Sitka Shore Excursions: 2-Hour Whale Watching from the Cruise Shuttle Stop
CRUISE GUESTS · SITKA, ALASKA
Small-group whale watching with local captains. We depart from right where the free cruise shuttle drops you, and we're back with time to spare.
From $175 per person · 2 hours · Departs downtown Sitka
USCG-licensed local captains
Whales on about 99% of tours
Back-to-Ship Promise
Quick facts
Sitka Sea Level Adventures runs a 2-hour, small-group whale watching shore excursion from Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka, Alaska, next to the cruise shuttle drop-off, for $175 per person when booked direct.
PRICE
$175 per person + 6% Sitka sales tax, booked direct
MEET
Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, the free cruise shuttle's downtown stop
At Crescent Harbor (next to Harrigan Centennial Hall) at least 30 minutes before the last shuttle to your ship
RETURN
The Islander: up to 18 guests, heated cabin, restroom, open viewing decks OR The Full Nelson or The Judi Kay: both up to 6 guests, heated cabins, and open viewing decks
BOAT
Full refund up to 48 hours before; full refund if your ship doesn't reach Sitka or we cancel for weather
REFUNDS
LENGTH
2 hours on the water
FROM YOUR SHIP
About 10 minutes on the free shuttle; about a 5-minute walk from the tender landing
DEPARTURES
Usually 9:00 am, 11:15 am and 1:30 pm, set around each day's ship schedule
INCLUDED
Local USCG-licensed captain, snacks and drinks, binoculars, life jackets for every age
WILDLIFE
Whales on about 99% of tours; sea otters, Steller sea lions and bald eagles on most
Things to do in Sitka from a cruise ship: how a whale watching port day works
Departure times and prices for the 2-hour whale watching excursion
Most days we run three departures, timed around the ships in port. Pick the one that leaves you a buffer before your all-aboard time. Not sure? Text us your ship and date and we'll suggest one.
Busy cruise ship days, June through August sell out weeks ahead, so book as soon as you know your Sitka dates. Questions? Call or text 907-623-7007.
9am - 11:15am - 1:30pm
What wildlife will I see on a Sitka whale watching tour?
Humpback whales are the most common sighting, and we see whales on about 99% of trips. No one can promise wild animals, and we won't. Here's what Sitka Sound usually shows guests, by month. For a deeper dive check out our Local Whale Watching Guide or our Sitka Blog.
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Humpback Whales
All seasons; bubble-net feeding in March; most numerous July–August-September
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Gray Whales
Spring migration, March–May, sometimes into June.
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Sea Otters
Nearly every trip, often with pups in summer
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Steller Sea Lions
On rocks and buoys in all seasons; Hunting in groups during the March herring spawn.
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Bald Eagles
Year-round residents; astonishing numbers in March to feed on herring.
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Coastal Brown Bears
Along the shore, most often late August–September.
Sitka cruise excursions: why book direct with a local company
BOOK DIRECT
Your cruise line sells Sitka tours too. Here's the honest difference.
A typical ship-sold whale tour
Group Size: Often larger vessels
Your Guide: Varies
Price: Set by cruise lines
If your ship skips Sitka: Refund through your cruise line
Booking direct with SSLA
Group Size: Up to 18 on the Islander; 6 on the Full Nelson and Judi Kay
Your Guide: Local Sitka captain at the helm
Price: From $175 per person
If your ship skips Sitka: Full refund
Aboard the Islander
THE BOAT
The Islander carries up to 18 guests, so it still feels like a small group, with room to move, and large enough to feel stable. Watch from the heated cabin when the rain comes in, step out on the open deck when a whale surfaces, and yes, there's a restroom aboard. Snacks, drinks and binoculars are on us.
Book one of our 6-passenger boats for your family or group, timed around your ship. Private 2-hour tours from $900 for up to 6 guests. See Private Tours.
Want the boat to yourselves?
What Cruise Guests Say…
"By far this was my favorite tour/excursion of my Alaska cruise."
— Krista H. · Google review"Our favorite excursion on our Alaskan cruise."
— Rebecca K. · Google review"Unlike the excursions that you can book through the cruise ship where you are one of many, Jaren’s tours provide a wonderfully personal, relaxed, and interactive way learn about and experience the best Sitka has to offer."
— Kerri P. · booked twiceSitka shore excursion FAQs
What's the best shore excursion in Sitka for whale watching?
For most cruise guests, a 2-hour small-group boat tour from downtown is the best fit: it leaves next to the shuttle stop, fits any port day, and Sitka Sound has whales all season. Ours runs from $175 with a local captain.
Can I book a Sitka excursion myself instead of through the cruise line?
Yes. Independent tours are allowed and common in Sitka. You book directly with us online, meet us downtown, and pay the local price.
How do I get from the Sitka cruise terminal to downtown?
Take the free cruise shuttle from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal; it takes about 10 minutes and stops at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where we meet. Ships that tender land downtown, about a 5-minute walk away.
Will I get back to my ship on time?
Every tour returns to Crescent Harbor at least 30 minutes before the last shuttle to your ship. Tell us your ship and all-aboard time when you book and we'll help you pick the right departure. Additionally, we offer a back-to-ship guarantee.
Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee
Every shore excursion returns to Crescent Harbor at least 30 minutes before the last shuttle to your ship. If our tour causes you to miss your ship, we will refund the full price of your tour and pay reasonable transportation and lodging costs to get you to your ship's next port of call. We'll make the arrangements with you.
To qualify: book a departure that returns at least 30 minutes before the last shuttle or tender to your ship that day, and check in at Harrigan Centennial Hall at least 15 minutes before departure. Tell us your ship when you book and we'll confirm your departure qualifies.
The guarantee doesn't apply if you booked a departure that returns less than 30 minutes before your ship's last shuttle; you arrive after check-in time; or your cruise line changes its all-aboard or shuttle times after you book and we aren't told before your tour departs.
It applies to every booking, whether made on our website, by phone, or through Viator or GetYourGuide.
What if my ship can't stop in Sitka?
You get a full refund if your ship is rerouted or can't reach Sitka, or if we cancel for weather or safety.
Is 2 hours long enough to see whales?
Yes. Humpbacks feed close to town in Sitka Sound, so we spend most of the trip with wildlife rather than traveling to it, and we see whales on about 99% of tours.
Can kids come?
Yes, all ages are welcome, and we have life jackets for children and infants. Every child needs a ticket because they count on the passenger list.
What else can I do in Sitka on a port day?
Downtown is a short walk from the harbor: St. Michael's Cathedral, the totem trail at Sitka National Historical Park, and local restaurants. See our guide to a perfect day in downtown Sitka.