Top Sitka On the Water

Join an award-winning cruise that offers the opportunity to spot sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, deer, bald eagles, and more! On this voyage, our top priority is to deliver excellent wildlife viewing in a condensed time frame, so you are able to enjoy an action-packed day while visiting Sitka!

Explore Alaska from the water–and go beyond the guidebook–on this boat tour in and around the waters of the Sitka Sound. Take in picturesque views, learn about the local ecosystem, and hear stories about the fishing industry from a local. Look out for wildlife: sea lions, humpback whales, and harbor seals, plus a wide variety of birds, are just a few of the species you might spot.

Discover Alaska’s natural beauty from the water—and find scenic spots you’d otherwise miss—on this small-group kayak tour. Glide past rugged landscapes, paddle around the Rockwell Lighthouse landmark, and look out for wildlife including sea lions. Along the way, learn about history and culture and hear stories about the region from a local guide. For your convenience, snacks and bottled water are also included.

Every tour is catered to each individual groups abilities, as well as the weather conditions we are experiencing for the day. We launch our tours from an ideal location where the guides can take you on a comfortable and fun kayaking experience.

Set out in search for Sitka’s famous wildlife, including sea otters, whales, coastal brown bears, and more. This tour has a 99.9% – wildlife viewing success rate. Enjoy a delicious feast of Alaska crab, fresh caught fish, and prime rib. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the staff at the exclusive Fin Island Lodge. Explore the beautiful beaches and grounds of the private island, relax next to the cozy beach fire while enjoying s’mores, and take in the stunning sights of Sitka Sound. Sit back and relax in the warm and comfortable main cabin, surrounded by large windows or step outside onto the outside observation deck for maximum wildlife viewing. Tour operator has over 50 years of experience exploring region.

Skip the impersonal, large-group bus tour and explore Sitka on a small-group day trip to the city’s top landmarks, with a range of departure times offered to fit your schedule. Your guide, who navigates for you, brings you to four highly-rated attractions, including Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park. All entrance fees are included for your convenience.

Experience Alaska through the eyes of a local with this Sights of Sitka tour, which stops at three of the area's top destinations. Start at the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue facility where you can see rescued Black and Brown bears. From there, head to the Alaskan Raptor Center to view birds of prey before visiting the Sitka National Historical Park. The park is home to Tlingit and Haida Totem poles, as well as a cultural center where you can learn about Indigenous history.

Board a specialized vessel for a sightseeing cruise en route to our private island paddle base. Launch in a 2-person sea kayak on a fully guided tour exploring the pristine Siginaka Islands. After completing your paddle, enjoy a light snack while you share stories of your adventure before reboarding your expedition boat for a sightseeing cruise to the pier.

See parts of the Sitka Sound that you’d be hard pressed to reach on your own with this shore excursion. Spot eagles and maybe even whales from the comfort of a custom-built vessel, and pay attention to the shoreline for sightings of brown bears and black-tailed deer. Then, paddle a kayak and enjoy even closer views of the water and its marine wildlife like harbor seals.

Explore Sitka without the hassle of navigating on your own on a half–day tour to the city’s top landmarks, including the Fortress of Bears, National Historic Park, and Raptor Center. No need to plan logistics: Entrance fees are included for all stops on the itinerary. In addition to round–trip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, your guide provides live commentary about landmarks passed along the way.

Get up close with Alaskan wildlife on a 2-hour wildlife-watching tour from Sitka. With a small group on board the 24-foot vessel, you’re guaranteed an intimate and immersive tour experience. After departure from Baranof Island, keep your eyes peeled for Humpback, Minke, and Gray whales. Keep your camera and binoculars ready, as you may also encounter otters, sea lions, and a variety of birds.

You select any start-time between: 6:00am - 4:00pm and you pick your our return time as well. We can fish until you don't want to fish anymore and then return to town or tour around the beautiful Sitka Sound for amazing views and marine life. Private charter includes first 4 hours. Outer Coast Charters is located out of Sitka on the western side of Baranof Island, in beautiful Southeast Alaska. We are owned and operated by year-round resident, adventure outfitter, and fishing fanatic Captain Christopher Paul Jones. He states, "There's no place I'd rather be or explore than Southeast Alaska. Here we have the bounty of the Pacific Ocean at our doorstep with over 17,000 miles of coastline encompassing the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rain forest in the world. Our mission is to provide our guests with the rarest of Maritime and Coastal Adventures, while providing an element of added safety as we explore one of the most beautiful places on the edges of the earth."

You select any start-time between: 6:00am - 3:00pm and you pick your our return time as well. We can fish until you don't want to fish anymore and then return to town or tour around the beautiful Sitka Sound for amazing views and marine life. Private Charter includes first 5 hours. Outer Coast Charters is located out of Sitka on the western side of Baranof Island, in beautiful Southeast Alaska. We are owned and operated by year-round resident, adventure outfitter, and fishing fanatic Captain Christopher Paul Jones. He states, "There's no place I'd rather be or explore than Southeast Alaska. Here we have the bounty of the Pacific Ocean at our doorstep with over 17,000 miles of coastline encompassing the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rain forest in the world. Our mission is to provide our guests with the rarest of Maritime and Coastal Adventures, while providing an element of added safety as we explore one of the most beautiful places on the edges of the earth."

Exclusive wildlife viewing on your own private 10-passenger expedition vessel, allows unmatched access to wild Alaska With our small group size, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from our crew. The onboard captain will lead you on an unforgettable journey through Sitka’s breathtaking landscape. Sitka Sound is renowned for its diverse wildlife. Search for sea otters, whales, brown bears, puffins, and more! Deluxe expedition vessel features: heated cabin, wrap-around windows, restroom, & lots of outside deck space. Enjoy an unforgettable and personalized experience tailed to guests’ interests and preferences.

Discover a side of World War II history that most people overlook on this wildlife and war bunkers tour through Sitka, Alaska. Kayak your way through the Alaskan waters to discover this rugged landscape first-hand, following your guide and small group to the concrete bunkers—complete with artillery emplacements and secret passages ready for you to explore.

"The best paddling destination I have seen on three continents!" - owner Mike Graney There is no better way to see Southeast Alaska's dramatic majesty and abundant wildlife than by kayak. Due to the rugged terrain and excellent protected waterways, the original inhabitants traveled almost entirely by boat. Whales, Alaskan brown bears, sea lions, seals, otters, deer and many species of birds inhabit this area in great numbers. The forests are pristine. Sitka spruce, hemlock, and yellow cedar are the predominant trees on the shoreline, and the forests are open and primal. Our expeditions incorporate natural and cultural history, and some of our visited sites have been used for millennia by the Tlingit and Haida people. Our guides excel in interpretive and hard skills and have a deep knowledge of local wild edibles they can share with you to augment meals if interested.

We don’t just guide—we grew up exploring these waters. I take you beyond the typical routes to the hidden beaches and quiet coves only locals know. With a deep respect for the land, a love for adventure, and a focus on creating a calm, unforgettable experience, I make sure you see the real, untouched Sitka—safely, personally, and like a true insider