Preparing for Your Alaska Crab Tour
Everything you need to know before you arrive — what to bring, where to go, and what to expect on the water.
This page is designed to help you plan your visit with confidence. If you read through it before your tour, you’ll know exactly what to expect on the day of your trip.
Quick Tour Snapshot
What it is:
A hands-on maritime tour aboard the Aleutian Ballad, a real commercial crab fishing vessel made famous on Deadliest Catch, led by real Bering Sea crab fishermen.
Where it takes place:
In calm, protected Inside Passage waters near shore — not in the open ocean or the Bering Sea.
What you’ll experience:
- Crab pot demonstrations
- Crew storytelling about life in the Bering Sea
- Viewing live marine life brought aboard in the gear (and released)
- Wildlife viewing opportunities when available (eagles, whales, seals)
Duration
3 hours
Departure Time
Varies on tour booked
Departure Location
Berth 3, Tender Float, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Get Directions
Tour Schedule
View the 2026 schedule here
Who it’s for:
Great for families, cruise guests, anyone with mobility restrictions, ADA, blind guests and first-time boaters. No fishing or boating experience required.
Where to Meet & How to Find Us
Meeting location:
The tour departs from Berth 3, Tender Float, Ketchikan, AK 99901, located near the cruise ship docks.
How to get there:
It is a short, easy walk from the cruise terminals. Look for the Aleutian Ballad and crew at the dock. The ships arriving at Ward Cove will take the free shuttle downtown to meet us at Berth 3.
When to arrive:
Please plan to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
(A warm stadium-style jacket is provided if needed as part of your ticket.)
What to Bring
- Warm layers (even in summer)
- A windproof or waterproof jacket
- Closed-toe shoes with good traction
- Camera or phone for photos (A strap or secure pocket is recommended)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
What NOT to Bring
- Loose personal items that cannot be secured
- Fragile equipment
What to Wear (Alaska Reality Check)
Weather in Southeast Alaska can change quickly, even on calm days. Temperatures on the water are often cooler than on land due to wind. Being slightly over-prepared is always better than being cold.
We recommend:
- Dressing in layers you can add or remove
- Wearing long pants
- Choosing closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles
What to Expect on the Water
Here’s a general overview of how the tour typically unfolds:
- Boarding and welcome from the crew
- Safety briefing and orientation
- Departure from the dock into protected waters
- Crab pot demonstrations and hands-on interaction
- Crew stories and explanations of crab fishing life
- Wildlife viewing when available
- Return to the dock
Deck layout:
The Aleutian Ballad features a sheltered lower deck with amphitheater-style seating as well as an open-air upper deck with panoramic views.
Restrooms:
The boat has three separate, beautiful, full-size restrooms, just like the ones at home, as well as an ADA restroom. All have hand sinks and paper towels.
Crew members are always available to answer questions or assist guests during the tour.
Weather, Sea Conditions & Comfort
This tour operates rain or shine.
- Rain is common in Southeast Alaska and does not usually affect the tour.
- The vessel operates in calm, protected waters close to shore.
- Some motion is normal, but rough open-ocean conditions are not typical.
Seasickness
This is nothing to worry about. Seasickness won’t occur since this tour does not operate in the open ocean.
Safety, Accessibility & Special Considerations
Safety is a top priority on board.
- The vessel is equipped with safety gear
- Railings and non-slip surfaces are used where possible
- Crew members are trained professionals
Accessibility
We are 100% accessible:
- Wheelchair access
- Ability to accommodate mobility devices
- Front row seating and restrooms available on board
Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the tour operator if they require special accommodation.
Children
Minimum age is 5 years old.
Cruise Guests — Please Read
This tour is a popular shore excursion for cruise ship guests.
- The meeting location is close to the cruise docks
- Tour timing is designed to allow guests to return to their ships on time
- Built-in buffers help account for normal port schedules
Guests booked through a cruise line should bring any required cruise excursion documents or booking confirmations.
We will do everything we can to wait for guests if the ship is late. If we cannot wait, we will issue a full refund.
Still Have Questions?
If you’ve read this page and still have questions, review your confirmation email or visit our FAQ page.
Contact us directly — we’re happy to help!