Do you want an experience the beauty of Sitka and the surrounding countryside away from the large crowds? This Private group adventure offers just that in a setting that is indescribably beautiful!
From your Sitka cruise ship, you will take the free shuttle to town to meet your guide at the Visitor's Center in town. Your guide is a true Alaska resident who will give you all of the insider information about the area. Originally settled by the Tlingits more than 10,000 years ago, Sitka is located on Baranof Island in Alaska. After boarding your 10-passenger van, you will make your way south to Silver Bay, a deep-water fjord with striking cliffs. Your guide will tell you about the life of present-day Sitkans along the way, while you sit back comfortably and take in the gorgeous scenery you have never seen. When you stop for a photo opportunity, you may even see some of the wildlife such as whales, eagles, sea lions, and salmon.
From there, you are off on an exciting adventure at Fortress of the Bear in the Tongass National Forest. You will get up close and personal with the Brown Bear that lives in this natural habitat! You will be within 25 feet of them! All of the bears here have been rescued from very sad and dire circumstances, but are now lovingly cared for in what is the largest bear habitat in North America! Toby, the only female, came here with her two brothers after their mother died from eating plastic bags from a garbage can. You will learn all about the challenges faced by the caretakers in providing for Toby and the other bears!
After visiting with the bears on land, it is time to look to the skies and visit the Alaska Raptor Center! This amazing facility was started in the backyard of two area residents with one bald eagle. Having a population of 24 raptors in residence, this rescue rehabilitation center has taken in many injured and sick birds of prey including, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and others. Their goal is to release the up to 200 birds they receive annually into the wild after they have been rehabilitated and taught to fly. Those that are not able to survive in the wild are sent to wildlife centers, or they may join the family of permanent residents at the Center.
Your final stop on your experience in the nature of Alaska is at Sitka National Historic Park, the oldest national park in Alaska! On the site of a battle between invading Russians and the indigenous Tlingit people, you will stroll amid the towering spruce, red alders, and hemlock of the rainforest. View the amazing totem poles scattered amid the forest. Your guide will walk you down a path that overlooks the Indian River - a truly magnificent sight. The park and surrounding areas are home to approximately 30 species of water and land mammals, over 200 species of birds, as well as migratory and resident fish. If you visit in mid-season, you may be able to witness salmon spawning and learn about their life cycle from your knowledgeable guide.
After such an unbelievable and beautiful personalized experience, you can either ride back to the Sitka cruise ship shuttle with your guide or extend your day in nature a little longer by taking a 15-20 minute stroll down the gorgeous Sea Walk that will take you back to the cruise pier shuttle. It will be difficult to find a more enjoyable, awe-inspiring, or informative private adventure in Sitka!
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4/5 (Visited on January 2022)
