A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 73 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion worth booking?
A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion is a 2.5-hour experience in Sitka, United States, from $225 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 73 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (73)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $225 per person
Experiencing Southeast Alaska and its incredible wildlife is a must for any visitor, and there’s no better way to do it than aboard the Goleta, right here in Sitka. On this tour, you’ll have the chance to view and photog
What you get
About this experience
Experiencing Southeast Alaska and its incredible wildlife is a must for any visitor, and there’s no better way to do it than aboard the Goleta, right here in Sitka. On this tour, you’ll have the chance to view and photograph Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Brown Bears, and a variety of sea birds. Please note, wildlife sightings depend on the weather and time of year, and while we do our best to provide an unforgettable experience, there is no guarantee of spotting specific animals. With extensive experience on these waters as a commercial fisherman and dedicated surfer, I can offer unique insights into the local ecosystem and the day-to-day family life in Sitka. Each tour is personalized to suit the day's weather conditions and your individual goals, ensuring a memorable adventure. With only six guests per tour, I can offer a more intimate and comfortable experience. Amenities on board include: Bathroom Heater Spacious cabin Large open deck
What's included
Included
- youth and adult lifejackets
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Your tour will depart from Crescent Harbor in downtown Sitka, where we'll cruise through the stunning islands of Sitka Sound. We’ll explore the shores of Baranof Island and Kruzof Island, offering incredible wildlife sightings along the way. You’ll have the opportunity to view and photograph Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Brown Bears, and a variety of sea birds. As we navigate these pristine waters, you'll also be treated to breathtaking views of the volcanic Mount Edgecumbe and the impressive mountain skyline of Sitka—perfect for capturing unforgettable photographs. Please note, wildlife sightings depend on the weather and time of year, and while we do our best to ensure an unforgettable experience, there is no guarantee of spotting specific animals.
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sitka
Please meet me under the covered shelter at the top of the Crescent Harbor Dock, located next to Harrigan Centennial Hall in downtown Sitka. Keep an eye out for my CTS logo. You can find the covered shelter location on Google Maps by searching for "Coastal Tours Sitka."
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet me under the covered shelter at the top of the Crescent Harbor Dock, located next to Harrigan Centennial Hall in downtown Sitka. Keep an eye out for my CTS logo. You can find the covered shelter location on Google Maps by searching for "Coastal Tours Sitka."
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Coastal Tours Sitka
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 60 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
60 verified traveler reviews for A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unlike ANYTHING you will experience!
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!! Our experience was unlike anything we ever expected. Rick was an amazing tour guide. We saw a brown momma bear with 3 small(ish) cubs. She grabbed a salmon right out of the water (3 times) and feed herself and cubs. We also saw sea otters and he told us about the history behind the relationship between them and Alaska/Russia. We also saw about 13-15 whales too! The boat ride was smooth and enjoyable. He told us his own personal history with boating/fishing and how he came to do his job. We had a great time and would do it all over again in a heart beat!
via Viator
Book with Rick, you won't be disappointed!
I feel like we won the lottery with selecting Rick for our whale watching tour. His knowledge of the area combined with hands on experience doing different jobs on the water over the years make for a wonderful trip full of local, interesting, and informative conversation. As a guide Rick was committed to making our time in Sitka as great as it could be. While we paid for a whale watching tour, based on the timing of our trip (during the salmon run), he went out of his way to offer to also show us bears, sea otters, and to explain the salmon fishing going on around us. Additionally, we saw lots of whales! While wildlife viewing can never be guaranteed, it certainly helps your chances to have a knowledgeable guide like Rick. Boat was very comfortable and he was terrific with our 8 & 10 year old on the trip. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
It was a great...
It was a great experience. Our guide Rick gave us a lot of information on the things we saw along the way to see the whales.
Response from the operator: Thank you!!!
via Viator
Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Whale Watching Experience! What an incredible experience! This whale-watching tour was definitely one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. We were lucky enough to see so many whales, and watching them in their natural habitat was absolutely unforgettable. Our captain/guide was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the wildlife and the area. The smaller boat made the experience feel much more personal, and we never felt crowded or rushed. If you’re visiting Alaska and considering a whale-watching tour, DO IT! 🐋🏔️ We made memories that our family will be talking about for years. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Epic! Thank you.
via Tripadvisor
Comfortable Sitka whale watching wildlife shore excursion
Rick was so kind, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He even answered late night text, when I've got confused about some details. The tour was amazing. We were given an opportunity to see mama bears with cubs fishing salmon, bold eagles, whales and sea otters. His boat is powerful and clean. Hi offers drinks and snack on board. I would definitely recommend booking tour with "Costal Tours Sitka".
Response from the operator: Love this. Thank you!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sitka.
How much does A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion cost?
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Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sitka usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sitka is not rushed.
Is A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 73 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sitka, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion?
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Around 26 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sitka can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sitka and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore Excursion start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sitka within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sitka?
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Sitka runs sea otter and whale quest boats, bear and raptor rescue centre visits, Tongass rainforest hikes, kayak paddles through the islands and Russian colonial history walks. On Outty we rank every Sitka experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour, Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems, Guided Hike | TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sitka?
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May to September. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sitka?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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