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Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Sitka, USA
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Debralyn_Y ·
Aug 2025
Great TRIP!! LOCAL knowledge of all things maritime! Capt Matt was AWESOME - Edcuating us on the local area, it's economy (Commercial fishing) & ECOSYSTEMS. If you want the BEST local SMALL GROUP tour with GENUINE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE - You found it!
· Mischelle_W ·
Aug 2025
Captain Matt is AWESOME! He gave us options for different routes, had warm beverages, and was extremely knowledgable. We saw sea otters, sea lions, bears, salmon, and a few whales. I STRONGLY recommend this tour!!! Thanks Matt & Sapphire

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

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Sara_R
    ⭐️ 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 46 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Sitka 25

    DanielM, Sep 2025
    Nature rules. Don’t expect to see everything but captain Matt did a great job getting us around to try and we saw a lot of whales, sea lions and otters.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thanks for joining me for my tour!

    Great couple that takes...

    Glen_P, Sep 2025
    Great couple that takes pride in their boat. Work very hard to make sure customers are comfortable and get their moneys worth.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thanks, we enjoyed having you onboard!

    Captain Matt and his wife...

    Nancy_R, Sep 2025
    Captain Matt and his wife Julie were the best guides we could have hoped for. The overall experience exceeded our expectations.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thanks so much, it was our pleasure!

    Wow!

    Diane_T, Aug 2025
    Fantastic experience. Would highly recommend. We saw bears, whales, sea otters, sea lions and eagles. Wonderful husband and wife team.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks so much!

    Absolutely amazing!!

    Dawn_H, Aug 2025
    Captain Matt and Saphire were great hosts! We saw sea lions, seals, lots of birds and of course whales!! I enjoyed every second of this adventure!! The scenery was spectacular!!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks for sharing your experience!

    Best Whale Watching Tour in Sitka

    George_C, Aug 2025
    We just got back from our Alaska Cruise today (Aug 17, 2025) and wanted to give a review of Sea Piper Whale Watching Wildlife tour in Sitka.  We had 7 people ages 19 to 80.  I never write reviews, but feel when expectations are far exceeded, I have to give credit where deserved.  Captain Matt communicated with me at every step.  We had a family member on a mobile scooter that needed assistance.  He met us at the place where the cruise port shuttle dropped off their patrons.  First, he took us to see Brown Bears, where we watched them up close on the shoreline.  We then saw Sea Otters, Sea Lions, and Baby Eagles.  But the most important part was all of the Whales.  He knew all of the spots and called the other Captains to ensure the best chance of seeing them.  I feel like we saw 8 or more of them.  We got great tail shots also.  I will upload some pictures when everyone send them to me.  Listen, all a parent wants to hear is that their child stated, "It was one of the greatest experience of her life."  Thanks Captain Matt.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks for your wonderful review!

    Truly awesome!!

    Debralyn_Y, Aug 2025
    Great TRIP!! LOCAL knowledge of all things maritime! Capt Matt was AWESOME - Edcuating us on the local area, it's economy (Commercial fishing) & ECOSYSTEMS. If you want the BEST local SMALL GROUP tour with GENUINE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE - You found it!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks so much!!

    Many whales so closeee!

    Alejandro_M, Aug 2025
    Captain Matt was great! He knows exactly where to find all the wild life. We saw a lot of whales so close!!! Eagles, sea lions, and seals. It was a great experience and my kids really love it! Boat is so clean, with lots of snacks! We even got confused with out trip hour and he call me and was so kind to re schedule to the next trip! Go a head and take this wonderful tour!!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks so much!

    Captain Matt and his...

    Sharon_L, Aug 2025
    Captain Matt and his assistant Saffire were very knowledgeable and helped make the excursion very enjoyable

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    We enjoyed having you on our tour!

    Wonderful experience

    Mischelle_W, Aug 2025
    Captain Matt is AWESOME! He gave us options for different routes, had warm beverages, and was extremely knowledgable. We saw sea otters, sea lions, bears, salmon, and a few whales. I STRONGLY recommend this tour!!! Thanks Matt & Sapphire

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks so much!

