Our Story

A Sitka, Alaska Whale Watching & Marine Wildlife Company Built From Local Waters

Sitka Sea Level Adventures is a small, locally owned boat tour company based in Sitka, Alaska, operating in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and the rich marine ecosystem of Sitka Sound. We specialize in small-group whale watching tours, marine wildlife viewing, and private boat charters led by USCG licensed local captains.

Our story begins long before the company was founded—out on the water.

Born and Raised on the Waters of Sitka Sound

Our captains grew up in Sitka, Alaska, where life naturally revolves around the ocean. From an early age, they learned to read weather patterns, navigate Southeast Alaska’s complex waterways, and understand the seasonal rhythms of marine wildlife.

Commercial fishing, boating, and time spent exploring the islands and coastline of the Tongass National Forest shaped their foundation. This lifelong connection to the water became the basis for the guiding style we bring to every tour today.

From Commercial Fishing to Wildlife Guiding

Before Sitka Sea Level Adventures existed, our experience came from decades on the water.

Our captains spent years working in Alaska’s commercial fisheries, including salmon trolling, gillnetting, seining, and other marine operations throughout Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay. These experiences built deep seamanship skills, safety awareness, and an intimate understanding of marine wildlife behavior.

Over time, that experience naturally evolved into wildlife guiding and small-group tours—sharing the same waters with guests who want to experience whale watching in Sitka, Alaska, in a more personal and meaningful way.

Founded to Create a More Personal Sitka Wildlife Experience

Sitka Sea Level Adventures was created with a simple idea:

Small groups. Local captains. Real Sitka knowledge.

We intentionally keep our tours small—typically no more than six guests per boat—so every trip feels personal, flexible, and immersive. This allows us to spend more time with wildlife, adjust to conditions in real time, and give guests a closer connection to the landscape and marine ecosystem.

Unlike large tour vessels, our focus is on quality of experience, not quantity of passengers.

What Makes Sitka Special

Sitka sits in one of the most biologically rich marine environments in Alaska. Depending on the season, guests may see:

• Humpback whales feeding in Sitka Sound

• Sea otters floating in kelp forests

• Steller sea lions along rocky shorelines

• Bald eagles overhead

• Seasonal gray whales and orcas passing through

• Bears along coastal salmon streams in the fall

Every tour is different because the ecosystem is constantly changing—and that unpredictability is part of what makes Sitka one of the best places in Alaska for marine wildlife tours.

Our Approach to Wildlife Viewing

We follow a respectful, observation-first approach to wildlife. Our goal is to experience animals in their natural environment without disruption, while sharing educational insights about behavior, habitat, and ecology.

Safety, conservation awareness, and guest experience guide every decision on the water.

More Than a Tour—A Local Perspective

When you join Sitka Sea Level Adventures, you’re not just booking a boat ride—you’re stepping into a way of life that has existed in Sitka for generations.

Our captains bring together decades of experience in:

• Sitka Sound navigation

• Commercial fishing and seamanship

• Marine wildlife behavior

• Local weather and ocean conditions

• Southeast Alaska ecology

That combination creates a tour experience grounded in real local knowledge—not scripted commentary.

Our Promise

We promise a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience that reflects the true spirit of Sitka, Alaska.

Whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship, staying in town, or returning to Alaska again, our goal is simple:

To help you experience Sitka’s wildlife the way locals do—from the water.