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AK Wildlife Cruises

Falmouth Premier Marina North Parade Falmouth Cornwall. TR11 2TD

Visit website [email protected] 07553 606838

Wildlife at it's best...

Our multi award-winning wildlife and sightseeing cruises are a wonderful way to see some of the wildlife around the spectacular coastline and surrounding waters and are available all year round from the heart of Falmouth. With passionate naturalists on board every trip and photography actively encouraged, these tours are popular with all ages. Our heated cabin and covered outdoor seating area provide a fantastic opportunity to observe wild dolphins and seals, basking sharks, marine birds and much more during your stay in Cornwall, and you can enjoy your trip in comfort even during the colder autumn and spring months.

Captain Keith and his crew are extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife, and are endorsed by the Seawatch foundation as a recommended boat operator with WiSe and The Whale And Dolphin Conservation Society, causing minimal impact to the environment. We do our utmost to support all the conservation groups we work closely and help promote their conservation initiatives. We record all the wildlife we see on every trip and share our cetacean sightings data freely with various wildlife trusts and organisations to help monitor and protect the animals in our waters.

Who know's what you might see...

We enjoy amazing encounters with the eight species of whale and dolphin, ranging from the small harbour porpoise up to the huge fin whale. In winter super pods of common dolphin arrive and our bottlenose dolphin pod are present most of the year. The local seal haul out is the largest on the south coast of Cornwall and can appear anywhere during the trip. We have nesting peregrines, which seem to be breading very well along the Cornish coastline.

Summer sees the return of one of the largest fish in the world, the basking shark, second only to the whale shark. Growing to 12 metres in length they are a jaw-dropping fish to watch whilst aboard Free Spirit. We also see ocean sunfish as well as a number of other fish species, the odd leatherback turtle and jellyfish in their hundreds. We get great views of Manx shearwater, storm petrel and other pelagic seabirds during summer and our local auk colony enjoys large numbers of breeding razorbill, guillemot and even bridled guillemot. Rarer birds such as skua and Balearic shearwater turn up on our trips too and our eagle-eyed crew will almost certainly spot them for you.

The diverse, rich wooded Fal estuary is the third deepest natural harbour in the world and is alive with a variety of wading and woodland birds, deer and seals. With over sixty miles of coastline and beautifully wooded banks to explore, the Fal Estuary makes a wonderful alternative when the sea is too rough to go offshore. The Carrick Roads is a vitally important wintering destination for black-necked grebe, but many other birds including red breasted merganser, Slavonian grebe, sea ducks, divers and waders also frequent the estuary in high numbers and osprey use the Fal estuary on their passage migrations.

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Prince William Sound

GLACIER & WILDLIFE CRUISES – VALDEZ, ALASKA

meares glacier excursion

Columbia Glacier Cruise

Why choose us

A day spent on the water with Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises is a complete Alaska experience! The Stephens family and crew will navigate through Prince William Sound with sights of magnificent glacial ice at Columbia Glacier, glacial calving at Meares Glacier, and wildlife like orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, seals, puffins, bald eagles, kittiwakes, cormorants, porpoise, goats and bears along the way.

In addition to the amazing wildlife and glaciers, we will share information about the history of Prince William Sound and Valdez, including commercial fishing, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System terminal, oil shipping, the area’s early explorers, and copper and gold mining.

Welcome to Valdez and Prince William Sound 

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises respectfully acknowledges that we live, work, and operate on the traditional land of the Alaska Native Alutiiq/Sugpiaq peoples. It is because of their stewardship that we are able to share the wonders of Prince William Sound today.

The traditional name of this area in Sugt’stun, the language of the Sugpiaq, is Suacit, which means, “the people of the place that rises into view.” Suacit and the surrounding Prince William Sound villages provided a bountiful harvest for the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people. We strive to respect the traditional lands and waterways as we operate. We encourage our guests to take time to learn about the history of our region’s Alaska Native people and their living culture.

Wildlife Tours

Wildlife tours around kachemak bay and seldovia | homer, ak.

Are you looking for activates for the whole family? Our wildlife tours are the answer to your search! Offering 2 hour wildlife tours on 6 passenger vessels gets the whole family out on the water and enjoying everything Kachemak Bay has to offer. Or join us for a full day cruise over to the historic town of Seldovia. Our wildlife tours are the best way to get out on the water. Browse Wildlife Tours below and book online!

• Most popular Wildlife Tour
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Bella Vita 2hr Wildlife Tour

Come see beautiful Kachemak bay from the comfort of our 32′ Bayweld, the Bella Vita! Departing everyday with a minimum of three people and a maximum of six.