    Great trip!

    James_R, Aug 2025
    Wonderful excursion. Matt is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. His years of experience in Sitka make him a local expert

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks so much! Hope you visit us again sometime!

    Great tour! Matt was an...

    Lisa_A, Jul 2025
    Great tour! Matt was an amazing captain and tour guide. We saw eagles, salmon, a bear, whales, and sea otters. Hot beverages and snacks were also appreciated!

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    It was truly my pleasure!! Thank you! Matt

    Highly recommend!

    Kara_E, Jul 2025
    Excellent tour and highly recommend Captain Matt! We saw everything you could possibly see, including whales, seals, sea lions, otters, puffin, and other sea birds! Save yourself some $$$ by skipping the cruise line excursion and book with Captain Matt!!

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thanks so much! It’s truly a pleasure taking folks like you out for an adventure! Thank you! Matt

    Great tour!!!

    Rae_R, Jul 2025
    Captain Matt was very accommodating and experienced. We traveled with a person who was handicap and uses a mobility scooter and this tour was perfect for him. Very easy to get on and off the boat. There were ramps to use at the dock. We saw all kinds of wildlife and experience an amazing part of Sitka. Captain Matt was very responsive and had excellent communication. Truly a great experience!

    Nature’s Bounty

    Melanie_O, Jul 2025
    Captain Matt is a super guide. Was in contact from the time of booking. Very knowledgeable about the area and eager to ensure his guests get the best possible experience. It is impossible to control nature and wildlife so you have to pivot at anytime to see the most that the beautiful area has to offer. The boat allows for indoor and outdoor seating so there is an opportunity to get good photos and video inside and out. Snacks and hot drinks are appreciated and were enjoyed by all. Tour was not crowded and the small group feel was a great choice. The tour was very easy to find after taking the shuttle from our cruise port. We enjoyed the day thoroughly.

    Response from Host, Jul 2025

    Thanks so much! Captain Matt

    Highly recommend!

    Kathi_G, Jun 2025
    Our family of ten had a great time & saw lots of wildlife close up. The views were truly amazing! Captain Matt and Landon were informative and fun to be around. (Plus he’s from Minnesota!). Would highly recommend this excursion!

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thanks so much! Skol

    Super fun!

    Lynnetta_H, Jun 2025
    Amazing trip & kind, family business! Matt did a great job navigating the area and collaborating with other captains to ensure we saw plenty of wildlife!

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thanks so Much! Captain Matt

    Whale watching

    Eduardo_P, Jun 2025
    I booked through Viator, after getting my confirmation for a party of 12 I got a message from the service provider that there had been an error and they could only accommodate 8 of us. I immediately call the office provider and spoke to Captain Matt. He immediately gave me a couple of alternatives and we decided to split our group half with him and half with a friend of his. When we arrived to Sitka his friend and a small boat were waiting for us . Both were not only friendly but they really went out of their way to please us . They promised that we’re going to see otters, seals , whales and we was not only a promise we got to several of them . Was a very pleasant experience and I fully recommend them

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thank you, hope you can visit us again! Captain Matt

    Awesome

    Grace_C, Jun 2025
    We could not had chosen a better tour and tour guide. Excellent in all levels! Service, time, information

    Response from Host, Jun 2025

    Thanks so much!

    ⭐️ Incredible Marine Life...

    Sara_R, May 2025
    ⭐️ 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!

    Response from Host, May 2025

    Thanks again for joining me for our tour! I truly enjoy sharing what an incredible place Sitka is with you! Hope to see you again Thanks, Capt. Matt

    Highly recommend!

    Dary_P, Jul 2024
    Great tour! Best experience of the Alaska cruise we had. Wonderfull boat crew, breathtaking views and interesting stories from people who love nature and place they live in.
    Likely to Sell Out

    From $210.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 103 days in advance.

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