Private Multi-day Tour
Sitka’s Great Return
Follow the salmon run through Sitka’s wild coast as brown bears fish, eagles soar, and whales feed in the last great feast of the season.
Trip Highlights
About this Trip
Every summer Sitka becomes the heartbeat of Alaska’s wild coast. Rivers turn silver with salmon returning by the millions from the open ocean, and everything responds. Sitka brown bears move through forest streams. Bald eagles gather along the coast. Humpback whales feed in the strong tidal currents of Sitka Sound. It is a convergence that ties together ocean and rainforest, predator and prey, people and place.
This journey follows that rhythm. For one week you will move between sea and shore, exploring the living systems that define this coast. Some mornings are spent watching whales rise through calm water. Others lead you into the forest, tracing salmon runs to quiet pools beneath trees that have stood for centuries. Along the way you will meet scientists, guides, and locals who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting this place.
This is your chance to experience one of the last truly wild places in America and one of the greatest migrations on earth. You will travel through old growth rainforest, across quiet bays, and above jagged mountains. Every moment invites curiosity and connection. It is a journey into abundance and a reminder that wonder still exists for those who take the time to look.
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?
A multi-day trip here gives you what neither cruises nor inland parks can — variety, flexibility, and depth. Each morning begins in Sitka and unfolds outward by boat, trail, or floatplane into a new ecosystem. Each night you return to comfort and community, surrounded by the same people and stories that keep this coast alive.
Sitka is the rare place where you can experience the wild without ever leaving it behind.
An invitation to Wonder
Dear Traveler,
My first summer in Alaska was 2008, and I still remember standing in Sitka watching millions of salmon rush into the streams that cut through town. I had never seen such abundance, the pulse of life returning from the open ocean to feed bears, eagles, forests, and people alike. Since that year I have filmed, photographed, and guided salmon trips every summer, each one deepening my connection to this coast.
Today more than 600,000 people visit Sitka each year by cruise ship, but most don't have the time and access to truly experience what makes this place so magical. This trip is my attempt to share this incredible event in a way that has transformed the way I see the world. It's an invitation to slow down, to listen, to connect, and to experience the wonder that is life in southeast Alaska.
We will travel by boat, float plane, and foot, exploring salmon streams, coastal forests, tidal esturaries, and the open waters of Sitka Sound. We'll look for humpback whales and brown bears, puffins and bald eagles, and the quiet beauty of the hidden life that connects everything here.
My hope is that this journey stirs your curiosity and reminds you of what it feels like to be part of our living planet. That is what the salmon run and Sitka have always done for me.
Ben Hamilton
Filmmaker / Guide / Founder, Sitka Wonders
FAQs
Is there an age requirement for this trip?
This journey is best suited for adults and older teens who are comfortable with light outdoor activity. The experience includes short hikes, time on small boats, and variable weather conditions, which may not be ideal for young children. As a private trip, we can sometimes accommodate families with children 12 and older if everyone is prepared for the activity level. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll help determine if it’s a good fit.
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.
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi during the trip?
Sitka has reliable service in town, but reception can fade as we move into remote bays and islands. Some areas will have no signal — a rare chance to disconnect and focus on the experience. Wi-Fi is available at most lodgings for evenings or downtime.
How does this trip support conservation?
Every day on this journey, we collaborate with local guides, researchers, and conservationists — and we pay them directly for their time and expertise. A portion of all trip revenue also supports community nonprofits like the Sitka Sound Science Center and Sitka Conservation Society. If you connect with their missions, we encourage you to support them directly as well. Your travel helps sustain the people and projects that keep this coastline thriving.
Is this a photography-focused trip, or can I join without a camera?
No, not at all. This journey is an immersive wildlife eco tour designed for anyone who wants to experience Sitka’s wild coast up close. Photography / filmmaking guidance is available if you’re interested, but the focus is on learning, exploring, and connecting with the landscape — not on taking pictures. We do offer workshops for those specifically looking to hone their skills that you can see here.
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.
How physically demanding is the trip?
We rate this trip as moderate. Expect short hikes of one to four miles, uneven terrain, and stepping in and out of small boats. Most activities are accessible to anyone comfortable with light outdoor exploration. Rain is common so slipping is often the largest risk when getting in and out of the boats or navigating along rocky shorelines. Since these are private trips, we work to build them around your needs and abilities.
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.
What if I have a medical issue during the trip?
Safety is our first priority. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, and all field activities are planned with safety and accessibility in mind. Sitka has a full-service hospital and emergency services nearby. We recommend discussing any health concerns with us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
What should I pack?
Southeast Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, quick-drying layers, sturdy footwear, and warm clothing for time on the water. A full packing list will be provided upon booking, including camera and gear recommendations.
When is salmon season in Sitka?
Late July through August marks peak salmon season in Sitka. During this time, four species of Pacific salmon return to wild local rivers (5 if you include King returning to the hatchery), attracting Sitka Brown Bears, bald eagles, sea lions, ravens and more, as humpback whales, and host of shore birds like Tufted puffins feed offshore. It’s one of the most dynamic wildlife periods of the year and a rare chance to see the true abundance of Alaska's wilderness first hand.
What’s included in the price?
Guided field days, small-boat excursions, floatplane trips (if mentioned), kayaking, field lunches, and private access to our partner organizations are all included. Guests are responsible for airfare to Sitka, lodging, personal gear, and most breakfasts / dinners.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
This journey follows Sitka’s late-summer abundance — Sitka brown bears fishing along salmon streams, Bald Eagles circling overhead, Tufted Puffins and gulls crowding rocky islands, Steller sea lions hauled out on remote reefs, and humpback whales feeding in Sitka Sound. Wildlife sightings vary from day to day and can’t be guaranteed, but that’s part of what makes each encounter meaningful. Every day unfolds differently, shaped by tide, weather, and the wild rhythm of this coast.
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 is your refund and cancellation policy?
A 25 percent deposit secures your space and is nonrefundable. If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, half of your deposit can be credited toward a future trip. Cancellations within 60 to 89 days receive a 50 percent refund of the total trip cost. Within 59 days, trips are nonrefundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellations and medical emergencies.
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.
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