SITKA SOUND TOURS
WILL SHOW YOU WHALES & WILDLIFE
IN THREE UNIQUE ALASKAN ECOSYSTEMS:
RAIN FOREST
OCEAN MARINE
OUTER COAST KELP FOREST
Let our knowledgeable Captain guide you through a bevy of majestic mountains, ancient volcanoes, towering caves, and miles of ocean teaming with migrating humpback whales, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, rafts of sea otters, lumbering brown bears, and perched bald eagles. Sitka Sound Tours provides you with unforgettable memories of your once in a lifetime trip to Alaska.
Locally owned and operated since 2004!
Experience local wildlife with a Born and Raised Sitka Local!
Family Friendly!
Tours & Rates
Sitka’s unique position located on the outer coast of Baranof Island exposes it directly to the notoriously unforgiving Gulf of Alaska. This exposure creates the perfect marine environment for migrating humpback whales who feed on the nutrient rich waters of Sitka Sound. Other local wildlife sightings include harbor seals, Steller sea lions, rafts of sea otters, lumbering brown bears, and perched bald eagles.
Sitka Sound Tours provides scientific education, local knowledge and in depth exploration of the wildlife in the RAIN FOREST, OCEAN MARINE, and OUTER COAST KELP FOREST ecosystems. Also be prepared to see up close Sitka’s commercial fishing activities, the culture and lifestyle of Southeast Alaska, remnants from World War II, majestic mountain vistas, hanging glaciers and ice fields, and ancient forests!
ENJOY UNIQUELY ALASKA!
Captain Rick's
2.5-HOUR
WILDLIFE TOURS
$155 per passenger
(plus 6% sales tax & fees)
Children 3 and under FREE!
This 2.5-hour boat tour includes viewing whales and other wildlife up-close in three unique Alaskan Ecosystems: Rain Forest, Ocean Marine, and Outer Coast Kelp Forest from a heated, comfortable cabin, with a private bathroom, all the while cozying up with healthy snacks and beverages.
Wildlife guide books, binoculars and umbrellas are provided. Guided by our Captain, a local high-quality Naturalist. Dress for cool weather and possible rain.
maximum 6 passengers
(Tours can be extended for additional costs)
"Book the Boat"
Private Wildlife Tours
Contact us for special
arrangement!
Maximum 6 passengers
POLICY:
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No deposits required for 2.5-hour wildlife tours.
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A private boat tour, or 6 passengers, requires a 50% deposit. A full refund will be provided if you cancel a minimum of 14 days before your tour. After 14 days your deposit will be forfeited. If Sitka Sound Tours cancels the booked tour, a full refund will be provided.
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About Us
We are a local family-run (husband & wife team) business, operating since 2004!
Captain Rick
Born and raised here in Sitka, Rick has been navigating the surrounding waters his whole life. He spent several years commercial fishing the Sitka Sound and has extensive knowledge of the wild life it has to offer.
Tour Coordinator
Sadie Rose
Sadie was born in Sitka, Raised in Maui, the Olympic peninsula, and Sitka. Sadie grew up commercial fishing with her family and learning about Alaska's Ocean wild life. She is an early childhood educator and enjoys Dancing with the New Archangel Dancers, Sitka's own Russian folk dance group.
Sitka Sound Tours
provides sustainable boat-based whale watching and wildlife tours that promote stewardship and conservationism through sharing local knowledge, and practicing responsible wildlife viewing
Our Commitment
Sitka Sound Tours educates passengers on responsible viewing practices and why they should be followed in hope that visitors leave with a sense of respect for the ocean and marine mammals, and to encourage ocean stewardship
Sitka Sound Tours sponsors the S3 Program (Science Symposium for STEM Engagement) for the Sitka Sound Science Center’s Whale Fest, an annual marine science symposium and festival
We use one of the most fuel efficient and low emissions engines (diesel) made in a CO2 neutral production facility
Marine Debris
We actively remove floating marine debris, which is usually in the form of plastics, while on tour using a small skimming net
We use ocean safe cleaning products such as Aquaox for COVID disinfection precautions, Simple Green, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Dawn Dish Soap, and vinegar
We offer Annie’s Organic Snacks, which are certified organic and non-GMO, organic fruit juice boxes, and canned water. If canned water can’t be sourced, then Sitka Sound Tours uses small plastic bottles of water and recycles the plastic.
Supporting Non-Profits
As a locally owned and female-operated business, Sitka Sound Tours supports non-profits like, The New Archangel Dancers, an all women folk dance group in Sitka.
Sitka Sound Tours is a proud sponsor of
Sitka Whale Fest!
Sitka Sound Tours participates in the
Whale SENSE program!
Sitka Sound Tours is certified sustainable with the Adventure Green Alaska program!
Sitka Sound Tours is a 2021 finalist in Spruce Root's
Path to Prosperity Program!
Our Boat
Quiet Mon is a 30’ ft. Sea Sport Pilot, outfitted with a
Volvo Penta D4 turbo diesel engine that can operate at 22 knots, getting you to the wildlife in just a few minutes.
You are guided by our U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Your Captain is a local, high-quality Naturalist and has over 20 years of diesel engine and boat repair experince.
Quiet Mon is U.S. Coast Guard inspected, annually.
Sit back and enjoy the scenery from a warm, heated and comfortable cabin which includes a settee, bench seating, and
a private bathroom!
OUR BOAT OFFERS:
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A warm, heated and comfortable cabin
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Large windows that fully open, getting you close to the action!
