Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers worth booking?
Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers is a 3-hour experience in Sitka, United States, from $1140 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (31)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $1140 per person
You select your start-time, any time between: 6:00am - 5:00pm. 3 hours are included, however you can shorten or extend your private tour as needed. Your tour guide, a Merchant Marine Captain with over 30-years on the w
What you get
About this experience
You select your start-time, any time between: 6:00am - 5:00pm. 3 hours are included, however you can shorten or extend your private tour as needed. Your tour guide, a Merchant Marine Captain with over 30-years on the water will tour you around Sitka Sound, Saint Lazaria Islands and Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano for active wildlife sightings. We are based out of Sitka on the western side of Baranof Island, in beautiful Southeast Alaska. We are owned and operated by a year round resident and adventure outfitter. He states, "There's no place I'd rather be or explore than Southeast Alaska. Here we have the bounty of the Pacific Ocean at our doorstep with over 17,000 miles of coastline encompassing the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rain forest in the world. Our mission is to provide our guests with the rarest of Maritime and Coastal Adventures, while providing an element of added safety as we explore one of the most beautiful places on the edges of the earth."
What's included
Included
- Private, Fully Equipped+Fueled Coast Guard Approved Boat+Captain, Snacks, Sodas, Water, all Fees+Tax
- Heated Cabin
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Outer Coast Charters provides private, small group scenic and wildlife boat tours. Our custom adventures all benefit from the comfort and safety of our Suzy-Q Stabicraft. Built in New Zealand, Suzy-Q is a double-hulled aluminum Stabicraft 2500 Ultracab XL safety boat. Every tour is custom designed depending on the weather and seas, and where wildlife might best be seen each day. If seas allow it, we will travel to the Saint Lazaira Islands. Alternatively, we will cruise Sitka Sound and its endless array of islands and coves to provide your party with the best adventure possible. Your private charter will focus on the best locations for scenic and wildlife and photography which may include: Humpback and Grey Whales, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, Dolphins, Harbor Seals, Orcas, Baranof Brown Bears, Eagles, Puffins, assorted Seabirds, as well as amazing Volcano, Mountain and Ocean Views.
120 minutes here
If seas allow, we will travel to the Saint Lazaira Islands. St. Lazaria Island is a nesting bird colony located twenty miles (32 km) west of Sitka, Alaska and is a part of the Gulf of Alaska unit of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. It was originally designated as a "refuge for seabirds" in 1909 and received official Wilderness Designation from congress in 1970. It was added to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in 1980. The main island is thought to be the remnants of a now eroded volcano; a "volcanic plug" whose cliffs are home to more than half a 1 million various species of sea birds.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sitka
At cruise terminal, take free shuttle to town. After you exit the bus, walk towards the water/Crescent Harbor. Take the blue covered gangway down to the harbor/boats. Walk main row to end, then take a right(Row 6, Slip 27). Suzy-Q sits close to the end of Row 6. A 5 to 10 minute walk.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
At cruise terminal, take free shuttle to town. After you exit the bus, walk towards the water/Crescent Harbor. Take the blue covered gangway down to the harbor/boats. Walk main row to end, then take a right(Row 6, Slip 27). Suzy-Q sits close to the end of Row 6. A 5 to 10 minute walk.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Outer Coast Charters
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Viator will default all tickets to "Adult", but rest assured we are very kid friendly!
- If anyone in your party has mobility issues, we can prearrange to reposition Suzy-Q closer. Just let us know prior to your arrival in Sitka.
- We guarantee return to your shuttle or directly to cruise ship prior to your ship’s departure from Sitka.
- Not recommended for toddlers/infants/frailty.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
29 verified traveler reviews for Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience, amazing captain, wow what a great experience
Yes we saw wildlife and had an amazing tour. Bears, whales, sea otters, eagles, and sea lions, oh my! Don’t hesitate to book with captain chris. He was fantastic. Thank you.
via Viator
A whale of a time!
We had an incredible experience with Captain Chris with Outer Coast Charters. We saw mountains, volcanoes, jumping fish, bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, and the star of the show - humpback whales. We had four people in our group and felt very comfortable on his boat. The Alaskan toilet is better than expected so don’t worry or be shy. We will have those memories for a lifetime. One whale that we affectionally named “Wilma” came right up the boat. It was majestic and more than we could have asked for. Chris is communicative, helpful, focused on safety, fun and easy to get along with. He is knowledgeable about the Sitka Sound and the area he charters. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sitka, AK!
via Viator
Sitka Ak wildlife boat charter
My wife and I took this excursion- It was beyond our expectations. Captain Chris stayed in contact with us a good 2 weeks before the excursion. Once in the boat you find out how personable and professional he is. For a small group ( up to 5) it was one of our favorite site seeing tours. Seen way more eagles than our Eagle preserve tour. Seen many Whales. Sea Otters. Flying Salmon, Sea Lions For us weather was perfect an added bonus But truly Captain Chris makes the trip so worth while
via Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend
Glorious day on the water with Captain Chris! He was so accommodating and gracious. We saw Grey Whales, sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions. Captain Chris is very knowledgeable and shared stories of the wildlife and history of Sitka.
via Viator
Exceeded expectations
Chris is personable, knowledgeable, and willing to cater to guest requests. The boat was comfortable for the two of us with multiple seating options, but could beg crowded with more than four. We experienced remarkable gray whale activity, and Chris was patient and respectful.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1140 to $1400
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sitka.
How much does Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers cost?
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Prices start at $1140 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 Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 31 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 Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers?
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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 Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers?
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Around 11 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Charter Scenic Wildlife Excursion for Cruise Passengers 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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