Visit Sika Magazine 2022-2023 | Page 19

Tour the Wild
To learn more about Sitka ’ s wildlife viewing and boat tours , check out :
visitsitka . org / things-to-do / activities / wildlife-boat-tourswater-taxis

Meet Our Wildlife

Visitors can learn about ocean creatures when they take wildlife boat tours , which navigate through the maze of smaller islands , providing the best views of marine and land animals while offering educational insights .
For Neil McDermott , owner of A Whale ’ s Song Expeditions , every outing brings new sights and animal behaviors — one of the most memorable being an otter floating belly-side up and munching on a small octopus . Neil offers small group outings for more intimate wildlife viewing . Whether it ’ s whales , otters , brown bears , or puffins , he curates each tour based on the interests of his passengers . Many come to see whales breaching or feeding , and his boat brings a unique twist not offered by others : the use of a hydrophone to hear the calls and songs of whales .
Neil loves marine life , so A Whale ’ s Song provides environmentally responsible excursions and is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance as a responsible whale watching company .
For more unparalleled wilderness adventures , you can hop aboard one of Sitka ’ s many marine life tour operations . For groups of six or less , take a boat tour with Compass Rose Charters . Gallant Adventures also caters to smaller groups and travels deep into the Sitka Sound . Another small group operation , SeaMarine , takes passengers to explore St . Lazaria Island , a hot spot for bird watching . Photo safaris and beachcombing picnics are a highlight of Alaska Wild Coast tours . Larger groups can book wildlife viewing adventures through Allen Marine Tours , which provides guests with a meal stop at Fin Island Lodge .
If you are looking for an option that offers land and sea experiences , take a tour with Cpt . Gary ’ s Sitka Adventures . Visitors can also take the wheel with Sitka Zodiac Tours , where you drive your own Zodiac while following your guide .
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