Advanced Bike Trip

Tour Code: SIT-007

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 4 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Embrace the beauty of Alaska's scenic natural terrain in an exhilarating new way during this memorable bicycle tour of Sitka.

This tour has been recommended by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society based on its philosophy that guided experiences in nature should inspire people, young and old, to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems.

Depart the pier for a guided bicycle ride along Lincoln Street, up Jeff Davis, past Sheldon Jackson College and south beyond the post office on Saw Mill Creek Road. The bike lane ends about one mile from the dock, but continues on paved road for the next five miles. Your ride will continue past the site of the old pulp mill, where you will be given a choice between two options:

Option one is a ride up Blue Lake Road, which stretches approximately two miles and climbs over 500 feet in elevation on a narrow, and in parts, very steep gravel road. You will have a snack at the end of the road, then proceed for an approximate half-mile walk to scenic Beaver Lake. Upon arrival, you will then retrace your route to the dock.

Option two is a ride past the mill site to a dirt and gravel road. There are waterfalls and magnificent views along this coastal ride. The ride will conclude at the fish hatchery, where you will be served a snack and learn about the hatchery (no inside visit is included). Your ride will then return along the same route.

Raingear (pants and jacket), a helmet, a complimentary water bottle, a candy bar and a light snack will be provided.

Please note: This 4-hour, dock-to-dock tour departs from downtown Sitka, and is only recommended for advanced, physically-fit bikers capable of riding between 16 and 23 miles with an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. All riders must wear helmets, and attend a safety briefing. The ride is performed using 21-speed TREK Mountain bikes with front shocks. Dress comfortably, and wear sturdy shoes. Participants must be at least 16 years old and 4'10" in height. Minors must be accompanied by a parent to participate on this tour.

Historic Sitka and Nature Walk

Tour Code: SIT-002

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 2 1/2 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Discover Sitka's fascinating history and natural beauty on foot during this scenic walking tour of the city, and a nature walk at the Sitka National Historical Park.

Depart the pier for the scenic guided walk to Castle Hill, site of the 1867 land-transfer ceremony when Alaska was purchased from Russia. You will then pass through Totem Square, formerly the Russian parade grounds, and the barracks area. You will then see the Prospector statue at the pioneer home grounds and the Russian blockhouse in the Old Russian Cemetery.

Next, you will walk along the harbor's shoreline to visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House. However, a visit inside the Bishop's House is not included in the walk. Along the way, you will see many Victorian-style homes and ornate churches before passing Sheldon Jackson College, home to James Michener during the writing of his book, Alaska.

Afterward, you will proceed for a visit to Sitka National Historical Park, where walking trails lined with authentic totem poles will guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest. As you cross the bridge at Indian River where salmon spawn in the late-summer, you will learn about the rain forest ecosystem, and local plant and animal life. At the Raptor Center, you will encounter the swamp-like muskeg soil and alpine meadow where most of Alaska's bird, plant and wild berries thrive.

You will then explore and photograph the Raptor Center's open bird habitat and new Eagle Flight Center, home to bald eagles, owls, hawks and other birds of prey. During your visit, the staff will explain the Raptor Center's mission and answer questions.

Your tour will conclude with a transfer back to the pier. If you wish to explore more of Sitka, you will be dropped in the center of the historic downtown area at St. Michael's Cathedral, located just two blocks from the ship.

Please note: The tour involves 3 miles of walking over uneven ground, trails and stairways at a steady pace. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, and wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes. An admission ticket will be provided to visit St. Michael's Cathedral on your own after the tour. The order of sites visited may be reversed.

Jet-Cat Wildlife Quest and Beach Exploration

Tour Code: SIT-009

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 hours)

Tour Effort: Moderate

Alaska's diverse marine and wildlife are yours to discover during this intimate wildlife-viewing adventure aboard a deluxe expedition-style catamaran, and a visit to a remote island.

Depart the pier aboard a catamaran for a cruise along Sitka Sound's rugged coastline. Your captain will use his understanding of tides, weather and seasonal changes to design an expedition uniquely-suited to the day. The high speed and maneuverability of your catamaran will allow you to explore areas unreachable by conventional boat, and witness the very best of Sitka Sound's marine and coastal wildlife.

During your ride, you may see whales, sea otters, puffins, brown bears and other diverse species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the captain will skillfully maneuver the vessel to provide optimal viewing, and your naturalist guide will explain their fascinating life cycles and behavior. You can take in this encounter from the comfort of the window-lined cabin, or indulge all of your senses by experiencing it from the open deck.

Next, you will step ashore on a remote island to explore colorful tide pools, trace the meandering tracks of wildlife, or settle on a giant beach log and take in the splendid beauty of your surroundings. While beachcombing, keep your eyes peeled for Japanese fishing floats and other exotic flotsam. Enjoy a complimentary gourmet snack as you "fly" back to Sitka in catamaran comfort, including full restroom and mini-galley.

