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Sitka Scenic Tour: Explore Alaskan Raptor Center, Bear Fortress, and Totem Park in Comfort
4.7
263 Ratings
Sitka
Embark on a 2.5-hour Sitka Scenic Tour and explore the Alaskan Raptor Center, Bear Fortress, and Totem Park. Avoid the crowds with a small group in a comfortable Nissan NV tour van. Hear captivating stories from a local guide equipped with a wireless microphone. Make the most of your time in Sitka with this private and fun adventure!
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Silver Bay - Your local guide narrates what life is like in Sitka as you drive south to Silver Bay. Here, incredible beauty unfolds around each and every bend in the road. We will stop for an amazing photo opportunity and possible wildlife viewing. We often see whales, eagles, sea lions and salmon jumping.
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Fortress of the Bear - Our most popular stop. Here you will have the opportunity to get within twenty-five feet of our distinctive Brown Bear in a naturalized setting.
The three-quarter acre habitat, set against the National Forest, is the largest bear habitat in North America and is complete with covered viewing areas.
Meet their experienced rescuers as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, but yet revered creature of the forest.
Learn the challenges they experience as they seek to rescue these incredible giants. - Alaska Raptor Center - Next you will start your private small group tour of this amazing raptor rehabilitation center. Located on a 17-acre campus bordering the Tongass National Forest and Indian River, its primary mission is the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey which are brought in from all over Alaska. The Center (the largest of its type in the state, and one of the largest in North America) receives between 100-200 birds a year, with many suffering from gunshot wounds and traffic accident-related trauma. The Center’s goal is to introduce the birds back into the wild, once they are healed and retrained in “raptor life skills” (such as flying) in the enclosed, Bald Eagle Flight-Training Center. A few of the animals that could not be returned to nature have become permanent guests. You will see up to two dozen resident eagles, hawks, owls, and ravens, who assist in the Center’s secondary function, that of public education.
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Sitka National Historical Park Main Entrance - You continue to the oldest national park in Alaska: Sitka National Historical Park. You’ll be amazed as you stroll among the stunning Tlingit and Haida totem poles amidst hemlock and spruce trees on the scenic coastal trail. After, join your guide on a beautiful walk overlooking the Indian River. In the middle of the season, witness salmon spawning while your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the amazing life cycle of the salmon.
All Guests will be given the choice to drive back with your guide or stay longer and stroll the beautiful Sea Walk back to town a 15-20 minute stunning walk.
What's Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Accommodation as per itinerary
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (recommended) for great service.
Additional Information
Explore the three most popular attractions in Sitka! The Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, and Sitka Historical National Park (Totem Park) are all must-see destinations. Instead of joining the crowded big bus tours offered by some cruise ships, sit back in our new model (10 passenger) Nissan NV tour van for a more intimate exploration.
Your tour guide is a native Alaskan who is passionate about their hometown and eager to share stories about life in Sitka. Equipped with a wireless microphone, your guide will ensure that everyone can hear clearly, even when he or she is outside helping you off the van–nothing will be missed!
To avoid large groups, we’ve scheduled this 2.5-hour adventure for off-peak hours, providing a more personal and enjoyable tour experience. Before your journey begins, you’ll have ample time to shop downtown (a mere 10-minute walk) or embark on a Marine Wildlife Adventure to make Sitka the highlight of your cruise!
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Standard seat size (17 inches) if you require more space, please book accordingly.
- ALL tours start at Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka Alaska 99835.
- Please take the free down town shuttles to meet us for your tour! We will be at the drop off point with yellow trimmed signs and blue jackets.
Location
330 Harbor Dr
Harbor Drive
If your at the Sitka Terminal Cruise Ship Dock walk off the ship and follow the down town shuttle signs.They only drop you off at Harrigan Centennial Hall where we start all tours!The shuttle ride will take 12-15 minutes.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(263 Ratings)
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M5409mdcherylh
Jul 3, 2024
Knowledgeable Guide. - Glorious! Really enjoyed both the fortress of the bears and the raptor center. Our guide also took us along a forest trail and highlighted details of the flora and fauna. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1clipse
Jul 2, 2024
The best things to see in Sitka - What a wonderful excursion this was. We went to Fortress of the Bear, The Raptor Sanctuary, Totem Park and a few other spots. Our tour guide, Daryll was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and a great guy. Truly made our tour that much more enjoyable
Review provided by Viator
Ben_g
Jul 2, 2024
A good taste of Alaska - Great little tour. We saw fishing vessels coming into town; totems, trees and wildlife at Sitka National Historic Park (missed the salmon by a month); eagles, owls, and a falcon at the Alaska Raptor Center; and finally brown and black bears at the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue center. Our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. We were in a minivan, so the tour was very intimate. Loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Jmspring31
Jul 1, 2024
Great small group trip - Brett was an excellent driver guide. It was wonderful to be in a small group of only 9. We can’t choose between the raptors and the rainforest part of the trip and the fortress of the bears was interesting too.
Review provided by Viator
Jill_r
Jul 1, 2024
Great day in Sitka! - Vaughn was a very knowledgeable guide who shared his fondness for Sitka. We especially loved the Sitka National Historic Park.
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_b
Jun 30, 2024
Great way to see Sitka - Great trip at a reasonable price. Deanna was a great guide and had endless patience with our at times unlistening group. They accommodated car seats and boosters as well for little ones. Was a great way to spend a few hours in Sitka
Review provided by Viator
Maryanne_c
Jun 30, 2024
Great experience Our... - Great experience Our guide Bruce was knowledgeable and fun. He kept the tour moving along and had our attention all the time Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_w
Jun 29, 2024
Wonderful experience for families - We really enjoyed silver bay, the fortress of the bears and the raptor center. We saw bald eagles flying overhead. Amazing experience.
Review provided by Viator
Rochelle_m
Jun 28, 2024
Eagles and owls and bears, oh my! - Our driver, Liz, was great she is very knowledgeable of the area and gave great commentary for the entire trip. Eagles and bears were awesome! Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Diana
Jun 26, 2024
Good tour but quick. - Tour was supposed to be 2 1/2 hours but started 1/2 hour late due to late disembarkation of passengers from a cruise ship. We were not part of that cruise ship. Brent, our tour guide was very good. But we assumed we would still get the 2 1/2 hour tour & have it end at 4:30. But Brent told us he had another tour to do at 4 pm so everything at each stop seemed to be rushed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
