Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group)

The Sitka Shore Excursion offers a captivating exploration of Sitka’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Small groups embark on a half-day journey, delving into the region’s diverse wildlife and historical significance. From encountering majestic brown bears to observing birds of prey at the Raptor Center, the tour promises an enriching experience. The adventure culminates at Totem Park, where visitors learn about the intricate Tlingit culture and its iconic totem poles. With a carefully curated itinerary, this shore excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

This experience made our article of Our 4 Favorite Sitka Shore Excursions.

Key Points

• Explore Sitka’s natural and cultural highlights in a half-day small group tour, including the Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center, and Totem Park.
• Encounter Alaska’s brown bears up-close at the Fortress of the Bear wildlife sanctuary.
• Observe a variety of raptors, such as bald eagles, hawks, and owls, at the renowned Raptor Center.
• Learn about the symbolic meanings and cultural heritage of the Tlingit people through the intricate totem poles at Totem Park.
• Enjoy opportunities for memorable photography throughout the excursion, with a focus on the region’s diverse natural wildlife.

Itinerary Overview

The Sitka Shore Excursion Tour offers visitors a comprehensive half-day exploration of the city’s natural and cultural highlights.

The tour begins at the Fortress of the Bear, an educational wildlife sanctuary that provides up-close encounters with Alaska’s iconic brown bears.

Next, guests visit the renowned Raptor Center, where they can observe and learn about various birds of prey.

The final stop is the Totem Park, where a guided tour showcases the rich history and artistry of the region’s indigenous Tlingit culture through the interpretation of towering totem poles.

Throughout the excursion, participants have ample opportunities to capture memorable photographic moments.

Wildlife Encounters

A highlight of the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour is the opportunity to observe Alaska’s diverse wildlife up close. Visitors can expect to see majestic bears at the Fortress of the Bear, an educational wildlife sanctuary. Plus, the Raptor Center allows up-close encounters with birds of prey, including bald eagles, hawks, and owls. The tour also includes a visit to Totem Park, where guests can admire the intricate carvings and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.

Wildlife Encounters	Description
Fortress of the Bear	See Alaska’s bears in a wildlife sanctuary setting
Raptor Center	Observe birds of prey like bald eagles, hawks, and owls
Totem Park	Admire the intricate carvings and learn about Tlingit culture

Raptor Center Visit

As part of the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour, visitors have the opportunity to experience the Raptor Center, a renowned wildlife rehabilitation and education facility.

The Raptor Center provides a unique chance to learn about and observe various species of raptors, including owls, hawks, and eagles.

Guests can expect an informative guided tour, where they’ll get up-close encounters with these magnificent birds and learn about their biology, behaviors, and conservation efforts.

This portion of the excursion offers a captivating and educational experience, complementing the tour’s other activities focused on Sitka’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Totem Park Exploration

After exploring the captivating Raptor Center, the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour continues its immersion into the region’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the renowned Totem Park.

Guests are treated to a guided tour through the serene park, where they can:

• Admire the towering, intricately carved totem poles that stand as a testament to the artistic prowess of the Tlingit people
• Learn about the symbolic meanings and cultural significance of these iconic structures
• Gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous traditions and history that are woven into the landscape of Sitka.

Tour Duration and Schedule

The duration of the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour is a well-planned half-day experience, spanning approximately 6 hours from start to finish. This tour operates on a regular schedule, with departure times from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, during the peak season from May 1st to September 30th.

Departure Time	Duration	Days of Operation	Months of Operation
8:00 AM	6 hours	Monday – Sunday	May – September
9:00 AM	6 hours	Monday – Sunday	May – September
10:00 AM	6 hours	Monday – Sunday	May – September
11:00 AM	6 hours	Monday – Sunday	May – September
12:00 PM	6 hours	Monday – Sunday	May – September

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Sitka Shore Excursion Tour includes an array of experiences and considerations for participants.

The tour provides round-trip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. Entry fees to the Fortress of Bears, Raptor Center, and Totem Park are included, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Sitka.

Plus, the tour includes:

• Knowledgeable driver/guide to provide commentary and insights throughout the excursion
• Gratuities for the driver and any other service providers
• Food and drinks to sustain participants during the half-day adventure

Accessibility and Requirements

Though not wheelchair accessible, the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour does accommodate strollers. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Cruise ship passengers are required to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time at the time of booking. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Accessibility	Yes	No
Wheelchair		X
Stroller	X
Infants	X

Passengers with special needs should contact the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour can accommodate their requirements.

Booking and Cancellation Details

How does the booking and cancellation policy for the Sitka Shore Excursion Tour work?

The tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options to provide travelers with peace of mind. Key policy details include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for last-minute changes in plans.

• Reserve Now and Pay Later option, enabling customers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

• Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers receive the best available rate.

While some issues with Viator’s booking process have been reported, the tour itself receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes food and drinks as part of the package, so bringing your own is generally not necessary. However, you may wish to bring any special dietary items or personal preferences.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour information does not mention any discounts for seniors or children. Prices listed are a fixed rate per person, without specified reductions for certain age groups. The maximum group size is noted as 16 travelers.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Need More Time?

The tour has a fixed duration of a half-day. Tour operators generally do not offer the option to extend the tour duration, as this would require additional logistical arrangements. Participants should plan their time accordingly to make the most of the scheduled activities.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for Private Tours?

The maximum group size for private tours is not specified in the provided information. The tour details indicate a maximum group size of 16 travelers for the regular scheduled tours.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?

Travel insurance is generally not required for this tour, as it is not mentioned in the tour details. However, purchasing travel insurance can provide additional protection and coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances during the trip.

The Sum Up

The Sitka Shore Excursion offers an unforgettable opportunity to take in the natural and cultural wonders of Alaska. From up-close encounters with bears to learning about the Tlingit’s rich heritage, this tour promises a truly enriching experience for small groups. Amidst the breathtaking Alaskan landscape, participants can create lasting memories and deepen their appreciation for the region’s unique wildlife and traditions.