The Best Spots for Whale Watching Around Sitka
Sitka, Alaska is an outdoor lover’s paradise boasting some truly stunning scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The town sits at the edge of the Northern Pacific Gyre, where the Japanese Current brings slightly warmer water into Sitka Sound, attracting a wide range of aquatic species, including several different species of whales. A huge number of humpback whales makes their home in the area during the summer and fall before migrating out into the open ocean on their way to Hawaii for the winter. All these factors make Sitka one of the best places to spot whales in Alaska and possibly the world.
Where to See Whales Around Sitka, Alaska
Whales are so abundant around Sitka that you can often spot them when you’re walking through town. Still, the best opportunities are found further along the coasts in Sitka Sound, especially during the annual herring run. The deep waters around St. Lazaria Island and Cape Edgecumbe are also prime spots to see whales as well as bald eagles, cormorants, puffins, and much more.
Further north out of Sitka, the areas around Salisbury Sound, Sea Lion Cove, and Starrigavan Recreation Area are also home to a huge number of whales, sea otters, and other aquatic wildlife. Another option is further south along the coast in the waters near Whale Park and Silver Bay where humpbacks tend to congregate in large numbers from September to January.
What to Expect from Your Trip
When you choose Sitka Whale Watch, you have the freedom to plan your trip the way you want. Captain Cody is out on the water almost every day, whether fishing or looking for whales, and he will guide you to the prime spots to ensure you see lots of wildlife and some truly epic mountain views. Our trips are primarily focused on finding whales, and we often see humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, and even the occasional minke whale. You can also expect to spot Steller sea lions, sea otters, great blue herons, kingfishers, and a huge variety of different seabirds.
We always attempt to make sure that every trip is a success, but the only thing that we can’t really control is the weather. This means that the main factor that will dictate where we go is how rough or calm the water is. Still, the fact that so much wildlife can be seen so close to town means that you’re sure to have a fantastic experience even if the conditions are too rough for us to head further out into the sound.
You’re also ensured of a comfortable ride aboard our custom-built 35-foot boat, the Kimshan. You can either stay inside the spacious cabin out of the wind or head out to the large back deck to give yourself the best chance of seeing whales and other wildlife. With more than 25 years of experience navigating the waters around Sitka, Captain Cody and Sitka Whale Watch have everything you need to make your Alaska whale-watching adventure one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
