Sitka is Southeast Alaska's most distinctive port - the only stop on the Inside Passage where Russian colonial history, Tlingit culture, and dense coastal rainforest sit within a twenty-minute walk of each other. Once the capital of Russian America, it's one of the few places you can go from a Russian Orthodox cathedral to a totem-lined battlefield trail without needing a shuttle bus.
A single day in Sitka covers more historical and cultural ground than almost anywhere else on an Alaska itinerary.
Get in TouchA Russian Orthodox cathedral rebuilt after a 1966 fire and now a National Historic Landmark, still standing in the middle of downtown Sitka - a living reminder that this was once the capital of Russian America.
Alaska's oldest national park. A forest trail lined with genuine Tlingit and Haida totem poles leads to the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka, where Russian forces fought the Tlingit for control of the region.
Alaska's largest raptor rehabilitation center, caring for 100 to 200 eagles, falcons, and owls a year - within walking distance of the cruise dock.
A wildlife rescue site where black and brown bears unable to return to the wild roam a large open enclosure - one of the safest, closest looks at an Alaskan brown bear you'll get on a cruise.
Sitka was the capital of Russian America before Alaska was ever a state. Today it mixes Russian and Tlingit history with some of the best wildlife viewing in Southeast Alaska. Sea otters, eagles and bears are all on the menu, often in the same day.
An award-winning wildlife cruise through Sitka Sound, where sea otters are the stars. Snacks are included, and there's a wide range of other wildlife to look for along the way.
Sitka's three wildlife highlights in one day: the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest cruise, a guided visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, and the rescued bears at Fortress of the Bear.
Visit two rescue centers for injured and orphaned wildlife: eagles and other birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center, then brown bears at Fortress of the Bear. Local seafood is included.
Sitka's Russian, Tlingit and American history in one tour, with a Native dance performance and the totem poles of Sitka National Historical Park.
A drive through Sitka with stops at the Alaska Raptor Center and the totems of Sitka National Historical Park. It finishes with Native songs and stories in a clan-style house.
A guided paddle through reefs and kelp forests along the coast, watching for otters, eagles and even bears. A hot drink and a snack wait at a floating base camp.
An active guided hike through the world's largest temperate rainforest to a creek where salmon spawn, finishing with a tide-pool walk on the beach.
Fish for king and coho salmon in Sitka Sound with expert guides and good gear, just minutes from the cruise pier. Good for all skill levels.
Yes, you can snorkel in Alaska. A dry suit keeps you warm as you float over kelp forests and eelgrass beds full of colorful sea life.
Excursions shown are as offered on Princess Cruises sailings. Other cruise lines calling at Sitka run similar tours, but names, durations and availability vary by line, ship and sailing date - ask us what's on your itinerary.
A few Sitka spots worth knowing about before you go.
Rustic Mediterranean-leaning seafood from chef Colette Nelson - consistently rated Sitka's best table, and small enough that reservations matter.
Formerly Larkspur Cafe, now helmed by chef Renee Trafton (a James Beard Award semifinalist) - creative small plates and a deck that fills up fast with locals.
A Sitka steakhouse institution on Halibut Point Road, a short drive from downtown.
Thin-crust pizza and a full brunch menu overlooking the O'Connell Bridge and Sitka's waterways.
“Wonderful cruise. Andrew made everything easy. Alaska is definitely a beautiful state and should be on everyone's agenda. Andrew will guide you.”
Loves to Cruise, Cedar Grove, NJ · Alaska Cruise
