Sea it All -Private Sitka Wildlife LAND & SEA COMBO for 6 w/meal

Experience the Best of Sitka with the Sea it All – Private Wildlife & Land Tour

Picture yourself exploring the stunning waters and lush forests of Sitka, Alaska. For about four hours, this private tour offers a seamless blend of whale watching, wildlife encounters, and scenic land excursions. Costing $2,700 for your group of up to six, this trip promises personalized attention, comfortable transportation, and a well-rounded taste of what makes Sitka special. Guides like Sarah make a difference with their local knowledge and friendly approach—making even the most seasoned travelers feel like locals.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances marine adventures with land-based exploration—no rushing, no crowds, just authentic experiences. The fact that it includes a visit to the Fortress of the Bears adds a memorable, up-close encounter with Alaska’s iconic wildlife. Plus, the flexible timing and private setup mean you can enjoy the tour at your pace.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the full experience takes about four hours, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of boat rides and hiking. Also, the price might seem steep for some, but when you factor in the private transportation, admission fees, and a sit-down meal, the value is clear—especially for those wanting a personalized, hassle-free day in Sitka.

This tour fits travelers eager to combine wildlife viewing with scenic outdoor activities without the stress of self-driving or joining crowded groups. It’s perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of Sitka’s natural beauty—all in one smooth, guided package.

Key Points

• Private, All-Inclusive Experience: Your group of up to six enjoys exclusive access, guided tours, and all entrance fees included.
• Diverse Itinerary: Combines whale watching, forest hikes, and wildlife encounters, making it a well-rounded adventure.
• In-Depth Land Exploration: Visit the Fortress of the Bears, Silver Bay, and scenic overlooks, with expert guides enriching your understanding.
• Flexible Schedule & Pickup: Convenient pickup from the harbor and carefully timed stops to avoid crowds.
• Meal Included: A sit-down lunch, either before, after, or between land and sea activities, adds value.
• Excellent Guides: Guides like Sarah are praised for their knowledge, making the experience engaging and informative.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at the Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitors Dock at Crescent Harbor, right in downtown Sitka. The tour is designed to be seamless; the pickup is included, saving you the hassle of finding your way there. The gathering point is easy to find, and since the tour is private, your group has the advantage of a personalized schedule.

The Marine Portion: Sitka Sound & Whale Watching

The first two hours are spent aboard a heated boat, which is a thoughtful touch considering Sitka’s often cool weather. This vessel provides a comfortable platform for wildlife viewing, so you can enjoy the scenery without feeling cramped.

Sitka Sound’s waters are famously teeming with life. Visitors consistently comment on the chance to see whales, sea otters, and other marine creatures. Guides like Sarah tend to have sharp eyes and a wealth of local stories, making the experience both educational and fun. The boat ride offers a panoramic view of the rugged coastline and distant mountains, creating a truly picture-perfect setting.

The Land Portion: Exploring Sitka’s Natural Beauty

Once ashore, the tour shifts gears. You’ll step into a mini-van for a scenic two-hour land exploration that takes you through Sitka’s landscapes. Highlights include stops at Whale Park, the Thimbleberry Lake trail, and the Silver Bay overlook.

• Fortress of the Bears: This is a major highlight. The team offers a personalized guided tour (with reservations to avoid crowds), giving you a close look at these magnificent creatures in a safe, respectful environment. Visitors love the dedicated attention and the chance to learn about the bears’ habits and habitat from knowledgeable guides like Sarah.

• Whale Park: A short walk along the boardwalk offers sweeping views into Sitka Sound, with frequent whale sightings reported during the season. It’s an excellent spot to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery.

• Thimbleberry Lake & Waterfall: The nearby trail winds through the Tongass National Forest. It’s a gentle hike—manageable for most, with stunning views from the top of the waterfall and fantastic photo opportunities at Thimbleberry Lake. Reviewers highlight this as a peaceful, scenic highlight, perfect for nature lovers.

• Silver Bay: This overlook offers a panoramic vista of the bay, its glistening waters surrounded by towering mountains. Whales and sea lions are often spotted here, adding a chance for spontaneous wildlife sightings.

Lunch and Flexibility

The tour includes a delicious meal at the Misfit Island Cafe, which can be enjoyed before, during, or after the land exploration, depending on your schedule. The menu offers main dishes, sides, drinks, and desserts, making it a satisfying break during a busy day.

Ending the Tour

After the guided exploration, you can choose to explore Sitka’s shops and attractions at your leisure or return directly to your cruise ship or accommodation. The last tours of the day include transportation back to the cruise terminal, making this experience perfect for cruise passengers seeking a comprehensive, stress-free tour.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviewers praise guides like Sarah for their enthusiasm and local expertise, which elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. Their stories and insights make wildlife and landscape encounters more meaningful.

Balanced Itinerary: The combination of marine adventure and land exploration offers a well-rounded look at Sitka’s natural environment. The stops are thoughtfully planned to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife sightings.

Authentic Encounters: Visiting Fortress of the Bears and walking the scenic trails allows you to get close to Alaska’s iconic wildlife and landscapes, creating memorable moments that photos and stories will do justice.

Some Considerations

While the tour’s comprehensive nature is a plus, it requires roughly four hours, which might be a long day for travelers with limited time or stamina. The price, at $2,700 for the group, reflects the private, all-inclusive nature, but might seem steep to budget travelers. However, when you factor in the guides, transportation, the meal, and entrance fees, the overall value becomes clearer, especially if you prefer a personalized, hassle-free experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors who want a customized, all-in-one introduction to Sitka’s wildlife and scenery. It’s perfect for small groups or families, especially those keen on wildlife encounters and outdoor exploration. It suits travelers who value guided insights, comfortable transportation, and the chance to see whales, bears, and stunning vistas—all in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or inexperienced hikers?
Yes. The Thimbleberry Lake trail is described as manageable for inexperienced hikers, and the overall experience is geared toward a small, private group, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, admission to Fortress of the Bears, a scenic boat tour, a guided land exploration, and a meal. The boat ride and land stops are carefully timed for a smooth experience.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about four hours, combining a two-hour boat ride and a two-hour land exploration.

Can I customize the schedule?
The tour has a set itinerary, but the meal timing can be flexible—either before, during, or after the land portion—based on your preferences.

What wildlife might I see?
Whales are often visible during the boat ride, and seals, otters, and bears can be encountered during the land portion. The Silver Bay and Whale Park are good vantage points for spotting marine mammals.

Is this tour available for cruise ship passengers?
Yes. The last tours of the day include transportation back to the Sitka cruise terminal, making it convenient for cruise travelers.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 65 days in advance, so it’s advisable to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour for a full refund, providing flexibility in case plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Sea it All – Wildlife Land & Sea Combo offers a thoughtfully curated, private experience of Sitka’s natural wonders. It combines the thrill of whale watching with the intimacy of walking through forests and observing bears—something that more generic tours can’t match. The guides’ local knowledge, combined with the scenic vistas and wildlife encounters, make it a compelling choice for those who want to see Alaska’s wilderness in an authentic, personal way.

While it may not be the cheapest option, the tailored experience and inclusion of key activities make it a good value for travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free day in Sitka. It’s best suited for those who value guided insights, small groups, and a mix of sea and land adventures—an ideal option for families, wildlife lovers, and cruise passengers eager for an unforgettable day.

In essence, if you’re looking for a private, flexible, and comprehensive way to experience Sitka’s wildlife and landscapes, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded day that captures the essence of Alaska’s natural beauty.