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Plenty of interior seating for 6 passengers
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Large deck space for viewing wildlife
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Ability to stand upright while inside the cabin (no crouching!)
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PRIVATE BATHROOM (other boats don't have a bathroom or any alternative!) Great for kids!
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Binoculars, field guides, and healthy snacks & beverage
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ACCOMMODATING COLLAPSIBLE WHEELCHAIRS!
Contact Us
Gallery
Testimonials
See What Our Passengers Say About
SITKA SOUND TOURS!
AMAZING
Our whale watching tour was perfect! I highly recommended 10/10. They were so nice and very knowledgeable! I couldn’t have asked for better people to show us around Sitka! Katie G., September 2019
CAPTAIN BRIAN CLEARLY LOVES WHAT HE DOES
That makes for a really special tour. He has a wealth of knowledge to share about pretty much everything that is happening out on the water. We learned about the Alaskan fishing industry, the livelihood of Sitka, the habitats of several of the animals we saw (why they would be where they were). He was willing to entertain any question we threw at him. He showed us so many things and really knows where to find the critters. It was nice to get lost in time a bit and he took us out longer than expected. Erika E., August 2019
FANTASTIC TRIP
I highly recommend this trip. Captain Brian was great and we saw lots of whales and seals. The scenery was breathtaking and it was far better being in a small boat than one of the larger more commercial ones. Captain Brian has so much knowledge and a big thanks too to his wife Heather who always responded very quickly to my email questions. A great time and really enjoyed this. Jacqueline B., August 2019
A MORNING WITH CAPTAIN BRIAN ON THE QUIET MON
VERY knowledgeable re: the local environment. We saw Stellar sea lions, porpoise, many bird species incl bald eagles An intimate trip. Want to see the Sitka Sound from a locals perspective? Book with Sitka Sound Tours. Bear R., August 2019
BEST TOUR EVER
He took us to 'secret' coves that others don't go to, where we saw eagles, and learned from him about the size of and encounters he had with bears, about the special medicinal benefits of the 'moss' on old growth trees. He told us about a Russian shipwreck from days when the Russians controlled Sitka, and told us information about the fish and the sea birds. In the end we did see a whale 3 different times, though from a distance. We also saw sea otters, salmon jumping out of the water, and unique sea birds, and stellar sea lions. We just plan enjoyed the boat trip with an excellent sea captain! Dean P., August 2019
Captain Brian did a fine job showing us special places in Sitka Sound for wildlife by boat-- we say deer, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles, marbled murrelets , and more. Brian is a great guide, informative and patient. Lily P., June 2019
Captain Brian went out of his way to accommodate our group in showing us as much local wildlife as possible. He is knowledgeable and very kind - helping with a wheelchair and for us to safely board the boat. Def recommend! Gina C., May 2019
Captain Brian is so knowledgeable about the area that he gave us a great trip without putting us into scads of other travelers. Quiet mountain bays to sea otters and whales we saw it all on a gorgeous calm water day. Thanks!! Doug C., September 2018
GREAT SITKA SOUND WILDLIFE TOUR!
We enjoyed a 2.5 hour tour with Captain Brian last Sept. He knew where to find whales, seals, sea lions, sea otters and a variety of sea birds to watch and take great pictures. He easily shares his knowledge about the marine environment, wildlife and history of the region. His boat is very shipshape and stable with a variety of places to sit for viewing. Henry M., September 2018
Excellent wildlife tour and guide! Captain Brian knows his stuff and is very knowledgeable about everything we saw. There were 4 of us on tour. We saw several humpback whales, rafts of sea otters, sea lions eating fish, seals, salmon jumping, and a lot of birds. We got close up to the wildlife and got some killer photos! Nice roomy boat with a bathroom, which was good for our group's needs. I liked that he didn't require a deposit and his prices included tax and etc. Everyone else wanted a deposit and had like $20 in fees added to the price on check out. Highly Recommend!!! M. Fish, July 2018
GOOD 3 HOUR WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP
We booked this tour well in advance, a small group tour. In fact on arrival we discovered we were the only clients that day so it became a private tour and that was really nice. Captain Brian and his naturalist wife Heather were very good. We saw quite a few whales and they told us a little about them, their patterns, nicknames and habits, etc. As we are birders Brian also tried to find a few bird species for us which was very good. Also we saw sea otters, stellar sea lions. Except for the birds all species were seen at a reasonably close distance and Brian endeavoured to give us the best experience possible. We really enjoyed this trip and have some nice photos too. John F., June 2018
Brian and Heather were awesome. Very knowledgeable about wildlife and commercial fishing industry. We enjoyed this excursion very much. Saw many whales. Melinda P., August 2019
UNBELIEVABLE!
Unbelievably great! Captain took us right to whales. He showed us multiple eagles as well as otters, terns, blue heron, starfish, jellyfish, and sea lions. He stayed at sites as long as we wanted. We highly recommend this tour! Shawn P., July 2018
COVID-19
SITKA SOUND TOURS
adheres to the following policies for operating our wildlife tours safely and responsibly
Alaska Tourism Industry Protocol & Guidelines (https://bit.ly/2HTpBKU)
State of Alaska Day Charter Health Mandate-016 (https://bit.ly/3ekMLWC)
SITKA SOUND TOURS
COVID-19 Operating Protocols:
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Face coverings are worn at customers discretion
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Hand sanitizer available
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Boat disinfecting and cleaning before and after all tours, including all high-touch areas)
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Captain is routinely monitored for COVID-19 symptoms, including testing as needed
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Captain has also been fully vaccinated against COVID-19
