Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Sitka, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Glide through the Sitka Sound and explore Alaska’s waters with a local
- See diverse wildlife including species that are difficult to spot elsewhere
- Stay warm with seating available both inside the boat and out on deck
- The use of binoculars, plus drinks and snacks, is conveniently included
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Binoculars
- Restroom on board
- Heated cabin
- Snacks
- Experienced local resident captain
- Indoor and outdoor seating
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
Meet at Sea Piper Tours sign outside the visitor center (Harrigan Centennial Hall). Meeting time is at least 15 minutes prior to tour departure time. Passengers arriving at Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal will be required to get free tickets for the shuttle to town.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Sitka
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 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
⭐️ Incredible Marine Life Tour with Local Guide Captain Matt!
Captain Matt gave us an unforgettable experience on the water—he’s a knowledgeable, passionate local guide who made the whole tour both fun and educational. We saw humpback and gray whales, sea otters, sea lions, and more, all while learning about the area’s unique ecosystem in a respectful, eco-friendly way. The boat was comfortable, the views were stunning, and Captain Matt made sure everyone had a chance to ask questions and soak it all in. One of the absolute highlights of our trip!
Reviews
5.0
based on 107 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Absolutely, hands down the best tour I’ve taken in Alaska over multiple trips. Captain Gary knew all the best places to see wildlife and made sure we were perfectly positioned in the water to see it all - and from super close. Sophia had so much information to share and she spoke with so much affection for her hometown - her appreciation and passion for this amazingly unique place on the planet shone through. We’ve taken tours all over the world and this one was one of the very best. If you’re in Sitka, you’ll not regret spending a few hours taking this tour.
This was a wonderful excursion. We viewed many whale, sea lions, sea otters and then some bear. The captain and crew shared good information and we enjoyed some warm drinks and snacks along the way.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thanks so much for joining us!
This was a great experience. Matt and his daughter were great. We saw a bear feeding salmon to two cubs, at least 10 humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals and eagles.
Matt knew exactly where to go so we could see the wildlife and he was so knowledgeable
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thanks so much for joining us! We enjoyed having you on our tour!
Had a wonderful time with Captain Matt, Sophia and the three other couples on our tour. We were lucky enough to see salmon, humpback whales, sea lions and otters. Sophia’s knowledge of the animals and Captain Matt’s excellent navigation made the trip one of our best experiences!
We had a great time on the Sea Piper tour with Matt and his assistant. They were both very knowledgeable about the area and the history. We would definitely book with them again.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks so much!
Had the best time on the incredible marine wildlife tour with Sea Piper Tours. We saw much more than what we anticipated! First we saw a mother bear with her cub at the shoreline looking for salmon, this was a bonus as I didn't expect to see any beats on this trip, we saw plenty of humpback whales, bald eagles, seals, a seal lion, sea otters (which were funny floating in the sea on their backs) and lots of salmon. We were well looked after by Captain Matt and (sorry can't remember the young lady's name 😬) who knew exactly where to look for all the wildlife, we seemed to be the first boat getting to see them. Onboard the boat we were provided with binoculars which were very useful. We were also provided with unlimited hot and cold drinks and snacks which we were so grateful for.
I would definitely do this tour again and would highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for joining us! It was our pleasure!
Captain Matt
Capt Matt was very friendly and made sure we spent a lot of time anytime we spotted wildlife. I was expecting whales (possibly since the previous 2 whale watching tours I’ve done I saw no whales). What we got was a very small group on a small boat. Staff were amazing. True locals and not out-of-state Summer help from kids looking for a Summer job in Alaska.
Yes, we did see several whales. We also saw brown bear with 3 subs, sea lions, sea otters, salmon hatchery and a harbor seal.
Free hot and cold drinks and snacks included.
I would do this exact tour this next time I’m in Sitka.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for your wonderful words about our tour! We enjoyed having you onboard! Hope to have you join us again!
Captain Matt
Stop researching and book this trip now! Absolutely amazing! This was a great excursion in Sitka. Captain Matt and Sophia were wonderful. It was a day of whales, bears (momma and cubs), eagles, salmon, sea otters, sea lions, and more. We done whale watching in Alaska before, and this trip was the best by far!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks so much!!
A great small group experience, boat only holds 16. Great capt and helper giving lots of info about Sitka and showed us whales, sea lions, eagles, and ottets
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks so much!!
Wonderful trip with a friendly and knowledgeable crew. We appreciated the small tour size with only about 8 guests total. They have a very nicely designed, high quality boat with ample open air viewing space with covering and warm drinks and snacks inside the cabin if you want a break from the cold. We got to see brown bears, eagles and humpbacks galore! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed the tour!
Captain Matt
They were very informative and were able to show us quite a bit of wildlife without feeling rushed. Made sure we got the most out of the time we had.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for sharing
What an amazing tour! Small family run operation and they clearly know what they are doing. We were on wildlife the entire tour…whales, seals, sea otters, birds etc. i would recommend this tour to anyone heading to Sitka.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it!
