I was hoping to see at least 1 humpback whale and we ended up seeing over 10 in multiple areas. Everything else was an added bonus. Neil was a wonderful guide and gave us lots of information on animals we saw and about the city of Sitka.
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.
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.
Previous Guests Rave About A Whale's Song Expeditions
We’ve been on several whale watching tours in Hawaii and on the California coast in the past and this was by far the best. We saw A LOT of whales as well as otters, sea lions, and a large variety of seabirds including a puffin!
They were very knowledgeable, it wasn’t scripted and we had a wonderful time. Worth every penny! We highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to get some history, see wildlife and enjoy 3-4 hours one day while visiting Sitka.
