About the Tour

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour^TM

Tour Departure Times and Schedule:
Tour departure times vary. Most cruise ships calling into the port of Ketchikan have a tour departure that will accomodate their guests. We recommend that you book a tour departure time that is at least 30 minutes after your ship is scheduled to arrive and returns at least 30 minutes before your ship is scheduled to depart.
Click here to see the 2013 Tour Departure Calendar  

*No fear of Seasickness!*
The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour stays in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage cruising around the nearby islands and bays surrounding Ketchikan. It does not go out into the open ocean.
Large waves and rough seas as seen on the Deadliest Catch will NOT be encountered on the tour.

Getting to the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour:
The Aleutian Ballad is docked at the Berth 3 - Tender Float on the
Main Cruise Ship Dock in downtown Ketchikan - across from the tunnel and behind Sockeye Sam's and the Ketchikan Visitor's Information Restrooms.

The Aleutian Ballad is docked on the same pier as the cruise ships!
Additional transportation is not required.
It is a short, easy walk to get to our vessel from any cruise ship gangway or from any downtown Ketchikan hotel.


** The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour is wheelchair accessible.**
Guests using motorized wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, small scooters, walkers and/or canes can all be accommodated. The main deck area is all one level and there is an accessible restroom on board.
Please contact us for further information and to discuss how we can best assist in meeting your specific needs. Advanced notice is appreciated.


Welcome to the Aleutian Ballad!

Thirty minutes before your tour departure time our crew will greet you on the Main Cruise Ships Dock and direct you the short walking distance to the Aleutian Ballad located at the Berth 3 - Tender Float. Come aboard and seat yourself under the heated and sheltered amphitheater or on the panoramic upper deck. When everyone is aboard and comfortable, the crew will "Tie Loose" and head out to the pristine fishing grounds.

• During the run, you will be familiarized with the "AB" and her colorful history as a working boat.
• You will be acquainted with the history of Alaska's fisheries as well as the type of fishing vessels and gear you are likely to encounter during your cruise through Alaskan waters.

Our crew introduce themselves to our guests... and some guests introduce themselves to the crew.

As the AB pulls up on the first station - you will watch as her crew goes to work.

• Gear baited with salmon or squid will be set and hauled in.
• Rockfish, shark, gray cod, ratfish are likely to come flinging over the side.
• 700 pound Bering Sea king crab pots will be hauled up and landed on deck.
• Dungeness crab, box crab, octopus and prawns, just to name a few, will be carefully retrieved as you observe the vessel and crew works its way through
• several types of fishing gear. Just about any creature that swims, crawls, or maneuvers its way through this underwater paradise could be our guest!

Local sea life such as whales, porpoises, and eagles are always curious. If they are in the area they are likely to investigate.

The animals brought to the surface will be placed in a live tank for your observation. Be prepared with your cameras to capture them before they are gently released back into the sea.

See and touch some of the animals in the live tank. Crab, salmon, prawns and octopus are likely candidates for a friendly photo opportunity. Others - such as the Wolf Eel will need to be approached only with the guidance of experienced crewmembers!

Local tribal vessels fishing for salmon work these waters. A great photo opportunity!

After the crew has "run through the gear" you head back to town. When the equipment is stowed and secured, the crew will answer any questions you may have and regale you with some fascinating stories of life at sea.

This is the crews favorite time. They can share their stories and visit with passengers during. You may even be able to persuade the crew to gather for a few photographs.

You will find they are not exactly the shyest of folk!

Book your tour today!

         
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