Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour — Ketchikan

What to Expect

Taking a misty fjords floatplane tour ketchikan is widely considered the quintessential Southeast Alaska experience. Located just 30 miles east of Ketchikan, the Misty Fjords National Monument encompasses 2.3 million acres of pristine, road-less wilderness. It is an untouched landscape defined by dramatic granite cliffs rising 3,000 feet straight out of the water, dense ancient forests, and countless cascading waterfalls.

Your excursion begins with a quick transfer from the cruise terminal to the Ketchikan waterfront, where you will meet your pilot and board a classic De Havilland Beaver or Otter floatplane. These aircraft are small and intimate, typically holding just 6 to 8 passengers, ensuring that everyone gets a guaranteed window seat.

Once airborne, the typical tour consists of a 30- to 40-minute flight deep into the monument. You will wear a voice-activated, two-way headset, allowing your pilot to provide live narration and point out mountain goats, bears, or eagles below. The undeniable highlight of the trip is the water landing. Your pilot will gracefully touch down on the glassy waters of a spectacular fjord, such as Rudyerd Bay, or a remote alpine lake. You will have about 15 to 20 minutes to step out onto the airplane’s floats, breathe in the incredibly fresh air, and take photos of the towering rock walls surrounding you in complete silence.

The return flight takes a different route back to Ketchikan, giving you a fresh perspective on the landscape. Make sure to look out for New Eddystone Rock, an iconic 230-foot volcanic plug that rises dramatically from the middle of the waterway.

If you have a longer port call, you might also consider a fly/cruise combination tour. On these variations, you fly one way into the fjords and take a high-speed catamaran back to Ketchikan (or vice versa), making for a broader 4-hour experience.

Who This Is For

This floatplane excursion is perfect for almost everyone, from multi-generational families to couples and solo travelers. Because the difficulty level is exceptionally low, it is an ideal way for older guests or those with limited mobility to experience the deep Alaskan backcountry without needing to commit to a strenuous hike.

That said, passengers do need a baseline level of mobility. You must be able to walk down a ramp to the floating dock—which can be quite steep during Ketchikan’s extreme low tides—and you need to be able to take a couple of large steps up a short ladder to board the aircraft.

Photography enthusiasts will find this to be the holy grail of Ketchikan excursions. The monument is famously named for the mist that clings to the fjords, meaning the scenery remains incredibly moody, dramatic, and photogenic even in heavily overcast conditions.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

When choosing your flight, you can either book an excursion directly through your cruise line or independently. Both options are excellent, but they cater to different budgets and priorities.

Booking independently directly with a local operator often saves you $50 to $100 per person. While cruise ship excursions easily top $400, direct bookings typically hover in the $350 to $390 range (though off-peak or shorter flights can be found closer to $280). Top-rated, active local operators for 2025 and 2026 include Taquan Air, SeaWind Aviation, and Island Wings Air Service. These independent businesses operate directly out of Ketchikan and offer highly personalized service, often picking you up right at the Berth 2 Visitors Bureau.

However, booking through the cruise ship comes with one distinct advantage: guaranteed return times. Weather in Southeast Alaska can change rapidly, and if an afternoon flight is delayed, the ship will wait for a ship-sponsored tour. If you book independently, schedule your flight for the early morning. A fantastic, stress-free Ketchikan itinerary is to do a morning floatplane tour, leaving your afternoon free to explore Creek Street and grab a local seafood lunch right near the ship.

What to Bring

To make the most of your flight, pack smartly:

• Camera with a Strap: You will want your camera or smartphone out constantly, but a wrist or neck strap is strictly essential so you don’t drop your device into the water when standing on the plane’s pontoons.
• Dark-Colored Clothing: Wearing black or dark colors minimizes your reflection on the aircraft windows, resulting in much clearer aerial photos.
• Layers and a Rain Jacket: The climate in Misty Fjords is cool and damp. Floatplanes do fly in light rain—this is Southeast Alaska, so plan for moisture. A lightweight waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable when you step out onto the floats.
• Comfortable, Grippy Shoes: Skip the heels or slippery soles. Wear sneakers or light hiking shoes that will give you solid traction on the airplane ladder and the wet metal floats.
• Sunglasses: The glare off the water and snow-capped mountain peaks can be intense on clear days.

How to Book

Because floatplanes are restricted to just 6 or 8 passengers, capacity for this excursion is extremely tight. You should aim to book your flight 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak months of July and August.

If you prefer to book independently for the cost savings and small-business touch, you can book directly online. You can find availability and current pricing at SeaWind Aviation (seawindaviation.com), Island Wings Air Service (islandwings.com), or Taquan Air (taquanair.com). All three are well-established, fully permitted operators flying safely out of Ketchikan.

Remember, flexibility is key in Alaska. Book the earliest flight of the day whenever possible. If early morning weather grounds the planes, you may still have a window to be re-accommodated on a later afternoon flight once the fog lifts.