Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Sitka, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Sitka is abundant in wildlife, from humpback whales to sea lions and brown bears to bold eagles. Having somebody who knows where to look by your side will dramatically boost your chances of sighting the local fauna. This whale watching and wildlife tour takes you around Sitka Sound, the outer coast of the Baranof Islands and Tongass National Rainforest, each just as rich in epic scenery as they are wildlife.
- Enjoy a relaxed and intimate setting with a maximum group size of six
- Boost your chances of wildlife sightings with the knowledge of your guide
- This activity is ideal for wildlife photography enthusiasts
- Guaranteed return to port, no worrying about missing your ship
What's Included
- Kid friendly
- SnacksGluten free snacks, bottled water and carbonated drinks
- Captain tips are not included in tour price
- outdoor seats for Viewing
- Restroom on board
- heated cabin
- born and raised Sitka local
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Harrigan Centennial Hall330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Please follow the signs for the downtown shuttle at the cruise ship dock. When you arrive at the Visitors Center/Harrigan Centennial Hall, Look for the "Tour and Excursions" sign. The Captain will be waiting for you near the large covered shelter area by the blue ramp.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Sitka Sound
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Collapsible Wheelchair accessible
- moderate mobility of arms and legs required
- passenger maximum weight limit 300lb
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Heather_G
We had a wonderful time with Captain Rick! The weather was sketchy to begin with and Capt. Rick told us we may not see whales and that we could get a refund if we chose not to venture out into the low lying fog/mist! We sure appreciated his honesty! We decided to give it a go and we were not disappointed! Rick was friendly, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable! We saw sea lions, a group of otters, a humpback whale, and a grey whale…He was able to bring us in so close to the grey whale, it was amazing!!
I would highly recommend a tour with Captain Rick! We enjoyed our time out on his boat and learned so much about Sitka and the area!
Reviews
4.9
based on 126 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Chris_L, Jul 2026
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.
Alex_K, Jun 2026
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.
Sarena_O, Jun 2026
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.
Seanne_I, Jun 2026
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!
Sara_F, Jun 2026
Rick was very knowledgeable! Good hospitality. On time. Learned a ton about history of Alaska and marine life. Thanks so much!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thankyou so much for the great feedback. I had a great time with your group aswell. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Thomas_B, Jun 2026
Our journey was very informative and we enjoyed it. It does tend to be a little bit cold even on board the ship, but Rick did a phenomenal job showing us around and finding the things we were looking to see. We got to see plenty of sea otters check out a few grey whales and also saw some eagles nesting as well as sitting at top trees. It’s a beautiful place. I know Alaska is typically overcast so if we could get a sunny day, it would’ve been beyond all expectations.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for the great review. I happy to hear you enjoyed the trip. I had a great time showing you some of the beauty in Sitka sound. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Laura_S, Jun 2026
Rick is a super guide! He is a Sitka native and knows the water and its inhabitants! We saw humpbacks, sea otters and a grey whale. His boat is comfortable and warm and he is a very friendly captain! Thanks Rick!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
You are very welcome, it was absolutely my pleasure. Thankyou for the great review and thanks for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Michelle_H, Jun 2026
After waiting in the exact spot the directions advised, a phone call finally came through on my phone from the captain who was looking for us. We connected in person and he advised there was a snafu with his insurance and he could not take us on the tour. He introduced us to another company's captain and said he would take us out instead. We decided to go ahead (as we had to decide right that moment as it was time to go) and we did have a nice tour, the captain was very nice. However because of the change there were no drinks, no snacks, no bathroom on board and not enough seating inside or out. The original company had been having this insurance problem for awhile evidently so it was not a surprise to him that he would not be able to provide the service, however he waited till time to go to share this info. Unprofessional and disappointing.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We are truly sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the last-minute change to your tour.
To clarify, we were not aware that our insurance coverage had lapsed prior to that morning. As soon as we learned of the issue, we immediately ceased operations until it could be resolved. While this was an unexpected situation, we understand that it affected your plans and your experience with us.
