City of Ketchikan

Located on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska, the Port of Ketchikan is one of the most significant cruise and maritime ports in the region. Serving as both a vital entry point and an iconic stop within Alaska’s Inside Passage, the port anchors the local economy by accommodating a large volume of cruise traffic during the summer months and supporting commercial and freight operations year-round. The waterfront features multiple deep-water berths and finger piers designed to handle the latest generation of large cruise ships while allowing for efficient passenger embarkation. The port also facilitates Alaska Marine Highway System ferries, fishing fleets, and local water taxis, creating a dynamic nexus between tourism and maritime industry. Its proximity to the famous Tongass Narrows and the lush Tongass National Forest offers easy access to wilderness attractions, making it strategically important for regional tourism. In addition to visitor operations, the port supports customs and border protection activities and plays a role in Alaska’s supply chain by handling shipments of goods and equipment to outlying communities. Overall, the Port of Ketchikan is an indispensable hub connecting Alaska to the Pacific and bolstering both the local community and wider Alaskan trade.