Please note: This tour involves up to a half-mile of hiking over wet, rocky and uneven terrain. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. The minimum age to participate on this tour is eight years old. Dress warmly in layers, and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Rain poncho, binoculars, snacks and beverages are provided. This tour operates in all weather conditions.

Ocean Raft Adventure

Tour Code: SIT-012

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 2 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Experience Sitka's picturesque coast in a unique new way during this exciting and memorable ocean rafting adventure.

After being outfitted with state-of-the-art gear that includes a Coast Guard-styled exposure suit, balaclava, safety glasses and gloves, you will embark your Adventure Raft 1(AR1) for an exhilarating ocean excursion. Specially-designed straddle seats offer comfortable and secure seating for your exciting trip. As you proceed offshore, you will fly over ocean swells at speeds up to 50 m.p.h., and feel blasts of fresh air in the open seating of the AR1.

Along the way, seabirds will glide by as you take in the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of whales and sea otters en route to the ravaged volcanic coastline of Kruzof Island. While exploring this coastline, you will have an opportunity to get up-close to the towering cliffs where sea birds nest and fly into volcanic sea caves. At opportune times, the captain will stop the boat and shut down the engine to enable you to hear the surf crashing off of volcanic cliffs, the songs of nesting seabirds or the sound of whales breathing. Following your ocean rafting adventure, you will be returned to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves travel over open water, and is recommended for guests in good physical condition only. Riding on the craft can be very bumpy depending on weather conditions.

Russian America, Raptor Center and Russian Dancers

Tour Code: SIT-001

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 4 hours)

Tour Effort: Moderate

This unique excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a tour through the Alaska Raptor Center. The Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.

Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. Time may be spent walking the forest trail, viewing cultural exhibits and video presentation, or talking with local native artists about their cultural art form.

Your next stop will be at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Several distinct periods of Alaskan history are preserved within the island community of Sitka, from the early Native American civilization through the Russian Colonial period and the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Before the European colonists arrived in Alaska, the Eskimo, Aleut, Athabaskan, and Tlingit native groups lived off the land here. At the museum, view artifacts from that period that reside in the Sheldon Jackson Museum, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of the native settlers living in a very unforgiving land.

After leaving the Museum your guide will drive you by Castle Hill, site of the 1867 land transfer ceremony. Upon conclusion of the drive you will make the final stop at St. Michael's Cathedral and view original Icon Artwork dating back to the early 16th Century. The Cathedral is the mother cathedral for orthodoxy for all of America. After the church you may disembark on the main street to shop or be returned directly to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour involves walking of up to 1 mile (approximately 1 1/2 hours). The order of sites visited may be reversed.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest

Tour Code: SIT-004

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 hours)

Tour Effort: Easy

Discover Alaska's abundant marine and wildlife during this award-winning cruise through one of the world's most beautiful coastal environments.

Depart the pier aboard a boat in search of Alaska's abundant marine and wildlife. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bears, deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds. You will also learn about the sea otters' recovery following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early-1800s. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem throughout the tour.

Your waterjet-driven tour vessel has been specially-designed to navigate Southeast Alaska's narrow island passages and open bays, and offers spectacular wildlife viewing at close range. Each vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with enclosed seating, large windows, a snack bar and restrooms. During your cruise, you may visit the topside Observation Deck for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Binoculars, a souvenir route guide, complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided.

Please note: The operators of this excursion guarantee that you will be able to view at least one otter, whale or bear, or receive $100 cash as you disembark the vessel. This tour operates in all weather conditions. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the Observation Deck.

Sitka ATV Expedition

Tour Code: SIT-011

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 1/2 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Embrace the scenic natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness during this exclusive off-road adventure on Kruzof Island.

After boarding your skiff boat, you will have a rare opportunity to experience the Alaskan wilderness during a picturesque 30-minute ride through the scenic islands and channels of Sitka Sound. Along the way, your captain will discuss your surroundings, and help you spot marine life that may include whales, seals, sea otters and sea birds.

Upon landing on Kruzof Island, you will be met by your guides, receive your safety and driving instructions, then board your two-person Yamaha RHINO off-road vehicle. Your guides will then lead your group on an exhilarating ride through Southeast Alaska's lush temperate rainforest. Your first stop will be at the Iris Meadows Estuary. The meadow is filled with Alaska's beautiful vegetation and wild flowers, and is a great place to look for Alaskan brown bears and Sitka black tail deer; both are common to the area.

