Ketchikan is a quintessential Alaskan city with an abundance of phenomenal fjords, dense rainforests, and fascinating wildlife.
Ketchikan helicopter tours encapsulate Alaska’s essence from a perspective that pumps you with a pure adrenaline rush.
Most participants can participate in these tours and bring alive their Alaskan fantasies.
This article will explain everything you need to know before booking a Ketchikan helicopter tour.
Table of contents
Cost of helicopter tours in Ketchikan
The cheapest Ketchikan helicopter ride will cost approximately US$253 per person.
The most popular helicopter tour of Ketchikan costs US$285 per person.
And at the higher end is the Helicopter Combo Tour in Ketchikan, the tickets of which can go up to US$432 per person.
Prices of Helicopter tours in Anchorage depend on many factors. For instance:
- Airtime
- Off or peak season
- If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter tour with a dog sled ride
Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.
So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.
But there is no doubt that an Ketchikan helicopter ride is nothing short of a ride through heaven.
Best Ketchikan heli tours
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
Top of the World Ketchikan Heli Ride
The 80-minute helicopter tour in Ketchikan, Alaska, takes you and makes you feel on “top of the world.”
Take in 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, Pacific Ocean, Ketchikan, and the Tongass Narrows.
Land on a 1,800-ft (549-meter) mountain top.
Sip on a cup of tea or coffee in the tranquility of the stunning remoteness.
Note: You must arrive 20 minutes prior to the tour to allow for safety and flight instructions. This also provides time to take photos with the pilot and helicopter.
Timings: 8 am to 4.15 pm
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$300 per person
A great alternative to helicopter tours is a floatplane tour, which lands in the water after flying you over the beautiful city of Ketchikan. Check out the Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour.
Ketchikan Heli Flight, Mahoney Falls
This 50-minute Ketchikan heli flight flies you out to Tongass National Forest for aerial views of pristine mountain lakes.
Get a magical glimpse of the 1,500-foot Mahoney Falls.
Spot native wildlife and marine life, such as bald eagles, mountain goats, deer, bears, whales, seals, and sea lions.
Timings: 8 am to 5.30 pm, every 30 minutes
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$275 per person
Mountain Lakes Heli Ride in Ketchikan
This 1-hour heli tour in Ketchikan is a treat for nature lovers who find solace in the earth’s natural beauty.
Hover over alpine mountains and lakes.
As the helicopter swoops you over the Tongass National Forrest, you will discover the true Alaskan biodiversity.
You can upgrade this tour to add a 20-minute landing by a lake or remote beachside.
Timings
Optional 20-minute landing: 8 am to 3.30 pm
Mountain Lakes Tour: 8 am to 4 pm
Cost of the tour (18+ years)
Optional 20-minute landing: US$430 per person
Mountain Lakes Tour: US$385 per person
Helicopter Combo Tour in Ketchikan
Fancy the idea of two helicopter tours in one to save time and money?
This 1-hour flight brings the best of Alaska in one tour, all while you sip your coffee/tea.
Get transported to the scenic ecosystem of the Mahoney Falls, George Inlet, Canadian Rockies, and Prince of Wales Island.
Allow the picturesque bird’s-eye views of Tongass Narrows and Ketchikan to wash over you.
You expert pilot will point you towards the native fauna before landing.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm, every 30 minutes
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$400 per person
Timings of the tour
Helicopter tours over Ketchikan are operational throughout the week.
The first batch of these tours can take off as early as 8 am and continue in slots until 6 pm.
While most of the tours operate daily, they may get affected by the weather conditions.
Most tour operators prefer their participants reach the meeting point 30 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.
Departure point
Hotel transfer facility is available for Ketchikan helicopter tours.
Alternatively, you can also head directly to the meeting point.
Your group will be picked up in a tan Chevy Astro van at the Liquid Sunshine Gauge in front of the Ketchikan’s Visitor’s Center at Berth 2.
You can contact the tour operator’s office if you have any trouble finding the meeting location or if anything changes.
If you are a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger, you may take the NCL shuttle bus to town, and you will be picked up on Berth 4.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides in Ketchikan, Alaska. Total weight per passenger must not exceed 300 lbs/ 136 kgs.
A minimum of two and a maximum of four passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Tours are not wheelchair accessible.
A valid passport is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check in at least 20 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Inclusions of the air tour
Ketchikan helicopter rides includes the following amenities:
- Private round trip transportation
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Safety equipment
- Life Jackets
The tours excludes gratuities, lunch/snacks, souvenir photos, comfort surcharge, and personal expenses.
Is Ketchikan, Alaska, worth visiting?
Absolutely!
Ketchikan is an idyllic coastal town located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Alaska’s southeastern corner.
The city boasts an aesthetic landscape of snowy mountains, ecological zones rich with flora and fauna, pristine lakes, and much more.
The tranquil ambiance away from the hustle and bustle of a metropolis makes for a brief and unforgettable escape from reality.
Besides its natural wonders and small-town charm, Ketchikan has a rich culture depicted by the famous “totem poles.”
If you are a wild soul looking for adventure, the city is abuzz with activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking, or helicopter tours.
Accessibility to the tours
Helicopter Combo Tour in Ketchikan is completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
Top of the World Ketchikan Heli Ride and Ketchikan Heli Flight, Mahoney Falls are non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
For a full refund on other tours, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Related Reading
# Alaska Helicopter Tours
# Seward Helicopter Tours
# Anchorage Helicopter Tours
# Helicopter tours over Denali
# Dog sled Helicopter Tours
# Alaska glacier heli-hike tours
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