Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour

Misty Fjords is best understood from the air. From a Taquan Air floatplane, you rise over Tongass Narrows, cross Revillagigedo Island, and reach a wild maze of fjords, lakes, cliffs, and waterfalls that would take far longer to explore by boat. The flight covers scenery that is simply out of reach on a normal Ketchikan visit.

I like the guaranteed window seat, which matters when every turn reveals a new view. I also like the small-group setup, with a maximum of 12 passengers, plus the ship-return protection that takes much of the worry out of booking a flight on a cruise day.

The main caution is weather. Misty Fjords earns its name honestly, and fog or low cloud can force a late change or cancellation. Some passengers also struggle to hear the pilot’s commentary, and the actual time in the air may feel closer to one hour than the full two-hour outing.

Key things to know before you book

• The scenery is the star: Expect steep granite walls, narrow fjords, waterfalls, forested slopes, and mountain lakes viewed from above.
• Every seat is a window seat: The aircraft carries no more than 12 passengers, so you are not stuck behind someone else’s shoulder.
• The flight usually includes about one hour in the air: The full experience lasts about two hours once shuttle time and preparation are included.
• The narration comes through a headset: Pilots such as Scott, Joe, and Mike have been praised for local stories and clear explanations, though headset volume can vary.
• Your cruise connection is protected: If the tour causes you to miss your ship, the operator promises transport to the next port of call. If weather cancels the flight, you can receive a refund.
• Reserve early: This experience is often booked about 91 days ahead, a useful warning for cruise visitors with fixed Ketchikan dates.

Why Misty Fjords makes sense from a floatplane

Tongass National Forest covers about 17 million acres, making it the largest national forest in the United States. Misty Fjords National Monument occupies one of its wildest corners, around 40 miles east of Ketchikan.

From the ground, you see only pieces of this country. From the air, the scale comes together. Dark spruce and hemlock forests cover slopes that rise almost straight from the water. Granite walls reach roughly 3,000 feet above the ocean, while narrow inlets cut into the rock like long blue fingers.

The floatplane also reveals the region’s lakes and high valleys. On a clear day, you may spot mountain goats on exposed rock, eagles along the water, or larger animals such as bears, wolves, and deer. Wildlife sightings are never promised, so I would book this for the scenery first and treat animals as a bonus.

The weather gives the monument its character. Low cloud and mist can hang between the cliffs, making the fjords look more remote and mysterious. That same weather can limit visibility, though, so this is an experience where a sunny morning can change the entire value of the flight.

From Ketchikan to Tongass Narrows

The experience begins in Ketchikan, with Taquan Air handling the flight and the transportation connection to the aircraft departure point. The company’s base is listed as the meeting and return location, and shuttle service is provided for cruise passengers.

Build in extra time to leave your ship, reach town, and connect with the shuttle. One passenger specifically advised allowing an additional hour for the trip to the meeting area, especially when disembarkation and bus connections are involved. At the end, the shuttle can take you back to your ship, including ships docked at Ward Cove.

Once aboard, you receive a headset for the pilot’s commentary and music. The aircraft is small, but each passenger gets a window seat. That is one of the strongest practical features of the tour because you can keep watching the ground below without leaning across another passenger.

The plane first climbs over Tongass Narrows, the waterway between Ketchikan and Gravina Island. You then pass Ketchikan and head over Revillagigedo Island. This early part of the flight gives you a useful sense of how town fits into the surrounding water and forest.

Over Revillagigedo Island and the Tongass Forest

Revillagigedo Island is more than a backdrop on the way to Misty Fjords. The flight may pass over several parts of the island, including forest, mountain lakes, and waterways around Ketchikan.

Look down for the contrast between settled Ketchikan and the almost roadless country beyond it. The town is compact and tied closely to the sea. Only a short distance away, the forest takes over, with no obvious signs of buildings or roads.

The scale of Tongass National Forest is hard to grasp from town. A floatplane helps you see the connection between the islands, the ocean channels, and the interior mountains. The pilot’s narration adds context about the places below, although the quality of that commentary depends on the individual pilot and the headset.

Pilots Scott, Joe, and Mike have each been singled out for friendly service or strong local narration. One passenger described Joe’s historical commentary as a highlight, while another praised Mike for pointing out places he personally likes to visit. Scott was also praised for his handling of the flight.

That praise is not universal. A few passengers found the narration hard to understand or too limited. Headset audio can be affected by engine noise, and the pilot must divide attention between flying and commentary. If the story matters as much to you as the scenery, ask staff to check your headset before takeoff.

Entering Misty Fjords National Monument

The plane reaches Misty Fjords after crossing the forested interior of Revillagigedo Island. Here, the scenery changes from broad views of island and sea to steep, enclosed fjords.

The monument is a natural pattern of sea cliffs, rock walls, and narrow waterways. Granite rises sharply from the water, often covered in dense forest almost to the top. Waterfalls spill down the vertical faces, especially when rain has filled the high-country streams.

This is the point where the floatplane earns its price. A boat can take you into a fjord, but it cannot show you the whole structure at once. From the air, you can watch one inlet join another and see lakes tucked behind mountain ridges.

The route includes Rudyard Bay, where the aircraft passes New Eddystone Rock. This dark, isolated formation is a remnant of earlier volcanic activity and makes a memorable focal point in the bay. It is the kind of feature that can disappear into the wider view unless the pilot points it out.

You may also see snow or exposed rock at higher elevations, depending on the season and weather. The tour information does not promise a landing in the monument. Plan on an aerial tour, not a hike or a floatplane stop on a remote lake.

