Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Local Veteran owned and operated. Join our Small Group Boat Tour of Sitka on a 2.5 hour voyage and explore the rugged coastline of the Tongass National Rain Forest. You can expect to see Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Various Sea and Coastal Shore Birds, and very good chances of seeing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, to include the occasional Orca Whale. You will also have a chance of seeing Deer, Seals, and later in the summer (end of July - October) very good chances of viewing Brown Bears feeding on salmon. When time permits, I will take you to one of two different waterfalls where you may be able to witness salmon attempting to jump up the falls. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be dropped off at the departure point. The last tour of the day will be dropped off at the cruise ship terminal at the captains discretion.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
English-Speaking Licensed Guide/ Driver
Use of Binoculars
Gratuity
Sitka
From our meeting point I will walk you to the boat and embark on our tour to see what type of wildlife and sea life Sitka Sound has to offer. At the conclusion of our tour you will be dropped off at our departure location; however, the last tour of the day guests will have the option of being dropped off at the cruise ship terminal.
66 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Robert J,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
Captain Brad was excellent. Very knowledgeable and willing to work to find the wildlife in the area. He also allowed us to take our time with photography. Very personable and friendly, truly enjoyed the whole experience. We highly recommend him.
April K,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
Awesome experience up close to wildlife activity. We saw bears, sea lions, and humpback whales. Brad was knowledgeable and took us right to the spots where he knew we’d see action! Would definitely do this tour again.
Girliejr,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Awesome tour on a small boat up close to the wildlife. Brad is very knowledgeable and was able to take us straight to the places where he knew we would be able to see bears and sea lions up close. Of course the whales were the highlight of the trip. The small boat was awesome as it felt more like a private tour. No elbowing your way to the front of the boat to try to get a good photo. I would definitely do this tour again if I was in Sitka!




Flo G,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing day! We were able to see whales and sea lions and sea otters and even a bear looking for fish.
Kenneth C,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
Captain Brad’s small boat tour was the absolute highlight of our Alaska trip. We arrived on a cruise and, instead of booking through the cruise line, we always like to find local tours. That’s how we discovered Brad and Sitka Nautical Tours and we are so glad we did! From the cruise terminal, there is free transportation that drops you off right where you meet Brad to begin your adventure. We had already taken two other excursions in different towns (whale watching on a large boat and a bear-viewing trip by van) which we thought were amazing. But nothing compared to what Brad showed us. He took us right up to two bears walking along the coastline. Watching them interact, play, and fish so closely was absolutely mind blowing. Brad skillfully positioned the boat, cut the engine, and the bears carried on as if we were not even there. We watched them for over 15 minutes, an unforgettable experience. Then Brad asked if we wanted to see whales (of course we said yes). We thought the bear encounter would be the highlight, but Brad amazed us again. On the way, we saw eagles, otters, and sea lions, and then suddenly whales everywhere. Unlike our previous whale tour where sightings were rare and distant, with Brad we were surrounded. Blowholes, tails diving, and whales surfacing all around us you did not even know where to look because it was happening everywhere. Beyond the incredible wildlife encounters, Brad himself made the tour outstanding. He’s knowledgeable, personable, and truly passionate about what he does. This was a 10 out of 10 experience, and we cannot recommend it enough. Skip the cruise line tours and book with Sitka Nautical Tours as you will not regret it!








K9140NLgregc,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Brad’s small boat tour was the highlight of our entire Alaska trip. We got unbelievably close to bears on the coastline and were surrounded by whales surfacing and diving all around us. Brad’s knowledge, skill, and friendly personality made the experience unforgettable. This was truly a 10/10 adventure! Book directly with Sitka Nautical Tours!








Tardree T,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My sister and I booked directly with Brad (better price when you book direct) and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Brad is a really friendly warm person who is very knowledgeable in the area. Despite the rain we found a bear and two cubs, jumping salmon, seals, eagle, and the tail fin of a whale including riding the high seas 😂. Highly recommend as it was such a good trip and as last trip of the day Brad takes you straight back to the Cruise Terminal which is really accommodating.
Ron P,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
Brad gave us a great tour of the area around Sitka by boat. We got to see it all. There was a bear on the beach near the salmon hatchery and farm. In the same area there were hundreds of salmon jumping out of the water. We then went on to see a number of sea otters. From there to “the patch” with many humpback whales. We finished with meeting up with sea lions as we returned to the harbor. Brad is a great hunter and fisherman with many great stories as we traveled from one area to another. He also suggested going to the top of Harbor mountain north of Sitka. We did this the next morning and the views from the top were amazing.
Roger K,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
There were only two of them and had a private tour. Had the opportunity to see bears, sea lions, beavers, whales and white-tailed eagles. Perfectly organized tour. Return directly to the cruise ship.
Susan K,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing trip! Saw so much wildlife! Brad is a great guide! Friendly and knowledgeable! Would 100% recommend this tour!
Operated by Sitka Nautical Tours