Experience world-class humpback whale viewing in the pristine waters of Sitka Sound. Witness the spectacular bubble-net feeding - a behavior Sitka is uniquely famous for.
Plan Your Trip āSitka is one of the best spots in Southeast Alaska for humpback whale watching, with an impressive 99.9% success rate for wildlife viewing. The nutrient-rich waters of Sitka Sound provide ideal feeding grounds that attract humpbacks reliably throughout the season.
Peak viewing May-September with feeding, breaching, and tail-slapping behaviors.
March is exceptional for this spectacular cooperative hunting technique. Sitka is THE world destination.
Sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, plus bald eagles and puffins.
Operators report exceptional sighting rates in these rich feeding grounds.
Intimate 4-16 passenger vessels for closer wildlife encounters.
Planet Earth and Our Planet chose Sitka for bubble-net feeding footage.
June and July offer peak whale activity with the highest chances of sightings. However, March is exceptional for witnessing bubble-net feeding during the herring spawn.
| Month | Highlights | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| March | ā Bubble-net feeding peak, herring spawn | Cool (30-40sĀ°F) |
| May | Season begins, fewer crowds | Mild, longer days |
| June-July | āā Peak activity, best weather | Warmest (50-65Ā°F) |
| August | Excellent viewing continues | Warm, occasional rain |
| September | Migration prep, fewer tourists | Cooling, rain increases |
July offers the warmest weather, longest daylight hours (sunrise ~4 AM, sunset ~10 PM), and peak whale activity. Temperatures range from high 40s to mid-60sĀ°F.
If witnessing the dramatic bubble-net feeding is your priority, March is arguably the single best month despite cooler temperatures. The herring spawn concentrates whales for spectacular cooperative hunting displays.
Bubble-net feeding is a remarkable cooperative hunting technique where groups of humpback whales work together to trap fish. Sitka is the most reliable place on Earth to observe this behavior.
Late March through first week of April is the absolute peak, coinciding with the herring spawn. The behavior slows down by April and largely stops after the herring spawn ends.
All operators depart from Crescent Harbor (330 Harbor Dr) and run 2-3 hour small-boat tours:
| Operator | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Gary's | 5.0 ā (300+) | Women-owned, small-group focus |
| Sitka Sea Level | 5.0 ā (200+) | Family-friendly, flexible hours |
| Coastal Tours | 5.0 ā | Dedicated whale watching, small groups |
| Gallant Adventures | 5.0 ā | All-day operation, good for kids |
| Ben's Sitka Boat Tours | 5.0 ā | Small groups, family-friendly |
| Sitka Sound Tours | 4.8 ā | Indigenous & women-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly |
Different species have distinct peak viewing windows in Alaska:
| Species | Best Months | Behaviors |
|---|---|---|
| Humpback Whales | May-Sep (peak Jun-Aug) | Bubble-net feeding, breaching, tail slapping |
| Gray Whales | April-June | Spring migration, spyhopping |
| Orcas | May-September | Occasional sightings, coordinated hunting |
| Sea Otters | Year-round | Floating, grooming, tool use |
| Steller Sea Lions | Year-round | Hauled out on rocks, swimming |
Juneau has a slight edge specifically for whale watching, while Sitka offers comprehensive marine wildlife experience. Sitka's small-boat tours (4-6 passengers) allow closer approaches than larger vessels in other ports.
Wildlife encounters in Sitka Sound
June-July for peak humpback activity with warmest weather and longest days. March is exceptional for bubble-net feeding during the herring spawn - arguably the most spectacular wildlife event in Alaska.
Primarily humpback whales (May-September). Also gray whales during spring migration (April-June) and occasional orcas. Tours also regularly spot sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles, and puffins.
Excellent! Tour operators report a 99.9% success rate for wildlife viewing. The nutrient-rich waters of Sitka Sound provide ideal feeding grounds. Sitka offers comprehensive marine wildlife experience with small-boat intimacy.
A spectacular cooperative hunting technique where groups of humpback whales create curtains of bubbles to trap fish, then lunge upward simultaneously. Sitka is the most reliable place on Earth to witness this behavior, especially during March herring spawn. The BBC filmed Planet Earth footage here.
Most tours are 2-3 hours on small boats (6-16 passengers). During March bubble-net season, specialized photography tours run 8 hours with 30-70+ feeding events per trip. Tours depart from Crescent Harbor downtown.
Yes, especially for June-August when prime season dates fill quickly. March bubble-net feeding tours book up months in advance - reserve as early as possible. Cruise ship visitors should book tours timed to ship schedules.