Sitka Whale Watching FAQs

Booking and prices

How much does whale watching in Sitka cost?

Our 2-hour small-group whale watching cruise costs $175 per person plus 6% Sitka sales tax when you book directly on our website. Private boats for up to six guests start at $900, $2,500 for up to 18 guests, and custom trips are priced by length.

Is it cheaper to book directly?

Yes — booking on sitkasealeveladventures.com is the lowest price for any of our tours. You deal directly with the family who runs the boats, and your full payment stays with a local Sitka business.

How far ahead should I book?

Book as soon as you know your Sitka date, especially on big cruise ship days from June through August, when departures often sell out weeks ahead. Last-minute seats are sometimes available; call or text 907-623-7007 the morning of your tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before departure. Cancellations inside 48 hours are not refundable. If we cancel for weather or safety or if you’re unable to travel into Sitka (rerouted cruise ship or flight delays) you get a full refund.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a 2-hour guided tour with a USCG-licensed local captain, complimentary snacks and drinks, binoculars, and life jackets for every age. Sales tax and gratuity are not included.

Should I tip my captain?

Tips are appreciated but never expected. Most guests tip 15–20% of the tour price if they enjoyed the trip.

Tour day

Where do Sitka whale watching tours leave from?

Our tours meet at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, in downtown Sitka, and board at Crescent Harbor next door. This is the same stop where the free cruise shuttle drops off. Look for our sign & captain in an SSLA jacket on the harbor side of the building.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Boats leave on schedule so every tour gets its full two hours on the water.

What time do tours depart?

The 2-hour cruise runs several times a day, typically at 9 am, 11 am and 1:30 pm. Departure times are set around the day's cruise ship schedule; see live times on the booking calendar.

How long is the tour?

The whale watching cruise is 2 hours from departure to return. We also offer private tours and custom trips from 1 hour to a full day.

What should I wear?

Dress in layers with a waterproof outer jacket, because Sitka is in a temperate rainforest and the weather on the water changes quickly. Bring a hat, gloves and closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Even in July, it is cooler on the water than in town.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera or phone, binoculars if you want them (we do have several pairs onboard), and any motion sickness medication you use. Snacks and drinks are on board; you are welcome to bring your own food too.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, the 18-passenger boat has a marine restroom (AKA marine head). The 6-passenger boats do not have a restroom. The boat restrooms are best reserved for emergencies. So please use the restroom at Centennial Hall before boarding.

What happens if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine, because rain is part of life in Sitka and the wildlife doesn't mind it. Our boats have heated, enclosed cabins with large windows, so you can stay warm between sightings. If the captain decides conditions are unsafe, we cancel and offer a full refund or a new date.

Wildlife and seasons

Will we see whales?

We see whales on about 99% of our Sitka wildlife tours, though no one can guarantee sightings of wild animals. Humpback and gray whales feed in Sitka Sound throughout our season, and our captains know their patterns from a lifetime on these waters. On the rare day whales stay hidden, you will still see sea otters, Steller sea lions, bald eagles and seabirds.

What wildlife can I see on a Sitka boat tour?

The most common sightings are humpback whales, gray whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. Depending on the season, you may also see orcas, Dall's porpoises, tufted puffins, murres and coastal brown bears fishing for salmon along the shoreline. Bears are a common sighting mid-August through September

When is the best time to go whale watching in Sitka?

March through September is prime whale watching season in Sitka, and each month offers something different:

March–April

Herring spawn: humpback bubble-net feeding, gray whale migration, huge numbers of eagles and sea lions

May–June

Humpbacks return in force; puffins arrive at St. Lazaria Island

July–August

Steady humpback activity, calmest seas and warmest weather

Late August–September

Best chance of brown bears on the shoreline as salmon spawn; humpbacks still feeding

For a deeper dive and more details, check out our Local Whale Watching Guide.

Do you see orcas in Sitka?

Yes, killer whales (orcas) pass through Sitka Sound several times a season, but their visits are unpredictable. We see both fish-eating resident orcas and transient (Bigg's) orcas that hunt seals and sea lions.

Do you see bears on the tour?

You may see coastal brown bears from the boat, especially in late August and September when they gather to feed on spawning salmon. Bears can be seen quite reliably during these months. Bears aren't seen on every tour, but our captains always watch the shoreline for them.

Do you follow wildlife viewing rules?

