4 ½ Hour Duration

From pick-up to drop-off

Wildlife Opportunities

Otters, seal lions, and more!

Food Provided

Lunch, snack, and bottled water

One-way Boat Cruise

See more of the water on your return!

Escape the crowds and discover stunning reefs, secluded islands, and colorful marine life on the Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise! This 4 and 1/2 hour excursion includes 3 hours of paddle time, a thrilling 30-minute boat ride, and a remote island landing for a break & exploration. One of the most scenic tours in Sitka, you’ll enjoy both expansive views and the up-close interaction with the marine world. Your naturalist guide will fill you in on the rich flora and fauna of the area. They will point out any wildlife they see and even help you search for treasures during your secluded beach stop. The Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise then ends with an exciting boat ride back from the beach to Sitka Harbor.

Your Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise begins from what is known as the “Big Blue Bus at Crescent Harbor.” This easy to find landmark is where you meet your guides & get ready for your trip. As one of the easier kayak tours in Sitka, you need no paddle experience before setting off, as you can expect a detailed safety & equipment orientation from your guides. From here, you’ll set off for 3 hours of paddling adventure. You’ll venture through pristine areas of water that are only accessible by kayak! You’ll see kelp forests, reefs, and marine life as you go. The area is a special favorite for playful otters, but you may also spot bald eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and more, making this one of the top wildlife tours in Sitka. Finishing up your paddle, you’ll stop on a secluded island for a beach walk & hearty snack provided by your guides, before hopping on your charter boat for an exciting ride back to Sitka. So pack your binoculars & camera, and be ready to see what wild Alaska has to offer on the Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise.

Please note: the Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise may run in reverse.

Interested in paddling around the Inside Passage? Check out the Ketchikan Eco Kayak or the Taste of Nature Kayak & Gourmet Food Adventure in Juneau!

Port	Sitka
Type	Active, Paddle Adventure, Wildlife Viewing
Length	4 ½ hours
Adult Rate	$199
Child Rate	$154 (ages 6-12)
Minimum Age	This moderate activity is suitable for children age 6 and older.
Accessibility	This tour has a maximum height limit of 6' 6" and maximum weight of 275 lbs., No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and you'll be equipped with all the gear and info you need for this gentle activity.
Cancellation Policy	Cancel up to 14-days before your tour for a refund, less any non-refundable fees., If for any reason the tour is canceled (due to unpermitting weather, for example), or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund minus any non-refundable fees.

Customer reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

2 reviews

5 stars 2 100 %

4 stars 0 0 %

3 stars 0 0 %

2 stars 0 0 %

1 star 0 0 %

Most recent reviews Most helpful reviews

2 reviews for Sitka Sound Paddle and Cruise

Add a review Cancel reply

How long is this excursion, and is transportation included?

Answer: The total duration of this activity is 4.5 hours with about 2.5-3 hours of paddling. The meeting location will be the Big Blue Bus at Crescent Harbor. Of course, you'll receive detailed meeting instructions and planning information in a confirmation email upon booking.

Do I need previous experience? Is kayaking safe?

Answer: This tour is a great entry-level kayaking tour and perfect for first-timers or those with experience. The kayaks used for this tour are large, 2-person kayaks that are quite stable. Alaska's Inside Passage is scattered with nearby islands which provide calmer, bay-like conditions for the paddle (this isn't on the open ocean). First time jitters are common, but the small-group setting means you'll have lots of personal attention from the accompanying guide.

What should I wear and how to prepare for this tour?

Answer: Layered clothing, comfortable shoes and a warm hat. Sun glasses, camera, binoculars, gloves, and rain gear are suggested.

Can I bring a camera?

Answer: Absolutely! There are dry bags of several different sizes to accommodate cameras, binoculars and any other items you would like to bring on the kayaks with you. Waterproof cameras are great but don't be afraid to bring a good digital SLR camera and put it in one of our dry bags. There are plenty of opportunities for photography and you don't want to miss an amazing shot.

Can Grandma come along too?

Answer: You are never too old to paddle a kayak. We use double kayaks to pair people up to make strong paddling teams. Just be aware that kayaking does require some physical exertion. Please call or email us if you have any questions or concerns.

What if it rains? Do the trips get canceled?

Answer: Southeast Alaska is known for rain, and we would never do anything if we stopped for the rain. Please do not let the possibility of rain deter you from booking. Southeast Alaska is at its most beautiful on misty rainy days. Tours will be cancelled if conditions are unsafe. A refund shall be made if the tour is cancelled.

What if our ship is delayed or doesn't make it into port? Refund?

Answer: It's very rare that a ship is delayed into port, but in those cases, we will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, we will refund you.