Sitka Sea Birds & Marine Life Private Charter Scenic Eco-Tour

Exploring Sitka’s Marine Life: A Close-Up Look at the Private Sea Birds & Marine Life Eco-Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Southeast Alaska’s wild coastline without the crowds, then a private boat tour like the Sitka Sea Birds & Marine Life Private Charter might be just what you need. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve researched it thoroughly and spoken with travelers who have, and honestly, it sounds like a fantastic way to see the region’s abundant seabirds and rugged scenery in a personalized, relaxed setting.

What really catches my eye about this adventure are two key things: the flexibility in choosing your start time—anywhere between 8 am and 2 pm—and the expertise of your captain, a seasoned Merchant Marine with over 30 years on the water. Plus, the chance to visit the Saint Lazaria Islands, a protected seabird sanctuary, adds a special touch.

Of course, a private tour at nearly $1,000 for a group of up to five isn’t cheap, but for those looking for a tailored experience with professional guidance, it could be well worth it. Be aware that the tour depends heavily on weather conditions, which is typical for this kind of adventure, so some flexibility is necessary.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who love wildlife, scenic cruising, and personalized service. If you’re after a peaceful, bird-focused cruise with a knowledgeable captain leading the way, this might be right for you.

Key Points

• Customizable Schedule: Start your tour anytime between 8 am and 2 pm, with options to extend or shorten your trip.
• Expert Guidance: The captain’s 30+ years of experience ensures safety and rich local knowledge.
• Wildlife Focus: The tour is designed for birdwatching, particularly seabirds like puffins, storm-petrels, and murres.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect views of Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano, Sitka Sound, and the surrounding islands.
• Private and Intimate: Small group setting (up to five) means personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Weather Dependent: The adventure relies on good weather; cancellations are possible if seas aren’t cooperating.

A Closer Look at the Sitka Sea Birds & Marine Life Private Charter

When considering a trip to Sitka that combines marine wildlife, scenic views, and personalized service, this private charter from Outer Coast Charters stands out. It’s not a big group tour or a generic cruise—this is tailored, focused, and designed for those who want an immersive wildlife experience with the comfort of a private boat.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour revolves around two main stops, with the flexibility to pivot depending on sea conditions and wildlife activity. It begins at the meeting point on Harbor Drive, where you’ll step aboard the Suzy-Q, a sturdy and safe aluminum Stabicraft vessel built in New Zealand. The boat’s double hull design and safety features promise a smooth ride, and the private nature of the tour means it’s just your group and your captain.

First Stop: Sitka Sound and Islands

Your captain will customize the route on the day, aiming to maximize wildlife sightings and scenic views. Typically, you’ll cruise around Sitka Sound, exploring its lesser-known coves and islands, or head to the Saint Lazaria Islands if seas permit. This flexibility is a real plus because weather in Southeast Alaska can change quickly, and a good captain will adapt accordingly.

During this segment, you’re likely to see a variety of seabirds—eagles, puffins, storm-petrels, murres, and more. The focus is on active bird sightings and photography opportunities, so come prepared with your camera. The scenery is equally impressive, with sweeping mountain vistas, volcanic peaks, and the vast Pacific horizon.

Second Stop: Saint Lazaria Islands

A highlight of this tour is the visit to Saint Lazaria Island, a protected seabird sanctuary. This rugged, remote island is home to hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds, including:

• 250,000 breeding pairs of fork-tailed and Leach’s storm-petrels
• Up to 5,000 murres
• 1,500-2,000 puffins
• Around 1,000 rhinoceros auklets

Since access to the island itself is restricted to research, the views from the boat are your best chance to observe these remarkable colonies. The island’s exposure to the Pacific makes it an ideal habitat for seabirds, and your captain’s local knowledge will help you spot and understand these incredible creatures.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The major selling point is its personalized nature. Unlike larger group cruises, this private experience allows you to set your pace and focus on what interests you most. The flexibility in start times and the option to extend your trip mean you can tailor the adventure to your preferences.

The expertise of the captain is another advantage—three decades of experience on the waters of Southeast Alaska translates into safer navigation, insightful commentary, and the ability to seek out wildlife hotspots. This is valuable because spotting seabirds and marine life often hinges on the captain’s local knowledge and timing.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

From the one review available, it’s clear guests have found this trip to be quite memorable. The reviewer recounted a marriage proposal facilitated by the captain, emphasizing the personalized service and attention to detail. They also appreciated the captain’s skill in seeking out wildlife, which is crucial for a good birdwatching trip.

While the review doesn’t mention every detail, it hints at the tranquility and beauty of the experience—the kind of day where nature’s rhythms take center stage, and the views are as stunning as the wildlife.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $995 for a private group of up to five, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s tailored, private, and led by a seasoned professional—factors that add to its appeal. If you’re passionate about birdwatching, wildlife photography, or simply want a quiet, scenic cruise with expert guidance, many would see this as a worthwhile splurge.

Keep in mind that the tour includes all fees, taxes, snacks, sodas, and water, so there are no surprise costs. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, so plan to bring your own if you want a toast to the scenery.

Practical Considerations

• Weather Dependency: Bad weather can mean cancellation or rescheduling, which is common in Southeast Alaska. Flexibility is key.
• Duration Flexibility: You can opt to shorten or extend the trip, so think about how much wildlife or scenery you want to pack into your day.
• Group Size: With just your party on board, you get a more intimate experience but also pay a premium compared to larger tours.
• Accessibility: The meeting point is easily accessible, and the boat is equipped for safety, including for service animals.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who values personalized attention, loves birding, or seeks out off-the-beaten-path scenery, this private charter offers a memorable way to experience Sitka’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for nature enthusiasts who don’t mind the weather-dependent nature of marine wildlife viewing.

Travelers looking for a luxurious, flexible experience that combines scenic cruising with serious birdwatching will appreciate the tailored itinerary. It’s also a good choice if you want a special occasion—like a proposal or celebration—set against the stunning backdrop of Alaska’s coastline.

However, if your main priority is guaranteed wildlife encounters regardless of weather, or if budget constraints are a concern, you might want to explore other options, though they may not offer the same level of customization.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, but you can choose to extend or shorten it depending on your preferences and weather conditions.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can select any start time between 8:00am and 2:00pm to suit your schedule.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers a private, fully equipped Coast Guard-approved boat, snacks, sodas, water, and all fees and taxes.

Are there any additional costs?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want drinks beyond the provided water and sodas.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not specifically mentioned, the tour’s nature suggests it’s suitable for travelers comfortable on boats, but check with the provider if you’re traveling with young children.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent safe operation, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For those interested in exploring Southeast Alaska’s marine environment in a relaxed, personalized setting, this private charter offers a compelling mix of wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and expert guidance. The focus on seabirds and the opportunity to visit one of the region’s most significant bird colonies make it a particularly appealing choice for birders and nature lovers.

While it’s an investment, the intimacy and flexibility, combined with the knowledgeable captain’s ability to seek out wildlife, mean you’re likely to come away with some unforgettable memories. Just keep in mind the weather dependence and potential costs, and plan accordingly.

If you’re after a peaceful day on the water, with a good chance of spotting puffins, storm-petrels, and eagles, and want to do it in style with your own group, this tour could be a highlight of your Sitka visit.