So, you are headed to Sitka, Alaska, with plans to take a whale-watching tour. Excellent! As one of the most recognized outings in the area, whale watching offers a way to see the shoreline, the mountains, and all the beauty of Alaska from the deck of a magnificent boat. But before you set out on your Coastal Tours Sitka excursion, we have some tips to make your trip the highlight of your vacation. Sitka Alaska whale watching is an up-close and personal experience aboard the Goleta.
The Ultimate Whale-Watching Experience
- Plan ahead. To guarantee your spot aboard a whale-watching tour, reserve your spot early. You don’t want to wait and see if there is room on the boat. Always check the weather so you know how best to pack. Also, to see a specific whale species, check when they are most commonly seen and plan your trip accordingly.
Show up on time. Even better, show up at least 30 minutes early. Arriving early gives you time to locate your boat without time pressure. The town of Sitka (where you’ll board the Goleta) is about 15 minutes from the cruise ship pier via courtesy bus. Plan ahead so you have a little extra time. Don’t miss the boat!- Bring your gear. Yes, you can purchase some of those last-minute items in town before boarding, but it’s best to be prepared. The essential items you should have for whale watching are as follows:
- Snacks (Captain Rick makes sure he has drinks and snack available for his passengers. But if there’s something specific you want, bring it along).
- Camera
- A hat
- Layered clothing
- Medications -Don’t forget meds for motion sickness if you’re prone to it
- Sunglasses
- A Backpack
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries if you bring along a camera in addition to your phone.
Three Rules to Follow for your Sitka Alaska Whale Watching Tour
- Come prepared to have fun. No matter how much you plan, things can happen. Come ready to enjoy the naturalness of the boat ride. When taking to the Alaskan waters, you may see any number of animals. Seals, dolphins, ocean sunfish, otters, sea turtles, and amazing birds are all candidates to see. By looking toward the shore, you can often see wildlife like brown bears or black bears. Other than the incredible wildlife, you will have stunning scenery like mountains, glaciers, towering trees, etc.
- Talk to the Captain. Captain Rick ise very knowledgeable about the Alaskan waters and countryside seen along the whale-watching cruise. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what you see, or what to expect along the way.
- Be patient. Remember, the whales and wildlife are on their schedule, not yours. Whales, especially, are unpredictable. They can rise out of the water at any moment. So sit back, enjoy the ride, and keep your camera or binoculars ready.
As one of the area’s most delightful attractions, whale watching is a wonderful activity for the entire family! So grab your gear. And get ready for a memorable time aboard the Goleta with Captain Rick.