Private Multi-day Tour
Sitka’s Spring Awakening
Venture to Sitka in the spring as whales, sea lions, and birds gather for one of the greatest feeding events on planet earth.
Trip Highlights
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About this Trip
Each spring, Sitka Sound surges with life as herring return in vast schools to spawn along the coast. Humpback whales migrate from Mexico and Hawaii for their first meal in months, gathering here to bubble net feed in bright turquoise water. Sea lions patrol the shorelines, and hundreds of bald eagles circle overhead, drawn into one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Alaska’s coast.
On this private 2–6 day journey, you will follow that rhythm across the islands and channels of Sitka Sound. Travel by small heated enclosed boat to feeding grounds, lift off by floatplane to see the coastline from above, and slip into sheltered coves by kayak for a quieter look at the season. Photograph incredible whale activity, watch eagles dive on herring pushed to the surface, and spend unhurried time with local researchers, biologists, and conservationists who know this place best.
This is one of the most unique times of year in Alaska, a spring awakening that invites you to slow down and take in the wonder unfolding all around you.
What's Included
- Small-boat excursions with a USGS Licensed Captain
- Daily wildlife and wilderness activities guided by a Naturalist
- Float Plane, Kayaking, Biking, Activites
- Local Partner Science and Consevation Talks / Activities
- Daily field lunches in scenic locations
- Photography and storytelling instruction
- Printed photo memory book
- Rain boots
- All permits and facilities fees
What's Not Included
- Airfare or Ferry to / from Sitka
- Lodging in Sitka (See Where to stay in Sitka for options)
- Personal transportation for exploration outside of tour hours
- Breakfast & dinners outside of guided activities
- Personal clothing, rainwear, and camera equipment
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Gratuities for local guides and captains
Sitka Wonders Activities
Whale Watching
Rainforest Hiking
Brown Bear Viewing
Beach Combing
Floatplane Adventures
Sea Kayaking
Hands on Conservation
Birding
Citizen Science
Mountain Biking
Photo Instruction
Cultural Connection
Why basecamp out of Sitka?
Sitka brings it all together. In one place, you can watch humpbacks feeding offshore, walk beneath giant spruce, and hear brown bears turning stones on the beach.
A multi-day trip here gives you what neither cruises nor inland parks can — variety, flexibility, and depth.
Sitka is the rare place where you can experience the wild without ever leaving it behind.
Meet Your Guide
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Guiding this experience is Ben Hamilton, the founder of Sitka Wonders and an award winning wildlife filmmaker with deep roots in Sitka. After nearly 2 decades of filming for National Geographic, BBC, and conservation partners across the region and globe, Ben now shares the coast he knows best through small group journeys and his film Sitka's Hidden Wonders. His approach blends field craft, storytelling, and a philosophy that presence and wonder allow us to experince the best moments of life. Learn more about Ben.
FAQs
How do I get to Sitka?
Sitka is accessible by daily Alaska Airlines flights or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Once on the island, everything is within a short drive — many guests rent a car for personal flexibility. Learn more in our How to get to Sitka, Alaska article.
What should I expect for meals?
We provide daily field lunches with fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible — sandwiches or wraps, local produce, snacks, and soft drinks or water. Simple hot drinks like coffee, tea, or cocoa are also available, but alcohol is not provided. Guide Ben Hamilton is an avid baker and often brings along homemade sourdough bread or cookies as a small touch when he can. Dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts and dinners are on your own, giving you time to enjoy Sitka’s local restaurants.
What makes Sitka Wonders trips different from other Alaska tours?
Most tours rush between sights. We slow down. Each day is built around connection — to wildlife, to local people, and to the rhythm of this coast. You’ll travel with a small group, work directly with scientists and guides who live here, and visit places and people few others encounter during their time in Sitka. It’s less about checking boxes and more about understanding the story behind what you see.
Is this a private tour or shared group?
Our multi-day trips are private to your party, with a minimum of one guest and a maximum of six. We don’t mix separate bookings. Traveling this way allows for flexibility, comfort, and a shared sense of purpose — giving you space to move at your own pace and experience Sitka’s coast in a more personal way.
What happens if weather changes our plans?
Weather and tide shape every day in Southeast Alaska. We adapt as conditions change, adjusting routes, timing, or activities to make the most of each day. In the event of major storms or unsafe marine conditions, activities may be delayed or rescheduled for safety. Travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions is strongly recommended. Flexibility is part of the adventure and part of traveling responsibly in a wild place.
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