Sitka

Your adventure begins with a narrated drive along a winding, coastal road to visit the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility at Silver Bay. The sanctuary is a non profit education and rescue centre for orphaned Brown Bear cubs. Marvel at the ingenuity of reusing an abandoned wood mill to create a home for these awesome, yet vunerable animals.

During the tour your guide will explain the dynamic living culture of today’s Alaskans and how the original inhabitants of Southeast Alaska, both human and animal, have thrived here for thousands of years.

Your journey then continues aboard a catamaran for your Sea Otter Quest. Cruise the bay in search of sea otters, whales, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Brown Bears, Sitka Blacktail Deer and a variety of marine birds, all in their natural habitat.

A fabulous opportunity to observe, in their natural habitiat, sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, Harbour Seals, Brown Bears, Blacktailed Deer, Bald Eagles and a variety of marine birds.

Your catamaran has been specially designed to navigate Southeast Alaska’s narrow island passages and bays, allowing for spectacular wildlife viewing at close range. Each vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with enclosed seating and large windows, whilst the open top observation deck is ideal for unparalleled photo opportunities.

An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem. You’ll also learn about the sea otters’ recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800’s.

Enjoy a fascinating insight into the care of rescue birds at the Alaska Raptor ‘Bald Eagle’ Centre. The rehabilitation programme is mostly run by volunteers, who provide care to rescued Bald Eagles, owls and hawks with the hope of releasing them back in to the wild. After a brief introduction, visit the outdoor observation deck, were you can see the birds in their natural habitat, wander through the eagle flight centre and view the treatment room. The highlight of your visit will certainly be the ‘bird on a glove’ presentation.

Explore the first Russian Orthodox Cathedral in America, St Michael's, and view the priceless icons and religious artifacts. You’ll also visit the Sitka National Historical Park where the 1804 Battle of Alaska was fought. During a brief drive through the historic district, have your camera at the ready as you pass the Russian Cemetery and Castle Hill, the site of the 1867 land transfer ceremony and purchase of Alaska from colonial Russia. To complete your tour of discovery, sit back and enjoy an authentic Russian folkloric dance performance.

The first stop on your tour is at the clubhouse to get kitted out with state of the art gear for an exhilarating adventure. Climb into an exposure suit and balaclava, guaranteed to keep you warm on the coolest of days, and safety glasses to protect your eyes from the sea spray.

Travelling at speeds of up to 50 mph, fun on the waves comes with a blast of fresh air on the outdoor straddle seats of the raft. Hold tight as your ride takes you off shore into the ocean waters, where you will fly over the swells whilst watching out for possible whale and sea otter sightings.

Explore the ravaged volcanic coastline of Kruzof Island and get up close to the towering cliffs, where sea birds nest. Dependant on sea conditions, venture into the volcanic sea caves. At opportune times your captain will stop the boat and shut down the engine so you can listen to the surf crashing off the volcanic cliffs and the songs of nesting seabirds or for whales breathing. This is an intimate glimpse of Alaska’s wild splendour that will excite your senses and leave you with lasting memories.

Join your knowledgeable guide for a 2½ mile walking tour, through the historic streets of Sitka. Your first photo stop is at the base of Castle Hill, where Alaska was purchased from Russia. At every turn there are signs of the town’s rich cultural heritage, from Totem Square, the Prospector Statue and the Russian Blockhouse. Admire St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which has been carefully restored following a fire in 1966.

En route to Sitka’s National Historic Park, you’ll pass the Russian Bishop's House and Sheldon Jackson College. The Tongass National Forest trail is lined with authentic totems to guide you through the lush vegetation and swamp-like muskeg that is home to most of Alaska's bird, plant and wild berries. Enjoy a visit to the Raptor Centre, where you can explore and photograph the open bird habitat and clinic area, which offers great views of the rescued Bald Eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.

At the end of the tour you may opt to stay in the historic downtown area next to the Cathedral, or return to the tender point.

Immerse yourself in the hidden world beneath the Alaskan waters.

Thanks to long summer daylight hours and the nutrient-rich currents of the North Pacific, you’ll discover that the cold waters of Alaska team with life, including a variety of aquatic plants, jellyfish, anemones, crab, starfish and fish. Large, underwater viewing windows allow you to encounter the underwater world up close while the narration of a trained naturalist enhances the experience. A scuba diver using high quality, underwater equipment will film, and onboard monitors will reveal even more of the world beneath the sea.

Then head to the top deck to view the harbour sights on the return trip to Sitka. Enjoy some refreshments and an opportunity to see up close and touch some of the aquatic life that have been brought up from the deep and placed in the touch pool, an open-top aquarium.

Sitka sportfishing is one of Southeast Alaska’s best kept secrets. Sitka Sound offers an abundant supply of salmon throughout the season from May through to September. Combine this with dramatic views and opportunities to see marine wildlife, and you have an exciting fishing trip.

Join your US Coast Guard licensed captain and experienced fisherman to discover Alaskan salmon fishing in a small group setting. Once onboard, you’ll receive a brief safety talk and then depart for the fishing grounds for approximately 3 hours of fishing time.

Bottled water, soft drinks and snacks will be provided during your trip.