Description
See bears and eagles up close, then walk among towering totem poles all in one easy, small-group outing led by a local guide. This half-day Simply Amazing Sitka Tour combines Sitka’s top highlights into a seamless itinerary that’s scenic, educational, and wildlife-rich. After meeting at Harrigan Centennial Hall, you’ll travel comfortably by van along the tree-lined roads south of town, watching for bald eagles overhead and Sitka black-tailed deer along the forest’s edge. Stop for photo ops at Silver Bay, where dramatic peaks and deep waters often host seasonal sightings of humpback and minke whales.
Next, visit Fortress of the Bear, a unique rescue center where orphaned brown and black bears receive long-term care in spacious habitats. From secure viewing platforms, you’ll safely observe these massive Alaskan predators up close while learning how they were rescued and how the center advocates for wildlife conservation. Then, head to the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured birds of prey. Tour the flight-training enclosures and meet rescued eagles, owls, and hawks native to Southeast Alaska.
Finally, explore Sitka National Historical Park, home to towering totem poles, coastal rainforest trails, and exhibits that recount the 1804 conflict between the Tlingit Kiksadi Clan and Russian-American forces. Walk the forested paths at your own pace, or dive deeper in the cultural center with demonstrations of traditional Tlingit artistry.
Experience the best of Sitka at a relaxed pace, perfect for first-time visitors and families of all ages! This popular Simply Amazing Sitka Tour fills quickly, so book your spot early to ensure availability during cruise season.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this excursion, and is transportation included?
The total duration of this activity is 2.5 hours and transportation is provided from Harrigan Centennial Hall in downton Sitka.
What should I wear and how to prepare for this tour?
Layered clothing, comfortable shoes and a warm hat. Sun glasses, camera, binoculars, gloves, and rain gear are suggested.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is not wheelchair or motorized scooter accessible.
What if it rains? Do the trips get canceled?
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.
What if our ship is delayed or doesn't make it into port? Refund?
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.
Why don't I see any tours available for my travel dates?
If you’ve entered your travel date and group size and do not see any tours available, the tours are most likely sold out, not operating that day, or the schedule has not yet been released for booking. If the specific tour you wanted is missing from the results, that usually means it is not available for your selected date, time, or group size.
Popular Alaska shore excursions like this one can sell out months in advance, especially during peak season. If you’re visiting by cruise ship, many tours also require a 45–60 minute buffer to ensure you make it to and from your ship on time, so departures too close to your arrival or all-aboard time won’t appear. For the best chance of securing your preferred tour, date, and departure time, we recommend booking as soon as your travel itinerary is confirmed.
Our live availability calendar is the most accurate and up-to-date source for open departures. If no options appear after you enter your details, we recommend checking other available tour types for your port or adjusting your group size if your party can split across separate departures or activities.
For future-season travel, schedules are released gradually, most often in the fall as cruise schedules are finalized. If you’re searching for next season and do not see availability yet, that usually means those departures have not been released, not that they are already sold out. We recommend checking back later as more schedules become available.