Every week, cruise guests ask me the same question:

"Emily, if I only book one wildlife excursion in Sitka, what should it be?"

My answer is almost always the same.

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Go whale watching with Gallant Adventures. 

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Sitka sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the protected waters of Sitka Sound. Every summer, humpback whales return to feed in these nutrient-rich waters, creating some of the best whale watching opportunities in Alaska.

Of course, whales aren't the only stars of the show.

Depending on the day, you may also see playful sea otters floating on giant kelp beds, Steller sea lions hauled out on rocky islands, harbor seals, bald eagles soaring overhead, puffins, porpoises, and occasionally even orcas.

I've lived in Alaska for many years and spend my summers introducing visitors to Sitka's history through Haunted Sitka. When friends and guests ask where I'd send my own family for an unforgettable wildlife experience, I recommend Gallant Adventures.

Captain Paul and his crew specialize in small-group tours that allow guests to experience Sitka Sound in a relaxed, personal setting while learning about the incredible wildlife that calls these waters home.

Whether you're visiting Sitka on a cruise or planning a longer Alaska vacation, whale watching is one experience you'll be talking about long after you've returned home.

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Why Sitka Is One of Alaska's Best Places for Whale Watching?

Many Alaska cruise ports offer whale watching.

Few can match Sitka.

The protected waters of Sitka Sound provide rich feeding grounds for humpback whales during the summer months. Unlike some locations where boats travel long distances to search for wildlife, Sitka's marine ecosystem supports an incredible variety of animals within a relatively short distance of town.

That means you spend less time traveling...

...and more time enjoying wildlife.

It's one of the reasons I recommend visitors add whale watching to their Sitka itinerary whenever possible.

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