Small Group Boat Tour of Sitka: See Whales & Wildlife

Spot whales and bears from the water without fighting a crowd

A small group boat tour of Sitka's coastline runs 2.5 hours with a licensed English-speaking guide, binoculars, and safety gear included. The boat departs from a central meeting point and explores Tongass National Rain Forest waters where gray whales, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles, seals and deer are commonly sighted. Later in summer (end of July through October) brown bears often appear feeding on salmon at the shore. Weather and wildlife sightings determine which of two waterfalls you visit, where salmon jump upstream. The last tour of the day can drop you at the cruise ship terminal instead of the departure point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Small Group Boat Tour of Sitka

• Meet at the designated meeting point
• Walk to the boat
• Embark on wildlife and sea life tour
• Explore Sitka Sound coastline
• View sea lions, otters, eagles, and whales
• Visit waterfall to watch salmon jump
• Return to departure location
• Optionally drop off at cruise ship terminal

The experience

What wildlife actually shows up on a given afternoon depends on the season and the water, so the guide adjusts the route to chase what's moving. The boat leaves the meeting point and heads into Sitka Sound, where the rugged coastline of the Tongass National Rain Forest creates the habitat these animals need. Sea otters, sea lions and various seabirds are reliable sightings. Gray whales and humpback whales appear regularly enough that the tour is built around them. Orcas show up less often but do appear. Later in the season, end of July through October, brown bears feed on salmon at the shore, and the guide knows where to look for them.

The 2.5-hour tour includes binoculars so you can actually see detail instead of shapes at a distance, and a licensed guide who knows the Sound and speaks English. All U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment is on board. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided. When the timing works, the guide takes the boat to one of two waterfalls where you can watch salmon attempting to jump upstream: a moment most visitors never see on land. At the end, you're dropped back at the departure point. If you're on the last tour of the day and need to catch a ship, the captain can drop you at the cruise ship terminal instead.

What’s included

• Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• non-alcoholic beverages.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• all U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment.
• return transport to the departure point (or cruise ship terminal on the final tour of the day).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sitka Nautical Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the boat nimble and the guide able to respond to wildlife movement without managing a crowd. Book this tour if you want to see what's actually in the water that day rather than follow a fixed itinerary, and if you'd rather have a local captain making the route decisions than a script.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales and wildlife am I most likely to see on this Sitka boat tour?

Gray whales, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, seals and various seabirds are commonly sighted. Orcas appear occasionally. From late July through October, brown bears feeding on salmon at the shore are a strong possibility. Exact sightings depend on the day's conditions and where the guide finds activity.

How long is the Sitka boat tour and what time does it depart?

The tour runs 2.5 hours. Specific departure times are arranged when you book. The last tour of the day offers the option of being dropped at the cruise ship terminal instead of the original departure point.

What's included in the small group boat tour price?

The tour includes use of binoculars, a licensed English-speaking guide, non-alcoholic beverages, and all U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment. The boat departs from a central meeting point and returns there at the end (or to the cruise ship terminal on the final tour).

Can I bring young children or infants on this boat tour?

Infants and small children can ride on the boat. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What happens if we don't see whales or bears?

The guide adjusts the route based on where wildlife is active that day and season. Sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and seabirds are reliably sighted. Whales and bears depend on conditions and timing, which is why the guide has flexibility to move the boat where the best chance lies.