Sitka Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned/heated and licensed round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier!
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides!
  
• Two-hour boat ride (built for 10) with just a maximum of 6 guests!
  
• Whale watching, sea lions, otters, seals, dolphins, birds, and more are possible!
• 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!
  

An exclusive small group excursion that offers you personal service and more time looking for whales, sea otters, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. Lots of room, comfortable, and personalized customer service!

It is also available as a private excursion for your friends or family - Sitka Private Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion (S2201).

From the Sitka cruise ship tender pier, you will transfer to your 26-foot Glacier Bay Catamaran, a boat specifically designed for southeast Alaska's narrow island passages and coves. Inside there is a warm, comfortable cabin with large windows, while outside, there is a spacious deck for unlimited views.

Although the boat can hold 10 guests, you will be among an exclusive group of only six people per tour. Setting out from Sitka harbor, the catamaran design adds to the smooth ride for this marine life sightseeing excursion.

As you motor out to deeper waters, your captain will give you more information on the area and its marine inhabitants. Keep your eyes open, as this is the summer home of gray and humpback whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and over 280 species of birds. Around every island and peninsula, there is another possibility of sightings in this wildlife-rich area of the Pacific Ocean.
Sea and weather conditions will determine the itinerary for the day, and your captain will try to customize the tour to your personal preferences. He will also be in contact with other captains to know where the most recent sightings have taken place.

Although wild and marine life sightings are never guaranteed, these waters are known to be the favorite feeding grounds of marine life that return to the same location each season. You might get a glimpse of migrating whales feeding on krill and herring in preparation for their journey south or playing with each other. Sea otters float by, lounging on their backs and darting amongst the kelp. Seals and sea lions on nearby rocky shores bark a greeting. And even a bear might make an appearance on the shoreline. No matter what time of the year you visit, expect some great photo opportunities of the surrounding scenery. In addition to the marine life, you will be treated to some beautiful coastal views.

Total time on the water is approximately two hours after which time, you will be returned to the Sitka cruise tender pier.

Please note: A minimum of 2 guests is required to book this tour. The maximum per departure is 6 guests.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned/heated and licensed round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides
  
• Two hours on a boat built for 10 with only a total of 6 guests
  
• 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 the requirements are not met.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.
  

Where we meet

For this Sitka Whale Watching and Marine Life Excursion, you will meet your guide on your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier shoreside. 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.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.
• This Sitka 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.