2HR Wildlife and Sightseeing Tours on the Crusader

Come see beautiful Kachemak bay from the comfort of our 31′ Raider Boats, the Crusader!

• Hour Glass 7.5 hours

Seldovia Wildlife Tour

Affordable adventure for the whole family! Join us aboard the Discovery or Rainbow Connection for an amazing tour of Kachemak Bay and the community of Seldovia. Book today!

Didn’t Find What You Were Looking For?

Our Boat & Crew | AK Wildlife Cruises

Experience unmatched expertise and comfort with ak wildlife cruises & boat trips in falmouth, cornwall.

At AK Wildlife Cruises, we take great pride in providing exceptional experiences for our guests. Our dedicated crew and state-of-the-art boat ensure that your wildlife cruise  in Cornwall is not only safe and comfortable but also filled with knowledge, excitement, and lasting memories.  

Our C rew : Our crew members are passionate about marine wildlife and are committed to creating an engaging and educational experience for all passengers. With th eir extensive knowledge and expertise, they will guide you through the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the local ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and conservation efforts. Their friendly and approachable nature ensures that you feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout the cruise. We take pride in our crew's dedication to your enjoyment and safety.

Our Boat : We operate our wildlife cruises on a modern and well-equipped boat, designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience for our guests. The boat is equipped with advanced technology and safety features, ensuring a smooth and secure journey. Its spacious layout allows for ample viewing opportunities, ensuring that you don't miss any of the breathtaking sights and wildlife encounters along the way. Whether you choose to relax on the deck or gather information in the indoor viewing area, our boat offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Safety and Sustainability : The safety and well-being of our passengers and the marine environment are of utmost importance to us. Our boat undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to meet the highest safety standards. Additionally, we adhere to responsible wildlife-watching guidelines, respecting the natural habitats and behaviors of the marine wildlife we encounter. We are committed to promoting sustainability and minimizing our ecological footprint, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the ocean.  

Join us aboard our boat, accompanied by our experienced crew, as we embark on a wildlife adventure along the captivating coastline of Cornwall. Discover the beauty of marine life, immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your wildlife cruise with AK Wildlife Cruises and let our dedicated crew and comfortable boat elevate your experience, making it an unforgettable journey into the realm of marine wildlife.

SPIRIT OF THE SEAS 

" Spirit of Our Seas " is based on a tried and tested Blyth 33 , twin-engined displacement catamaran and has been completely custom modified, to Capt Keith's exact specifications for your absolute comfort and assurance 

With her two, industry-leading and award-winning for their low emission and superb quietness, electronic D6 Volvo engines @ 380hp . 

Spirit of Our Seas ", giving her a fabulous range of superbly comfortable cruise speeds, up to her very fast sprint speed of 28knots.

This will allow us all, to venture safely forth in too many new areas East, South, and West out of our wildlife-rich and sheltered waters of Falmouth Bay.   

Meet the AK Wildlife Cruise Team

The Crew working with Captain Keith will be with you on the day

Keith Leeves

Your Captain CK has vast experience working in the private boat chartering business over the many years of his long-standing career. Throughout this time, he has worked closely with such people as Dame Ellen MacArthur, working as her towboat captain during her record-breaking round-the-world trip. He has also worked alongside a selected team in the “Whitbread Round the World Race”, plus several other cross-Atlantic challenges that finished off at the Lizard Point in Cornwall.

From both a personal and business point of view, we do our utmost to support all the conservation groups we work closely with and help promote their conservation initiatives.

CK is a dedicated, professional wildlife guide, who understands the complex issues of filming in the natural world.  In the past, he has worked with “The Really Wild Show” and their presenter, Michaela Strachan, filming basking sharks. Furthermore, he has carried out survey work for the WDCS and the RSPB.

CK was the very first operator in the UK to endorse and sign up for the nationally accredited “WiSe” scheme, as well as being endorsed by the SeaWatch Foundation and the WDCS, ensuring sensitive interaction with all the marine mammals and birds observed during our “safari” excursions .

Cetacean Researcher

Sam Plowright

I’ve had a passion for the conservation of our marine environment since a very young age after being brought up in Cornwall and around the water and boats in Falmouth, seeing all of the diverse wildlife that the Cornish coastlines have to offer. As a result, I have completed my level 2 powerboats license and a course surrounding the identification of seabirds and marine mammals. All these experiences have led to me successfully applying to join Plymouth University to complete a degree in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation, where I’m now in my second year. My current research involves the beginning of my final year project where I will be looking at the effect of marine traffic on the numbers of common dolphins in Falmouth, which will be using the data that you allow us to collect aboard AK Wildlife Cruises!

