Visit the top three asked about sites in Sitka! Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, Sitka Historical National Park (Totem Park)
You can avoid the over crowded large bus tours some cruise ships offer in your new model (10 passenger) Nissan NV tour van!
Your guide is an actual Alaskan resident that loves where they live and love to share their stories of life in Sitka.
Your local guide is equipped with a wireless microphone so everyone can hear even while outside opening your door so you miss nothing!
The departure time for this 2.5 hour adventure is set to avoid the large crowds when ever possible and to give you a more private and fun tour.
There is plenty of time before your adventure for shopping downtown (10 minute walk) or take a Marine Wildlife Adventure to make Sitka your best stop on your entire cruise!
Nissan NV Passenger Van
Your local guide narrates what life is like in Sitka as you drive south to Silver Bay. Here, incredible beauty unfolds around each and every bend in the road. We will stop for an amazing photo opportunity and possible wildlife viewing. We often see whales, eagles, sea lions and salmon jumping.
Our most popular stop. Here you will have the opportunity to get within twenty-five feet of our distinctive Brown Bear in a naturalized setting. The three-quarter acre habitat, set against the National Forest, is the largest bear habitat in North America and is complete with covered viewing areas. Meet their experienced rescuers as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, but yet revered creature of the forest. Learn the challenges they experience as they seek to rescue these incredible giants.
Next you will start your private small group tour of this amazing raptor rehabilitation center. Located on a 17–acre campus bordering the Tongass National Forest and Indian River, its primary mission is the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey which are brought in from all over Alaska. The Center (the largest of its type in the state, and one of the largest in North America) receives between 100–200 birds a year, with many suffering from gunshot wounds and traffic accident-related trauma. The Center's goal is to introduce the birds back into the wild, once they are healed and retrained in "raptor life skills" (such as flying) in the enclosed, Bald Eagle Flight-Training Center. A few of the animals that could not be returned to nature have become permanent guests. You will see up to two dozen resident eagles, hawks, owls, and ravens, who assist in the Center’s secondary function, that of public education.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Instructions: All TOURS START DOWN TOWN AT: "Harrigan Centennial Hall" 330 Harbor Drive by “SITKA WILDLIFE TOURS” We are dressed in bright blue jackets with yellow signs. 1. SITKA SOUND CRUISE TERMINAL INSTRUCTIONS: Book your free shuttle ticket www.sitkadock.com book your shuttle ticket for one hour before your tour meeting time at Harrigan Centennial Hall Downtown! (Follow booking instructions above) and take the FREE SHUTTLE to downtown provided. Your tour representative “SITKA WILDLIFE TOURS” will be in the Vendor Sales Area, 30 minutes before your tour departure time. Please allow a minimum of 45 minutes for the shuttle to downtown. 2. CRESCENT HARBOR INSTRUCTIONS: Your tour departs from the street side of Harrigan Centennial Hall located near the top of the ramp. Your local tour representative “SITKA WILDLIFE TOURS” will be OUTSIDE the building in the Vendor Sales Area starting 30 minutes before your tour departure time. 3. O’CONNELL BRIDGE TENDERING INSTRUCTIONS: When your ship will transport you by tender boat to shore. You will then need to walk 1.5 blocks to "Harrigan Centennial Hall" 330 Harbor Drive. Your local tour representative “SITKA WILDLIFE TOURS” will be OUTSIDE the building at the Vendor Sales Area starting 30 minutes before your tour departure time. Contact Information: Sitka Wildlife Tours, at 1-907-738-1733.