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...
2.5 hrs
$115 / person
Home to breathtaking views, Sitka is your destination for the Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park, and historical sites. For over twenty years, the Fortress of the Bear has rehabilitated and offered sanctuar 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
$100 / 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...
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...
4 hrs
$200 / person
Come kayaking on a unique adventure that blends history and nature as you explore World War II bunkers. Glide through tranquil coves and scenic bays, with stunning views of mountains and cliffs, before reaching the historic c READ MORE...
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 Scenic Tour. You’ll drive by some of the historic Russian monuments, walk through the National Historical Park which features Tlingit totem poles, and you’ll visit the Fortress of the Bear which is 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 Island Paddle and Lost Fort Trek 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 deparing from Sitka. For more ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Sitka.
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.