I joined the team as a volunteer last year and I have been able to witness some truly amazing sights with by far the most amazing encounter being a collection of different groups of bottlenose dolphins amounting to over 200 in a small area! My aim for this year is to pass on the knowledge that I have around cetaceans to anyone who joins us onboard and promote the education of the conservation needed to a whole host of different communities to protect our vital marine ecosystems!

A multi-award-winning wildlife & sight-seeing eco-tourism cruise.  Including whale & dolphin watching, snorkeling adventures, filming trips, corporate hire, special occasions

We are WiSe Master accredited The WiSe Scheme is a training program all about watching Marine wildlife the wildlife-safe way!   The UK is home to a fantastic variety of marine wildlife, whether visible from the shore or from a boat. However, these wild animals are vulnerable to disturbance if not encountered in a manner that respects their wild nature. The aim is to promote responsible wildlife-watching, through training, accreditation, and raising awareness.

Book your wildlife cruises & boat trips in cornwall, 3 hr estuary cruise.

Embark on a scenic 3-hour estuary cruise from Falmouth to Truro. Discover the beauty of Cornwall's waterways, observe diverse marine life, and soak in the picturesque landscapes. Join us for a memorable journey along the stunning estuary. Book your cruise now

Immerse youself

Adults : £48 Child : £34

3 hr bay wildlife cruise.

Due to high demand, our shorter trip is aimed at those who have a younger families. The 3-hour boat trip will head out into Falmouth Bay to search for seals, seabirds, and if we are lucky a potential dolphin!

Perfect for families

Adults : £58 Child : £44

3 hr snorkel wildlife safari.

New for this season is the Snorkel Safari. Immerse yourself with the wonderful marine wildlife of Cornwall. You will not be alone in the water, and have a guide with you every step of the way. We will see what incredible marine wildlife there is to see!

Snorkeler : £60

4 hr coastal cruise.

Our most popular wildlife cruise. In which you will spend your boat trip exploring the southern coast of Cornwall as we cruise under the cornish cliffs, we search for wild animals which inhabit this region!.

Seeking more

Adults : £75 Child : £60

7 hr ocean exploration cruise.

Our longest boat trip we offer here at AK Wildlife, we start our day with a trip down the coast to the Lizard before adventuring into deeper water in search of our rarer

wildlife such as fin whales, storm petrels, and bottlenose!

Wildlife Enthusiasts

Adults : £115 Child : £100

Private boat hire - falmouth.

You will have Captain Keith as your skipper with his team of crew onboard. The boat will be only available to you and those you decide to bring along with you, you will be allowed a total of 14 people onboard.`

Cost : Enquire for prices

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Seward Kenai Fjords 4 Hour Wildlife Cruise

• Photos / Video
• Things to know
• Reviews (3)

Excursion Overview

Explore the calm, protected waters of resurrection bay.

Do you have limited time but still want to cruise and view wildlife? This 4 hour Seward Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise is a perfect tour for you! Look for Orca, humpback whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoises, puffins, harbor seals, bald eagles, and other marine life during your cruise on the calm and protected waters of Resurrection Bay. You will sail through the "Captain's Choice" route as your experienced captains will explore the area's wildlife hot spots to maximize your chances of viewing wildlife. This cruise is fully narrated by knowledgeable captains and crew members. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you may see alpine glaciers tucked in the surrounding Chugach and Kenai Mountain Ranges and cruise by Bear Glacier, a piedmont glacier and the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Experience the cruise that President Obama took on his visit to Alaska in 2015! Route Highlights: - Resurrection Bay - Bear Glacier (piedmont glacier, visibility weather permitting) - Cape Resurrection - Bird Rookery - Steller Sea Lion Haul Out - Thumb Cove and Humpy Cove - El Dorado Narrows *This can vary depending on wildlife and weather conditions.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Complimentary coffee, tea, and water
• fully narrated cruise
• Multiple viewing decks

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from Seward.)

• 4 hours - cruise

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the 4th Avenue check-in office. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible. 

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no meal included on this cruise. We have a snack bar onboard, and you are more than welcome to bring your own food with you. Glass containers and personal alcohol are not permitted. Snacks, beverages, beer, and wine are available for purchase at the snack bar during the cruise.

The Seward Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise offers reserved seating, onboard National Park Ranger narration, and features optional Alaska Salmon and Prime Rib Meal. The benefit of this 4-hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise is that it's less expensive, offers two departure times throughout the season, and less time on the water. This 4-hour cruise is narrated by our experienced captains and naturalist crew members.

