Your group. Your boat. Your day in Sitka.
Private Charters in Sitka, Alaska
Private whale watching, hot springs soaks, and guided island hikes, run by a family crew of lifelong Sitka captains. Tell us what you most want to see. We'll plan the day around it.
Family-owned
born and raised in Sitka
Whales on ~99%
of our wildlife tours
USCG-licensed
captains, every trip
5.0 Stars on Google
300+ Reviews
The whole boat is yours, so the plan is too.
Why Go Private
On a private tour, nobody else sets the pace. Stay with a feeding humpback as long as it's worth watching. Hunt for bears along the shoreline if that's your number one. Pull in for photos, a snack, or a quiet minute with the engine off. Your captain grew up on this water and reads it in real time, then shapes the route around what your group cares about.
DEPARTS
Multiple times daily from downtown Sitka
BOATS
6-passenger or 18-passenger, heated cabin plus open deck
TRIPS
Whale watching · Whales + Goddard Hot Springs · Whales + guided Kruzof Island hike
LENGTH
From 2 hours to a Multi-Day
PRICING
Custom quote by boat, length, and group size
CRUISE GUESTS
Yes, we plan around your ship's time in port
Three ways to have a private excursion in Sitka
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Private Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour
Our most-loved trip, with the boat to yourselves. Look for humpback and gray whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, bald eagles, and the occasional brown bear on shore. Hand your captain a wish list and he'll go where the odds are best that day.
Lifelong local captain at the helm
Heated cabin and open-air viewing deck
Your timing, your route, your pace
Easy fit for a cruise port day
Best for: families, photographers, cruise guests, first-time visitors
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Whales and Goddard Hot Springs
Spend about two hours taking in the local whales and wildlife, then cruise south to Goddard Hot Springs for about two hours in natural mineral water with a view of the outer coast. It's the slow, local version of a perfect Sitka day.
About 2 hours of whale watching and wildlife viewing
About 2 hours to soak at Goddard
Remote spot most visitors never reach
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and warm layers
Best for: couples, families, anyone who wants a relaxed day
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Whales and a Guided Kruzof Island Hike
Sea and summit in one day. We run you across Sitka Sound to Kruzof Island, watching for whales on the way, and hand you off to a local guide from Alpenglow Adventures Sitka. Then pick your trail:
Sea Lion Cove: Rainforest trail out to wide white-sand beaches on Kruzof's outer coast.
Mount Edgecumbe Volcano: Climb Sitka's iconic volcano from sea level toward the crater rim. A big day for fit, motivated hikers.
Wilderness First Responder–certified local guide
Trekking poles, snacks, and lunch included
Order of whales and hike set by tides and weather
Best for: active travelers who want to get into the backcountry and have more time to spend in Sitka. These options are Full-day excursions.
You'll spend the day with people who live here
Captains Jaren and Brody Sumauang were born and raised in Sitka and have spent their lives on Southeast Alaska's water. They know where the whales feed, which coves the otters favor, and where the best stories are hiding.
For our hiking days, we partner with Alpenglow Adventures Sitka, a local guide company. Every Alpenglow guide is a Sitka local with Wilderness First Responder certification, and groups stay small: one guide for every seven hikers.
FROM OUR GUESTS
What a day built around you feels like
"We saw four brown bears (#1 priority), many sea otters (#2 priority), and sea lions on a buoy (#3 priority)!"
Nancy B. · Wildlife tour
"We took our 5 year old with us… After our 'sea safari,' we spent 2 hours at Goddard Hot Springs. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to feel like a local!"
Adrienne C. · Whales + hot springs
"It's rare to find an experience that appeals to three generations, but this tour exceeded expectations for everyone in our group, ages 18 to 81."
Andrea · Family wildlife tour
Private Tour FAQs
Everything guests usually ask before booking a private whale watching, hot springs, or hiking day in Sitka.
Booking and pricing
How much does a private tour in Sitka cost?
Private tours are priced per trip, not per seat, so the whole boat is yours for one quote. The price depends on which boat fits your group, how long you're out, and whether you add a hot springs stop or a guided hike. Send a request or call 907-623-7007 and a captain will send an exact quote.
How is a private tour different from your 2-hour whale watching cruise?
On our 2-hour cruise you join a small group on a set departure. On a private tour, only your group is aboard, and you choose the start time, the length, and the priorities. Want to stay with one whale for an hour, look for bears, or add a hot springs soak? That's your call.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially for June through August. We run three boats and private dates fill first. Hike combos also depend on an Alpenglow guide being free. Last-minute? Call us. We'll always check.
Do we pay to request a quote?
No. Asking is free and there's no obligation. Once you're happy with the plan, we'll confirm your date with a deposit.
What's your cancellation policy?
If we cancel for unsafe weather or sea conditions, you get a full refund or a new date. Hike combos also follow Alpenglow's policy: cancel more than 7 days out for a 50% refund of the hike portion, with no refund inside 7 days unless the hike is cancelled for unsafe conditions or your cruise ship doesn't arrive.
