Sitka Premium Sightseeing Excursion

Description

• Round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier!
  
• Air-conditioned(and heated) and licensed vehicles!
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides!
  
• Visit and entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear!
  
• Get a custom visit to the Raptor Center!
  
• A 35-minute hike along the Sitka National Historical Park!
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Sitka and the surrounding area!
  

If you want to experience the beauty of Sitka and the surrounding countryside away from the large crowd, this small group adventure offers just that in a serene and picturesque setting!
You will take the free shuttle from your Sitka cruise ship to town and meet your guide at the Visitor's Center. Your local guide, a true Alaska resident, will provide you with inside information about the area. Sitka is located on Baranof Island in Alaska, originally settled by the Tlingits more than 10,000 years ago. After boarding your 10-passenger van, you will be driven south to Silver Bay, a deep-water fjord with striking cliffs. Your guide will share stories about present-day Sitkans while you relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. When you stop for a photo opportunity, you may even see some wildlife such as whales, eagles, sea lions, and salmon.

After arriving, you'll embark on an exciting adventure at the Fortress of the Bear in Tongass National Forest. You will get up close and personal with the brown bears who live in this natural habitat! You will be within 25 feet of them! Most of the bears were rescued from sad and dire circumstances, but now they are lovingly cared for in the largest bear habitat in North America! Toby, the only female, came here with her two brothers after their mother died from eating plastic bags from a garbage can. You will learn all about the challenges faced by the caretakers in providing for Toby and the other bears!

After visiting with the bears on land, it is time to look to the skies and know the Alaska Raptor Center! This amazing facility was started in the backyard of two area residents with one bald eagle. Having a population of 24 raptors in residence, this rescue rehabilitation center has taken in many injured and sick birds of prey including, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and others. Their goal is to release the up to 200 birds they receive annually into the wild after they have been rehabilitated and taught to fly. Those who cannot survive in the wild are sent to wildlife centers or they may join the family of permanent residents at the Center.

Your final stop on your experience is at Sitka National Historic Park, the oldest national park in Alaska! On the site of a battle between invading Russians and the indigenous Tlingit people, you will stroll amid the towering spruce, red alders, and hemlock of the rainforest. View the amazing totem poles scattered amid the forest. Your guide will walk you down a path that overlooks the Indian River - a truly magnificent sight. The park and surrounding areas are home to approximately 30 species of water and land mammals, and over 200 species of birds, migratory and resident fish. If you visit in mid-season, you may be able to witness salmon spawning and learn about their life cycle from your knowledgeable guide.

After such an unbelievable and beautiful personalized experience, you can either ride back to the Sitka cruise ship shuttle with your guide or extend your day in nature a little longer by taking a 15-20 minute stroll down the unique Sea Walk that will take you back to the cruise pier shuttle. It will be difficult to find a more enjoyable, awe-inspiring, or informative adventure in Sitka!

What is included?

• Round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier
  
• Air-conditioned (and heated) and licensed vehicles
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides
  
• Visit and entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear
  
• Get a custom visit to the Raptor Center
  
• A 35-minute hike along the Sitka National Historical Park
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Sitka and the surrounding area
  

Excursion Notes

• We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof.
• Please wear sensible walking/hiking shoes that may get wet.
  
• Guests must be able to navigate the tender pier ramp, which may be quite steep at low tide. There are railings on either side to assist. Walking on the tour includes over paved, rock, and packed dirt surfaces.
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.

Where we meet

For Sitka Premium Sightseeing Excursion, you will meet your guide on your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier shoreside. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to step into and out of transportation.
  
• Guests must be able to walk approximately 450 yards (411 meters) over paved, gravel, boardwalk, and uneven surfaces, some on inclines.
• Lightweight, layered clothing that will keep you warm even in wet weather, and sturdy, comfortable shoes are suggested.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.
  

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.