Sitka Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours
2-hour Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruise
Our Signature Trip
A 2-hour wildlife cruise through Sitka Sound with a local captain who knows exactly where the humpbacks and gray whales feed, where the sea otters raft, and where the sea lions haul out. Small boats, big encounters, guaranteed local knowledge.
⦿ Sitka Sound sees whales all season
Our waters are a feeding ground humpbacks & grey whales return to year after year — we know their patterns.
⦿ Just 2 hours, multiple daily departures
Short enough to fit any itinerary, long enough for real sightings.
⦿ Captained by Sitka locals
A family and local crew that know these waters — not a seasonal operator passing through.
DEPARTS
Multiple times daily from downtown Sitka
FROM
$175 / guest
GROUP SIZE
Small & intimate, 6 to 18 people, all ages welcome.
HOW THE TRIP RUNS
Your 2 hours on the Water
1. Check in at the dock.
Arrive 15 minutes early to the Shuttle Bus Drop off in downtown Sitka to check in and meet your captain.
2. Safety briefing & departure
A quick safety walkthrough, then we head out into Sitka Sound.
3. Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Most of the trip is spent slowly cruising known feeding areas, watching and photographing whales.
3. Return to harbor
Back at the dock in about 2 hours, with time for photos and questions.
What to Expect on the 2-Hour Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour
Sitka Sea Level Adventures' 2-hour whale watching and wildlife tour is a favorite with cruise ship visitors and independent travelers alike. We cruise through sheltered bays, past beaches and local landmarks, and — depending on where the wildlife is that day — sometimes out into more open water and on the best weather days, out to St. Lazaria, a protected sea bird sanctuary known for its summertime Puffins. Mt. Edgecumbe, Sitka's iconic volcano, is often visible in the distance. Along the way you may pass part of Sitka's working commercial fishing fleet, a reminder that this is a real fishing town, not a tourist set piece. Sitka Sound is renowned for its incredible wildlife.
Wildlife you might see:
Humpback whales — Sitka Sound's most consistent sighting, sometimes bubble-net feeding
Gray whales — early season visitors, occasionally extra friendly
Orcas (killer whales) — pass through Sitka Sound at sporadically, sometimes hunting or tail-slapping
Steller sea lions — hauled out on rocks and buoys along the route
Sea otters — common throughout Sitka Sound
Bald eagles — year-round residents along the shoreline
Coastal brown bears — occasionally seen fishing for salmon near shore in the later summer and fall season
Harbor seals and porpoises — frequent, lower-profile sightings
No two trips look exactly the same, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — but between the resident species and the seasonal visitors, this is one of the most wildlife-dense two hours you can spend on the water in Sitka.
Read a Local’s Guide to Whale Watching for a deep dive in planning your whale watching and wildlife tour in Sitka, Alaska.
Interested in a private tour option or a custom tour longer than 2 hours? Reach our directly to Captain Jaren at 907-623-7007 or email sitkasealeveladventures@gmail.com
Read our Planning Guides to Learn More
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a question? Reach out to Captain Jaren at 907-623-7007 or captainjaren@sitkasealeveladventures.com.
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Rain is simply part of life in Sitka. Nestled in the heart of a temperate rainforest, we experience plenty of refreshing showers throughout the year and fortunately, the wildlife doesn't mind one bit.
Humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine wildlife remain active whether it's sunny or raining, so your chances of seeing wildlife are just as good. While low clouds may occasionally hide some of the mountain views, they often create the dramatic, misty scenery that makes Southeast Alaska so unforgettable.
To keep you comfortable, our boats features a heated, enclosed cabin where you can warm up between wildlife sightings while still enjoying incredible views of Sitka Sound. We recommend dressing in waterproof layers, and we'll take care of the rest.
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Our tours are intentionally kept small. 2 of our vessels have a maximum of six guests per boat and 1 has a maximum of 18. This private, small-group experience allows everyone to enjoy unobstructed views, personalized attention from your captain, and the flexibility to spend more time watching wildlife or exploring areas that interest your group. It's a relaxed, intimate experience that larger tour boats simply can't offer.
If you are traveling with a group larger than 18, we can happily accommodate your party on multiple boats. This allows for some really cool photo opportunities as well! -
Because humpback whales, gray whales, and orcas are wild animals, we can never guarantee a whale sighting. That said, we see whales on approximately 99% of our marine wildlife tours, making Sitka one of Alaska's premier whale watching destinations. Our experienced local captains spend hundreds of days on the water each year and know where whales are most commonly feeding and traveling. Even on the rare occasion whales aren't present, you'll still have opportunities to see sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, seabirds, and the spectacular scenery of Sitka Sound.
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Absolutely! Families are always welcome aboard, and we love sharing Alaska's wildlife with young explorers. Captain Jaren and Captain Brody are parents themselves and have extensive experience helping children feel safe, comfortable, and engaged on the water. We provide properly fitted life jackets for all ages and strive to make every tour fun, educational, and memorable for the whole family.
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The key to staying comfortable in Sitka is dressing in layers. Weather can change throughout the day, even during the summer, so we recommend wearing a warm insulating layer along with a waterproof jacket or outer shell. Comfortable pants and closed-toe shoes are also a good choice. If you need a break from the elements, our boats feature heated, enclosed cabins where you can warm up while continuing to enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife.
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Most guests have a very comfortable experience on the water, but seasickness can occasionally happen, especially if you're prone to motion sickness. If you're concerned, we recommend taking Dramamine or another motion sickness medication before your tour, following the manufacturer's directions or your healthcare provider's advice. Let your captain know if you're feeling uneasy and we're happy to adjust our route whenever possible and travel through calmer, more protected waters to help keep everyone comfortable.
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Yes! Our tours are designed with cruise ship visitors in mind. Our 2-hour Sitka marine wildlife tour fits comfortably into most cruise schedules, giving you plenty of time to experience Alaska's incredible wildlife before returning to your ship or exploring downtown Sitka. We monitor cruise schedules carefully and are happy to help you plan your tour around your time in port.
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Yes, bears are one of the many incredible animals you may encounter during certain times of the year. While they aren't seen on every tour, fall (last August and September) is one of the best seasons for bear viewing as coastal brown bears gather along nearby rivers to feed on spawning salmon. Depending on the season and wildlife activity, we may also see bears foraging along the shoreline from the boat. Every trip is unique, and our captains always keep an eye out for wildlife opportunities.
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We currently offer 2-hour and 3-hour scheduled tours, each designed to maximize your time on the water while fitting easily into most travel itineraries. Looking for something different? We're happy to customize private adventures ranging from 1-hour sightseeing cruises to full-day and even multi-day excursions. If you have a special destination, photography goal, fishing trip, or wildlife experience in mind, we'll work with you to create the perfect adventure.
