Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience amazing wildlife on an unforgettable adventure through the wild waters of Sitka Sound. Surrounded by towering mountains and rugged coastline, you’ll journey into one of Alaska’s richest marine environments. Spot whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles—all in their natural habitat. This small-group, eco-friendly tour gets you up close to the action without the crowds. Your captain, a born-and-raised Sitkan, brings expert local insight and a passion for the sea. With open deck space, comfortable seating, and nonstop photo opportunities, this tour is perfect for families, photographers, and anyone ready for the real Alaska..
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
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
Collapsible Wheelchair accessible
moderate mobility of arms and legs required
passenger maximum weight limit 300lb
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We will guide you around the Beautiful Sitka Sound and outer coast of Baranof Islands. Showing you humpback whales, Steller Sea lions, Sea Otters, and Tongass National Rainforest. This tour is perfect for those that would like to have an experience of a lifetime and great photography opportunities. All Animal Sightings not Guaranteed. Tour is weather permitting.
What‘s Included
Kid friendly
Gluten free snacks, bottled water and carbonated drinks
born and raised Sitka local
Captain tips are not included in tour price
Restroom on board
heated cabin
outdoor seats for Viewing
Private transportation
Gratuities
Options
Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best of Sitka
VirginiaTX,,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour had it all. We saw whales, bears and otters. Rick was very accommodating and even went out of is way to make sure my father-in-law could bring his walker. Incredible service and an outstanding tour.
Really is the best, whale watch!
carleneb2018,,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Rick was so personable and knowledgeable about all things water creatures, Sitka, science and history. What a sweet guy! His boat is intimate. He had complimentary snacks and beverages. He also had at least 3 very good binoculars for us to use. Rick had us out on the water for an even longer trip than we expected. We have been on many whale watches and this one was the absolute best! Highly recommend!
Sitka Sound September Spectacular
thewall48,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were in Sitka on a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree day with calm, humpback whale filled waters!!! What could be a better time than 2.5 hours with Sitka native Captain Ricky cruising Sitka Sound with only 6 passengers on his boat Sadaeh Rose? Plenty of whales, sea otters, and sea lions entertaining us! it was a magical, extraordinary Alaska day on the water!
Truly the”Best”!!!!
Dave S,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgable local young man who really knew how to find the humpbacks. He only takes 6 on a boat that could easily handle 10. Inside or outside seating and the ability to move around easily. When out amongst the whales he would shut down the engine which was better for the whales and enhanced our experience as we could clearly hear them blow all around us. Great local knowledge from someone who grew up in Sitka on the water. I don’t know what he could have done more to improve our trip.
Great tour
heidi g,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exactly as advertised. Not only did we get to see a lot of whales but we also saw sea lions and sea otters. He also took us to look for bears but there weren’t any out. We had a great time and would definitely recommend using this company!! If you are a small bunch you are much better off doing this more intimate tour than one of the huge crowded boats.
Great tour! Well done Captain Rick!
V1072BImarya,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful scenery in Silver Bay, saw a humpback, sea otters playing, looked for brown bears and saw many eagles. Trip was amazing!
I know there is never a...
Marcia S,,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00I know there is never a guarantee that the whales will breach but the captain was talking with other boats and other boats got a good show somewhere and we did not and I would have thought for the price we would have moved where the others were. We saw 2 whales that each breached once so no cameras ready and whales never came up again so quite a disappointment when one of many reasons u come to Alaska is to see the whales and really saw nothing and especially for the price.
Wonderful experience
Gail A,,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour captained by Rick Urias at Sitka Sound Tours was outstanding. Having grown up exploring the sound with his brother, his ability to share little known details of the area and locate wildlife excelled.
Fantastic Experience
W2228RSstephaniem,,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had a fantastic experience! Richard was very communicative and flexible as I was worried we may be a little late to our meeting point. He was also extremely knowledgeable and was able to track orcas for us to see while on our excursion. We saw sea lions, otters and a humpback whale as well. As a local, he was able to share stories and information about the area which I greatly appreciated and enjoyed!
An Unforgettable Experience
David N,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An Unforgettable Experience – Highly Recommend! We had an incredible time on Rick’s wildlife and whale boat tour! The boat itself was comfortable, clean, and thoughtfully stocked with extra amenities that made the experience even more enjoyable—snacks, water, books, kid-friendly nature items, and binoculars for spotting wildlife. Rick is a native-born local with a deep knowledge of the area and its wildlife. His passion and stories added so much richness to the tour—we enjoyed talking with him as much as we enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. We were lucky to see an amazing variety of wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals, and more. It was truly a magical day on the water. We would 100% recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. If we come back, we’ll absolutely book with Rick again!
From US$205.00
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Operated by Sitka Sound Tours