Listen to the Whales’ Calls & Song

Whales, Orcas, Porpoises, & More

Small Groups of 6

The Only Sitka Tour Where You Can See & Listen to the Whales

Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Sitka Alaska’s marine life on an exhilarating whale watching excursion. As you sail across the North Pacific waters, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and witness the majestic humpback whales diving and emerging from the ocean. The playful sea otters and seals lounging on the kelp beds will make you smile, while the powerful orcas gliding through the water will leave you in awe. As you marvel at the vibrant plumage of the colorful marine birds soaring overhead, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility and peace.

Trip Details

Trip Details

Price

  • 2-Hour: $186 per person
  • 3-hour tour: $259 per person
  • 4-hour tour: $299 per person

Departure time

Varies by date, availability will be displayed after choosing a date


Meeting point

Unless you’ve made special arrangements for a different meeting location, we kindly ask all passengers to gather at Harrigan Centennial Hall, conveniently situated at 330 Harbor Drive. Look out for our distinctive blue sign in front of the building it’s a beacon guiding you to the beginning of your tour. Once you arrive, be sure to check in with one of our friendly team members, easily recognizable in their bright yellow jackets. From there, your journey continues down the gangway, where you’ll find our vessel waiting in the harbor, just next to the hall.

Important Note for Cruise Ship Passengers: If you’re arriving via cruise ship, we’ve got your transportation covered! You’ll be transported to Harrigan Centennial Hall either by a convenient shuttle bus or a comfortable liter, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.

Click here for a Map


Availability

Tours are available Monday to Sunday, year-round.


Duration

Varies by date, availability will be displayed after choosing a date.


Group size

Maximum 6 people


Included

  • Access to a state-of-the-art amplified hydrophone system to hear the whales’ calls and songs.
  • Detailed booklets for the wildlife we often see on this tour.
  • Access to Coast-Guard recommended marine binoculars for all guests while onboard.
  • Beverages and snacks including coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water.
  • Bathroom

Not included

  • Transportation to and from the meeting point.
  • City and Borough of Sitka sales tax.
  • Staff gratuities.

***Meals -Avoid Crowded Restaurants! – Sitka’s restaurants get swamped during cruise ship season often leaving no seats open for enjoying meals while in port

Our Solution – Expedition Cuisine Menu – When booking look for the Optional Meal Add-Ons to have freshly prepared breakfast items, Sandwiches and Salads safely waiting for you to come aboard.


What to bring

  • Camera or cell phone with well-charged batteries – we have a limited number of USB outlets.
  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe, rubber-sole, flat shoes. Boat (or non-marking) shoes are not necessary.
  • To reduce the number of items in the waste stream (the life cycle of garbage), personal water bottles are recommended.
  • Rain gear – as Sitka is surrounded by temperate rainforest you always need to come prepared.
  • Temperatures on the water are cooler so dress in layers.

About your guide

  • US Coast Guard 25GT masters licensed captain
  • Certified naturalist guide

Highlights

Hear the songs and calls of the whales on our state-of-the-art amplified hydrophone system.

Have the chance to spot orcas, porpoises, humpback, minke, and gray whales and brown bears.

Observe seals, sea lions, sea otters, and colorful marine birds.

Explore the spectacular landscapes of Sitka Sound.

Enjoy commentary from a certified naturalist guide and witness fascinating wildlife behaviors.

Learn about each creature you see and gain insights into local history.

What You'll See & Do

If you’re looking for the perfect Alaska whale-watching cruise, Sitka Sound is the ideal location. Come aboard our comfortable catamaran and glide through the waters of the North Pacific to sight some of the diverse marine life that lives here.

Our expert naturalist guide will help you spot orcas, porpoises, humpback, minke, and gray whales. They will tell you about the different behaviors of each species and you will also have the opportunity to listen to these incredible creatures through our state-of-the-art amplified hydrophone system. We may be treated to the “boing” of the minke whales or the songs of the humpbacks.

You’ll also have the chance to see sea otters playing in the kelp forests, seals and sea lions relaxing in the coves and splashing around in the ocean, and colorful marine birds feeding on the abundant food sources.

Your guide will inform you about the beautiful landscapes, the rugged volcanic cliffs, and the history of the area. This complete Alaska wildlife tour is sure to leave you feeling in awe of the natural world!

Good to Know


St Lazaria is located 20 miles from Sitka in the Gulf of Alaska, weather and sea conditions will dictate the status of the voyage.

Unfortunately, our vessel is not wheelchair accessible.

Features of our vessel:

  • A spacious heated cabin
  • Deluxe comfortable seats for all guests
  • Restroom equipped
  • Large wrap-around windows for unobstructed viewing
  • Expansive deck space for multiple perspectives
  • Great stability to ensure safety and comfort

Smoking and the consumption of alcohol or any illegal drug while aboard are prohibited.

If the captain determines that you may be under the influence or may pose a hazard to yourself, the vessel, the crew, or other guests you will not be permitted to board, and no refund will be given.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take your remedies at least 1 hour in advance.

Please arrive at the vessel 15 minutes before departure.

