Frequently asked questions....

1. Are there group discounts?

Yes. We do offer tours at discounted rates for War Veterans, large guest groups, and for our return patrons. Tour prices can be reduced by ten percent for group reservations of six or more guests if made in advance.

2. What if the weather is bad?

Alaska Seaplane Tours is proud of its product and perfect flight safety record. Our tour and safety standards are high and require specific weather conditions to enjoy both. FAA visibility/ceiling flight requirements are strictly observed. If weather on your tour date and time does not meet our 'in flight minimums', your trip payment will be refunded in full.

3. Does everyone get a window seat?

In our specially designed DeHavilland Tour Seaplane, every guest will have a great view from their own personal window seat.

4. How do we find the seaplane base from
the cruise ship dock?

You don't! Our complimentary tour shuttle will provide you with transportation to and from your cruise ship dock to our seaplane base. Most of our tours will schedule an easy pick-up for you at the "rain gauge" at the Ketchikan visitors bureau( pictured to the left)

5. What is your safety record?

Perfect. Alaska Seaplane Tours has enjoyed a perfect safety record since its conception in 1999. Your pilot Ryan McCue has an intimate flying knowledge of much of Alaska's most remote areas, and his experience will safely guide every trip.

6. What kind of aircraft do you operate?

Our DeHavilland Beaver Tour Seaplane was specially designed to make our tours simply unforgettable. All of our guests will enjoy a tremendous view from their own window seat. Our Seaplane is also equipped with a two way intercom for direct conversations with Ryan and easy listening of his narration. A shiny new chrome prop spinner makes it the most beautiful on the waterfront.

7. Is bear viewing dangerous?

Bear viewing is not dangerous with Ryan. In the last 85 years, there have been 20 deaths documented in Alaska from bear attacks, 19 deaths from dog encounters, and 15 from lightning strikes. Ryans specialty is bear behavior and will safely guide you through this area and around our wildlife.

8. If my ship arrives at 6:00 a.m. is 6:30 to soon to book a tour?

We commonly make reservations of this type with no problems. Our Seaplane Base in Ketchikan is only a five minute shuttle in our courtesy van and will give you plenty of time to make your seaplane connection. Alaska Seaplane Tours focus is to get you in the air and will try to accommodate any time changing situations as best we can

9. What if I'm a big person?

Our DeHavilland Beaver Tour Seaplane is the best choice for big folks. A surplus of engine power, aerodynamic lift, and leg room make our tour enjoyable for tall or full size patrons. Guests in excess of 350lbs. will be charged an additional seat fare and are encouraged to book any tours with us in advance.

10. What type of wildlife will I see?

When flying with Ryan, the possibilities of seeing abundant wildlife are high. Please review our Wildlife Viewing Chart to see if the wildlife your searching for will be in our area at the time of your arrival. Ryan is a registered Alaskan Guide and will place extra emphasis on wildlife viewing any time he is airborne

11. What is a fjord?

The conservative definition of a Fjord (or spelled Fiord by the US Forest Service) is simply a long, saltwater inlet that is surrounded by high mountainous terrain. Our glacier carved Misty Fjords north of Ketchikan serve as a tribute to the unspoiled beauty of Alaska and represent the largest series of Fjords in North America.

12. Will we stop on shore during our tour?

Not all of our tours include a shoreline stop. Dependent on tour type and pilot's discretion, some guests will enjoy the wild sights and sounds without even getting their feet muddy! ...others are permitted to hike, touch, and feel Alaska's wilderness. Either from the float platform or shoreline, Ryan recommends making yourself comfortable and speaking softly when outside the airplane.

13. What else is there to do in Ketchikan?

There is nothing more Alaskan than Seaplanes, but after you fly with us...enjoy an exciting paddle in one of the small boats that were used to pioneer this part of the world; the Kayak. Kayaking will bring you as close to the ocean and marine mammals as possible...it's also great exercise!

Our choice is www.kayakketchikan.com

14. Can we reserve the airplane for ourselves?

A private tour for your party can be arranged in advance for bookings of five or more guests. If your party is less than five, just pay for the extra seat or two and the trip is all yours! This is a great option for groups of four that would like to experience the wilds together as a family.

15. What if we miss our ship?

We have provisions in place to accommodate almost any situation...You will not miss your cruise ship if you fly with us. None of our guests have ever missed their port departure from Ketchikan and we don't see this happening any time soon!

16. Will we see bears eating salmon?

Please refer to our wildlife viewing chart to check your month of arrival with the times that salmon will be spawning and the presence of our bears during our tours. If salmon are spawning in a watershed, there will be a chance that a bear will be fishing for them...Our bear tours are your best opportunity to view bears in their natural habitat eating salmon.

17. Why should we fly in Ketchikan
instead of Juneau?

Ketchikan and the surrounding area is a very unique wilderness system. To fly from Ketchikan will enable you to penetrate the largest roadless National Forest in North America: The Tongass National Forest. The Tongass is over 17.9 million acres of undisturbed wilderness and is larger than the state of West Virginia. The heart of the Tongass is the Misty Fjord National Monument.

18. Can I talk to the pilot during flight?

In our DeHavilland Beaver Tour Seaplane every guest has a personal viewing window as well as wonderful headsets to speak with your pilot, each other, and listen to Ryan's comments or your choice of music. Ryan encourages questions and will attempt to give you answers. There will be times that Ryan will be busy flying or talking to flight service and will not be able to converse with guests.

19. How do I book a tour?

Please refer to our Availability Calendar to check available space on the tour of your choice and click the link "Book a Tour Now" from there.

20. What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is as follows, cancellations 14 days prior to you tour date are fully refundable, less a $25.00 processing or tour change fee. Cancellations with less than 14 days notice or no shows are non-refundable. Should Alaska Seaplane Tours need to cancel a trip due to poor weather conditions, or any other reason, your trip will be refunded in full.