Sitka Sound whale watching tour: Private marine wildlife

Humpback whales, sea otters and bald eagles in Sitka Sound

A private 2-hour marine wildlife tour in Sitka Sound led by a local guide who knows the habits and history of the animals you'll encounter. You travel by boat through the waters around Tongass National Forest, watching for humpback, gray and killer whales, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and other seabirds. No sightings are guaranteed. What you see depends on the season and weather on the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Marine wildlife tour in Sitka Sound

• Explore Sitka Sound waters
• Observe seals, sea lions, sea otters
• Watch for whales and birds
• Learn about local wildlife and history
• Enjoy Tongass National Forest scenery

The experience

Sitka Sea Level Adventures runs this tour from Sitka, Alaska, with guides who are rooted in the community and know the area's ecosystems firsthand. The boat explores Sitka Sound and the volcanic coastline, where several whale species pass through the waters alongside sea lions, sea otters, and a wide variety of birds. You'll learn about the marine life and the landscape as you travel, gaining insight into how these animals live in one of Alaska's most remote corners.

The tour lasts two hours and includes bottled water. A live English-speaking guide leads the trip, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Because sightings depend on weather and the time of year, each trip is different: what you encounter on the water is never the same twice.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• live English-speaking guide.
• two hours on the water exploring Sitka Sound and the volcanic coastline of Tongass National Forest.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Sitka Sea Level Adventures

Is this one for you?The boat stays on the water for the full two hours, so choose this tour if you're comfortable on a vessel and want to spend the morning or afternoon watching for marine life in open waters. Infants and small children can join, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 might I see on a Sitka Sound tour?

Humpback, gray and killer whales all pass through Sitka Sound, along with sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and other seabirds. Animal sightings are not guaranteed and depend on the season and weather conditions on the day of your tour.

How long is the marine wildlife tour?

The tour runs for two hours and departs from Sitka, exploring the waters of Sitka Sound and the coastline around Tongass National Forest.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available on the boat. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What's included in the tour price?

Bottled water and a live English-speaking guide are included. The guide shares local knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystems of Sitka Sound throughout the two hours on the water.