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 HallVisitors Dock at Crescent Harbor, 330 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 105 reviews
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.
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!
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.
Sunday_L, May 2025
Our wildlife tour with Rick was amazing! He went above and beyond to find wildlife for us. We got to see sea lions, sea otters, and whales. He took us to a cove where we stayed for 20 or 30 minutes where we saw lots of whales.
We loved the fact that the boat was small and so was the number of companions (only one other couple).
Rick let us take turns sitting in the front of the boat with him as well to chat and told us all sorts of Alaskan info from cost of living to wildlife facts. He made it very interesting and fun.
Initially, we were disappointed when his prior tour was running behind. However, in an effort to give us the full amount of time (and awesomeness!), instead of dropping us back off to wait for the shuttle, he brought us straight to the ship!!! Talk about personalized service.
I would highly recommend if you have a small group to book with him. He was the best!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you so much for the great review! We are always happy to do anything we can to help make your trip to Sitka special. Captain Rick had a great time showing you how exciting life can be on a small island In Alaska. We hope you visit again soon!
Laura_S, May 2025
Perfect trip. Excellent guide and a terrific vessel. Captain Rick was wonderful. We saw Whales, Sea otter and Eagles. We recommend highly.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the great review. Im so glad you enjoyed your tour around sitka sound. Thanks again for choossing Sitka Sound Tours.
Marybeth_W, May 2025
Excellent tour highly recommend. We only had 5 people on the boat. Plenty of room excellent views binoculars provided. Rick is a great guy and answers any questions.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the great feeback! So glad you could enjoy sitka so much in your short time here. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Sandi_T, May 2025
Captain Rick, who has lived in Sitka his whole life, provided an excellent tour. He communicated the meeting place very clearly so we had no problem finding him. His boat is clean and well stocked with snacks AND safety equipment. With only 6 people on the tour you get his personalized attention. We had a beautiful day with calm waters. Easily found the seals and otters. Also found the whales, something I hadn’t been able to see on our previous trip to Alaska. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thankyou so much for the great review. I also had a great time showing you a few of The grest things sitka has to offer. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours
82ggpt7scp, May 2025
Really great experience, went out to small cove and watched grey whales all around us. Friendly guide with great information.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the great feedback. Im glad you enjoyed the tour. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Chasity_R, May 2025
This was such a magical experience. Mike was a fantastic tour guide, and I valued having a local to show us around. We were fortunate to see seals, a sea otter, and so many whales! We had a small group so it was a really personable experience. Mike also took us right up to the cruise port so no waiting for the shuttle! I highly recommend this tour, there's truly nothing like seeing the beauty of Alaska's landscape and wildlife up close like this!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the great review and thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
John_J, May 2025
Fantastic day out with Rick in Sabeah Rose from Sitka Sound Tours. Sea Lions, sea otters, bald eagles and grey whales made it a truly amazing day. Thank you Rick.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thankyou so much for the great feedback! I also had a great time out on the water with you. We look forward to seeing you again sometime, hopefully in Whales! Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
Jeni_V, May 2025
They cancelled the tour the morning of because of rain. Our tour was at 1 and the rain had stoped by 11. We had to get another tour where they drop you off at the busses. That tour was fantastic. This one however, cancelling the day of was inexcusable.
Response from Host, May 2025
We canceled due to bad weather. We wound never cancle due to rain. Wind plus fog = bad weather wich is a safety concern. Leaving a bad review due to the captains concern for safety is very disrespectful. Also This review is not relevant because cancelations happen in this buisiness from time to time. Cancelations happen the day of because that's when the weather is a concern. Im Sorry we had to cancel your trip if I could make it up to you I would. Ultimately I canceled early enough you found another tour and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ashleytruong, May 2025
Captain Rick was nice but unless you’re sitting right up front next to him, it is nothing more than a super expensive boat ride. He didn’t talk to anyone other than the couple sitting up front with him. Barely any commentary on Sitka or what we were seeing. Saw a whale and a couple of sea lions on a buoy but even when we slowed down to look at those animals, Captain Rick didn’t volunteer any information. Definitely did not feel the trip was worth the money.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re truly sorry to hear the tour didn’t meet your expectations. Captain Rick does his best to make every trip personal and engaging, and it’s clear we fell short during your time with us.
It’s just the two of us running Sitka Sound Tours, so we take all feedback to heart. We're always working to improve, and your comments are a helpful reminder of where we can do better. If you’re open to it, we’d really appreciate the chance to hear more directly—please feel free to reach out to us at sitkasoundtours@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
Sadie & Rick
Sitka Sound Tours
Jason_H, May 2025
Great local guide! He was extremely personable and knowledgeable about the area. Best seats are next to the captain if you can grab them.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thanks for the feedback we always love showing off beautiful Sitka Sound. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours.
ericaslite, May 2025
we booked the store as a part of a Alaskan cruise. We got to see whales and sea otters. 2 1/2 hours is to rent amount of time. The captain was kind friendly and kept us safe.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for joining us as part of your Alaskan cruise! We're so glad you had the chance to see whales and sea otters—it’s always a highlight. We appreciate your kind words about Captain Rick and are happy to hear you felt safe and welcome on board.
If there’s anything we could’ve done to make it a 5-star experience, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out to us anytime at sitkasoundtours@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
Sadie & Rick
Sitka Sound Tours
John_C, Sep 2024
Captain Rick was an amazing tour guide. Friendly and very knowledgeable. We had the ship all to ourselves. He took 4 of us around Sitka to see some of the best sites and animal sightings. We saw several whales, Sea otters, Eagles, and sea lions. Would highly recommend him and his tour to anyone!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks for the great feedback. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the excursion. I had a great time too! Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We would love to see you again.
Greg_P, Sep 2024
Great day on the water with Captain Rick. Whales, sea otter, sea lions and wonderful scenery! Fantastic!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thanks for the great review. I'm glad you had a great time. It's been an amaizing fall season this year. Thanks again for choosing Sitka Sound Tours. We would love to see you again.
From $225.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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