Our guests stay on the boat for the entire cruise to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Guests are urged to dress in layers, including a warm rain-proof coat, hat, gloves, and comfortable, rubber-soled shoes. Guests are welcome to stay in our heated cabins, but warm clothes are recommended for guests who would like to spend time outside on the viewing decks.

Cameras (tripods are prohibited), extra batteries, and binoculars.

Our cruises go out rain or shine. We only cancel cruises due to unsafe sea conditions, in which case we will notify you as soon as possible. We reserve the right to cancel or re-route our cruises based on weather or other conditions.

You are welcome to store your luggage in our office during your cruise. We can also assist with delivering luggage to the train or cruise ship depots in Seward and Whittier.

Pets are not permitted onboard unless your pet is a needed companion due to a medical reason. There are several doggy daycare/boarding facilities in Seward.

No. All vessels are non-smoking. There are no designated areas on the vessels for smoking.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On jul 2023.

Nice boat and beautiful water, mountain views - wildlife viewing is unpredictable, as is nature! We saw what was available in a 4 hours cruise and were satisfied. No complaints - well run company highly recommend.

This tour ticked all our boxes for seeing wildlife. Excellent tour

Elizabeth G

On jun 2022.

Our captain was the best! So informative but didn't talk too much. The rest of the crew was very friendly and helpful. The sites and wildlife that we saw were amazing. The boat was very comfortable and it was helpful that everyone had dedicated seating areas if they wanted them.

• Reviews Showing: 3

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult (12+): $ 139.00

Child (2-11): $ 69.50

Infant (Under 2): $ 0.00

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Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises

Wildlife tours - anchorage, alaska, guided tours, self-guided tours, shuttle services, all wildlife tours.

• Most Popular
• User Ages 5+
• Hour Glass 5 hours
• Tags Guided Tour

Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour

Take an unforgettable glacier cruise right up to the face of a glacier, just 50 miles south of Anchorage. Motor to within 300 feet of the mammoth wall of ice called Portage Glacier.

• Hour Glass 4.5 hours

Wildlife Conservation Center and Turnagain Arm Tour

Board your Turnagain Arm Shuttle for the guided drive along Alaska’s most scenic highway. From beginning to end there are dramatic views of mountain scenery and the Cook Inlet.

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Anchorage All Around City Tour

Alaska’s Finest Tours has just made seeing the city a truly welcoming experience with a licensed Alaskan Native guide. A truly welcoming experience!

• Hour Glass 8 hours
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Alyeska Tram Tour

Alyeska Tram a Self-Guided Tour is for those who enjoy getting away from the crowd and explore on their own and at their pace. Best way to spend the day in Girdwood!

• Hour Glass 3.25 hours

Stunning All-Inclusive Scenic Turnagain Arm Tour

Take a breathtaking ride down the Alaska’s Most Scenic Highway to view awe-inspiring stops along Turnagain Arm.

Private Van Tours

Whether you’re interested in wildlife watching, scenic drives, hiking, or just taking in the natural beauty of Alaska, this private tour is the perfect way to experience it all.

• User Ages 8+
• Hour Glass 8.5 hours

Matanuska Glacier Summer Hike & Tour – Full Day

Walk across the glacier! Join us for a guided hike on one of Alaska’s most accessible and scenic glaciers.

• Hour Glass 9 hours

Self Guided Alaska’s Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure

Enjoy a self-guided e-bike adventure on the paved bike path known as Bird-to-Gird while touring parallel to the scenic Turnagain Arm and the Seward Hwy, one of the most beautiful highways in North America.

• Hour Glass 7.5 hours

Matanuska Glacier Winter Hike & Tour – Full Day

Join us for a guided hike on one of Alaska’s most accessible and scenic glaciers. This full-day tour takes you to the terminus of Matanuska Glacier, where you will meet with a knowledgeable guide who will follow you on a memorable experience you won’t forget.

• Hour Glass 7.25 hours

Bird Creek to Girdwood Bike Tour

This Self-Guided Bike Tour from Bird Creek to Girdwood is ideal for the independent traveler. Bike along Turnagain Arm to the ski town of Girdwood and more!

• Hour Glass 9.5 hours

Girdwood/Alyeska Bike Tour

This Self-Guided Bike Tour around Girdwood is truly idea for the independent traveler. Giving you a fabulous time biking the Trail of Blue Ice.

• Popular Self-Guided

Portage Glacier Lodge Self-Guided Bike Tour

This Self-Guided Bike Tour of Trail of Blue Ice from Portage Glacier Lodge is truly fun and unique adventure for the independent traveler.

