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Sitka Sound Sea Otter & Marine Wildlife Quest

Excursion Overview

Otters, Eagles, and Alaska’s Wild Sights: A Sitka Sound Adventure

Climb aboard and discover the rich waters of Sitka Sound on an award-winning Sitka wildlife cruise! Thoughtfully paced, this cruise delivers meaningful wildlife viewing while fitting easily into your day. As you travel through protected coastal waters, you’ll experience the natural rhythm of Southeast Alaska, quiet shorelines, forested islands, and a landscape shaped by ocean and history.

Each cruise is custom-planned by an experienced Alaskan captain and crew, with routes adjusted based on conditions and wildlife activity. Sitka Sound is home to an impressive range of species, including sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, bald eagles, and occasional whales, along with views of Mount Edgecumbe and Saint Lazaria Island. An onboard naturalist brings the journey to life with stories of local ecology, history, and Alaska Native culture, creating an authentic Sitka wildlife experience that’s educational, scenic, and never the same twice.

This tour is typically available from May through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Access to a warm, comfortable main cabin with large windows, plus an outdoor observation deck for optimal wildlife viewing
  • Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and select snacks available

Requirements:

  • Guests must be able to navigate flat docks, variable tide ramps, and 3–5 stairs to board the vessel
  • Please wear appropriate attire for Southeast Alaska (layered clothing, waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended)
  • All guests must have a ticket in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, including infants (please select an infant ticket if applicable)
  • Guests are recommended to bring binoculars, a camera or smartphone, sunglasses, a portable charger, and USD cash/credit cards (beer, wine, cocktails, soda, and Alaskan-made retail items may be available for purchase on select vessels)
  • Sitka Courtesy Shuttle: To reduce wait times, all guests are recommended to book their complimentary shuttle to downtown Sitka in advance! Please reserve your shuttle at least one hour before your scheduled tour departure to allow enough time for check-in and to ensure you're ready for your tour.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours (roundtrip from Harrigan Centennial Hall)

  • To maximize safety and wildlife viewing opportunities, the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or wildlife activity
  • 75 minutes - wildlife cruise through the Sitka Sound
  • 15 minutes - boarding and deboarding boat

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at 330 Harbor Drive, Crescent Harbor, in downtown Sitka, right next to Harrigan Centennial Hall, the main meeting point for cruise passengers. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings may include sea otters, humpback whales, bald eagles, and bears.

Guests must be able to navigate flat docks, variable tide ramps, and 3–5 stairs to board the vessel.

Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sneakers or waterproof boots are recommended. Sunglasses and gloves are also recommended.

Yes, you will have access to a restroom during your cruise.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Food is not provided on this tour however, you will be offered a complimentary hot beverages during your cruise.

Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable container and snacks are allowed on tour.

Guests are recommended to bring binoculars, a camera or smartphone, sunglasses, a portable charger, and USD cash/credit cards (beer, wine, cocktails, soda, and Alaskan-made retail items may be available for purchase on select vessels).

If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medication at least one hour before the tour departs.

Yes! Sitka Courtesy Shuttle: To reduce wait times, all guests are now recommended to book their complimentary shuttle to downtown Sitka in advance! Please reserve your shuttle at least one hour before your scheduled tour departure to allow enough time for check-in and to ensure you're ready for your tour.

If you have any questions regarding this please contact our customer service team in advance.

 

Guest Reviews

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$159.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$159.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Adult (13+): $159.00

Child (3-12): $99.00

Infant (under 3): $0.00

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