The Best Sitka Independent Shore Excursions

 Sitka, Alaska, is a charming coastal town nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tongass National Forest. Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is known for its unique blend of Native Tlingit culture and Russian history. Once the capital of Russian America, the town features historic landmarks such as St. Michael's Cathedral and the site where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867.

Visitors are drawn to Sitka for its spectacular natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Bald eagles soar overhead. Sea otters float in the harbor. Humpback whales, seals, and sea lions are often spotted in the surrounding waters. Popular attractions include Sitka National Historical Park, where scenic forest trails wind past carved Tlingit totem poles. The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Visitors can also explore local shops, art galleries, museums, and waterfront restaurants, or enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife cruises.

Click here for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

This unique pub crawl shares the haunted history of Sitka and the stories of some colorful local residents. Through entertaining storytelling, you will be taken back to a time where the population wore top hats and petticoats. The bartenders share first-hand descriptions of their interactions with the ghosts they work with. Specialty cocktails have been created by different pub stops on this tour that are exclusive for guests on this tour. The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Challenge yourself to a treetop adventure on this aerial ropes course in Sitka with round-trip transfers from the cruise terminal conveniently included. Receive instruction from your guides and learn the smart belay system before tackling the course. Cross a series of suspended bridges, hold on tight to the ropes, and handle aerial obstacles along the way. The meeting spot for this tour is right by the cruise terminal.

Skip the impersonal, large-group bus tour and explore Sitka on a small-group day trip  to the city’s top landmarks at your own pace. Your guide brings you to four highly-rated attractions, including Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park. All entrance fees are included for your convenience. The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Get closer to nature during an intimate, small-group adventure around Sitka Sound. Look for whales, brown bears, eagles, and sea otters with the Sitka Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour. Create lasting memories of seeing these animals in their natural habitats while learning more about them from experts. The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Love folklore dance performances? Since 1969 the New Archangel Dancers have promoted Alaska as a visitor destination by sharing their knowledge of Sitka's Russian History and their pride in Alaska.  The Dancers' success and notoriety have been enhanced by regular guest performances at important public events. The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Active, adventurous travelers will love taking a small-group snorkel tour around Sitka Sound to experience the underwater world. You’ll be fitted with a semi-dry suit to keep you warm in the cold Alaskan water. Your guide will keep you safe and lead the way as you look out for octopus, rockfish, anemones, and other cold-water creatures that call Sitka Sound home.  The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Want to strech your legs? Join a Guided Hike to Tongass National Forest, the biggest National Forest in the U.S. Your guide helps you forage for berries and mushrooms and tells you about what life is like in Sitka. Keep a lookout for bald eagles and, during the right time of year, salmon spawning. The meeting spot for this tour is in downtown Sitka. There is a free shuttle from the port to downtown. It takes about 15 minutes.

Want to explore Sitka on your own? Book an Electric Bike Rental to Explore Sitka. Staff help you plan the best route for you based on the sights you want to see and the level of activity you want for the journey.  The meeting spot for this tour is right by the cruise terminal.

Love to create? Make your very own metal art with the help of a professional shop teacher. Spend 2.5 hours making a marine-themed souvenir. See how a CNC Plasma cutter works. Turn a flat metal fish into a lovely keepsake to forever remind you of your trip to Sitka. The meeting spot for this tour is outside the cruise terminal.

Looking to kayak? Every  Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure is catered to each individual groups abilities and the current weather conditions. We launch our tours from an ideal location where the guides can take you on a comfortable and fun kayaking experience. The meeting spot for this tour is right by the cruise terminal.

We’ve done our best to select excursions that could be fun for your family. As with all excursions, please do your own due diligence with the excursion provider, review physical requirements for the tour, and read the liability waiver carefully before signing.