Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr.
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
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.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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: ktnservices@outlook.com
Reviews(978)
Josh was nice guy and well versed on locations we visited. However, we understood the tour was going to include photography tips such as the best camera settings for specific shots. This didn’t happen even after telling Josh, that my wife would surely appreciate all photo tips. Therefore, I am only giving three stars.
We had a terrific time on the tour. Saint knew the area well and was very knowledgeable about the use of phone cameras. He took us to a variety of locations and had many informative stories of the history of the ancient culture here. His camera settings and composition tips were much appreciated. We strongly recommend Saint as a guide for this excursion.
Saint was amazing! He was super knowledgeable, shared insightful information regarding the area, history and provided photo tips. A super talented guide and grateful for the opportunity to meet him!
Very well done. Great guide. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Saint was absolutely marvelous! His abilities as a storyteller are just what our small group needed. I would have thought he has been doing this for ages. Big time thumbs up!
Tori was an incredible tour guide! She was fabulous with asking what areas we wanted to see! She had great stories of the land and local knowledge that we appreciated. We highly recommend this trip in Ketchikan! We saw a bear, went to waterfalls, a rainforest, beach with purple starfish, saw totem poles and then she dropped us off at Creek Street. Fabulous day!!
The guide was himself a photographer. He freely offered tips and took us to lovely venues. Josh was knowledgeable, had a good sense of humor and unpretentious. He was courteous and helpful in every way.
It was unfortunately torrential rain. We were soaking wet even wearing rain jaxkets.
Had no idea what to expect. Gatlin was my chauffeur, guide, and Natl Geo resource all together in a package. We saw starfish, eagles, a banana slug, waterfalls, and the cute creek running through Ketchikan. Very pleased with all of the photos, history, and local information from this experience.
Wonderful tour with Kay! I learned a lot a great tips for taking better photos with both my cell phone and my camera.
