Join us for an unforgettable multi-day trip on Alaska's wild coast. Your own private guides, expedition craft, daily local connections, and access to Sitka's wild heart.
Explore the Wild Side of Sitka, Alaska
There’s nowhere in the world quite like Sitka, Alaska. Four-thousand-foot mountains rising straight out of the sea. Whales, eagles, and brown bears sharing the same shoreline. Wild, alive, and deeply connected.
I fell in love with this coast nearly twenty years ago while filming here. After all that time, after thousands of hours on the water, in the rainforest, watching wildlife in places most people never reach, I wanted to create a way to share it. Not through a screen, but in person, at the pace this place deserves.
Wonder Journeys are about giving you the chance to connect to the real Alaska. 1 to 7 days, up to 6 people, fully private, and shaped around your pace and interests. You have your own expedition craft, licenced USCG Captain, and naturalists. On the water at first light, daily connections with real locals, and the ability to reach places most visitors will never see. Time to witness wildlife and time to experience true exploration with your group.
I’d love the chance to share this coast with you.
A private vessel and a crew to reach the wildest places safely.
Whales, waterfalls, bears, otters, eagles, puffins and the capabilities to find them.
Hands-on activities with local researchers, biologists, and cultural educators.
Remote beach landings, hot coffee on the bow, lunches sourced locally.
A hardbound photo book of your trip, by Ben Hamilton.
Who We Are
Sitka Wonders is a family-owned wildlife tourism company founded by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ben Hamilton. After nearly two decades filming Alaska's coast for National Geographic, BBC, and Smithsonian, Ben built a company to share the experiences that made him fall in love with this place. It isn't built around bucket lists. It's built around connecting people with a truly healthy ecosystem, and bringing more curiosity and wonder into the way we see the world.
He is joined by captains and naturlaists Ellena Griffiths and Brandon Belestra. Ellena first came to Sitka for the seabirds and whales and sparked a lifelong passion. She has spent years leading expedition boats across Southeast Alaska, and she is happiest pointing out the thing you would have walked right past. Brandon is a USCG 100 Ton Master who has run expedition boats across this region for years. His knowledge running everything from dinghys to yatchs ensures your safe navigation through these wild waters.
Together, the three of them bring energy, skill, and a real passion for this coast that you feel from the first morning on the water to the last day of the trip.
NEW FOR 2026
She's named after the guests she carries. MV Wonder Seeker is built to reach the wild coast in comfort and safety, whatever your age or ability. She's stable, warm, and rugged. Built for beach landings and unhurried days of wildlife watching. She was built right here in Sitka, Alaska.
STEP BY STEP
Tell us when you're hoping to come, how long, and what you're most curious about. We respond within 24 hours, usually with a short call to learn what excites your group.
A custom proposal with sample itinerary, housing options, and pricing for your group size. Share it with your group. No pressure, no rush.
A 30% deposit secures your window. We help arrange housing in downtown Sitka at cost. Then we start shaping the details.
A 30% deposit secures your window. We help arrange housing in downtown Sitka at cost. Then we start shaping the details.
All Wonder Journeys are fully private. Pricing is per person, per day and includes all guided time on the water, lunches, snacks and drinks, local transportation, and permits. Housing, breakfast, and dinner are not included.
Spots are limited and housing books fast.
Groups smaller than four are welcome. The minimum trip rate is based on four guests regardless of party size. Couples and solo travelers are some of our favorite groups to host.
A 30% non-refundable deposit secures your dates. Balance is due 90 days before departure.
Tell us when you're hoping to come, how long, and what you're most curious about. We respond within 24 hours, and scheudle a follow up call to learn what excites your group.
Prefer to talk first?
Reach out to us directly at (907) 738-8381 or
info@sitkawonders.com
Alaska Airlines offers daily flights to Sitka (SIT) from Juneau, Anchorage, and Seattle. Most guests connect through Seattle or Juneau. Flight availability increases during summer. We recommend booking early.
We help every group find the right accommodation in downtown Sitka, within walking distance of the harbor. Options range from vacation rentals to hotels. Most guests prefer a house or apartment they can call home for the entire trip.
Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest and rain is part of the experience. Our boat is fully heated with an enclosed cabin and marine head. Most days the temperature ranges from 50-65 *F with light rain so we always suggest layering. We adjust each day’s itinerary based on conditions, always prioritizing safety and comfort. If weather is truly unsafe and we can't operate, we refund those days or allow you to apply them towards a trip at a later date.
Humpback whales are present throughout the season. Bald eagles are everywhere. Brown bears are most active on salmon streams from mid-July through September but can be seen grazing on sedges and berries in the early summer. Sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and dozens of seabird species are common throughout the summer. It's a thriving ecosytem and we never quite know what each day will hold, but that's part of the magic!
Our landing craft is extremely stable. The wide beam and aluminum hull handle Southeast Alaska waters well. Most of our time is spent in protected waters between islands. If you are prone to seasickness, over-the-counter remedies work well for most guests.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely. These trips are wonderful for families. We adjust the pace and activities to your group's needs. Some of our most rewarding days have been with kids discovering tidepools and watching bears for the first time. We recommend children be comfortable on a boat for extended periods.
What is the cancellation policy?
A 30% non-refundable deposit secures your dates. The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. If you cancel more than 90 days out, your deposit may be applied to a future trip at our discretion. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
When is the best time to come?
Every window from June through early September is extraordinary. June brings the longest days, incredible bird life, early bears, and returning whales. July has peak diversity with bears, birds, and marine life. August and early September bring the warmest weather and salmon runs and intense bear activity. There is no bad time.
Is this trip physically demanding?
It can be, but only if you want it to be! This is a fully custom tour built around your groups interests and abilities. Our guides can hike and explore with you for hours a day or we can spend most of the time on the water searching for wildlife and exploring remote coves and beaches. No hiking is required unless you want to. We shape each day to your group's comfort level. Guests of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.