For guests trying to visit Hump Island while on a cruise ship, please book through your designated activities section. Hump Island Oyster farm tour is offered on almost every cruise ship that docks in Ketchikan!

Exclusive Coastal Drive, Wildlife Cruise & Oyster Farm w/Tasting

Ketchikan, Alaska

(3-3.25 Hours)

This excursion provides you with a unique opportunity to not only witness one of the most picturesque locations in the state but also affords you the chance to cruise the North Tongass waterways in search of wildlife en-route to the only working Oyster and Kelp Farm tour site in Alaska.   Onsite, your senses will be delighted by the activity that is abuzz and your taste buds will be tantalized by the tasty local samples offered. 

Your unique and exclusive adventure begins with a narrated van ride along a coastal road that parallels the scenic Tongass Narrows.  Learn about the rough and tumble past and the exciting industries, cultures and lifestyles that have made Ketchikan what it is today as you make your way to Bonfire Bay.  Onsite you will receive a safety briefing before the next part of your journey begins. 

Board our USCG certified passenger vessel for a short cruise to the Hump Island Oyster Farm.  Your experienced Captain and Deckhand will help to keep a look out for wildlife that is common in the area.  Should you come across any of our famous friends that live in the area (whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, etc.) we will be sure to stop to allow for pictures.  The vessel is large enough to allow guests to enjoy heated, covered indoor seating but also provides the ability to get outside for unobstructed views. 

Upon arrival at the one of a kind floating facility you will be greeted by the oyster farm team.  They will provide you with an overview of the facility, the oyster growing process, followed by a walk-through of the daily husbandry performed to raise oysters from the width of a thumbnail to market size.  A touch tank with local critters will allow visitors to get a close up view of the animals that are regularly seen in the local waters.  This facility was the first site in Alaska to commercially harvest kelp.  Head upstairs to learn more about the benefits of kelp and how it is processed.

Wrapping up your visit at the facility you will have your taste buds tantalized with a sampling of the locally harvested oyster and kelp products (featured in Barnacle Foods Products) at our onsite Oyster Bar.  The group sizes are intimate so you will be able to engage with the local Alaskan guides in an effort to get the scoop on what it is like to live and work in this remote and pristine part of the world or stop at the retail space to bring home something to remember your visit by.  Sated and happy, you will return to Bonfire Bay via vessel and then into a van for your return transfer to the ship.

 Notes:  Layered clothing and sensible shoes are recommended.  The tour is not ADA accessible as there are multiple steps and uneven surfaces.  Guests must be able to walk up 15 steps and also navigate a tide dependent ramp to access the vessel.