Sitka Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

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.

Our tours are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of six guests per boat. 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 6, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.