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This self-guided Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Turnagain Arm Tour w/Alyeska is truly idea for the independent traveler. See more in one day!

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Self-Guided Tour of Portage Valley is for those who enjoy getting away from the crowds and exploring at their own pace. Best way to spend the day in Portage!

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Gold Panning Tour at Indian Valley Mine

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Bear Feeding at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Your shuttle will take you directly to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can witness Alaskan Wildlife up-close. We have timed this tour so that all customers will enjoy the bear feeding!

• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Express

This tour is for those who are on a time constraint and budget. This is a direct shuttle to the Wildlife Center with a scenic stop at Beluga Point.

Winter Alyeska Express

Board your Turnagain Arm Shuttle for the guided drive along Alaska’s most scenic highway on your way to ski Alyeska. Enjoy lunch and a day of skiing.

WHERE YOU'RE SURE TO FIND ADVENTURE!

Visit two of Alaska’s most popular attractions and enjoy a guided tour along scenic Turnagain Arm at a terrific price!

EXCITING AND UNIQUE ADVENTURES!

Mathew was an amazing guide!! He went out of his way to make the trip meaningful, exciting, and unique. He was so knowledgeable about the Alaska, having lived here for 30 years and we were able to see so many different kinds of wildlife!! I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to experience a soulful, spiritual, lovely Alaskan nature and wildlife experience!

What can I say?! From the amazing tour guides (Matt & Chris) one WILL NOT be disappointed or have a lack of a great experience! Anchorage has so much natural beauty to offer paired with very kind and knowledgeable tour guides that offer nothing but the best!

It was easy to book online and the afternoon was jam packed with awesome stops. Matt is super knowledge and friendly! Best way to spend your afternoon while getting to see so much that Anchorage has to offer. One of the coolest parts for me was the Wildlife Conservation Center - we got there at feeding time and really got to see the animals up close.

Amazing trip. I messed up on the date. 100% my fault. I showed up and the lovely women at the visitors center called the owner, who immediately tried to make it right. Thank you Chris for that amazing 1:1 tour….even if we only saw the “Queen” moose for a second 🤣

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KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK CRUISES

Locally-owned & operated.

View Whales & Wildlife

See towering glaciers, seward cruise & hotel packages, spring special: 25% off cruise & hotel, full-day glacier & wildlife tours, half-day wildlife tours, specials & packages, cruise kenai fjords national park with major marine tours.

Major Marine Tours offers world-class wildlife and glacier cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park, departing from the beautiful harbor town of Seward, Alaska. We are a locally-owned, family company with over 30 years of sharing authentic Alaska adventures with our guests.

Tour Kenai Fjords on one of our cruise options ranging from 4 hours to 8.5 hours. Our cruises explore the glacier-carved fjords and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, offering some of the best glacier viewing and whale watching opportunities in Alaska.

We offer a range of different tours based on your interests and itinerary, including cruise options with educational kids programs, cruises for birders and photographers, and shorter cruises that stay in calmer, protected waters. Cruises 6 hours and over include a complimentary hearty deli lunch for all guests.

From family-friendly cruises on large, stable catamarans to full-day small vessel adventure cruises – we have the cruise for you!

We are an Alaska company that cares - about our guests, about our community, and about protecting the beautiful places that we explore. Our goal is provide you with a high-quality, authentic, environmentally responsible experience that inspires you to love Alaska as much as we do.

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Sitka Wildlife Tours

Sitka's best scenic land & sea tours, sitka scenic tour.

See local attractions and spectacular wildlife on this tour, ideal for small groups.

• Users 10 people
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

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Locally Owned Alaskan Excursions

Enjoy a small-group tour of the scenic Sitka, Alaska, with Sitka Wildlife Tours. Our locally owned and operated Alaskan tours offer great photo opportunities and wildlife experiences from the comfort of a climate-controlled van and our 26-foot Glacier Bay catamaran vessel.

Sitka is home to majestic whales, eagles, otters, bears, and other wildlife, and our knowledgeable guides are experts at spotting them. Book one of our tours and see the best of Alaska.

Our Knowledgeable Staff Provides The Best Alaskan Wildlife Excursion

We can highly recommend this private company. We took a cruise to Alaska, got off the ship in Sitka, and looked over the private tour offerings. The owners of this company were friendly, personable, and made things work just for us. The price was more than reasonable. We were a group of 6, and 2 more people joined us in the van. Small, easy group. Our tour guide, Deanna, is a Sitka native and was just delightful. We couldn't have been happier.

