Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour

Travelers looking for a true taste of Alaska’s wild beauty often find that the best experiences come from stepping outside the usual tourist spots. The Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour offers exactly that—an intimate journey into one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Southeast Alaska. With a flight that features storytelling from knowledgeable pilots and a water landing in pristine wilderness, this tour promises not just pictures but memories of a lifetime.

Our review draws on dozens of glowing traveler reviews, highlighting what makes this experience special—and what you might want to consider before booking. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an aviation geek, or simply craving a unique adventure, this tour has a lot to offer. But as with any special experience, it’s wise to keep a few things in mind.

We love how this tour offers an exclusive window into Alaska’s untouched landscape, far from the crowds. We appreciate the guaranteed window seats and noise-canceling headsets that make the experience comfortable and interactive. One possible drawback? The tour is non-refundable, so bad weather or scheduling mistakes can mean losing your investment. Still, for most travelers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime view into a wilderness that few get to see up close.

This tour suits travelers who value authentic, small-group adventures, are comfortable with small aircraft, and want a deeper understanding of Alaska’s natural beauty beyond the cruise ship port. If you’re eager to see beyond the typical sights and enjoy expert narration in a cozy plane, this trip is a great pick.

Key Points

• The tour explores Misty Fjords National Monument, a vast, roadless wilderness area over 2.3 million acres.
• A floatplane ride guarantees a close-up view of Alaska’s dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and snow-capped cliffs.
• Every passenger gets a window seat and uses noise-canceling headsets for clear narration.
• The water landing in pristine wilderness is a highlight, offering a rare, hands-on experience.
• The tour includes convenient pickup from the Ketchikan cruise dock, making logistics simple.
• The overall experience is praised for knowledgeable pilots, stunning scenery, and good value.

A Closer Look at the Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Your adventure begins with a pickup from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, usually just outside your cruise ship berth. From there, you’ll be whisked away in a comfortable van to the seaplane base—an efficient start that gets you ready for the skies.

Once aboard one of the well-maintained six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes, the real magic begins. These planes are small enough to ensure every traveler has a window seat—no fighting for the best view here. The pilot’s narration is delivered through noise-canceling headsets, allowing you to easily ask questions and learn about the landscape as you fly.

The core of the tour is a scenic flight over Misty Fjords, a landscape often described as more dramatic than the Grand Canyon. As the plane ascends into this wilderness, you’ll see towering granite cliffs rising 3,500 feet from the sea, snow-capped in the cooler months, and ribboned with waterfalls. The fjords, carved by glaciers long ago, offer a tapestry of rugged beauty, with deep inlets perfect for water landings.

One of the most memorable parts is the water landing—an experience only floatplanes can deliver. The pilot expertly guides the plane onto a pristine lake, where you can step out, enjoy the silence, and take in the unspoiled surroundings. Many travelers find this moment awe-inspiring and a true highlight.

After some time exploring the lakeshore, the plane lifts off again, flying back through the fjords with more narration about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna. The entire flight lasts roughly two and a half hours, including the water landing, making it a perfect half-day adventure.

Scenic Highlights and Photo Opportunities

You’ll get sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and lush forests, waterfalls cascading down granite walls, and deep blue fjords winding through the landscape. The altitude and proximity of the plane allow for exceptional photo opportunities, especially since every passenger has a guaranteed window seat.

Many reviews mention how smooth the flight is—better than some commercial flights—and how the scenery leaves travelers in awe. Jessica_A called it a “gorgeous” experience, noting that the flight was “smoother than some commercial flights we’ve been on,” which is quite a compliment.

The Pilot and Guide Experience

A feature that travelers consistently praise is the pilot’s knowledge. Michelle, one reviewer noted, “made even the nervous flyers feel comfortable,” thanks to her friendly demeanor and extensive local experience. The narration is engaging and informative, providing context about the geology and natural history of Misty Fjords.

Michelle’s passion for Alaska and her aviation background shine through, making the experience more meaningful. The reviews often mention her as a key part of the appeal—flying with someone who loves sharing their knowledge adds a layer of authenticity.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour costs $425 per person, which includes the pickup from the cruise dock, the flight, water landing, and all narration. For many, this offers excellent value considering the uniqueness of the experience and the stunning scenery.

It’s a small-group tour—max 12 travelers—which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. The water landing is scheduled to be a highlight but keep in mind that bad weather can cause cancellations, which are fully refunded, but the tour itself is non-refundable once booked.

Passengers are advised to wear layered clothing and comfortable shoes, as weather can vary from cool to warm. Food and drinks aren’t allowed on the plane (except bottled water), so plan accordingly.

The Weather and Cancellations

Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. If the weather turns foul, your pilot may cancel the flight for safety reasons, offering a full refund or rescheduling. This is an important point—your adventure is weather-dependent, but most travelers appreciate the safety-first approach.

Some reviews reflect this, with travelers noting that if weather cancels the trip, they’re given options to reschedule or receive a refund. It’s worth booking with this understanding.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for those who crave authentic, small-group adventures with expert guides. It’s perfect for travelers who are comfortable with small aircraft, appreciate natural beauty, and want to escape the crowds. It’s also well suited for photography enthusiasts eager to capture Alaska’s rugged landscapes from a unique vantage point.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

In the end, the Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour offers a rare glimpse into Alaska’s wild heart. The combination of scenic flight, water landing, and expert narration makes it one of the most memorable excursions you can do in Ketchikan.

It’s a good value for travelers who prioritize quality, authenticity, and stunning visuals. The small-group setting, guaranteed window seats, and knowledgeable pilots make it more than just a flight—it’s an immersive experience.

If you’re looking for a way to see Alaska’s untouched landscape from a perspective only a floatplane can provide, and you’re prepared for weather variability, this tour is a compelling choice. The smiles and glowing reviews from past travelers suggest it lives up to expectations—delivering a true adventure that will surely be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience is approximately two and a half hours, including the water landing and flight.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers pickup and drop-off from the Ketchikan cruise dock, the floatplane flight, water landing, and narration by your pilot.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age limits aren’t listed. It’s best to check with the provider if you have very young children or special needs.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as weather can vary. Bring a jacket if it’s cooler, especially outside summer months.

Can I bring food or drinks?
No food or drinks are allowed on the floatplane, except bottled water, so plan accordingly.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsafe for flying, the tour is canceled, and you will receive a full refund or rescheduling options.

How many people are in each flight?
Flights operate with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of space and opportunity for questions.

In summary, the Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour is a well-loved, highly-rated way to see some of Alaska’s most dramatic scenery. Its combination of expert pilots, breathtaking views, and the thrill of a water landing makes it a top choice for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. While weather dependency is a consideration, most travelers find it worth the effort for the chance to fly over this remote and awe-inspiring landscape. For those looking to add a truly memorable chapter to their Alaskan adventure, this tour delivers on every level.