FAQ


Embark on an adventure with our tours spanning from 2 to 4 hours in duration. Additionally, indulge in the exclusivity of our private charters, catering solely to your group with durations available for 2, 3, 4, or 8 hours.

Increasing the duration directly correlates to an increased chance of encountering a wide variety of wildlife and observing their captivating behaviors. It grants you an extended period to intimately engage with wildlife and enables us to explore different waterways for a more comprehensive experience.

Encounter otters, sea lions, seals, and puffins during our tours. Humpback whales grace our journeys in over 99% of cases. Please note, that our experiences are intertwined with the ever-changing elements of nature, and we cannot assure sightings of specific species.

Certainly! We’ve had delightful little ones join us on our tours in the past. Please bear in mind that our capacity adheres to US Coast Guard regulations, and this limitation not only restricts the number of individuals we can accommodate but also poses challenges to our cost-effectiveness. Operating in a cost-effective manner, we’re able to ensure that our prices remain affordable for all our customers

Unfortunately, unaccompanied individuals under 18 years old cannot travel with us. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during our trips.

Step aboard the MV ‘Catdaddy,’ our expertly designed 43-foot Expeditions style catamaran, offering everyone comfortable seating, a convenient restroom facility, and a full walk-around deck, ensuring guests are at the heart of the excitement. To access additional information about ‘Catdaddy’, navigate to the ‘About’ section in our website’s menu.

Indeed, our captain is a certified naturalist, enriching your experience with expert knowledge. Guests will also find onboard guidebooks offering detailed insights into the diverse fauna of our area.

Throughout our 6-year journey, humpback whales have appeared in over 99% of our tours. It’s important to note that we don’t guarantee specific species sightings. However, our primary goal is to cater to our guests’ desires by actively searching for the wildlife they are keen to witness.

We strongly advise bringing a camera or a cell phone with you to capture memorable moments.

To secure your spot, simply click the ‘Book Now’ button or reach us directly at 907-738-9890.**

To secure your spot on our highly sought-after tours, we recommend booking in advance. While same-day bookings are possible due to limited availability, we encourage reserving your spot ahead of time. These tours are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly, so securing your booking in advance is highly advisable.

For a comprehensive understanding of our terms and conditions, they can be found in the website menu under the ‘About’ section.

We approach these decisions on a case-by-case basis. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 907-738-9890 to start a conversation about this.

Indeed, we provide charter choices of different lengths, ideal for groups looking to curate their unique adventure. Discover our private charter offerings conveniently listed in the website menu under ‘Expeditions.’

Absolutely! We offer US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices suitable for individuals of all ages and sizes, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Partially, yes. We can securely store a wheelchair indoors. Additionally, if a guest can manage short walks of about 15 yards, we ensure they receive the best possible seating arrangements. Our captain prioritizes maneuvering the boat for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for guests with mobility considerations.

Our top priority is safety. Tours are conducted even in light rain due to our location in the world’s largest temperate rainforest and light seas. However, if sea conditions don’t permit a comfortable and secure tour, you’ll have the option for a full refund or rescheduling (subject to availability) for another tour.

In the event of a delay in the cruise ship’s arrival, we may modify the departure time, considering our daily itinerary. Furthermore, if a port cancellation occurs, you will be issued a full refund.

Yes, indeed! You’ll find a comfortable restroom facility onboard, featuring an electric flush toilet.

During your journey, delight in our complimentary snack bars offering coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and water. Recognizing the town’s restaurants might be busy with cruise ship visitors, we’ve curated a catering menu with sandwiches and salads ready upon boarding. To guarantee availability, please pre-order from this menu at least 48 hours in advance. You’ll also have the option to order these items seamlessly during the checkout process.

Absolutely! We proudly hold the distinction of being the sole certified responsible whale-watching company in Alaska. Our stringent adherence to strict guidelines aims to minimize any potential harm to wildlife. Furthermore, all our vessels strictly comply with the regulations set forth by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, governing the operation of boats around these magnificent creatures.

Swimming is not permitted during our tours. The water temperatures can be chilly, and studies indicate that swimming with whales can adversely affect their behaviors. However, at times, the wildlife does come remarkably close to the boat, offering thrilling and up-close encounters.

For Cruise ship passengers, a free shuttle service is available from the terminal to our meeting place, taking around 15 minutes. If you arrive via tender, there are two disembarkation locations. Our meeting spot is located up the gangway from your debarkation area, while the other is just a block away from the meeting point. For non-cruise ship passengers, kindly note that transportation to the meeting point is not provided.

To ensure a smooth departure, we kindly request arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. For cruise ship guests, we recommend leaving your cabin 45 minutes to an hour before your tour departure. This accounts for the 15-minute walk to the free shuttle, a 15-minute queue, and a 15-minute bus ride.

Indeed, there is complimentary parking available in the lot adjacent to the meeting spot.

Yes, don’t hesitate to ask us while you’re onboard or send us a message. We take delight in offering insights into the array of wonderful activities and places to explore in our picturesque town.

Regrettably, no specific time guarantees impressive wildlife sightings as they can occur at any point during the day.

If I receive prior notice, I’ll check with other guests who might join the tour. Pets are more than welcome on private charters. In fact, we adore pets just as much, if not more, than humans!

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