One of the best excursions we had in Alaska. We were on a small boat with only 6 guests. Sonny was our Captain/guide. He is personable, knowledgeable and knows where to find the marine wildlife. First, however, we saw more bald eagles on one of the islands than I could imagine. Next came sea otters, sea lions, and of course whales. As an extra, we also saw Puffins. A great two hours with a wonderful guide. We highly recommend this excursion and this company.

We finished a cruise in Sitka and had less than a day in town. This tour fit the bill because we really wanted to see these sights before leaving. The owners worked with us about pickup (originally scheduled to be picked up at port, but we arrived earlier than expected. Luckily we were able to make last minute arrangements to change our pickup time/location). Our guide was amazing -- so enthusiastic about her town & the sights. She really made the tour enjoyable and shared her love of Sitka with us.

I always seek out local tours and this has to be one of the best! Bruce and Rhonda run a great business that can show you Sitka better with a smaller, more personalized tour and even save you some money over the cruise line excursions. Highly recommended!

We always try local companies and this time we hit the jackbox! Sikta Wildlife Tours are the best!, they are smaller group tours with most tour guides that have grown up in Sitka so they really know what they are talking about.

This was a wonderful tour and birthday celebration, most especially due to our amazing guide, Lindsay!! As a native of Sitka, she knows every inch of this beautiful place and shared her joyful knowledge with us along the way. I highly recommend the premium tour. There were only 7 of us in a comfortable small van. You will see unforgettable sights!!

Our group of six had the best time on our Sitka Wildlife Tour. Our captain was on time, friendly, and prepared (safety wise and with snacks). None of us could believe the amount of wildlife we observed during our 3 hour tour. Our Captain had a plethora of information from the history of Sitka to the migration patterns of the native species. It was an unforgettably perfect day.

Rhonda was a great guide, a native with lots of personallity and good insights! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the totems, raptors, and bears. There was just enough time at each location! What a lovely experience!

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Alaska Wildlife

Land, sea and air — be surrounded by alaska's wildlife.

Alaska wildlife includes some of the most amazing animals on the planet, making it a dream destination for anyone who appreciates nature. See otters floating through the water or orca whales surfacing from the sea. In Denali National Park, look for the Big Five — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep. Head into the depths of the Inside Passage for the chance to see hundreds of animals on an Alaska cruise.

Alaska Marine Life

Humpback Whales

In the summer, Alaska's waters are filled with more than 2,000 humpback whales that feed throughout Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay National Park and much of the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska. Humpbacks are the most well-known — and sought-after — of Alaska's wildlife, with their massive 35-ton bodies gliding effortlessly through the waters feeding on thousands of pounds of small fish.

Orca Whales

Contrary to their name, killer whales, also known as orcas, are members of the dolphin family. They are the largest, fastest and most powerful members of their kind. Not to mention, orcas are some of the most crowd-pleasing animals on an Alaska cruise. They receive the name "killer whale" due to their impressive hunting abilities, putting them at the top of Alaska's wildlife food chain.

Harbor Seals

Often seen lounging on the ice floes and bouncing on their bellies, harbor seals are one of the most famous Alaska animals. While not as limber on land, they make up for it with grace and speed in the water. In the summertime, almost two thousand harbor seals gather to hunt for fish, mate and raise their pups.

With strong front flippers and flexible rear flippers, sea lions can move their 600-2000-pound bodies faster than you’d imagine. Much like seals, their speed and maneuverability in the water are undeniably impressive, with the ability to dive more than 1,000 feet and hold their breath for over 15 minutes. Visitors can see and hear these adorable animals in Alaska during the summer as they gather to hunt and mate.

After near extinction, the sea otter remains one of the most recognized creatures of the ocean. You can often find these Alaska animals diving for shellfish or floating on their backs to eat. With up to one million hairs per inch — the most of any mammal — sea otters are comfortable in any climate. Look out for otters with lighter-colored fur around their faces. The lighter the color, the older the otter.

Salmon are the lifeblood of Alaska's ecosystem. Their annual return to the sea fills the rivers and feeds Alaska's animals, like bears and wolves. The local fishing industry relies on the plentiful harvest of salmon to provide for their economy and citizens. As world-famous celebrities, the native King Salmon attract locals and visitors to relish in what many call the best-tasting of their kind.

Alaska Animals on Land

Alaska's wildlife includes both brown bears — often known as grizzlies — and black bears. Between the coastline, forests and hunting grounds, there is evidence of bears everywhere. Look for tracks across the beaches or trees rubbed clean of their bark. If you're lucky, you might even see bears themselves wandering the landscape in search of their next meal.

