Ketchikan in 1 Day for Families - Explore tide pools at Rotary Beach (sea stars, crabs, small fish)
In Collaboration with Average Alaskan Tours. Updated on March 28, 2026.
These tours run in 2 high-top transit vans with water and small snacks available. Guides are knowledgeable about the area and will answer questions during tours and at each stop. We pick up at Ward Cove 30 minutes prior to tour time and Downtown at tour time. First stop is Rotary Beach for tidepooling (sea stars, small crab, small fish) — rocky, flat shoes recommended. Next is Herring Cove for the
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Average Alaskan Tours, inspired by the tour Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Explore tide pools at Rotary Beach (sea stars, crabs, small fish)
- Wildlife viewing in Tongass National Forest (best chance for bears, eagles, seals, salmon)
- See a year-round roadside waterfall (visible from the van)
- Small snacks, water, and rain ponchos provided
- Guaranteed return to ship on time
Itinerary
Day 1
Short 1.5-hour guided van tour from downtown Ketchikan with an optional Ward Cove pickup 30 minutes before departure. Three stops in order (per supplier agenda): Tongass National Rain Forest wildlife viewing, South-end waterfall viewpoint, and Rotary Beach tidepooling. Guides provide water, small snacks, and rain ponchos; infant seats are unavailable and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Ward Cove pickup (Norwegian Line passengers — optional)
Boarding at Ward Cove for passengers using that pickup option. Pickup occurs 30 minutes prior to the scheduled downtown departure time.
Tips from local experts:
- If you require the Ward Cove pickup (Norwegian Line passengers), be ready 30 minutes before the printed tour start time.
- Dress in layers — the marina area can be breezy; keep small children supervised near docks.
- Have one member of your party available with your group voucher or cruise ID in case access verification is requested.
Meet at Ketchikan Visitors Bureau / Berth 2 (Downtown)
Primary meeting point at the bronze statue on Berth 2 next to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. Tour departs from downtown at the scheduled time.
Tips from local experts:
- Meet at the bronze statue on Berth 2 by the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau (131 Front St) at the scheduled departure time; arrive 10 minutes early.
- Bring a warm, waterproof outer layer — weather can change quickly even in summer.
- If you do not need the Ward Cove pickup, this is the confirmed boarding point for downtown guests.
Tongass National Rain Forest — wildlife viewing (creek and salmon grounds)
Short stop for the best local chance to see wildlife such as black bear, bald eagle, harbor seal, deer, and salmon. This location sits along S Tongass Highway in the Tongass National Forest; the guide will lead a brief, supervised area visit near a creek and spawning grounds.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes — creek banks and forest edges can be muddy and uneven; parents should guide children on slippery sections.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and remain quiet; do not approach or feed animals — the guide will point out safe viewing spots.
- Binoculars and a phone camera with a zoom are useful; avoid sudden movements that could spook wildlife or salmon.
South end waterfall (viewpoint)
View a year-round waterfall near the south end of the route. The waterfall is visible from the van; guests may disembark for a short view — there is a small inclined hill of about 5 feet for those who choose to get closer.
Tips from local experts:
- Ponchos are provided for wet conditions — after rain the spray can reach visitors who step closer; protect cameras and phones.
- A short, ~5-foot incline is required for a closer look; this is not suitable for strollers or wheelchair users, and children should be assisted.
- Stay on stable ground and avoid slippery rocks or vegetation at the roadside; follow the guide’s instructions for where to stand.
Rotary Beach — low-tide tidepool exploration
Explore the rocky, flat beach at low tide for sea stars, small crabs, sculpin (bullhead fish), sea urchin, and sea anemone. Guides will lead a brief, supervised shoreline walk; flat shoes are best.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is best at low tide; the guide times visits with tidal conditions when possible — wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
- Supervise children closely among rocks and tide pools; do not remove creatures from the water and return any you touch immediately.
- Bring a small towel and a change of socks for kids — wet, rocky surfaces are common and shelter is limited.
Return to downtown / drop-off
Return to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau/berth area—guaranteed back to ships on time.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to be back at the downtown berth area by the advertised end time; keep personal items with you when exiting the van.
- If you joined from Ward Cove, confirm your drop-off preference with the guide at the start of the tour.
- If anyone in your party needs extra time exiting (children, elderly), tell the guide so they can provide a safe, unhurried disembarkation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Attraction |
