We were even late and he was totally chill about it :). Thanks Matthew! Shalom!

Bill_F

We saw a few bears! Saw a mom catching g salmon and feeding her cub. They were a little far to get good pictures with my iPhone but could see them great with our eyes and the tour guide had binoculars to help see them closer. Visited a waterfall, salmon ladder, and totem pole museum as well. Tour guide has lived in Ketchikan for decades and can tell you all about local living too. Well worth it for the money.
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-07-03 01:15