Yes, absolutely! We follow federal marine mammal viewing guidelines, including staying at least 100 yards from humpback whales, so the animals feed and travel undisturbed.

Comfort, safety, kids and accessibility

How big are the boats and how many people are on a tour?

Our 2-hour, small-group whale watching tours offer a more personal experience than the large, 50-plus-passenger boats often used for cruise-line excursions. We operate 3 vessels: The Islander, which accommodates 18 guests and features a heated cabin, comfortable seating for everyone, and open-air viewing decks; or the Full Nelson and Judi Kay, each accommodating just six guests with indoor and outdoor viewing options. For an even more intimate adventure, our 6-passenger boats are available for private group bookings.

Who are the captains?

Every tour is run by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. Sitka Sea Level Adventures is owned and operated by brothers Jaren and Brody Sumauang, who were born and raised in Sitka and have spent their lives fishing and guiding on Sitka Sound. Captain Joel is an honorary Sumauang who has lived full time in Sitka since 2017 and grew up traveling the inside passage from Seattle to Sitka.

Will I get seasick?

Most guests are comfortable, because much of the tour stays in the sheltered waters of Sitka Sound among the islands. If you are prone to motion sickness, take Dramamine or a similar medication before the tour, following the label or your doctor's advice. Tell your captain if you feel uneasy, and we'll head for calmer water.

Can children come on the tour?

Yes, guests of all ages are welcome, and we provide properly fitted life jackets for children and infants. Our captains are parents themselves and are used to keeping young explorers safe and engaged. No matter how young the child, they do still count on the passenger manifest and thus require a ticket. If you are traveling with a family with young children, please reach out and we’ll try to accommodate a family discount.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Boarding requires stepping down a harbor ramp and onto the boat, so guests need to be able to manage a few steps with assistance. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on board. Please call us before booking so we can talk through your needs.

Is it safe?

Yes. Our boats are USCG-inspected and meet all U.S. Coast Guard requirements, carry life jackets in every size and first aid equipment, and every trip starts with a safety briefing.

Cruise passengers

Can cruise passengers book your tour?

Yes — our 2-hour whale watching cruise is designed to fit inside a Sitka port day. Most of our summer guests come from cruise ships, and we plan our departure times around the daily ship schedule.

How do I get from my cruise ship to the tour?

Take the free cruise shuttle from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to downtown; it's about a 10-minute ride and stops at Harrigan Centennial Hall, our meeting point. If your ship tenders passengers into town, the tender landing is a short 5 minute walk to Centennial Hall.

Will I get back to my ship on time?

Every tour returns to Crescent Harbor at least 30 minutes before the final shuttle to return to your ship. If you are nervous or have questions about the timeline, please reach out and we’re happy to make a plan with you.

Why book with a local company instead of through the cruise line?

Booking direct means a smaller boat, a lower price and a captain who grew up on these waters. Cruise-line whale watching excursions often carry 50+ passengers on a fixed route with non-local tour narrator, while our tours follow the wildlife, are personalized, and leave time for your questions.

What else can I do in Sitka on a port day?

After your tour, downtown Sitka is a short walk from the harbor: St. Michael's Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park's totem trail, and plenty of local restaurants. See our guide to A Perfect Day in Downtown Sitka.

Private tours, fishing and custom trips

Do you offer private whale watching tours in Sitka?

Yes. You can book one of our 6-passenger boats privately for your group, with your own captain and a route built around what you most want to see. Private 2-hour tours start at $900 for up to 6 passengers and $2,500 for up to 18 guests.

Can a large group book the whole 18-passenger boat?

Yes — families, reunions, weddings and company groups can charter the whole boat. Call or email us to discuss your group size and options.

Do you offer salmon fishing charters?

Yes, we run guided salmon fishing charters for king and coho salmon, plus rockfish and lingcod, with all gear provided. See our salmon fishing page for trip lengths and prices.

Do I need a fishing license?

Anyone 16 or older needs an Alaska sport fishing license and a king salmon stamp, which you can buy online from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before your trip.

Can you ship our fish home?

Yes. We work with a local processor who fillets, vacuum-packs, freezes and ships your catch to your door, for an additional fee.

Can you take us to the hot springs or a remote cabin?

Yes. We run custom trips to Goddard Hot Springs, beaches and trailheads, and offer water taxi service to remote cabins and nearby communities. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll quote a price.