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Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour from Ketchikan: Witness the Rugged Life of Alaskan Fishermen
4.9
750 Ratings
Ketchikan
Experience the rugged life of Alaskan fishermen on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan. Cruise on the Aleutian Ballad, featured on Deadliest Catch, and witness the thrill of catching marine creatures. Don’t miss this must-do tour in Alaska!
Experience the rugged life of Alaskan fishermen on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan. Cruise on the Aleutian Ballad, featured on Deadliest Catch, and witness the thrill of catching marine creatures. Don’t miss this must-do tour in Alaska!
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour - Once on board we will cast off and head towards the sovereign waters of Annette Bay, Alaska.
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour - Once on board we will cast off and head towards the sovereign waters of Annette Bay, Alaska.
What's Included
- Raincoats and ponchos provided as needed
- Raincoats and ponchos provided as needed
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified (snacks, such as chips and chocolate bars, are available for purchase on board)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified (snacks, such as chips and chocolate bars, are available for purchase on board)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
ESSENTIAL ALASKA ADVENTURE! This is one of the top-rated excursions along the stunning Inside Passage of Alaska. Gain insights into the lifestyle of a professional fisherman from individuals who have braved the harsh Bering Sea. These professionals are genuine! You’ll be onboard Aleutian Ballad, a vessel showcased on the Discovery Channel’s widely…
ESSENTIAL ALASKA ADVENTURE! This is one of the top-rated excursions along the stunning Inside Passage of Alaska. Gain insights into the lifestyle of a professional fisherman from individuals who have braved the harsh Bering Sea. These professionals are genuine! You’ll be onboard Aleutian Ballad, a vessel showcased on the Discovery Channel’s widely watched series, Deadliest Catch. Travel through the tranquil, safe channels of the Inside Passage under the guidance of a seasoned crew, watching as a variety of marine animals are trapped and brought on deck. The catch is then kept in a live tank for viewing before being returned to the wild. Get ready to witness king crab, box crab, octopus, rockfish, prawns, and more. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse local creatures like sea lions and porpoises. This tour is globally recognized for its extraordinary wild eagle sightings.
- Minimum age is 5 years, no exceptions due to coast guard regulations.
- You MUST BE ON BOARD THE ALEUTIAN BALLAD for check in 15 minutes before your departure time.
- If you are concerned about seasickness, please note that this tour stays in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage and does not go out into the open ocean; large waves and rough seas will not be encountered. You WILL NOT be in the Bering Sea.
- Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required.
- If your ship is docking at Ward Cove, take the free shuttle provided by the cruise lines into downtown which will drop you off at Berth 4. Our boat is located at Berth 3, just a short 5 minute walk from there. Please allow yourself 45 minutes to take the shuttle and walk to our boat with a few extra minutes to spare. The shuttles run every 3-5 minutes into town and back out to Ward Cove
Location
Berth 3
Water Street
Make your way to Berth 3 where the Aleutian Ballad is docked. You must meet no later than 15 minutes prior to the departure time. If you are arriving at Ward Cove, take the free shuttle downtown. Please allow yourself 45 minutes to take the shuttle and walk to our boat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(750 Ratings)
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Madelin_v
Feb 6, 2026
Wonderful experience - Worth every penny! Convenient docking, very interactive crew, and just an all around experience.
Would do it again!
