Sitka whale watching tour: Humpback, gray & killer whales

Humpback, gray and killer whales in Sitka Sound

A two-hour whale watching tour in Sitka Sound led by local guides who know the waters and the animals that live in them. The boat explores the pristine coastline around Tongass National Forest, where humpback, gray and killer whales share the water with sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles and puffins. No sightings are guaranteed. The wildlife you encounter depends on the season and the weather on the day you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and wildlife tour

• Explore Sitka Sound waters
• Observe whales and marine life
• Spot sea lions and sea otters
• Watch bald eagles and puffins
• Enjoy Tongass National Forest scenery
• Take photos and make memories

The experience

Sitka Sound is home to several whale species, and a local guide who has spent years on these waters knows where to look and what you're watching when you find them. The tour departs from Sitka and spends two hours exploring the sound and the volcanic coastline of the island, moving through the ecosystem that supports humpback whales, gray whales and killer whales alongside sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, puffins and other seabirds. Each trip is shaped by what's moving through the water that day and the season: no two departures are the same, and no animal sightings are guaranteed.

Your guide is a skilled Sitkan whose connection to the area runs deep, which means you'll hear stories about the animals and the landscape that go beyond what a visiting naturalist could tell you. The boat carries bottled water for the journey. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one. Public transportation options are nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• two-hour guided tour led by a local Sitka guide in English.
• access to Sitka Sound and the Tongass National Forest coastline.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Mar 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 18

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.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sitka Sea Level Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see whales without the guesswork of where to find them. A local guide who knows the sound removes the planning and puts you on the water where the animals actually are.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4).

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 whale watching tour?

Humpback, gray and killer whales live in Sitka Sound, along with sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles and puffins. Sightings depend on the season and weather, so what you encounter on the water will be different each time.

How long is the whale watching tour in Sitka?

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

Who leads the whale watching tours in Sitka?

Local guides who live in Sitka lead the tours, bringing years of knowledge about the waters, the animals and the landscape you'll see.

What's included in the Sitka whale watching tour?

Bottled water is provided during the two-hour tour. The boat accommodates infants and small children with prams, strollers or specialized infant seats.

Where does the Sitka whale watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Sitka. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them to reach the departure point.