Sitka: Sea it All Combo Land & Sea Tour w/Bear Tour & Meal

If you’re visiting Sitka and want to experience its wild side without the stress of planning every detail, the Sea It All Combo Tour from Bumble Expeditions might just be your ideal day out. This all-inclusive package combines the best of both worlds: a scenic boat ride and a guided land exploration, topped off with a visit to the Fortress of the Bear and a delicious Alaskan meal. It’s designed for travelers who want to maximize their time and see as much as possible without the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its seamless blend of wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and local flavors. We love the personalized approach — with private guides, flexible routes, and intimate group sizes, it feels as though you’re exploring Sitka with a knowledgeable friend rather than a faceless tour group. The fact that it’s a private experience for up to six guests adds to its appeal for families or small groups seeking a tailored adventure.

However, a word of caution: the price tag of $2,700 per group might seem steep at first glance. But when you consider the exclusive access, personalized guides, and the variety of experiences packed into just four hours, it offers notable value — especially for those who prioritize quality over quantity. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a hassle-free, immersive day that covers wildlife, scenery, and local culture in one go.

Good To Know

• All-in-One Experience: Combines whale watching, wildlife, landscapes, and a close encounter with bears in a single tour.
• Private & Personalized: Guides tailor the route to your group’s abilities and interests, offering flexibility.
• Convenient & Hassle-Free: Includes pickup, drop-off, and pre-ordered meals, removing logistical worries.
• Exclusive Access: Special permit allows exploration of trails and areas not open to the general public.
• Family Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for small children (with proper car seats) and wheelchair users who can transfer independently.
• Great Value for a Premium Experience: Combines several activities, transportation, and meals into one package, making it a comprehensive option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Seamless Start with Private Transportation

One of the standout features of this tour is its door-to-door service. Whether you’re docked at the cruise terminal or staying downtown, Bumble Expeditions offers pickup options that eliminate long shuttle lines. This means you won’t waste precious sightseeing time or get caught up in confusing logistics.

Once on board their cozy, heated vessel, the adventure begins. The boat ride lasts two hours, and the vessel’s design prioritizes comfort and visibility. Multiple reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides make everyone feel at ease—pointing out whales, otters, and other wildlife with enthusiasm and expertise. The boat’s stability and heating system mean you’ll stay warm and dry, even if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Wildlife & Scenic Stops

Sitka Sound is teeming with life, and your guide will be on the lookout for whales, sea lions, and otters weaving through the island-studded waters. Expect to see killer whales and humpbacks, with some reviews mentioning close encounters that left guests in awe. The scenic stops at Whale Park and Silver Bay allow for some fantastic photo ops, with backdrop views of lush forests and rugged coastlines.

Thimbleberry Lake, a short hike from the boat, offers a peaceful moment with a waterfall and views of the surrounding wilderness. The route is flexible, meaning guides can adapt to seasonal activity or your group’s pace, ensuring everyone gets the most out of each stop.

Fortress of the Bear Visit

After the boat ride, the tour transitions to land, where your private guide takes you to the Fortress of the Bear. This is one of the tour’s highlights, especially because of the intimate, lower-capacity visits. You’ll witness brown bears up-close in a carefully managed environment, gaining insight into their behavior and habitat.

Guests have noted how guides are passionate and informed, making the experience both educational and engaging. The opportunity to see such majestic creatures in a semi-natural setting is a rare treat, and the fact that the tour carefully avoids crowds enhances the authenticity of this encounter.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Land Exploration

The land portion lasts two hours and includes visits to local trails, waterfalls, estuaries, and the Sitka road system—all explored under a special use permit that allows access to private trails. This means fewer travelers, more wildlife sightings, and a more authentic experience.

Guides customize the route based on your group’s physical abilities and interests. Some guests enjoy a brief hike to a waterfall or a relaxed drive through scenic spots, while others may opt for more wilderness-focused explorations. The flexibility here is a real plus.

Lunch and Dining Experience

One of the best features? The meal is included and flexible. You can choose to eat before, during, or after the tour, which means you can tailor your day around your own rhythm. The Misfit Island Cafe offers a menu with locally caught salmon, sandwiches, and vegetarian or gluten-free options.

Guests have appreciated the opportunity to enjoy their meal in a scenic setting—whether at the harbor, Sitka National Park, or during a picnic on the waterfront. The pre-order system ensures your meal is ready when you are, and reviews mention the high quality of Alaskan ingredients and flavors.

Final Touches & Practicalities

The entire experience is designed to be smooth—from pickup to return. The total duration is just four hours, making it ideal for cruise visitors with limited time. The skip-the-line entry to attractions and separate entrances help save time, while the small group size ensures a personalized touch.

Accessibility is well-considered, with wheelchair users who can transfer into boats and vehicles welcomed. Children who can be safely secured in car seats are also accommodated, making this a family-friendly option.

Pricing & Value

At $2,700 for a group of up to six, this tour isn’t cheap, but it offers a comprehensive, personalized experience that covers transportation, wildlife viewing, bear encounters, scenic drives, and a meal. For travelers seeking a premium, hassle-free way to see Sitka’s highlights, the value is clear.

The exclusive access to trails and private wildlife encounters make it stand out from more generic group tours. Plus, the itineraries are flexible and tailored, ensuring you get your money’s worth in memorable moments.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits small groups or families wanting a private, curated day with expert guides. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast eager to see whales, bears, and local scenery in one smooth package, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience with included logistics, meals, and personalized attention.

Those with limited mobility who can transfer independently will find this tour accommodating, though electric scooters generally aren’t suitable. It’s less suitable for pregnant women or anyone with heart problems, given the physical activities involved.

Final Thoughts

The Sitka: Sea It All Combo Land & Sea Tour provides a well-rounded, personalized way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife without the stress of organizing multiple activities. The combination of whale watching, bear encounters, scenic drives, and local cuisine offers a memorable day that feels both premium and authentic.

The guides’ knowledge, the exclusive access permitted through special permits, and the flexibility to customize your route really stand out. While the price might seem high, the quality of experiences packed into four hours makes it a strong choice for those who prioritize immersive, hassle-free adventures.

If you want to see Sitka’s wildlife, learn about its ecosystems, and enjoy a quiet moment in nature with expert guidance, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially worthwhile for travelers who want a no-surprise, all-in-one day of discovery, with the comfort of private transport and meals included.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation to and from the cruise dock or your accommodation is included, helping you avoid shuttle lines.

Can I choose my meal?
Absolutely. The tour offers a pre-ordered meal from the Misfit Island Cafe menu, with options like local salmon, sandwiches, and vegetarian/ gluten-free choices. You can decide to eat before, during, or after the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, small children who can be secured in car seats are welcome. The tour is private for small groups, making it family-friendly.

What wildlife will I see?
Expect to see whales, otters, sea lions, and brown bears. The guides are experienced at spotting and explaining wildlife behavior.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, provided the individual can transfer independently into the boat and vehicle. Guides are happy to accommodate.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible booking option.

To sum it up, the Sitka Sea It All tour offers a carefully curated, intimate glimpse into Alaska’s wilderness, blending wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and local flavors—all with the convenience of private guides and transportation. Perfect for small groups seeking a personalized, memorable day in Sitka’s wild heart.

You can check if your dates are available here: