Sitka whale watching tour: Humpbacks, orcas & wildlife

Cruise Sitka Sound and photograph whales, orcas and bears from a working boat

A whale watching tour in Sitka aboard the Goleta, a working fishing boat, takes you through Sitka Sound and past Baranof and Kruzof Islands to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins and brown bears. The guide is a commercial fisherman and surfer who personalizes each tour to the day's weather and your goals, keeping the group to six guests. Wildlife sightings depend on season and conditions, with no guarantee of specific animals.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sitka whale watching and wildlife tour

• Depart from Crescent Harbor
• Cruise through Sitka Sound islands
• Explore Baranof and Kruzof Island shores
• View and photograph wildlife
• Enjoy views of Mount Edgecumbe and Sitka skyline

The experience

The tour departs from Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka and heads into Sitka Sound, where the Goleta explores the shores of Baranof Island and Kruzof Island. You'll have time to photograph humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins, brown bears and sea birds as they appear. The boat passes Mount Edgecumbe, a volcanic peak, and the surrounding mountain skyline: both worth the camera. Because the guide works these waters as a commercial fisherman, he knows where animals move through the seasons and adjusts the route to match what's possible on the day you're there.

The Goleta carries only six guests, which means the deck doesn't crowd and you're not competing for sightings or photographs. The cabin is heated and spacious, with a bathroom on board and an open deck for viewing. Bottled water and snacks are included. Lifejackets are provided for adults and youth. The tour runs about two and a half hours, a length that lets you reach the productive waters without eating the whole day.

Wildlife sightings depend on the weather and time of year: humpbacks are most common in summer, while orcas and other species move through on different schedules. The guide does his best to find animals, but there's no guarantee you'll see a specific species. What you will get is someone who knows the local ecosystem and the day-to-day life in Sitka, and who builds the tour around what's actually happening on the water that morning.

What’s included

• Youth and adult lifejackets.
• bottled water and snacks.
• heated cabin with bathroom access.
• open deck for viewing and photography.
• personalized routing based on weather and wildlife activity.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 28 Apr 2027

AgesUp to age 90

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Coastal Tours Sitka

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying downtown or arriving by cruise ship. The boat departs from Crescent Harbor within walking distance, so you can spend a morning on the water without needing a car.

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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 might I see on this Sitka tour?

The Goleta tour targets humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins, brown bears and sea birds. Sightings depend on the season and weather, so there's no guarantee of spotting every species: the guide adjusts the route based on what's moving through Sitka Sound on the day of your tour.

How many people go on each tour?

Each tour carries a maximum of six guests, which keeps the boat comfortable and gives everyone room to move around the deck and photograph without crowding.

What's included on the whale watching tour?

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and lifejackets for adults and youth. The cabin is heated and has a bathroom on board, and you have access to both the spacious interior and the open deck for viewing.

How long does the tour last?

The tour runs about two and a half hours, departing from Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka and exploring Sitka Sound, Baranof Island and Kruzof Island.

Who is the guide?

The guide is a commercial fisherman and dedicated surfer with extensive experience on these waters. He personalizes each tour to the day's weather conditions and your individual goals, offering unique insights into the local ecosystem and Sitka's community.

Is this tour accessible if I don't have a car?

Yes, Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka is accessible by public transportation, and the tour departs from there. If you're staying in town or arriving by cruise ship, you can reach the boat without renting a vehicle.