Sitka Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
We are excited to share that during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, whales were seen on 100% of our trips!
Skip the crowded boats and join Sitka Expeditions for a truly unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience aboard our comfortable 13 passenger enclosed vessel. Enjoy a more personal and relaxed trip while staying warm and dry, with air ride seating and a private bathroom on board. Designed for both cruise ship guests and independent travelers, our tours are guided by knowledgeable locals who know exactly where to find the action. Witness whales breaching, bears feeding along the shoreline, and sea otters drifting in their natural habitat.
Whether it is your first time or a return visit, our trips are built to give you the best chance at incredible wildlife encounters without feeling rushed. Book your spot and experience the raw beauty of Sitka the way it is meant to be seen.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No land pickup available. We will meet you at 330 Harbor Drive (where the shuttle buses drop you off on the backside of the building.)
No stress guaranteed for return time to the ship.
This tour is weather dependent, if the captain deems the weather too bad you will be issued a full refund or a different tour
What To Expect
Our lifetime experienced guide will pick you up at a designated meeting place wherever your port is. From there, you will embark on an unbelievable journey in an unforgettable place. We will explore around Sitka looking for Humpback Whales, Orcas (killer whales), Sea Otters, Coastal Brown Bears, Bald Eagles and so many more other coastal animals.
Options
Premiere Whale Watching
Duration: 2 hours: 2 - 2.5 Hour Adventure Snacks and Water 31 foot heated/covered vessel
What‘s Included
Designated pickup and drop off arrangements
Experienced and licensed USCG captains!
Onboard spacious bathroom
Water and Snacks
Spacious deck space to view and photograph wildlife from
Ground transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
147 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic day on the water, highly recommend
Nancy C,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience on the boat to see wildlife in Sitka. Jac & Frank were both very knowledgeable, warm & engaging. We really enjoyed the small group experience & learning. It helped that we had beautiful weather & saw a whale too!! Highly recommend.
Great Wildlife Boat Tour in Sitka
Lisa H,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful small group 2hr wildlife tour. Extremely comfortable 32’ boat with outdoor viewing areas in the front and back. Captain and environmentalist were very knowledgeable and knew where to find wildlife. We saw seals, otters, gray whales and eagles. We had a fabulous time!
Great way to see Sitka!
vanessacJ3504ZH,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a fun excursion! We got to see eagles nesting, sea lions, a whale (named Patches!) and sea otters. And the views of the water and ocean were fantastic. Our whole family had a great time. Jack (sp?!) was a great guide that was incredibly knowledgable about the ecosystem and answered every single one of our questions--and we asked her a lot of questions! My only complaint is that we weren't able to get on the morning excursion--we had to do the afternoon one because I LOVE learning sooner vs later in the day when we stop at ports. (It was that informative!) Also, bonus, they were super aware of our cruise ship time and accommodated everyone that was there so we wouldn't arrive back late.
Awesome adventure
Sheila T,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whale watch and wildlife excursion was great. It was a small group which was great. The boat was comfortable and you could easily view the sightings from your seat or go to the outside. Jac was our guide and she was so knowledgeable of the area, sea life, and wildlife. The boat captain was awesome as well. We saw whales, sea lions, and a bald eagle.
They did a great job...
Heidi G,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00They did a great job getting us to see wildlife even with a storm coming in. We saw otters, seals, eagles nest and gray whales. The naturalist on board was very informative and the captain did a great job navigating the large waves
Book It
lloydd693,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific experience. Excellent boat & captain. Saw bald eagles, whales, seals, sea lions. Highly recommend.
Whale & Wildlife watching
wab613,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day spotting Humpback and Grey Whales, as well as numerous Sea Otters and Sea Lions on our trip with Sitka Expeditions. Parker was very informative and we really appreciated meeting him and spending our time on his boat. We not only saw whales, but learned a great deal about their behaviors. The boat itself is first class with great visibility all around, and extremely comfortable for the 6 people in our group. We loved the smaller group experience, yet the boat was extremely comfortable and handled very well in the open water. If you are looking for a smaller group experience with a highly knowledgeable Captain and a first-class comfortable boat, you will enjoy your trip with Sitka Expeditions!
Awesome experience - Thank You!
Chaz R,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was sooo great!! Super nice guy, and one of the few people we met that actually lives there year round. He had a lot of knowledge and was patient with me taking a 1,000 photos. I know other reviewers complained about the seating and bathroom, but there is literally nothing to complain about. The boat seats 6 passengers. No only 4 can be at the table, but 2 additional seats get a front seat view! (Last time I checked 4+2=6) The bathroom is more than what one would expect on a small boat. It is a private room, with an actual toilet (read not a bucket). Yes you have to put up the curtains on the inside when you are using it, but it’s really NOT a big deal. You take the curtains down when you’re done for safety reasons and so the captain can see things and navigate. Having the ability to look through the window when no one is using the restroom helps him to create an even better experience because he is more likely to see some wildlife that he might not have, and can turn around or navigate to get a better view. Just trying to say this was totally worth going and would recommend it.
Must do tour!
Emily G,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! We were traveling with a big group ages 3-90, and they were happy to accommodate us before and during the trip. I reached out with questions a few times, and they were always very responsive. Our guide and captain were both amazing. We saw whales, bald eagles (and a nest!), a raft of sea otters and several seals. The boat was so nice and comfortable, and they brought snacks and water for us. I can't recommend this experience enough!
Team Mack Attack 26
Joe M,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Jack was especially informative. A lot of insight for us.
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Operated by Sitka Expeditions