We will explore the waters of Sitka Sound, experiencing the humpback whales. The whales have made their long journey from Hawaii, where they have spent the winter mating and calving. 

This is an excellent time of the year to potentially experience breaching or bubble-net feeding as the whales are fattening up on the abundance of herring. 

The rocky shorelines, saltwater marshes, bogs, and woodlands of Southeast Alaska comprise a birder’s paradise.  The diversity of habitats ensures a wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, including large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds.  Bald eagles are common in the Southeast; their numbers are measured in the thousands. During these Spring trips, you can potentially see the Long-Tailed Duck and the golden eye harlequin ducks. You can not see these again until our December trips.

Birds that are commonly seen.

• American Dipper
• Bald Eagle
• Belted Kingfisher
• Chestnut-Backed Chickadee
• Cormorant
• Black Oystercatcher
• Black Turnstone
• Bonaparte’s Gull
• Common Loon
• Common Merganser
• Common Murre
• Fork-Tailed Storm Petrel
• Fox Sparrow
• Greater Yellowlegs
• Harlequin Duck
• Jaeger
• Long-Tailed Duck
• Marbled Murrelet
• Pigeon Guillemot
• Raven
• Red-Necked Phalarope
• Rufous Hummingbird
• Surfbird
• Surf Scoter
• White-Winged Scoter
• Winter Wren The

The Sitka herring fishery isn't just a spectacle in the water; it transforms the beaches. As the herring spawn, masses of their eggs, known as roe, cling to kelp fronds, washing ashore and creating a unique sight. Exploring the beaches during this time offers a fascinating glimpse into this vital part of the ecosystem.   

From the pristine Alaskan waters to your plate, our all-inclusive chef will craft a menu featuring the freshest seasonal seafood – halibut, black cod, salmon, crab, shrimp, and more – tailored to your tastes. Enjoy this "from sea to table" experience with your local captain and discover the importance of sustainable fishing. We happily accommodate all dietary preferences. Unless otherwise requested, a delicious seafood dish is featured at one meal daily. 

You will cruise the Sitka Sound exploring the wildlife. There you may see Steller sea lions, otters, seals, and multiple other bird species.  We can not predict the wildlife and what we will see, but that is part of the adventure! 

 Bring your swimsuit and experience an Alaskan hot spring!

Commercial fishermen gather in Sitka from all over Alaska to harvest herring for their valuable eggs. The eggs are sent to Japan and repacked in small cedar boxes for Christmas gifts.  

Have a glass of wine, play a game, read one of the beautiful books aboard, edit your incredible photos, or just daydream! 

 The Alaska Raptor Center provides medical treatment to around 200 injured birds each year.  Although they specialize in raptors, they will aid any wild bird in need.  They try to rehabilitate and release all avian patients, however, some are injured too severely to fully recover and survive in the wild.  These non-releasable birds may join their Raptors-in-Residence team, helping teach the public and school children about the wonders of Raptor's natural history and the habitats in which they live!
Raptors-in-Residence, include bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls and you will learn about their habitats and how they came to be permanent residents at the Center.

Sitka, Alaska, is located on Baranof Island, part of the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska. Nestled amidst stunning scenery, it offers a blend of Russian and Tlingit cultures. Travelers will depart from Petersburg via Alaska Airlines or the Alaskan Marine Highway Ferry.