Sitka Shore Excursion: Alaskan Wildlife by Land and Sea
Sitka, Alaska
Trip Type: Ports of Call Tours
Duration: 4 hours
Get an intimate knowledge of the beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and historic sites of Sitka on this combination land and sea tour. First you’ll set out on a catamaran boat with an expert local captain to watch whales and other marine wildlife in the waters off Sitka. After two hours on the water, you’ll return to land to take a comfortable van tour to see highlights that include totem poles, brown bears and historical treasures.
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Get an intimate knowledge of the beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and historic sites of Sitka on this combination land and sea tour. First you’ll set out on a catamaran boat with an expert local captain to watch whales and other marine wildlife in the waters off Sitka. After two hours on the water, you’ll return to land to take a comfortable van tour to see highlights that include totem poles, brown bears and historical treasures.You’ll meet your tour at the 26-foot-long (8-meter) Glacier Bay Catamaran, a perfect vessel for navigating Sitka’s narrow passages and bays. Featuring a warm, comfortable cabin with large windows and a spacious deck, the boat is constructed specifically to ride smoothly in most conditions.
Your expert local captain will take you out to the best sites to spot humpback and gray whales as well as porpoises, sea otters, seals, and some of the almost 300 bird species that live in the region. Weather and sea conditions will influence the itinerary for the trip and the captain will try to customize the tour to your interests. You might see otters lounging in kelp, whales feeding, seals barking, or perhaps even a bear wandering the beach; you’re sure to get lots of close-up experiences of the marine wildlife of Sitka.
When you return to land, you’ll board a comfortable 14-passenger van for a 2-hour land tour. Head over O’Connell Bridge for a fantastic view of Sitka, then cross the bridge to Japonski Island where you’ll hear about Sitka’s role in World War II.
Then head to Sitka National Historical Park and marvel at the Tlingit and Haida totem poles that stud a trail surrounded by spruce and hemlock trees. After, join your guide on a beautiful walk overlooking the Indian River. In the middle of the season, witness salmon spawning while your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the amazing life cycle of the salmon.
After taking in the sights at the park, you’ll drive south on a scenic road skirting Silver Bay to arrive at Fortress of the Bear, the largest bear reserve in North America. The 1.5-acre habitat takes in orphaned bear cubs to live in a naturalized setting. You’ll be able to get within 25 feet (8m) of the magnificent brown bears to watch them at play, then meet the knowledgeable staff who take care of the bears.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Sitka Cruise Ship Dock for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Your expert local captain will take you out to the best sites to spot humpback and gray whales as well as porpoises, sea otters, seals, and some of the almost 300 bird species that live in the region. Weather and sea conditions will influence the itinerary for the trip and the captain will try to customize the tour to your interests. You might see otters lounging in kelp, whales feeding, seals barking, or perhaps even a bear wandering the beach; you’re sure to get lots of close-up experiences of the marine wildlife of Sitka.
When you return to land, you’ll board a comfortable 14-passenger van for a 2-hour land tour. Head over O’Connell Bridge for a fantastic view of Sitka, then cross the bridge to Japonski Island where you’ll hear about Sitka’s role in World War II.
Then head to Sitka National Historical Park and marvel at the Tlingit and Haida totem poles that stud a trail surrounded by spruce and hemlock trees. After, join your guide on a beautiful walk overlooking the Indian River. In the middle of the season, witness salmon spawning while your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the amazing life cycle of the salmon.
After taking in the sights at the park, you’ll drive south on a scenic road skirting Silver Bay to arrive at Fortress of the Bear, the largest bear reserve in North America. The 1.5-acre habitat takes in orphaned bear cubs to live in a naturalized setting. You’ll be able to get within 25 feet (8m) of the magnificent brown bears to watch them at play, then meet the knowledgeable staff who take care of the bears.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Sitka Cruise Ship Dock for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
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