After stopping to let the drivers switch positions, the tour will continue on to North Beach. You will pass through an old-growth forest, and out on to a beautiful black-sand beach. Here, some time will be made available to relax, gaze out over the ocean in search of whale spouts and sea otters, take photographs and have a homemade snack with a beverage. On the return trip, a final stop will be made for a walk through a meadow and on to a bridge where salmon can be seen during spawning season. Binoculars, helmet, and a rain poncho or disposable raingear will be provided.

Following your visit, you will reboard your ATV for the ride to the boat landing, and a transfer back into town. Upon returning to Sitka, you will reboard your van for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: As this tour involves travel over bumpy surfaces, guests with back and/or neck problems and guests with limited mobility are discouraged from participating. Participation on this tour will be limited to a small number of guests. Guests are advised to dress warmly in layers, and wear clothing they won't mind getting wet and muddy. The minimum age to participate on this tour is 12 years old; minors must be accompanied by a parent. Binoculars, helmet, and a rain poncho or raingear will be provided. For insurance purposes, each driving participant must present a valid driver's license and be at least 21 years of age. Guests will be required to sign a waiver in order to participate in this excursion.

Sitka Cycling and Forest Walk

Tour Code: SIT-003

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Explore a side of Sitka rarely experienced by visitors during this unique and exhilarating cycling tour and forest walk. This tour has been recommended by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society based on its philosophy that guided experiences in nature should inspire people, young and old, to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems.

Guest are transported by motor coach to the south-end of Sitka's road system. After receiving your safety and riding instructions, you will don your helmet and begin your bicycling adventure in Sitka. As you breathe in the crisp, clean outdoor air, your guides will lead you on a bike tour and inform you about Sitka's local history, current events and natural beauty. En route, you will also take in spectacular views and photo opportunities of the Pacific Ocean, Silver Bay and the mountainous backdrop. This tour also includes a hike to Thimbleberry Lake, which includes approximately one mile of hiking and crosses a waterfall. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a gently rolling, 4-mile bicycle ride, and a total of 1 mile of hiking and walking. This tour is recommended for guests that are in good physical condition, and able to ride a bike. All riders will be required to wear the provided helmet. Raingear will also be provided (if needed). Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. Participants must be at least ten years old, at least 4' 10" tall and accompanied by a parent if under the age of 18. This non-smoking tour operates in all weather conditions.

Tongass Rainforest Nature Hike

Tour Code: SIT-010

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Discover the diverse flora, fauna and history of the world's largest temperate rainforest during this memorable hike in the Tongass National Forest.

This tour has been recommended by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society based on its philosophy that guided experiences in nature should inspire people, young and old, to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems.

Depart the pier for the transfer to the Starrigavan Trailhead. The trail climbs to and crosses a muskeg area, then descends to the Starrigavan Estuary. From here, you will take a guided walking tour to Starrigavan Creek, a seasonal spawning ground for salmon.

Next, you will reach a boardwalk, then proceed to a viewing area overlooking the estuary. The second half of your tour will commence along the trailhead and into the headlands before descending to Mosquito Cove, a small cove on the ocean.

Following your visit at Mosquito Cove, you will continue on the loop, return to the Starrigavan Trailhead pick-up spot and reboard your bus for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes a potential 4-mile hike. Each group sets their pace and may hike 2-4 miles. The hike inlcudes some steep climbing over uneven surfaces. Additionally, the hike gains some elevation, approximately 300 feet at the highest point, but is mostly along a level maintained boardwalk and gravel path. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This non-smoking tour operates in all weather conditions. A rain poncho will be provided (if needed). The minimum age to participate on this tour is ten years old; children must be accompanied by a parent. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing with hiking shoes or boots.

Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure

Tour Code: SIT-006

Tour Length: Half-Day (Approximately 3 hours)

Tour Effort: Strenuous

Embrace the exceptional beauty of Sitka's pristine surroundings from a unique perspective during this memorable sea kayaking adventure.

This tour has been recommended by Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society based on its philosophy that guided experiences in nature should inspire people, young and old, to act responsibly for the protection of our planet's vital ecosystems.

After meeting your guides on the pier, they will outfit you with your waterproof gear and life jacket. You will then embark a motorized, inflatable Seahawk craft for the transfer to the kayak base camp, which is tucked away in a picturesque cove. Here, you will receive your safety and kayaking instructions before embarking your two-person kayak. You will then be lead by your guides through the tranquil waterways in a group of four to six kayaks. Along the way, your guides will acquaint you with this area's spectacular marine environment.

Afterward, you will return to the base camp for a hot beverage and snack before being transferred back to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 1 hour of kayaking, and is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests will be required to sign a waiver in order to participate on this tour. Children must be at least six years old in order to fit into the required life jacket. Each guest will be assigned a life jacket, which must be worn throughout the tour. Due to insurance liability, only life jackets provided by the tour operator will be permitted on this tour. Raingear will also be provided (if needed).