Standing at over six feet tall and weighing nearly as much as an automobile, moose are the largest of Alaska’s wildlife. Often found wandering the forests in search of fresh willow shoots, moose are solitary creatures that travel far and wide looking for nourishment. This frequently leads them into urban areas, along roads and in the path of everyday Alaskans, who have learned to live peacefully alongside them.

With both males and females being able to grow horns, herds of migrating caribou are a dramatic sight among the wildlife in Alaska. Most recognize caribou by another name — reindeer. But, in North America, that name is only given to domesticated caribou found across Alaska. Keep your eyes peeled for herds in search of food and their favorite calving grounds.

Mountain Goats

Covered in thick white fur, mountain goats live along the rocky cliffsides and mountain slopes of Alaska’s southern coastal region. Similar in appearance to Dall sheep, mountain goats can be easily distinguished by their black horns and thick fur as well as their ability to scale sheer cliffs at nearly a full run. Keep a lookout for these animals on your Alaska cruise.

Large curved horns, white fur and a stout body give Dall sheep the distinctive look of one of the toughest Alaska animals. Many recognize the dramatic clashes between males as they run full speed and crash their horned heads together. Yet, Dall sheep are rather peaceful animals. They live in the dry interior regions and wander mountainous areas in Kenai, Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Wolves roam much of the Great Land, traveling in small packs as they hunt for their favorite Alaska wildlife — caribou, moose and Dall sheep. While not typically seen in urban areas, wolves can be heard calling to each other from the distance. At up to three feet tall and over 100 pounds, these canines are slightly larger than your dog at home, and often work together to bring down moose that weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Alaska Birds

Bald Eagles

Arguably the most iconic bird in North America, the bald eagle lives throughout Alaska, Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. Alaska once held almost the entire population of the species when it was seriously endangered. Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagles are now flourishing. Look for possible sightings of these Alaska animals along the coast and near rivers teeming with fish.

Puffins — both horned and tufted — live along the waters of Alaska, bringing their colorful plumage to the skies and sea. You can differentiate between the two by looking at their facial features. Tufted puffins have yellow feathers just above their eyes while horned puffins have black "horns" beneath them. While the tufted species is heavier than the horned, both Alaska animals are similar in size and wingspan.

Willow Ptarmigan

The willow ptarmigan is the official state bird of Alaska and can be found in sparsely timbered or treeless areas. While visiting Denali National Park, you’re likely to see families of willow ptarmigan at streams along the length of the park road. This unique Alaska animal often changes with the season – donning a brown coat in the summer and a bright white fleece in the winter to hide from predators.

Partnerships

Animal planet™ partnership.

Combining knowledge, insight and passion for exploration, we offer special excursions approved and recommended by the experts at Animal Planet™. When booking excursions, look for the corresponding mark to find immersive experiences and exclusive opportunities to meet Alaska’s wildlife and gain a fresh perspective on the places you travel.

Contribution to Wildlife Fund

In 2017, Princess® contributed $25,000 to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center from the Princess Animal Welfare Sponsor, a fund within the Princess Cruises Community Foundation. The sales of Stanley the Bear, named after Princess founder Stanley B. McDonald, helped to finance the expansion of AWCC facilities. The donation is also being used to build a bear-viewing area and interactive space to enrich visitor experiences.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Denali National Park

Home to North America’s tallest peak.

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26-year Anchorage police veteran set to be first woman to lead the department

APD Chief Michael Kerle and chief designee Bianca Cross at the new chief announcement by Mayor Dave Bronson at City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson on Tuesday named Bianca Cross as the next police chief, which will make her the first woman to head the Anchorage Police Department in the city’s history.

Cross, a 26-year veteran of the department, brings “a wealth of knowledge, expertise and a deep commitment to community policing,” Bronson said at a news conference at City Hall.

Cross currently serves as captain over the police department’s Detective Division. She said she was committed to leading the department with “compassion, inclusivity and transparency.”

She will replace Michael Kerle, who has been chief since 2021 . She is expected to assume the role of chief designee April 30, when Kerle retires — just before Bronson will go up against Suzanne LaFrance, his mayoral election opponent, in a runoff election in May. The timing means LaFrance, if elected, could inherit a police chief freshly appointed by Bronson.

Bronson insisted the timing of Kerle’s retirement was not political. Kerle, he said, had scheduled a vacation that made the previous plan to retire July 1 — with the election resolved — not possible.

“Chief Kerle is going on a cruise,” Bronson said. “You can’t have a department without a police chief.”

Bianca Cross, center, makes comments after she was announced by Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, right, as the new chief of the Anchorage Police Department at a news conference on April 9, 2024. Chief Michael Kerle, left, announced his retirement. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Cross must first be confirmed as chief of police by a majority vote of the Anchorage Assembly before taking the position permanently. Bronson did not say exactly when he would request the Assembly to confirm Cross but noted that the Assembly has rejected some of his executive appointments in the past.