Captain Mike & Sofie were very friendly and knowledgeable. We even saw Mike’s son fishing on a nearby fishing boat. We were lucky enough to see 2 brown bears, A seal, Several Sea Lions sleeping in the sun, Several hump back whales, a whole pod of Sea Otters and many many eagles soaring the skies.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Pleasure having you on our tour!
Captain Matt
Captain Matt + crew member Sophie were fantastic! Very engaging, informative + knew all the spots to view so much wildlife. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much for joining us!
Captain Matt
Fantastic excursion!! Captain Mike was great with info & knowledge, boat was awesome! Saw lots of marine life! Definately a must do!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much!
Captain Matt
Incredible experience! Captain Matt is very professional and caring! He made sure we saw all the wildlife and everyone left satisfied. Boat is top notch, you can sit inside or outside, hot drinks and snacks are available, plus binoculars provided for everyone! Highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed and it will probably be your best experience in Sitka!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much! Enjoyed having you onboard! Always a pleasure experiencing our incredible wildlife with our guests!
Thanks,
Matt
Amazing whale, orca, otter and sea lion watching. Puffins and eagles too. Captain Matt and Sophia were outstanding guides with a passion for finding everything. Wonderful day.
I cannot say enough about Capt Matt and Sophia! The professionalism, kindness, friendliness and knowledge shown by these two was exceptional!! From the desire to find all the sea life possible for us to see to the knowledge and information given about what we did see made the experience more than we expected. I cannot recommend this excursion more!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much! Means a lot to us that you enjoyed it so much!
Captain Matt
This tour took us out where we saw several whales for about 2/3 of the time we were out. They also took us to an island where we saw lots of birds, puffins and other sea life. We stopped to see some sea lions and seals as well. Overall if was a great experience, especially for the variety of sea life we got to see. They provided us with binoculars, drinks and snacks during the trip, which was nice because we forgot our binoculars. We would definitely recommend them.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much!
Captain Matt
Captain Matt gave this tour a personal touch. We saw whales, otters, seal lions…..up close and personal!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Glad you enjoyed it! We did too!
Captain Matt
A lot of fun. Lots of interesting information. Puppies were cute. Fun time for everyone. To much time for reviee
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much
We had a great day on the water. We got to see whales and lots of different wildlife. The day was amazing.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks so much for joining us!
Captain Matt
Pilot was very knowledgeable and courteous.
The boat was very well equipped. Even though we were not able to see everything the pilot wanted us to see, our family enjoyed the trip very much.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thanks for joining us!
Matt was so much fun to meet. He is so warm and personable and he knows these waters! He went to extreme effort to get us to see some Orcas and it paid off. Tons of humpbacks as well plus sea otters and seals. This trip was just 8 of us which made it nice too as everyone had a view with inside or outside seating areas. I highly recommend Matt and crew for this excursion. It was well worth the cost and an experience we shall not forget!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much for joining us! We enjoyed sharing this experience with you!
Wonderful excursion! I have been whale watching in California, and was so bored. This experience was very different. The guided were kind, and very knowledgeable! They know where the seals will be, and where the whales hang out. We saw SO many whales! Snacks were an added bonus.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it so much!
Absolutely amazing. Captain was fantastic, ship sits about 15, covered areas throughout. You will see whales (we saw grey and humpback), sea otters, seals, eagles, and much more. Small boat, so he can get up close. Can be a little choppy, but Wow, it was so worth it.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much
Me, my boyfriend and our 2 friends booked. Having been to on boat trips before, I was a bit sceptical about if we’d actually see a whale or anything really at all.
Well I was blown away - we all were! We saw so much wildlife and Captain Matt did everything he could to really maximise our experience. Sophie was also really friendly, chatty and very knowledgeable about the wildlife we were seeing.
We loved how the boat wasn’t too crowded, how everyone was able to see everything and the fact that there were also hot drinks and snacks to keep us going.
At the end of the tour, we were expecting to get dropped back off in Sitka, but we were actually given the option to get off right next to our cruise ship. This was a big help and was really appreciated.
Overall, I can say without a single doubt at all, that this was by far the best boat trip and experience I’ve ever encountered!
If you’re thinking of booking and aren’t sure… DO IT! You won’t regret it!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
👍❤️
Great experience with captain Matt.
Small group, it was like a private tour.
Boat was spotless, with a large enclosed viewing area, great to get out of the weather.
Saw humpback and gray whales, otters, sea lions
Matt took us back to our ship dock at the end of the tour that saved us 30 minutes and the shuttle and alleviated any anxiety about missing our ship!!
Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for your kind words. We enjoyed having you onboard!
Captain Matt
Captain Matt and the crew were very personable. They thoroughly enjoyed sharing their love of Alaska and the sea life that surrounds them. Really enjoyed seeing the humpback whale, gray whale, sea otters and sea lions. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much! We enjoyed having you on our tour!
Captain Matt
Matt is an excellent boat driver and an expert on the area. He finds the best spots for viewing the wildlife.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for coming out with us! Sophia and I enjoyed it too!
Member Pricing
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$199.50
per personWas $210.00(-5%)
-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour
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