Top 10 water & beach things to do in Sitka

1. Guided nature hike through Sitka's landscapes

A scenic walk through Sitka's 14 miles of coastal roads — guided by a local, exploring nature and ecology in small groups.

2. Kayak paddle tour around Sitka's islands

Two to three hours of kayaking around Sitka's islands led by a local guide, focusing on wildlife and history, limited to six guests for a personal experience.

“Charlie led us on an enjoyable and secure adventure filled with tales, legends, and history. He expertly navigated us across boating lanes and through the harbor. The entire team was professional, friendly, and polite. The transportation from the cruise drop-off in town was very convenient.”— Scott M

3. Sitka historical highlights tour

Two and a half hours — visit Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park, and Japonski Island for a rich history of Sitka and stunning views throughout.

“This tour with Anne Marie was fantastic. She was a friendly and knowledgeable guide, making the experience enjoyable.”— Stuart289

4. Small group boat tour along Sitka's coastline

Two and a half hours on the water — view sea lions, otters, eagles, and whales in the Tongass National Rain Forest.

“Captain Brad was excellent—friendly and well-informed about the local area and its wildlife. It was a pleasure to be on a small boat rather than being packed in with a large group. I would certainly do this again.”— Daniel_B

5. Whale watching and wildlife tour in Sitka

Three hours aboard an enclosed vessel — guaranteed whale sightings, wildlife encounters including bears and sea otters, and knowledgeable local guides throughout.

“Parker gave us the best highlights of our week-long cruise during the fantastic two hours we spent on his boat. With just one other couple, the experience was both informative and personal. We were lucky to see brown bears, several whales, sea lions, and otters. We wholeheartedly recommend Parker and his company.”— Padraig_m

6. Sitka scenic tour for small groups

Three hours exploring Sitka's natural beauty by van — totem poles, tide pools, and Alaskan wildlife.

“We had a small group of 11 in a comfortable van, and our guide Sandra was both knowledgeable and adaptable to our needs. At the end of the tour, she dropped us off at three different locations, allowing us to explore Sitka independently. It would have been helpful to have a sign indicating the pick-up location for the tour.”— GlobaltravelerSydney

7. Guided hike in Tongass National Forest

Three hours exploring Tongass National Forest with a local guide — spot eagles, seasonal salmon, and learn about Sitka’s ecology and Tlingit culture.

“This was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise. With limited time to connect with nature during our port visit, this outing was ideal. Our guide, Sadie, picked us up at the cruise terminal and took us into the Tongass National Forest. She was friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable about both Sitka and the local environment. We hiked into a stunning mountain valley leading to Beaver Lake, which was breathtaking in every way. As a temperate rainforest, waterfalls surrounded us, alongside towering forests, muskeg bogs, and the picturesque Beaver Lake. Sadie proved to be a skilled and patient guide, sharing insights and pointing out the various waterfalls, plants, and trees, while addressing all our inquiries. Despite the rain, which is common in this part of the Alaskan rainforest, it only enhanced the area's natural beauty. We highly recommend Sitka Walking Tours and suggest booking Sadie as your guide. It was a moderately challenging and wet hike, but equipped with the right rain gear, it made for an enjoyable day in Sitka, Alaska.”— HoneymoonersOct2016

8. Snorkel tour in Sitka Sound

Two hours in Sitka Sound — snorkel among octopus, rockfish, and sea stars with all equipment provided.

“The actual tour we participated in was enjoyable and included more sights than anticipated. However, my negative experience stemmed from being initially overlooked for our booking. After contacting them, we learned there was an error with our reservation, and they scheduled us for a later tour. They also mentioned compensating us for the inconvenience, but ultimately did not follow through. Unfortunately, it seems we were among the unlucky ones. If you encounter problems, their reliability to keep promises is questionable.”— Q8371LIns

9. Sitka highlights tour — bears, raptors, and totems

Three hours in a comfortable van — visit brown bears, bald eagles, and totem poles with a local guide. Snacks and drinks included.

“We chose this tour after our cruise excursions were fully booked, and I was initially hesitant to book independently. However, this company exceeded my expectations with excellent communication and clear instructions. A special thanks to Koali for being so responsive. The tour itself was fantastic; Ryan guided us to the Raptor Sanctuary, the Totems, and the baby bear rescue sanctuary. Overall, a wonderful experience with an amazing guide. Thank you!”— serenanf

10. Sitka scenic tour to Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bears

Two-and-a-half hours in a small group van, visiting Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, and Sitka National Historical Park with a local guide.

“The wildlife habitat was impressive. I enjoyed witnessing the rehabilitation of injured animals and seeing bears, snow owls, and a bald eagle. The nature walk was also beautiful. Our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable.”— Susan_N