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Private Sitka Wildlife Photography Worskhop on the Water

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6-Hour Duration
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Full-Day Private Workshop
Private Boat Tour
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Up to Four Guests
Heated Cabin
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Comfort in Changing Weather
All Skill Levels
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From Phones to Pro Gear

Description

Spend six hours on the water exploring Sitka Sound in a calm, focused, and personal way. This experience is part wildlife tour, part photography workshop, and it’s designed to move at the pace of what’s happening around us, not on a strict schedule.
 
You’ll head out by boat into the bays and island channels around Sitka, watching for whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, bald eagles, and whatever else decides to show up that day. Every trip is different. Some days, it’s whales surfacing close by. Other days, it’s quiet coves, dramatic shoreline, and birds working the water. That unpredictability is part of what makes the day feel real and engaging.
 
When wildlife appears, you’ll get clear, simple advice for photographing it. This isn’t a lecture; it’s hands-on and relaxed. You can ask questions, experiment, and adjust as you go. It works with phones or professional gear.
 
The boat has a warm, covered cabin, so you can step inside when the weather changes, warm up, and shoot comfortably. Lunch, snacks, and hot drinks make the day easy and unhurried.
 
Because the group is private and limited to four guests, there’s rare freedom to slow down and truly absorb each experience. Unlike standard excursions, this setting makes it easy to focus on your interests, so by the end of six hours, most guests leave not just with better photos and a deeper understanding, but a memorable, meaningful connection to Sitka’s coast.

What's Included

Private 6-Hour Boat Workshop
Award-Winning Photography Instruction
Knowledgeable Guide
Lunch, Snacks, Hot Drinks
High-Quality Binoculars
Life Jackets
Permits and Harbor Fees
Transportation to Harbor
Guide Gratuity
Camera Equipment
Tripods
Rain Gear and Clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need photography experience?

No. Instruction is fully customized, from beginner fundamentals to advanced technique refinement.

What camera should I bring?

Any camera works, including smartphones. Zoom lenses are helpful but not required.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group of up to 4 guests is on board.

Does it run in rain?

Yes. The boat has a warm, dry cabin. Unsafe weather results in refunds or rescheduling.

Will we see wildlife?

Wildlife is never guaranteed, but Sitka Sound offers exceptional year-round opportunities.

Can cruise ship guests join?

Yes. The meeting point is one minute from the cruise shuttle drop-off.


Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 10 years old
This is a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of four guests.
Wildlife sightings vary by season and conditions; specific animals are never guaranteed.
Guests must be comfortable stepping on and off a small boat and moving around while underway.
The tour operates rain or shine and is only canceled if weather or sea conditions are unsafe.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; minimum recommended age is 10.
Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Sitka

Duration
6h 00min

Price


Itinerary • 6h 00min • 4 activities

Meet at Crescent Harbor, get oriented for the day, and review safety notes and the general plan. This is also the time to get cameras ready and ask initial questions.

Duration
15 minutes

Step aboard the boat, settle in, and go over wildlife expectations, light conditions, and practical photography tips before heading out into Sitka Sound.

Duration
30 minutes

Cruise through bays, island channels, and coastal areas while watching for whales, otters, sea lions, puffins, eagles, and other marine life. Stop and adjust as wildlife appears, with hands-on guidance, time to practice, and space to slow down. Between sightings, photograph the coastal scenery, reflections, and changing light.

Duration
4 hours 30 minutes

Head back toward Crescent Harbor at an easy pace. Use this time to ask final questions, talk through what you practiced, and wrap up the day before disembarking.

Duration
45 minutes