Top 7 Sitka Whale Watching Tours

1.Sitka Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $190Our pick

Join Sitka Expeditions for a two-hour wildlife cruise from Harrigan Centennial Hall. Captains Parker and Mike take up to 13 people through Sitka Sound in search of humpback whales, orcas, bears, sea otters, salmon, sea lions, and bald eagles. Snacks, water, a bathroom, and a roomy viewing deck are included.

“First trip to Alaska and this was a great experience. Instructions for pickup were clear and the boat was small enough that it was a more personal experience. The boat captain was a wealth of information and took us to where there had been sightings of the various wildlife so we were able to see whales, a bear, salmon jumping, seal lions, otters, and a bald eagle. Would definitely recommend!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka

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

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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $1,095

Set out from Sitka with a private boat and captain for two hours along southeast Alaska’s coastal waters. Captain Tad may be at the helm, offering live commentary while you search for whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, and otters. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“Tad is an amazing captain and marine life whisperer! We saw sea lions, sea otters, seals and four whales!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sitka Whale Watch and Sea Otter Quest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $159Best value

From Crescent Harbor, you’ll cruise Sitka’s waters with a captain and guide in search of whales and sea otters. The covered boat has indoor seating, plus bow and upper viewing areas. You’ll also see a dormant volcano and the Sitka area before returning to the harbor.

“Tour was fantastic! Crew was great, a lot of fun! We got some great pictures!! We had a great time!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Sitka: Premiere Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Meet at Harrigan Centennial Hall for a two-hour boat trip through Sitka’s coastal waters. Local captains explain wildlife, history, and shoreline features as you search for whales, sea otters, bears, eagles, seals, sea lions, and puffins. Snacks, water, a bathroom, and pickup are included.

“We had a great time! Our guide was super nice and knew a lot about the Sitka area.”

Check availability →Read our full review