Rather than cancel your outing entirely, we worked to arrange an alternative wildlife tour so that you could still enjoy your time on the water. We recognize that the vessel and amenities differed from those offered by Sitka Sound Tours, and we understand your disappointment.
As a small family-owned business, we care deeply about our guests and never want anyone to feel let down. We appreciate your understanding and are glad you were still able to enjoy a wildlife tour during your visit to Sitka.
We wish you safe travels and thank you for sharing your experience.
Jessica_P, Jun 2026
We had an amazing time on our whale watching trip in Sitka, Alaska! Even though we were early in the season we were able to see two whales during the tour. We also spotted a large number of sea otters floating and playing in the water, along with several sea lions lounging on a buoy.
Our guide was a local who clearly knew the area extremely well. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared information about the wildlife, local history, and the surrounding environment throughout the tour.
It was fantastic to have our group on a boat to ourselves without being on a large ship with dozens of other passengers.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much for the great review. Im so happy your group enjoyed the tour. Thanks so much for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Angela_C, Jun 2026
This was an amazing excursion I definitely would recommend using them. We only had 6 of us on the boat and the captain was amazing and made sure we stayed around to watch the whales surface for a long time!!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for the great review. Im glad you had a good time on our tour. Thankyou so much for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Kimbra_T, Jun 2026
Had a great time! He made sure we saw everything there is to see! Highly recommended! When we came up on a whale he stayed there for about 30 minutes so we could continue to see the whale come back up! Very knowledgable
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Wow thanks for the great feedback. Im so happy you enjoyed the tour. I had a great time showing your group the things that make Sitka so great. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
David_G, May 2026
We did this trip during an Alaskan Cruise, Captain Ricky was very easy to stay in touch with us and felt like he wanted to make sure we didn’t have any issues during the transfer from the boat. He was a local Captain that grew up in the area and had great historical knowledge of the area, provides some stories of his life growing up in Sitka. I truly felt like he was trying to provide the best experience during our Whale watching excursion. I would highly recommend this activity. Thanks Captain!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for the great review. I had a really great time showing you around Sitka Sound. Im happy to hear you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to meetting again some day. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Shelly_M, May 2026
Absolutely amazing trip with Captain Rick. We ended being the only people on board which was a total surprise. Had a wonderful tour, saw a whale tail, sealions and sea otters. Went to look for bears but think they are just waking up. Saw beautiful scenery from the water and learnt so much from Captain Rick. Would really recommend this tour. In fact we would have gone again same day if he had room on his next tour! Book it, you will never regret it!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thankyou so much for the great review. I'm so happy that you ladies had a good time. I too had a great time showing you two around i look forward to meetting with you again in someday. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Margaret_W, May 2026
Ricky was a great guide pulling out all stops to find the elusive wildlife. We did see bald eagles& their nests, playful otters & one with a pup on her chest, & finally, spent some time with a grey whale . We were fortunate to be the only passengers & fully enjoyed our “private” tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
So happy you had a good time on the tour. It was absolutely a pleasure showing you just a bit of beautiful Sitka. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We look forward to meetting again.
Jodie_N, May 2026
Captain Rick was amazing! We were blessed with beautiful weather and spectacular views. Very happy, the boat is small enough to get up closer to wild life and we shared the boat with 2 other ladies. Captain Rick was very informative about the whales, sea lions and otters we spotted. He gave us ample opportunity to get pictures. We spotted a chilled sea lion out of the water sunbathing and multiple whales, I even got pictures of whale tails. The experience is something I will cherish! The otters cooperated by rafting in large group. I would take the tour again!
Response from Host, May 2026
Im so glad you had a great time. I really enjoyed getting to know all of you ladies. Also it was fun showing you around and telling you how amaizing it is to grow up in a place where our back yard (sitka sound) is such a beautiful place. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. I'll be looking forward to next time.
