Sitka or ISP Excursion Recommendations

[learnedm]

We're on RCCL Radiance in June and are trying to plan our excursions for Sitka and ISP and would appreciate input/recommendations. Main interest is whale watching, but we're also interested in seeing a variety of wildlife. We could handle activity of a moderate level.

 

Sitka: We've seen great reviews of the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, but nothing on the Captain's Choice Wildlife Quest & Beach Trek in Sitka. Has anyone done this excursion? It sounds more appealing because of the small group size. Which would you guys choose? (BTW, we will be in Sitka on our 10th anniversary, so would be nice to do something special.)

 

ISP: Unsure what to do here. Would we get better whale watching & wildlife viewing here or in Sitka? Any favorite excursions?

 

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Budget Queen]

Hoonah whale watching is the tops for humpbacks. But go with an independent for a longer time out. http://www.visithoonah.com/fishes/ http://teckkoutfitters.com/

 

As for Sitka, I again would suggest an independent if your interest is in puffins?? Varied wildlife including humpbacks and sea otters are the usual. If puffins are an interest, have a boat that goes to St. Lazaria Island. The only easily viewable rookery on the Inside passage for cruise ship visitors. Sitka's Secrets is one company http://www.sitka.org for listings.

[learnedm]

BQ, thanks for the feedback. We are looking into the companies you mentioned. We're still curious, though, if anyone's done the Captain's Choice Wildlife Quest and Beach Trek. Anyone know anything about this excursion?

[breenw]

learndm - if you are interested in whale watching in Icy Strait Point - contact me by e-mail. I have done the research and have something booked with one of the recommended tour companies. We have 3 spots left on our boat. My e-mail is breenw@insightbb.com. Mention "Icy Strait" in your message line so I'll know it was someone from Cruise Critic.

 

Marsha

[myrtle0116]

We're on Radiance June 3 - no Sitka. When are you travelling?

 

Myrtle

[learnedm]

We are travelling northbound on June 10, so yes, we are visiting Sitka. If memory serves me, southbound is Ketchikan instead. We picked northbound because our anniversary falls in that week.