However, Bronson said, “We anticipate this one to be pretty quick.”

Bronson said he chose Cross due to her “aptitude and resume” and said he’d spoken with officers about who would make a strong successor to Kerle.

“I went to rank-and-file police officers, and I said, ‘Hey, you know, someday, who would make a good police chief?’ And her name always kept coming to the top,” Bronson said.

Cross is a Service High School graduate and said she worked in the insurance industry before discovering she loved the teamwork of policing on a ride-along with the department.

“That night, they had an emergency situation. They had someone who ended up holed in an apartment with a gun, threatening other people. And really, it was the teamwork. It was the — everybody dropped what they were doing and (had) come to the scene to help that officer, those officers. That was the icing on the cake for me. I liked the teamwork. I like the collaboration, and the fact that everybody came to someone else’s rescue is appealing,” Cross said.

In her 26 years with the department, Cross has worked mostly in the detective unit, investigating violent crimes, sexual assaults and supervising units including homicides. She has also been a crisis negotiator and instructor. She was named captain overseeing the police department’s Detective Division in August.

Her priority for the department is to focus on the transition from Kerle’s retirement to her tenure as chief, she said.

“We have issues with homelessness and crime in the city. So we’ll stick with the basics initially, and then we will work our way through and find a plan for everything else,” she said.

When asked whether APD’s deputy chief, Sean Case, would remain in the second-in-command position, Bronson said “Those announcements will be made later.”

”Bianca and I will be making those decisions,” Bronson said.

In a terse statement, the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association union said it was blindsided by the announcement.

“Until today, the APDEA was unaware of the appointment of Bianca Cross as Designee Police Chief,” the union’s president, Sgt. Darrell Evans, wrote in a statement. “Chief Kerle’s planned retirement comes right in the middle of a runoff election for Mayor. The mayor did not discuss any of these command changes with the APDEA, the representative for the 500+ rank-and-file employees who are continuing to fulfill our community’s law enforcement needs as best they can during a time of unprecedented staffing woes.”

The union “would like to see better communication from the Mayor’s Office and at least have a seat at the table for the discussion,” the statement said.

Of 630 positions authorized within the department, APD has 117 vacancies — including 82 vacant sworn officer positions — though 30 vacancies are set to be filled by new hires currently in training, according to an April 1 staffing report.

In an interview Tuesday, LaFrance said she is grateful to Kerle for his many years of service to the community.

“Congratulations to Captain Cross,” LaFrance added.

LaFrance also criticized Bronson for what she said is a lack of a plan from the mayor to fill vacancies in the police department. LaFrance acknowledged that it’s unusual for a mayor to make this sort of leadership change a few weeks out from an election.

“It’s not totally surprising,” she said. “It’s more of the same from Dave Bronson: election-time distractions and then no plan or process on the big issues we’re facing like this severe staffing crisis at APD.”

Asked about the timing of the announcement, Bronson told reporters Tuesday: “There is no agenda. The chief told me in December he’s going to retire and there’s a cruise involved on this — a month-long cruise, so this was planned on his part.”

“The politics don’t figure into this,” Bronson said.

Asked whether she would keep Cross as chief of police if elected mayor, LaFrance said she will “make that determination when it’s time.”

“I’m committed to a thoughtful, intentional transition and hiring of the most qualified people for the job,” LaFrance said. “So I’ll be watching this process closely and to see if the Assembly confirms (Cross).”

Assembly Chair Christopher Constant voiced some skepticism over the appointment.

“We haven’t been briefed on her qualifications,” he said, noting she had been in the position of captain for less than a year. “... I look forward to learning more about her qualifications to run a $120 million organization.”

“I’m baffled by the mayor’s timing,” Constant added.

Voters are about to decide whether to replace Bronson, he said. The mayor has been in second place, behind LaFrance, in the regular election’s preliminary vote counts, while Anchorage’s last three incumbent mayors handily won reelection and avoided a runoff.

“To sum it up, I have a lot of questions,” he said.

Reporter Tess Williams contributed.

Michelle Theriault Boots

Michelle Theriault Boots is a longtime reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. She focuses on in-depth stories about the intersection of public policy and Alaskans' lives. Before joining the ADN in 2012, she worked at daily newspapers up and down the West Coast and earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.

Emily Goodykoontz

Emily Goodykoontz is a reporter covering Anchorage local government and general assignments. She previously covered breaking news at The Oregonian in Portland before joining ADN in 2020. Contact her at [email protected].