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Take a floatplane over the Tongass National Forest to Port Protection on Prince of Wales Island. This one-hour charter delivers you to a quiet fishing community, rich with wildlife and old-growth forest—ideal for anglers and backcountry travelers prepared for true Alaska remoteness.
Take a floatplane over the Tongass National Forest to Port Protection on Prince of Wales Island. This one-hour charter delivers you to a quiet fishing community, rich with wildlife and old-growth forest—ideal for anglers and backcountry travelers prepared for true Alaska remoteness.
Book with Family Air Tours LLC
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Family Air Tours LLC · Ketchikan, Alaska
Port Protection sits on the northeastern edge of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, a remote, water-access community reached by scenic floatplane across the Tongass National Forest. A one-hour charter lifts you over glacially carved fjords, old‑growth Sitka spruce, and serrated granite headlands before descending to a quiet cove where whales surface and bald eagles wheel overhead.
The flight itself is the first act of the trip: low‑level passages over a green, rain‑slick canopy, skimming narrow channels and braided shorelines that reveal tide flats and kelp beds. Expect dramatic shifts in weather, low cloud that can roll through fjords, and a pilot‑guided approach to a water landing that feels equal parts technical and theatrical. On arrival Port Protection feels intentionally small—floatplanes, a handful of cabins, fishing skiffs, and a community shaped by salmon seasons and decades of subsistence and commercial fishing.
What makes Port Protection special is its access to untrammeled marine habitat and old‑growth forest within the Tongass National Forest (established 1907). The coastline here is a patchwork of steep, glacially scoured inlets, rocky islets, and sheltered coves where intertidal life blooms and marine mammals forage. Look for humpback whales in summer, otters in kelp beds, and black and brown bears moving into estuaries during salmon runs. Birdlife is prolific—bald eagles and pigeon guillemots are common sights.
This floatplane charter transports you and gear—soft‑sided bags recommended—into a true Alaska outpost. Passengers must provide accurate weights for loading, secure any USFS cabin reservations, and pack at least 2–3 extra days of supplies in case weather delays your return. There’s limited to no cell service, so a satellite communication device is advised. A departing option from Ketchikan Airport Dock is available for an added fee.
Port Protection offers straightforward access for anglers, backcountry hikers, and travelers seeking solitude—think fishing with locals, hiking short forest trails, tidepool exploration, or simply listening to the tide against logs on a remote beach. The place refuses commercialization; it’s a working coastal community where weather and wildlife set the schedule. That authenticity is the draw: you arrive by floatplane, step into a landscape shaped by glaciers and fish runs, and leave with a sharper sense of how remote coastal Alaska lives.
Operator: familyairtoursllc. Bookings are subject to weight limits, weather, and pilot discretion; check cancellation and baggage policies before you go.
Children must be at least 5 years old and minors travel with a parent or responsible adult. Individual passengers are limited to 285 lbs; typical maximum combined passenger and gear weight is 900 lbs and may be lower on small lakes. If you plan to fish, secure an Alaska fishing license and pack emergency supplies—weather can delay returns for several days during storms seasonally.
Typical charters are listed as a one-hour flight, though exact time depends on departure point and conditions.
Oversized equipment must be approved in advance; additional flights or fees may apply for excess or bulky gear.
Yes. Individual passengers may not exceed 285 lbs and combined passenger and gear weight is limited (commonly 900 lbs). The fourth passenger may have additional weight restrictions.
Yes. Anyone planning to fish must obtain the appropriate Alaska fishing license before arrival.
Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather; bring at least 2–3 extra days of supplies and expect schedule flexibility.
Departure locations vary; an option to depart from Ketchikan Airport Dock is available for an additional fee—confirm when booking.
Family Air Tours LLC is a Ketchikan, Alaska-based floatplane operator specializing in guided fly-out fishing and scenic floatplane tours. The company offers small-group wilderness experiences that fly guests from Ketchikan into remote lakes, streams, and fjords for fishing, wildlife viewing, and dramatic coastal scenery. Guides provide equipment and instruction on guided fly-out fishing trips that target trout, salmon, and Dolly Varden, and trips are suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Flights operate from floatplanes that land on water to access secluded fishing spots and Misty Fjords National Monument landing sites. Safety and local expertise are core to Family Air Tours LLC’s operating practices. Pilots and guides are familiar with Southeast Alaska weather patterns, terrain, and wildlife etiquette, and tours follow established safety protocols for floatplane operations and remote landings. The business emphasizes respectful wildlife viewing and low-impact access to fragile wilderness areas. Booking options include a Six Hour Guided Fly-Out Fly Fishing, an Eight Hour Guided Fly-Out Fly Fishing, a Drive-Out Guided Fly Fishing Trip, and a Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour that includes a fjord landing. Each trip description lists what guests can expect, with gear provided for guided fishing trips and personalized instruction. Family Air Tours LLC serves visitors to Ketchikan seeking authentic Alaskan floatplane adventures, combining local knowledge, hands-on guiding, and direct access to remote fishing and scenic destinations. Reservations are available seasonally and subject to weather; the company recommends confirming schedules in advance to maximize safety and experience. Local permits and regulations are followed.
Book with Family Air Tours LLC