Frequently Asked Questions
Adventure Charters Sitka
Fishing in Sitka Alaska — Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch in Sitka, Alaska?
Sitka is one of the premier fishing destinations in Alaska, offering some of the most productive waters in the Inside Passage. Aboard the Sitka Seeker, you can target king salmon (chinook), silver salmon (coho), pink salmon, chum salmon, lingcod, yelloweye rockfish, quillback rockfish, and Pacific cod. Sitka Sound and the surrounding waters of Baranof Island are renowned for trophy-sized king salmon and world-class rockfish fishing year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Alaska?
Yes, all anglers 16 and older are required to have a valid Alaska sport fishing license. Nonresident anglers targeting king salmon also need a separate King Salmon Stamp. Licenses can be purchased online at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website at adfg.alaska.gov before your trip, or we can help point you in the right direction when you book.
Is Adventure Charters Sitka cruise ship friendly?
Absolutely! We regularly accommodate cruise ship passengers visiting Sitka. Our charters are scheduled around cruise ship arrival and departure times, with departures at 6am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm. If you need a custom departure time to fit your port schedule, just send us an email and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What is included in the fishing charter?
All fishing gear and tackle is included with your charter aboard the Sitka Seeker. Our knowledgeable captain and crew handle everything from bait to rigging so you can focus on fishing. The vessel features a heated cabin and a large open deck with plenty of room for up to 4 passengers. Rain gear is not included, so we recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof outer layers. After your trip, we can also arrange professional fish processing, flash freezing, vacuum sealing, and shipping so your catch can be delivered straight to your door anywhere in the US.
Where do charters depart from in Sitka?
All Adventure Charters Sitka fishing charters depart from Crescent Harbor in Sitka, Alaska. Crescent Harbor is centrally located and easily accessible from downtown Sitka and the cruise ship terminal, making it convenient for both visitors and locals. Our captain will provide exact meeting instructions when you book.
Whale Watching Sitka Alaska — Frequently Asked Questions
What whales can I see in Sitka, Alaska?
Sitka is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales in the wild. The nutrient-rich waters of Sitka Sound attract large numbers of humpbacks from May through September, where you can witness them breaching, tail slapping, and bubble-net feeding. Orca (killer whales) are also spotted seasonally in the area. In addition to whales, our marine wildlife tours regularly encounter sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoises, bald eagles, brown bears along the shoreline, Sitka black-tailed deer, and a wide variety of seabirds throughout Southeast Alaska's stunning ecosystems.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Sitka?
Humpback whales are present in Sitka Sound from approximately May through September, with peak sightings typically in June, July, and August. This window also aligns perfectly with the peak cruise ship season, making it an ideal excursion for visitors. Our tours run throughout the season and we adjust our routes daily based on recent whale activity to maximize your chances of incredible sightings.
Is Adventure Charters Sitka whale watching tour good for cruise ship passengers?
Yes — our whale watching and marine wildlife tours are specifically designed with cruise ship passengers in mind. Tours are 3 hours long and we offer flexible departure times at 6am, 9am, 12pm, and 3pm to fit your port schedule. If you need a custom time, just send us an email and we will do our best to accommodate you. We depart from Crescent Harbor, which is centrally located and easy to reach from the cruise ship terminal in downtown Sitka.
How many people can join the whale watching tour?
Our whale watching tours are always private, with a maximum of 6 guests. You will never be grouped with strangers — your group gets the entire boat, your own personal captain and guide, and a completely flexible itinerary focused on what you want to see. This small group private experience sets us apart from larger commercial tour operators.
What marine wildlife might I see besides whales?
Sitka Sound and the surrounding waters of Baranof Island are teeming with marine life. In addition to humpback whales and orcas, guests commonly encounter sea otters floating in kelp beds, harbor seals hauled out on rocks, Steller sea lions, Dall's porpoises riding the bow wave, bald eagles perched in old growth forest, and a wide variety of seabirds including puffins, murres, and cormorants. Brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer are also often spotted along the shoreline, making every tour a true Alaska wildlife experience.
What should I bring on the whale watching tour?
We recommend dressing in warm waterproof layers — even in summer, Sitka's ocean waters can be cool and conditions can change quickly. Bring a rain jacket, warm hat, and gloves just in case. A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing whale breaches and wildlife up close. Binoculars are also a great addition. All tours depart from Crescent Harbor and our captain will send you full details when you book.