Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife
Sitka offers a great place to whale watch and view other marine wildlife in one of the most picturesque settings in Alaska. The only Inside Passage community that fronts the Pacific Ocean, hugging Baranof Island's west shore in the shadow of the impressive Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano with a graceful cone reminiscent of Japan's Mount Fuji.
The city lies in a unique location, nestled between the Tongass temperate rain forest and the Alexander Archipelago. The waters here are home to an abundance of marine life such as sea lions, otters, seals and an array of birds. Almost nowhere else in Southeast Alaska can you see so many different animals that will all likely make an appearance. Sitka is also a stop for whales and orcas which feed on a variety of abundant sea life. Some 200 to 300 humpbacks visit the ocean waters around Sitka from July to December, drawn by the rich feeding grounds, and often settle here after visits to Southeast's interior waterways. A few are year-round residents as several groups of them appear in early spring for the herring run. Join in on a very small, intimate group of no more than six guests and explore Alaska's southeast waters aboard a 30-foot sea-worthy vessel with both an inside cabin and a forward and aft viewing deck. This allows for a truly personal experience as you explore coves, islands and search for an array of marine life. This 2-hour tour will provide you with a local, knowledgeable guide who is a US Coast Guard licensed captain with years of experience who will lead you to the very best viewing options based on the days weather and conditions. Spend a few hours on the waters around Sitka and join in on a whale watching and marine wildlife tour that will provide memories that will last a lifetime, book today and reserve your place. Please Note: This tour accommodates 6 guests per trip.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions Group
- The cruise ship tender pier, or an approximately 12-minute shuttle (complimentary) is required to reach your departure location.
- For all tours in Alaska we recommend wearing layers, the top one waterproof. Sensible walking shoes are suggested as well as bring a light waterproof jacket in case of unexpected rain.
- Guests must be able to independently step down into and up out of the vessel and maintain their balance on a moving, uneven deck. The boat does not have wheelchair access, ramps, or lifts; therefore, this tour is unsuitable for guests who use mobility aids or require balance assistance. This tour is not recommended for pregnant guests or guests with back problems. Guests must not exceed 250 lbs. If a guest exceeds this weight, an additional ticket must be purchased. Guests must be able to board and exit the vessel independently. This tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible.
Excursion purchases are fully refundable outside of 14 days prior to the tour date. Beginning on the 14th day prior to the tour date, excursion purchases are non-refundable.