Building an Accessible Excursion in Ketchikan

A salmon leaps upstream against the rapids of Ketchikan Creek.

Wildlife and Fishing for Everyone: an accessible excursion in Ketchikan

Getting out on the water is a crucial component of life here in Southeast Alaska. Whether we're simply cruising along the rugged shorelines, spotting a whale breach, or reeling in a feisty silver salmon, any time on the water in Ketchikan is time well spent.

But if you're coming to Ketchikan on a cruise, your time here is short—maybe only five or six hours—so making the most of it is key. And if you or someone in your group has a disability, the number of accessible excursions drops fast—and there are almost no charter boats with high accessibility. That is why I started Fishability Alaska.

A Tour Built with Accessibility in Mind

I believe that everyone should get to experience the magic of Alaska’s waters. With over a dozen years as an ocean guide—and with a background in recreation therapy and disability support—I wanted to remove barriers to all that Ketchikan's coastlines and waterways have to offer.

Our custom-built 37-foot landing craft is designed for ease of access and comfort, featuring:

• Smooth, wheelchair-friendly access with widened doorways, lowered thresholds, and custom-built ramps to facilitate movement on board, and entry/exit to the vessel.

• Adaptive fishing gear, like grasping cuffs, reel grips, and a modified rod holder that mounts to a wheelchair.

•. A sensory-friendly space in the cabin for anyone who needs a quiet place to relax.

For 2025: Be a part of our launch!

I am so excited—and a little nervous—as we head into the cruise ship season of 2025, our inaugural year. I would love for you to be part of it.

Ketchikan is my home—it's where I met my wife, who grew up here, and where we are raising our son—but Ketchikan is also a jewel in the crown of any person on an Alaskan cruise! I get to show my home off to our visitors, which gives me great joy.

Can you see yourself out there? Watching for whale spouts, seeing eagles swoop and glide? Spotting orcas? Hearing fishing line scream off the reel when a big one snaps the hook? Getting out of the crowds, and taking in the peace and beauty of this wild place? It's all out there, waiting for you. You've got to get out on the water in Ketchikan—I'll be going. And I hope that you come along. Book now.