Description
See rescued bears, soaring eagles, and centuries-old totem poles, all in one scenic, small-group tour of Sitka’s top highlights. This half-day Simply Amazing Sitka Tour is a favorite for cruisers, first-time visitors, and wildlife lovers looking to explore the region’s natural beauty and layered history without needing to plan a thing.
You’ll meet your guide at Harrigan Centennial Hall and board a spacious passenger van for a relaxed ride south along Sitka’s forested coastline. Keep an eye out for bald eagles circling overhead and Sitka black-tailed deer in the brush. Weather and season permitting, the sheltered waters of Silver Bay may even offer sightings of humpback or minke whales!
Next, visit Fortress of the Bear, where orphaned brown and black bears are cared for in large, naturalistic enclosures. From safe viewing platforms, you’ll observe these massive animals up close and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts that support their well-being. Then it’s on to the Alaska Raptor Center, a working rehabilitation facility for birds of prey. Tour the flight-training areas, hear the stories behind the rescued raptors, and meet native species like owls, hawks, and bald eagles.
Your final stop is Sitka National Historical Park, where you can stroll rainforest trails lined with historic totem poles and learn about the 1804 battle between the Kiks.ádi Tlingit Clan and Russian-American forces. Choose a quiet walk through the forest or explore the cultural center’s live demonstrations and exhibits on traditional Alaskan artistry.
This tour includes all transportation and entry fees. It's family-friendly, easy-paced, and a great option for cruise ship guests. Spots are limited, so book early to secure your seat during the busy 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.