2.5 hrs
$110 / person
Guests will enjoy a locally guided, small group tour highlighting Sitka's abundant wildlife in both naturalized and wild environments. From stunning views on the way to Silver Bay, to up-close viewing opportunities at the fam READ MORE...
2 hrs
$100 / person
A small group tour to give guests an intimate experience of Sitka's beautiful scenery and history through the eyes of a local guide. On this tour, guests will stroll through Sitka National Historical Park along the Indian Riv READ MORE...
1.5 hrs
$169 / person
Set sail on a breathtaking journey through Sitka Sound, one of the world's most dynamic seascapes. After a warm welcome and safety briefing, your expert captain will navigate the waters, taking into account seasonal wildlife READ MORE...
3.75 hrs
$269 / person
Explore Sitka Sound on a thrilling wildlife tour, spotting whales, sea otters, and coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. Enjoy a gourmet Alaskan feast at the exclusive Fin Island Lodge, featuring crab, fresh-caught fi READ MORE...
3.5 hrs
$269 / person
Experience a fully narrated motorcoach tour to the Fortress of the Bear, a rehabilitation center for once orphaned brown and black bears. Following this, board an excursion boat to explore a glacier-carved fjord. During your READ MORE...
2 hrs
$95 / person
Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Sitka on this guided tour, which includes stops at the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility, home to Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears and Black Bears, and Sitka National Historical READ MORE...
4 hrs
$425 / Vehicle
Take control of your Alaska adventure with a Sitka self-guided Jeep rental, where you decide the pace, sights, and stops. Explore scenic coastal drives, hidden viewpoints, and wildlife on your own schedule, all enhanced by a READ MORE...
3 hrs
$259 / person
Experience the thrill of cruising on a specially crafted sightseeing vessel that takes you to a private island tucked away in a remote wilderness. Paddle through the untouched waters surrounding the Siginaka Islands on a thr READ MORE...
2 hrs
$165 / person
Join a guided kayaking adventure in Sitka, where you'll be equipped with all the necessary gear and rainwear for a safe and comfortable experience. After a detailed safety briefing and paddling orientation, you and your partn READ MORE...
3 hrs
$219 / person
This half-day kayaking tour promises to be a memorable adventure! Keep your eyes out for a multitude of wildlife sightings that are possible along the way. Skill levels of all ages are welcome, as you will receive specialized READ MORE...
3 hrs
$175 / person
An exciting kayaking adventure through Sitka's serene waters, ideal for all skill levels! This 3.5-mile tour takes you through the picturesque Galankin Islands, where you can spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, and eagles w READ MORE...
These experiences are our most popular tours in Sitka:
1. Sitka Premium Scenic Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totem Village
3. Sitka Whale Watching & Marine Adventure
4. Tongass National Forest Guided Hike
6. Sitka Siginaka Islands Cruise & Kayak Adventure
8. Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
9. Fortress of the Bear, Silver Bay Cruise & Homestead Retreat
10. Sitka Metal Art Experience
We are a local Alaska company that aims to bring you the best tours and experiences that Sitka has to offer. When you buy Sitka shore excursions on your own, instead of through a cruise ship, we can offer you wholesale, local Alaska prices. Our goal is to make your Alaskan cruise the trip of a lifetime! Check out our Sitka cruise port guide for tips and tricks.
Sitka was originally settled by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago, before the Russians came over to establish their own settlement in 1799. In 1802, the Tlingit warriors revolted, destroying the Russian settlement and leaving few survivors.
It took two years for Russia to return with a large force and bombard the Tlingit fort, forcing the Tlingit people to eventually surrender and desert their stronghold. Following the “Battle of Sitka,” the Russians established New Archangel as a permanent settlement where they continued to control the land until the Alaska Purchase in 1867.
The strong Tlingit and Russian American influences can still be seen intermingled today in the local art, downtown architecture, and local museums.
One of the best ways to learn about this varied history is with our Sitka Small Group Scenic Tour. You’ll drive by some of the historic Russian monuments, walk through the Sitka National Historical Park, which features Tlingit totem poles, and you’ll visit the Fortress of the Bear, a habitat for orphaned bear cubs.
During World War II, the United States Navy constructed an air base on the neighboring Japonski Island. Today, you can learn more about this part of Sitka’s history with tours like our Sitka Wildlife & War Bunkers Kayak Adventure, which takes you on a scenic guided kayak paddle through the Sitka Sound and explores abandoned WWII forts.
You can also find Tongass National Forest tours departing from Sitka. For more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Sitka.
Absolutely loved this excursion on all counts. I particularly enjoyed seeing the efforts being made to give back to the bear and bird communities through these rehabilitation centers. Learning about the many totem poles that can be seen throughout Alaska was interesting as well.
-Terrell S on the Sitka Premium Scenic Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totem Village
A very organized kayak trip with friendly staff, we had a personable and informative guide, which made for a wonderful time! The weather cooperated for a sunny day with calm water.
- Donna W on the Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
This hike was amazing! John was a great tour guide who really cared and watched out for everyone on the walk. He answered all of our questions and made sure we learned a TON along the way. I highly recommend.
- Megan B on the Sitka Tongass National Forest Guided Hike
Sitka, Alaska is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife, Sitka is a favorite among Alaskan ports. With a unique mix of Tlingit, Russian, and American history, Sitka offers a memorable experience filled with scenic views, local art, and exciting excursions.
The most popular excursions in Sitka include whale watching, wildlife tours, kayaking excursions, and cultural/historical tours. Tours that include a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center or the Fortress of the Bears are the most popular.
Yes! You can visit Fortress of the Bears and observe bears up close. Our most popular tour is the Sitka Scenic Tour, which includes Fortress of the Bears, Totem Poles, and Sitka History.
Fortress of the Bears is a fantastic opportunity for guaranteed bear viewing, and visiting helps support the cause of preserving the locally orphaned bears of the small Alaskan community.
Yes, Sitka is a popular place for whale watching. During the summer months, humpback whales and orcas can be spotted. That said, we recommend whale watching in Juneau or Icy Strait, where whales are so plentiful that we guarantee you'll see a whale or your money back.
A majority of ships dock at the Sitka Sound Terminal. Cruisers may take the complementary 20 minute shuttle bus to get to downtown Sitka from the ship. Once in downtown, you'll find Sitka to be very walkable. Locally owned shops, art galleries, the Sitka National Historical Park, and the Sitka waterfront are easily accessible on foot.
Most cruisers spend about 4 to 6 hours exploring Sitka. This is enough time to enjoy an excursion and explore downtown before returning to your ship.
Sitka offers many wildlife viewing opportunities, including whales, sea otters, bald eagles, brown bears, and seals. Marine animal tours often take place in Sitka Sound.
Sitka is a beautiful small town filled with history and art. Visitors can visit one of many art galleries to purchase art made by local artists. For those interested in history, Sitka National Historic Park offers museums, walking trails, and interpretive displays throughout town to explore.
The Sitka Cruise Terminal offers a complimentary shuttle bus that runs continuously between the cruise terminal and downtown Sitka. Reservations are encouraged and can be made here: https://reservation.sitkadock.com/