The 7 Best Whale Watching Shore Excursions

1.Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $205Our pick

Cruise Sitka Sound and the outer Baranof coast with local Captain Rick, or another Sitka Sound Tours captain, in a six-person boat. Look for humpback and gray whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and bears, with outdoor viewing, a heated cabin, snacks, and guaranteed return to port.

“An 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…”

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2.Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $199

Set out from Crescent Harbor in Sitka with Captain Tad for about two hours on a private whale-watching trip. The small boat, heated cabin, and live commentary make the ride comfortable, while sightings may include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, seals, eagles, and coastal brown bears.

“Our wonderful guide knew just where to take us to see humpback whales. We were so close it was unbelievable. The best experience I had in Alaska!”

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3.Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 61 reviews · 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.) · from $108Best value

From Skarfabakki Harbour, cruise Faxaflói Bay for porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and humpbacks. Choose a leisurely 3.5-hour boat or a 2.5-hour high-speed option. Guides such as Dominiki explain local wildlife, while thermal overalls, WiFi and seasickness tablets are included.

“We only saw a tip of whale's spine. We did enjoy our tour guide and boat ride but you could see other passengers getting frustrated and queezy. The boat kept driving in circles chasing down a whale that barely surfaced once. I recommend showing a real status of the tour. I was expecting to see what you advertise with this whale leaping out of the water. This did not meet our expectations.”

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4.A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $225

Join Captain Rick of Coastal Tours Sitka for a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip from Crescent Harbor. With no more than six people aboard, you’ll search Sitka Sound for whales, otters, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds in a heated boat with snacks and strong views of Mount Edgecumbe.

“This was a absolutely great time. Small group. Rick is friendly and he enjoys what he does. Best time on the water”

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5.Victoria Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise with Expert Naturalist Guides

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $133

Cruise from Victoria Harbour with two naturalist guides who explain orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, birds, and the Salish Sea. Routes change with whale activity, and marine researcher Ron Bates may join the crew. Expect indoor and outdoor seating, a maximum of 40 passengers, and a guaranteed return to your ship.

“When we saw the orca me and my daughter was so happy and also the captain was so great in finding them and showing us great details of the orca whales…”

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6.Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

Join Above and Beyond Alaska for a six-hour Juneau outing into the Inside Passage. Travel by boat to Channel Islands State Marine Park, then paddle double kayaks near humpback feeding grounds. Expect rain gear, snacks, permits, and a small group of up to six people.

“Amazing employees and excursions. I’ve never kayaked before but was given excellent instructions. My kayak mate and I were given the ultimate experience of having a humpback whale surface right in front of our kayak. A once in a life time experience!!!!”

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7.Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $326

From the Icy Strait Point gates, a small boat carries you into Hoonah’s whale country for about three hours. Look for humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and eagles. Your captain is from the Tlingit nation, and a marine biologist serves as first mate.

“Our captain was from the Tlingit nation and her first mate was a marine biologist. We were able to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. I think my favorite part was the stories the captain shared from the Tlingit nation. I felt privileged to be able to listen to these wonderful stories. It was an excellent time!”

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