While in port in Sitka, spend two hours spotting wildlife, learning about Sitka and touring a working salmon hatchery. With a maximum of six passengers, this two-hour tour on the calm waters of Sitka Sound gives you a front-row seat for viewing the abundant wildlife of Sitka, Alaska. Sea otters, puffins, seals and bald eagles are often spotted, and even a grizzly bear is a possible sight. At the hatchery, you will go behind the scenes to see the process up close.
Your two-hour small-group Sitka shore excursion begins in the heart of downtown Sitka. Hop aboard a quiet, heated 27-foot (8-meter) boat and cruise out onto the waters of Sitka Sound and Silver Bay. On the 30-minute journey to the salmon hatchery on calm, protected waters, you'll hear about Sitka's history and wildlife. The boat has a heated cabin, indoor marine head, comfortable seating and plenty of outside deck space.
At the Medvejie Salmon Hatchery site, get off the boat and spend approximately one hour exploring the facility. Get an exclusive tour of the hatchery and see many areas that are off-limits to other visitors. Hatchery operations are seasonal and revolve around the life cycle of salmon. In May and June, you will see mostly juvenile salmon, with some adult salmon beginning to make an appearance. As the summer progresses, the tour becomes about experiencing the throng of returning adult salmon. August and September are exceptionally busy months and full of activity.
On departure from the hatchery, get back on the boat and cruise into Silver Bay. The bay was alive with mining activity 100 years ago, and some remnants of that day still remain. In the summer months, Salmon Lake Creek at the head of Silver Bay will be full of returning salmon – an amazing sight to see.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to the Sitka port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.