On the water
How many people can come on a private tour?
Up to 18. Our two 6-passenger boats, the Full Nelson and the Judi Kay, suit couples, families, and small groups. Our 18-passenger boat fits larger families, reunions, and wedding parties. Tell us your group size and we'll match the boat. If your group is larger than 18, please reach out and we can help arrange options for your group as well.
Will we see whales?
Very likely. Humpback whales feed in Sitka Sound all season, and we see whales on about 99% of our wildlife tours. Wildlife is wild, so no sighting is ever guaranteed. On a private trip, though, your captain can stay out longer or try another spot when the whales are elusive.
What other wildlife might we see?
Sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and tufted puffins are regulars. Killer whales and porpoises show up some days, and we sometimes spot brown bears along the shoreline. Give your captain a wish list and he'll head where the odds are best that day.
Are the boats comfortable in the rain?
Yes. Every boat has a heated, enclosed cabin and an open-air deck, so you can warm up inside and step out when something surfaces. Sitka is a rainforest, so we go rain or shine.
I get seasick. Should I still come?
Most guests do fine. If you're prone to motion sickness, take your usual remedy before the trip and let your captain know. On a private tour he can favor calmer water when conditions allow and adjust the route as you go.
Goddard Hot Springs
What is Goddard Hot Springs?
Goddard is a natural hot spring on Baranof Island, a boat ride south of Sitka, with soaking tubs inside bathhouses that look out over the water. There's no road there, so most visitors to Sitka never see it. Our combo includes about two hours of wildlife viewing and about two hours to soak.
Will we have the hot springs to ourselves?
Not always. Goddard is a public site, so you may share it with locals or other boaters, especially on summer weekends. Your boat time is fully private, and your captain will help you time the visit for the quietest window that day.
What should we bring for the hot springs?
A swimsuit, a towel, sandals or water shoes for the boardwalk, and dry warm layers for the ride home.
Hiking with Alpenglow Adventures
Who guides the hikes?
Alpenglow Adventures Sitka, a local guide company we partner with. Every Alpenglow guide is a Sitka local with Wilderness First Responder certification. We handle the boat and the whales; your guide handles the trail.
How hard are the Sea Lion Cove and Mount Edgecumbe hikes?
Sea Lion Cove is about 5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain, ending on white-sand beaches. It's a good fit for most active hikers. Mount Edgecumbe is about 14 miles with 3,200 feet of gain to the volcano, best for strong, experienced hikers.
Do we need hiking experience?
Not for Sea Lion Cove. Alpenglow welcomes all experience levels, and no prior hiking experience is required. Mount Edgecumbe is a long, steep day, so it's best if you hike regularly. Not sure which fits? Tell us about your group and we'll help you choose.
What's included on a hiking day?
Boat transport, a professional guide, trekking poles, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, and bug spray. Bring a day pack, rain jacket, rain pants, comfortable hiking shoes, water, and a hat. Every hiker signs a waiver before the trip.
What about bears?
Brown bears live on these islands, and that's part of what makes the place wild. Your guide carries bear spray, gives a safety briefing before the hike, and knows how to handle an encounter calmly and safely.
How many people can hike?
Alpenglow keeps groups small: one guide for every seven hikers. Groups of eight or more get a second guide, though trail options may be more limited.
Do we see whales before or after the hike?
It depends on the day. Tides, weather, and where the whales are feeding decide whether we look for wildlife on the way out to Kruzof Island or on the ride home. Either way, you get both.
Planning your day
Can cruise passengers book a private tour?
Yes. Tell us your ship and port hours and we'll plan around your all-aboard time with a buffer built in. Private whale watching and most hot springs trips fit a typical port day. The full-day hike combos need a long port call, and we'll tell you honestly if your schedule is too tight.
Where do private tours depart?
Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka, next to Harrigan Centennial Hall at 330 Harbor Drive. We'll send exact meeting details with your confirmation.
Are kids welcome?
Absolutely. Private whale watching and hot springs trips work for all ages. For the hike combos, tell us your kids' ages and hiking experience so we can recommend the right trail.
Can someone with limited mobility join?
Often, yes. Sitka has big tides, so harbor ramps can be steep at low tide. Tell us about any mobility needs when you request your trip and we'll plan the easiest boarding time and route.
What should we wear and bring on the boat?
A rain jacket, warm layers, a hat, and a camera or binoculars (we do have pairs of binoculars on board as well). Summer temperatures usually sit in the 40s to 60s °F and feel cooler on the water. We have bottled water and light snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drink as well.
Can we add fishing or a beach stop?
Yes. Private trips can mix in salmon fishing, a beach landing, island exploring, or a stop at a remote cabin. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll build it into your quote.
Is gratuity included?
For hike combos, Alpenglow's guide gratuity is not included. Tips are never expected but always appreciated.