If you like whales, otters, sea lions and seals, rain forests, harbors and fishing boats, then Sitka is the place for you. Early August is a great time to photograph humpback whales, salmon running up Indian Creek, fishing boats, the rain forest, and sunsets from Harbor Mountain or the nearby harbors.

Sitka is usually very comfortable and maybe even a little rainy when it is really hot in the rest of the country.

This photo tour revolves around daily excursions on Sitka Sound to photograph humpback whales and other sea mammals. We will also see and photograph sea birds, including Tufted Puffins, magnificent scenery, different species of whales, and fishing boats.

On shore, we will spend time in harbors, at the nearby Totem Park, at the rain forest along Indian Creek, and at Sitka itself. We will also drive up Harbor Mountain for the stunning view and at least one sunset. And we will visit the Alaska Raptor Center.

Daily boat trips will each last about 2 ½ to 3 hours. Three trips are planned with an extra day just in case we need a rain make-up day. And if we don’t get a rainy day, you can book a fourth day on the sound.

The boat we will be on is small but large enough for our group to move around comfortably and not get in each other’s way. You can photograph from the bow or stern, and the cabin is warm and dry. The size of the boat also means that we can get into areas that other, larger tour boats cannot. Our boat captain was born and raised in Sitka and has spent his lifetime exploring the waters of Southeast Alaska.

Come and join us on this Alaska adventure!