Where to Book a Whale Watching Tour During Your Sitka Cruise Stop

If your ship is stopping in Sitka and you want to see whales while you're here, the most direct way to book is straight through a local operator — like us, Sitka Sea Level Adventures — rather than through your cruise line's excursion desk. Book directly and you'll typically pay less and you’ll talk to a local who is able to answer your questions about our offerings and what to expect in Sitka. Captain Jaren, our owner and operator, can help you pick a trip that fits your time in port and plan an itinerary around your interest.

Views from Sitka with Sitka Sea Level Adventures by Caitlin Blaisdell

Crescent Harbor and the Three Sisters in downtown Sitka by Caitlin Blaisdell

Why book direct instead of through the ship

Cruise line excursion desks often book the same local tours you'd find on your own and add their own markup on top. Booking directly with us cuts that markup out, and it puts you in direct contact with Captain Jaren to plan your trip and ask questions, instead of relaying everything through a third party who isn't the one actually taking you out on the water.

Book in advance — don't count on walk-up availability

We recommend booking before you arrive in Sitka. Our boats fill up during cruise season, and we can't guarantee walk-up availability the day of your stop. Booking ahead means your whale watching tour is locked in before you even step off the ship.

How to book

Book directly at sitkasealeveladventures.com, or call us at 907-623-7007. Either way, you're talking with Captain Jaren who can answer your questions and help you pick the right tour for your time in port (not working with an agent who’s maybe never set foot in Sitka).

sitka from the air by Caitlin Blaisdell

Sitka from Above by Caitlin Blaisdell

If you'd rather compare first

If you like to do your own research before booking, the main places to compare reviews across Sitka whale watching operators are on Google, Viator, and Trip Advisor. We're confident in what you'll find, and either way, you'll know exactly who you're getting on the water with before your ship even docks.

Book your Sitka whale watching tour directly at sitkasealeveladventures.com or call 907-623-7007 — talk to Captain Jaren, skip the markup, and lock in your spot before your ship arrives.

Jaren Sumauang

Captain Jaren Sumauang is a lifelong Sitka local, outdoorsman, and founder of Sitka Sea Level Adventures. He began commercial fishing at 13 and has spent decades on the waters of Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. A U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master Captain, Jaren brings deep local knowledge of Sitka Sound, marine wildlife, and Alaska’s rugged backcountry to every trip.

Fun fact: Jaren was voted “Mr. Alaska” in his high school senior yearbook.

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A Local’s Guide to Whale Watching in Sitka, Alaska