Sitka Private Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion

Description

• English speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides!
  
• Two-hour private boat excursion for your party of up to six! (the boat was built for 10)
  
• Whale watching, sea lions, otters, seals, dolphins, birds, and possibly more!
• USCG licensed captain and marine guide!
  
• Complimentary snacks and water!
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Sitka and the surrounding area!
  

What better way to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with family or friends on a private boat - up to 6 guests maximum? Your private captain will offer you personalized service while you watch for whales, sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Lots of room, comfortable and personal customer service!

We also offer this as a small group non-private excursion - Sitka Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion (S2187).

Your private group will be met by the guide at the Harrigan Centennial Hall after taking the free shuttle ride from the cruise terminal, and transferred to your 26-foot Glacier Bay Catamaran, a double-hulled boat specifically designed for the narrow island passages and coves of this part of Alaska. You can choose to stay warm in the inside cabin with large windows or venture out on the back deck where there are unlimited views.

Your private group of up to six will have plenty of space to spread out on this boat that was designed for ten guests. The boat's catamaran hull design adds to the smooth ride for this marine life sightseeing excursion.

The boat will motor out of Sitka harbor into deeper waters. Along the way, your captain will tell you more about the area and its marine inhabitants. Try not to take your eyes off the water as you are in the summer feeding grounds of gray and humpback whales, as well as porpoise, sea otter, sea lion, seal, and more than 280 species of birds. This wildlife-rich area seems to have possible whale or marine life sightings around every island or peninsula.

Your captain will try to customize the excursion to your personal preferences, based on the sea and weather conditions that day. He will be in contact with other captains to know where the most recent sightings of whales have taken place that day.

Although wild and marine life sightings are never guaranteed, these waters are where the whales return every season due to their abundant sources of food. Whales feeding on krill and herring in roundups called "bubbling", are not unusual to see. Sea otters float by, lounging on their backs sometimes with babies on their stomachs.

On the nearby shores, you can see and hear the seals and sea lions barking a greeting. Bears are known to stroll the coast looking for a fish meal and wherever there is fish, eagles and other marine birds are usually close by. Keep your camera ready for some great photo opportunities. The beautiful coastal scenery, mountains, and treeline make a photographic backdrop to all of this.

Please note: Please indicate how many are in your group. Pricing is per boat. The maximum per departure is 6 guests. 

What is included?

• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides
  
• Two-hour private boat excursion for your party of up to six (the boat was built for 10)
  
• Whale watching, sea lions, otters, seals, dolphins, birds, and more possible
• USCG licensed captain and marine guide
  
• Snacks and water
  
• All fees and taxes included

Excursion Notes

• We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof.
• Please wear sensible walking/boat shoes that may get wet.
  
• Guests must be able to navigate the tender pier ramp, which may be quite steep at low tide. There are railings on either side to assist. Walking includes over paved and rock surfaces, and stepping on/off a boat.
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if requirements are not met.

Where we meet

For this Sitka Private Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion, you will meet your guide after a short shuttle ride. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to step onto and off of the boat.
• Guests must be able to walk approximately 5 minutes over paved and gravel surfaces and navigate the pier ramp, which may be steep at low tide.
• Lightweight layered clothing that will keep you warm even in wet weather, and sturdy, comfortable shoes are suggested.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• The maximum weight per guest is 250lbs (113Kg).
• This Sitka Private Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion may involve risks. We suggest you check with your elected person of choice to see if these possible risks might affect you.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.