Dave_S, Sep 2025
Very knowledgable local young man who really knew how to find the humpbacks. He only takes 6 on a boat that could easily handle 10. Inside or outside seating and the ability to move around easily. When out amongst the whales he would shut down the engine which was better for the whales and enhanced our experience as we could clearly hear them blow all around us. Great local knowledge from someone who grew up in Sitka on the water. I don’t know what he could have done more to improve our trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thankyou very much for the great review. Im so glad to hear you enjoyed the trip. I also had a great time getting to know all of you. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
heidi_g, Aug 2025
Exactly as advertised. Not only did we get to see a lot of whales but we also saw sea lions and sea otters. He also took us to look for bears but there weren’t any out. We had a great time and would definitely recommend using this company!! If you are a small bunch you are much better off doing this more intimate tour than one of the huge crowded boats.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thankyou for the great feedback. Im so glad I was able to contribute some great memories from your trip to Sitka. I had a great time telling you about Sitka and showing you a few of the magical things we have to offer. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Marcia_S, Jul 2025
I know there is never a guarantee that the whales will breach but the captain was talking with other boats and other boats got a good show somewhere and we did not and I would have thought for the price we would have moved where the others were. We saw 2 whales that each breached once so no cameras ready and whales never came up again so quite a disappointment when one of many reasons u come to Alaska is to see the whales and really saw nothing and especially for the price.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We understand the excitement around seeing whales breach—those moments are truly unforgettable, and we’re sorry the timing didn’t work out during your tour.
As a WhaleSense-certified operator, our captain makes thoughtful decisions based on real-time conditions and decades of local experience. Rather than joining a crowded group of vessels, we often choose quieter areas where we can observe wildlife respectfully and without adding pressure to the animals. At the same time we've noticed time and again whales coming in close proximity to the boat. Also breaching completely out of the water occasionally. From my experience, witnessing a breach then returning safely to port. Makes for a very successful excursion.
While every trip is different, we hope you still enjoyed the natural beauty of Sitka and the chance to witness Alaska’s incredible marine life.
Gail_A, Jul 2025
This tour captained by Rick Urias at Sitka Sound Tours was outstanding. Having grown up exploring the sound with his brother, his ability to share little known details of the area and locate wildlife excelled.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for the great review. Im so happy you were satisfied with our tour. I also enjoyed getting to know You and showing you around Sitka Sound.
David_N, Jul 2025
An Unforgettable Experience – Highly Recommend!
We had an incredible time on Rick’s wildlife and whale boat tour! The boat itself was comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully stocked with extra amenities that made the experience even more enjoyable—snacks, water, books, kid-friendly nature items, and binoculars for spotting wildlife.
Rick is a native-born local with a deep knowledge of the area and its wildlife. His passion and stories added so much richness to the tour—we enjoyed talking with him as much as we enjoyed the breathtaking scenery.
We were lucky to see an amazing variety of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals, and more. It was truly a magical day on the water.
We would 100% recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. If we come back, we’ll absolutely book with Rick again!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for the great review. It was absolutely a pleasure to share a bit of Sitka sounds wonders with you. I had a great time sharing it with you. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We would love to see you again sometime.
Elizabeth_E, Jul 2025
We love Capt Rick and his easy breezy laid back excellent guiding! He is so familiar with the waters and the ways of the wildlife and we so easily saw sea lions, sea otters and about 6 humpback whales and bald eagles and a huge nest! We highly recommend this guide and tour! We are still in awe!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for the excellent feedback!! It was my pleasure to show you around Sitka Sound. I had a great time getting to know You and your family. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Heather_G, Jun 2025
We had a wonderful time with Captain Rick! The weather was sketchy to begin with and Capt. Rick told us we may not see whales and that we could get a refund if we chose not to venture out into the low lying fog/mist! We sure appreciated his honesty! We decided to give it a go and we were not disappointed! Rick was friendly, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable! We saw sea lions, a group of otters, a humpback whale, and a grey whale…He was able to bring us in so close to the grey whale, it was amazing!!
