Sitka’s whale watching scene is simply outstanding. The best tours run small boats (typically 6-12 passengers) that get you remarkably close to humpbacks, minkes, and grays in their natural habitat.
These 3-4 hour excursions launch right from downtown, making them wonderfully convenient for visitors. I especially love Allen Marine’s tours – their naturalist guides are top-notch, and their vessels offer both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Captain Davey’s private tours are another excellent choice, particularly for photographers who want flexibility with timing and positioning. Along the way, you’ll spot plenty of sea otters, Steller sea lions, and seabirds against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Let’s explore the finest whale watching tours Sitka has to offer.
Good To Know
- Small group whale watching tours from Harrigan Centennial Hall, offering opportunities to see humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as other marine life.
- Highly-rated 2-hour whale watching and marine life tours by catamaran with knowledgeable local guides, providing an immersive and thrilling experience.
- Private, guided whale watching adventures led by a local Sitka native, with comfortable outdoor seating, heated cabin, and amenities like snacks and drinks.
- Personalized whale watching and wildlife tours with customizable itineraries, including pickup and drop-off services and the option to visit Goddard Hot Springs.
- Boat tours on a 47-foot commercial fishing yacht, providing up-close encounters with marine life and stunning landscapes, including a visit to Goddard Hot Springs.
Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore Excursion
The thrill of spotting a mighty humpback whale breach the surface of the glimmering waters is an unforgettable experience on this whale watching and marine wildlife adventure. Departing from Sitka’s Harrigan Centennial Hall, guests embark on a 2-hour journey aboard a 24-foot vessel, exploring the area’s rich marine ecosystem.
Led by a knowledgeable driver/guide, the small group tour offers the chance to see a variety of fascinating creatures, including humpback, minke, and gray whales, as well as otters, sea lions, and an array of seabirds. With 90% of travelers recommending this tour, it’s clear that the opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat is a highlight for many.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues, it provides an intimate and immersive wildlife experience for those able to participate. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early and be prepared for an unforgettable encounter with Sitka’s marine wonders.
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Sitka Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour
This 2-hour whale-watching and marine life tour by catamaran has been thrilling cruise ship passengers since 2001. Offering a custom, small-group experience with a maximum of 6 travelers, this shore excursion provides live commentary, bottled water, and a knowledgeable local guide/captain. The tour departs from the Harrigan Centennial Hall, Visitors Dock at Crescent Harbor, ensuring a worry-free experience with the Shore Excursion Guarantee.
Guests are advised to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as the tour may not be wheelchair accessible. While wildlife sightings are likely, they’re not guaranteed, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or those needing a high level of physical fitness. Guests must be able to step on and off the boat, as well as navigate a steep wooden gangway.
With 54 reviews and a 5.0 out of 5 star rating, this Sitka shore excursion is a highly recommended option for those seeking a thrilling and immersive whale-watching experience.
Read our full review: Sitka Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour Review
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Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka
Seeking an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Sitka? Look no further than the “Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka.” This highly-rated tour, with 64 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, has earned a Badge of Excellence from Sitka Sound Tours.
Set out on a private, guided adventure led by a local Sitka native. Enjoy comfortable outdoor seating, a heated cabin, and restroom facilities on board as you search for whales and other marine life. Snacks, bottled water, and carbonated drinks are included, so you can stay refreshed throughout the trip.
This tour is kid-friendly and accommodates travelers with moderate mobility. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart/medical conditions. A maximum weight limit of 300 lbs per passenger applies.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book this tour with confidence. Don’t miss the chance to witness the wonders of Sitka’s wildlife on this exceptional shore excursion.
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Private Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tour
Baranof Tours’ Private Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tour offers a more personalized experience compared to shared-group whale-watching cruises. This tour provides a private boat, a customizable itinerary, and personalized commentary from the captain as you cruise the waters off Baranof Island. You’ll have the opportunity to see whales, seals, otters, and other marine species up close.
The tour includes live commentary on board, a local guide, and gratuities. Pickup and drop-off are included, with the option to depart from Harrigan Centennial Hall or your hotel/B&B. Cruise ship passengers can take the free shuttle from the Old Sitka Dock to the visitor drop-off point at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
The tour operates in most weather conditions, so you’ll want to dress appropriately. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult. With flexible departure times, this private tour offers a unique and personalized way to experience the marine wildlife of Sitka.
Read our full review: Private Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tour Review
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Sitka: Whale Watching, Kyaking, Hot Springs, Nature Tours
Sitka offers a diverse range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Southeast Alaska. One standout experience is the Sitka Boat Tours, which provide an up-close encounter with the region’s marine life and stunning landscapes. Aboard the 47-foot commercial fishing yacht, the Karmon Dee, guests can witness whales surfacing, eagles soaring, and otter families at play.
The tour includes a visit to the Goddard Hot Springs, where visitors can kayak calm bays, beach comb, and rejuvenate in the natural mineral waters. The itinerary also features a cruise through the islands and narrow inlets, passing by the iconic Mt. Edgecumbe, Sitka’s semi-active volcano, and Pirates Cove. Throughout the tour, guests can enjoy comedic commentary, local snacks, and the option to bring their own beer, wine, and liquor.
However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, colds, seasickness, or motion sickness, as well as babies under 1 year and individuals over 280 lbs.
Read our full review: Sitka: Whale Watching, Kyaking, Hot Springs, Nature Tours Review
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The Sum Up
Sitka offers incredible whale watching experiences. Travelers can spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life on guided tours. Excursions often include additional activities like kayaking, hot spring visits, and nature walks. With multiple tour options, visitors can find the perfect whale watching adventure to suit their interests and budget. Sitka’s beautiful natural setting and abundant wildlife make it an exceptional destination for an unforgettable whale watching trip.