Experience Incredible Marine Wildlife Tour
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
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
Supplied by
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
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 69 reviews
ruth_g, Jul 2026
A lot of fun. Lots of interesting information. Puppies were cute. Fun time for everyone. To much time for reviee
Erica_V, Jul 2026
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
David_L, Jul 2026
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!
Julia_B, Jun 2026
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!
Natalie_T, Jun 2026
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!
Scott_A, Jun 2026
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
David_T, Jun 2026
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
👍❤️
ira_k, 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
Van_N, Jun 2026
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
Gary_N, Jun 2026
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!
Sonja_O, Jun 2026
This was a great family experience! We got to see some humpback whales, harbor seals and otters! Our guide was really knowledgeable and showed us a lot of cool places!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks so much! Enjoyed having you with us!!
Jenny_C, May 2026
Had an amazing time! Matt did his absolute best to make sure we saw as much sea life as possible, and had tons of facts and info along the way. We went the end of May and I would recommend dressing in layers. It did get a little chilly but with layers we were plenty warm. Highly recommend!
Linda_C, May 2026
Wonderful experience. The boat is smaller (though very sea worthy) and there were only 5 passengers so we didn’t have to worry about not being able to get to the railing to view the abundant wildlife. We saw numerous grey whales, sea otters, bald eagles and sea lions. The boat was well designed with covered areas and small enough to be able to get into areas where the larger, crowded boats couldn’t go.
The crew was knowledgeable and friendly. It was a wonderful experience that we would highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2026
❤️
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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