I would highly recommend a tour with Captain Rick! We enjoyed our time out on his boat and learned so much about Sitka and the area!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thankyou for the great review. I had so much fun getting to know you guys and showing a few of the things my family and I love about Sitka. Come see us agin and I'll show you a whole new experience! Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Laurie_V, Jun 2025
Captain Rick is a lifelong resident of Sitka. Made it so much more personal. When we didn’t see whales where they had been, he took us to another location and it was magical. Only way to experience this!!!! He communicated he would be running just a little late and then offered to drop us off right at the cruise dock upon our return. DO THIS!!!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks for the feedback. Some days can be tricky, so thankyou for your willingness to work with us. we are always happy to take folks out and show them some of what Sitka has too offer. thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We'd love to hear from you again sometime.
Nancy_M, Jun 2025
Our original tour guide was unable to take us due to a boat problem. He arranged for us to go out with Captain Patrick Davis. I'm so happy that we had the experience that we did. I'm also glad that our original tour guide was able to give us an alternate yet exceptional experience
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks for the great review. Also thankyou for understanding the last minute adjustment to your excursion. Things happen sometimes and that's why we are always ready and never want to let anyone down. Thanks for cboosing Sitka Sound Tours we are glad everything worked out for you on your visit to Sitka.
Julian_E, Jun 2025
We had the best time whale watching with Captain Rick! He was super friendly and made the whole experience feel really personal. Since he grew up in Sitka, he knew all the cool spots to check out and had a bunch of interesting stories and local history to share.
What made it even better was that it wasn’t one of those huge crowded boats — just a small group on his boat, which made everything feel way more relaxed and intimate. We got to see whales up close and really enjoy the moment without feeling rushed or packed in with a bunch of people.
If you’re in Sitka and looking for something authentic and laid-back, definitely book a trip with Captain Rick. Totally worth it and easily one of our favorite parts of the trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for the great review. It was nice meeting you guys. I also had a great time getting to know all of you and showing you some of my favorite places and experiences growing up here in Sitka. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Joanne_B, Jun 2025
There were only 4 of us on our boat, with Rick as our captain. He has lots of marine knowledge and knew all the best spots to locate wildlife. We were able to get to a spot where it was just the 4 of us and small fishing boats where we witnessed 2 whales, mother and child, breaching consecutively for a very long time- perhaps 15 minutes. I’d been on 3 whale tours previously and never experienced anything as close to the whales as I did here. I would highly recommend Rick and his boat for anyone who wants a more personal experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for the great feedback!! Im so happy i was able to share the whales, there total awesomeness, and the beautiful weather with you. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Barb_S, Jun 2025
Lives up to its name! Rick is an excellent guide who is not only knowledgeable but conscientious. While some other boats zip by disturbing the whales, Rick shuts off his motor and patiently waits. It pays off! We have been on a few whale and wildlife watches but have never seen the whales come to us! Great trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for the great review! I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip. Come see us again, theres so much more to see. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Ron_T, Jun 2025
It truly was “The Best” whale watching experience ever!! Rick is a very friendly, personable guide, who took the time to interact with each of us. He had some wonderful stories to tell us about the area and his experience fishing here as well. He knew the best locations to see sea otters playing around, with some even coming close to his boat. When we went to see the whales, he turned off the engine and let us drift a bit. The whales did their thing, undisturbed. Unbelievable…..We had a fantastic experience! Thank you Rick for a great morning.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thankyou so much for the great review. Also thankyou coming out on the boat with me. I had a great time getting to know all of you. Thank you for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We'd love to see you again!
Barbara_H, Jun 2025
Rick was awesome and did not rush the sightseeing. We saw sea lions otters and whales. It was nice just having a small group (6 people plus Rick). We could move around as we wished. You have the option of sitting inside the cabin or outside. Best seat in the house is the one just outside the cabin :). Do not hesitate to book this experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thankyou Barb!! For the great review. I had a great time getting to know you and your friends along with showing you a bit my beautiful home town and the wonderful things mother nature gives us all to enjoy. We would love to see you again sometime. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Amanda_H, May 2025
Ricky is the BOMB!!! Nothing better than getting a semi-private tour of the Sitka waters with someone born and raised there. We saw sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles and whales - it was fabulous. Highly recommend!!!!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much for the great feedback. So happy i was able to help provide a satisfactory wild life viewing tour for you. I always enjoy getting to know all of my guests in the short time we have together. thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
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