Tours/Sitka/Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka
Viator · group up to 6 pax

Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka

4.9(125)Sitka1 hour
VIATOR4.8(75)TRIPADVISOR5.0(50)

Description

Experience amazing wildlife on an unforgettable adventure through the wild waters of Sitka Sound. Surrounded by towering mountains and rugged coastline, you’ll journey into one of Alaska’s richest marine environments. Spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles—all in their natural habitat. This small-group, eco-friendly tour gets you up close to the action without the crowds. Your captain, a born-and-raised Sitkan, brings expert local insight and a passion for the sea. With open deck space, comfortable seating, and nonstop photo opportunities, this tour is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone ready for the real Alaska..

Tour Options

Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion

Itinerary

120 min

We will guide you around the Beautiful Sitka Sound and outer coast of Baranof Islands. Showing you humpback whales, Steller Sea lions, Sea Otters, and Tongass National Rainforest. This tour is perfect for those that would like to have an experience of a lifetime and great photography opportunities. All Animal Sightings not Guaranteed. Tour is weather permitting.

Highlights

outdoor seats for Viewing
Gluten free snacks, bottled water and carbonated drinks
Captain tips are not included in tour price
Restroom on board
heated cabin
Kid friendly
born and raised Sitka local

What's included

Included
outdoor seats for Viewing
Gluten free snacks, bottled water and carbonated drinks
Captain tips are not included in tour price
Restroom on board
heated cabin
Kid friendly
born and raised Sitka local
Not included
Private transportation
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
125 reviews
5
119
4
2
3
1
2
1
1
2

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Collapsible Wheelchair accessible
  • moderate mobility of arms and legs required
  • passenger maximum weight limit 300lb

Reviews(125)

C
Chris_L
July 2, 2026
Captain Ricky is awesome....

Captain Ricky is awesome. He tried his hardest to find whales in the rainy weather we had, but no luck. We did manage to see some otters, sea lions, and bald eagles. Weather was not our friend that day.

L
L8914XRaaronb
July 1, 2026
Incredible Experience, Great Captain

Five star experience from Captain Ricky Not only was he knowledgeable about the area but he was friendly and accommodating to us and our kids who even dropped us off right next to our cruise ship we had a beautiful time on the water and as I watched the other boats go by with tons and tons of people inside of them I was so happy for smaller much more tailored experience with someone who has been doing this for a very long time it was an incredible day we would definitely recommend

A
Alex_K
June 30, 2026
Perfect excursion

This was a great trip with Captain Rick. He is friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see a wide variety of wildlife, eagles, sea lions, otters, porpoises, and whales. I highly recommend this over a large operation.

S
Sarena_O
June 28, 2026
Great for small group whale watching.

Highly recommend. Captain Rick was very friendly and knowledgeable. He's been in Sitka his whole life, so he knew the area very well! We saw some whales, otters and seals. Unfortunately, the whales weren't as active that day, but that's how it goes. Rick knew a lot about the animals and the history of Sitka. It was enjoyable chatting with him and also learning about life in a small Alaska town like Sitka. The boat was covered, which would be good for a rainy day, but there was outdoor space available to sit also. The boat only fits 6 (+ Rick), so it was perfect for our group.

S
Seanne_I
June 27, 2026
A must do in Sitka!

This really is the best tour! Captain Rick is an excellent guide. We loved getting to know him and learning about Sitka, Alaskan life, and of course, the wildlife. We got to see so many whales, otters, sea lions and eagles. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Captain Rick is such a knowledgeable and passionate person. Book this tour!

W
wiffy0
June 16, 2026
Great trip with lots to see

Great trip with a great crew and lots of wildlife. Highly recommend. We saw a whale, see otters, sea lions, bald eagles and puffins.

G
greenfire944
June 15, 2026
Amazing

Our Captain and tour guide was amazing. He was born and raised in Sitka and knew exactly where to go to see wildlife. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Thankyou so much for the great feedback. Imglad you enjoyed the tour. I enjoyed getting to know you and showing you just a bit of Sitkas beautiful waterways and wildlife. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.

L
LanzaPaul
June 12, 2026
A Fantastic Experience

Rick was friendly and professional as well as incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife. His knowledge meant that we saw bald eagles nesting, sea lions, sea otters, humo back whales and grey whales all from a comfortable and delightful boat. As a professional seafarer I am sometimes horrified by commercially operated small boats, bit it was obvious from the start that Rick was a competent boat operator amd that safety was taken seriously.

Operator response

Thankyou for the excellent feedback. I am so happy to hear you were pleased with every aspect of the tour. I had a great time showing you guys around and I love that you kept me laughing, smiling,and also enjoying it as much as yourselves. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.

E
E9475JBjosephm
June 9, 2026
Excellent marine wildlife small boat tour

Rick was a very personable and knowledgeable guide. A lifelong resident of Sitka, he knew the waters and where to find marine life, including sea otters and whales.

Operator response

Thanks for the great review. Im so glad you enjoyed the tour. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.

S
Sara_F
June 8, 2026
Rick was very...

Rick was very knowledgeable! Good hospitality. On time. Learned a ton about history of Alaska and marine life. Thanks so much!

Operator response

Thankyou so much for the great feedback. I had a great time with your group aswell. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.

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