Review provided by Viator
Bippy129
Nov 22, 2025
Eagles, whales and sea life oh my! - This excursion was fabulous, from the moment we gathered on the dock to board the Aleutian Ballad, the staff were so welcoming and helpful the entire trip. It was rainy and cold the day of our excursion, but that didn't dampen the experience. The highlight for me were the eagles and the whales. I enjoyed the story telling by the crew as well as the education and interaction with the various sea life brought on board. Seeing how they set and retrieve the crab pots was so interesting. There's a galley where you can purchase some king crab to enjoy (it was delicious!). Can't say enough good about this adventure. If you're in Ketchikan, do this excursion - you won't be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leon
Oct 17, 2025
Not an "adventure' but really good. - The formerly working crab boat as been outfitted as a tour boat capable of handling a goodly number of guests. The fishermen (the real guys) have become quite dynamic tour guides. The route is not into the Bering Sea, but to a relatively protected area of water controlled by the local indigenous tribe(s). Some of the "catch" are realistic-looking models. But they demonstrate everything with real pots and lines in the water, and sometimes bring up some real critters. Per agreement with the tribe, anything they do catch has to be promptly returned to the sea, but not before you have a chance to touch or handle some the crabs, etc. The bald eagles flying down near the boat to snag some bait fish provide a great photo op.
In spite of how this may sound, it's a fun, informative and pleasant experience. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
534francesl
Sep 29, 2025
Excellent tour - So much fun! The crew was excellent and the tour was great. Go if you get the chance. They have a tank on board with other marine life, starfish, shrimp, etc. that you can hold. They even brought up a 45 pound octopus in one of the pots!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelleonr
Sep 26, 2025
A highlight excursion of our cruise! - Another highlight of our Alaska vacation! What a great excursion with Captains David, Dave and Ron! They shared their personal touching experiences aboard the Aleutian Ballad from the show The Deadliest Catch Season 2. What brave souls they are! They were so friendly, knowledgeable, informative, emotional when talking about the hardships they lived which really touched our hearts and very funny. Also, they demonstrated how they catch crab (box and king) and octopus. They also allowed us to touch Box Crab, Shrimp and starfish. Interesting fact, starfish all have a star in the middle. Afterwards, they also brought us to see the eagles. We lucked out because they are the only boat that has an agreement in America with the natives who own the land and water to feed fish to the eagles due to good relations with the tribe. So cool to see the eagles swoop in and grab the fish. We also lucked out and saw a humpback whale jump from the water in the air. What a thrill to see it in person! This excursion was amazing and the three captains made all the difference with their stories! They are the best humans! We both highly recommend this excursion, you won’t be disappointed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaret_m
Sep 25, 2025
The crew treats you like... - The crew treats you like family, telling stories, explaining the hazards and joy for the life of a fisherman. Hands on experience.
Review provided by Viator
Passenger25799681289
Sep 25, 2025
Memorable excursion - My favorite excursion of the entire cruise! The tour was educational and informative. It was an unexpected surprise to do some whale watching and to see the eagle habitat. The crew is what truly made this a memorable experience. I absolutely loved hearing their life stories and their experiences on the water
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lois_m
Sep 21, 2025
Best run excursion - Fantastic staff and experiences. Saw bald eagles dive for fish on side of boat. Scenery and crab fishing along with great sea stories. Best excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Robertwf6710gy
Sep 20, 2025
Bering Sea reality - Wonderful experience on the Aleutian Ballard, the crew and skipper were fantastic. My heart goes out to all the brave souls, who challenge the Bearing sea.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardsa3095kk
Sep 26, 2025
Not worth the money - The photos you see of passengers holding King Crabs does not occur. They said it was because it "upsets the crabs". Later they tell you they give the crabs that they have in tanks, away to the native people to cook and eat. Guess that does not upset the crabs! They do hold up King Crabs...so you can photograph them.
They have a lot of personal stories of their experience crab fishing. Some interesting tales. But unfortunately include their alcohol and drug use. One crew member talked endlessly about his personality defect of not being able to talk to people...which was "cured" by hugs from a 7 year old girl. BS. Fake crabs are pulled up from a crab pot. Does not make for a great video.
A single whale was spotted and they said to look for bubble feeding...which as most know takes multiple whales. They threw out fish by an island to try to attract bald eagles... mostly attracted sea gulls. Again does not make for a great video. And as the cruise ends they ask for money for their charity for dead fisherman's families.
Review provided by Tripadvisor