What the flight feels like in practice

The aircraft provides a close view, but the experience is still a flight, not a slow scenic cruise. The full outing lasts about two hours, while passengers commonly describe roughly one hour of actual flying time. The remaining time covers transportation, boarding, and return procedures.

Takeoff and landing are on the water, which is part of the appeal. Several passengers described both as smooth, but you should still expect the normal movement and noise of a small aircraft. Music through the headset helps soften the engine sound, and the headset also carries the pilot’s voice.

The pilot may adjust the route and viewing angles as weather and flight conditions allow. This can create an uneven experience if one side of the plane gets the best view of a particular fjord or feature. You still have a window seat, but not every view will appear equally well from both sides.

For that reason, keep your camera ready and watch the full route rather than waiting for the pilot to announce each sight. The return leg may offer a second look at some scenery, but the commentary may not repeat every detail.

One passenger had the chance to sit in the copilot seat after volunteering. That opportunity is not listed as a guaranteed feature, so treat it as a possible courtesy rather than something to expect.

Price and value at $349

At $349 per person, this is a major shore-excursion purchase. You are paying for a small aircraft, a scenic flight into a remote national monument, the pilot’s commentary, transportation, and the added protection tied to your cruise schedule.

The value depends heavily on the weather. On a clear day, you cover a vast amount of country in a short time and reach views that would otherwise require a much longer expedition. Passengers have described the scenery as a highlight of their Alaska cruise, with some calling it a bucket-list experience.

On a foggy day, the value drops quickly. Poor visibility can hide the fjords, and the flight may be canceled for safety. That is not a flaw in the aircraft or the company, but it is a real risk when you are spending this much on a brief excursion.

The tour can also compare favorably with a cruise-line booking. One passenger reported paying less through the independent booking channel for what appeared to be the same Taquan Air experience. Prices can change, so compare the final cost and cancellation terms before choosing.

The ship-return guarantee adds genuine value for cruise passengers. If the activity somehow causes you to miss departure, the operator says it will arrange transportation to your next port. If your ship is delayed and you cannot attend, the tour price is refunded under the stated terms.

Weather, timing, and communication

Weather is the practical issue to take most seriously. The experience requires good conditions, and Taquan Air may offer a different time, a different date, or a full refund when poor weather prevents the flight.

The company offers morning departure windows from 7 a.m. to noon and afternoon windows from noon to 7 p.m. You are asked to provide a contact number or call the local supplier to confirm the exact departure time. Do that, especially if your ship’s arrival time or another excursion limits your schedule.

Communication has not always been consistent. Some passengers received helpful calls and text updates when fog forced changes, including a same-day refund and a ride back to the ship. Others were notified only minutes before departure or arrived for a rescheduled flight before learning that it had also been canceled.

I would confirm the departure time on the morning of the tour and keep your phone available. If the weather looks poor, call rather than assuming the original time still stands. That small step could save you a wasted morning.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, unless the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient demand.

Who should book this flight

I would choose this tour if you want a broad view of Alaska rather than a close look at Ketchikan’s shops and waterfront. It is especially well suited to photographers, first-time Alaska visitors, and anyone who wants to see remote country without spending a full day on a boat.

It also works well for people who value a small group. With no more than 12 passengers and a window for everyone, the aircraft feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.

You should think twice if you are uncomfortable in small planes, need a guaranteed two full hours of flight time, or expect to land in the fjords. This is an aerial experience, and the most common disappointment comes from expecting a longer flight, a remote landing, or consistently clear narration.

The tour is suitable for most participants, and service animals are allowed. Passenger names and weights, along with your cruise ship or hotel name, must be supplied when booking. Those details are needed for the flight operation, so have them ready.

Should you book the Misty Fjords floatplane tour?

Book it if the forecast is workable and the price fits your Alaska budget. The combination of guaranteed window seats, small-group flying, and ship-return protection makes this one of the most efficient ways to see Misty Fjords from Ketchikan.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may get about an hour in the air rather than two, wildlife is not guaranteed, and the pilot’s narration may be uneven. But when the clouds lift, the view of granite walls, waterfalls, forest, and fjords is the kind of sight that is difficult to match from sea level.

If the weather cancels the flight, accept the refund and let safety win. If conditions are clear, this is a strong choice for a memorable Ketchikan day.

FAQ

How long does the Misty Fjords floatplane tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately two hours. The actual flight time may be about one hour, with the remaining time used for shuttle transportation, boarding, and returning to Ketchikan.

Where does the tour depart and return?

The aircraft departs from and returns to Taquan Air Tours in Ketchikan. Shuttle transportation is provided, including transport back to your cruise ship.

Is every passenger guaranteed a window seat?

Yes. A window seat is included for every passenger.

How many people can join the flight?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What can I see from the plane?

The route includes Tongass Narrows, parts of Revillagigedo Island, Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords National Monument, Rudyard Bay, and New Eddystone Rock. You may also see waterfalls, fjords, cliffs, lakes, and wildlife such as eagles, bears, wolves, deer, mountain goats, and other animals.

Does the tour include a landing in Misty Fjords?

The provided tour details describe an aerial flight over Misty Fjords and do not promise a landing there. You should book it as a scenic floatplane flight.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What departure times are available?

Morning departures range from 7 a.m. to noon. Afternoon departures range from noon to 7 p.m. You should confirm the exact time with the local supplier.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You may be offered another date or a full refund. The activity requires good weather, and the operator may cancel when conditions are unsafe or visibility is poor.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted under the stated policy.