Check out the cruise tips section for practical tips to make your trip a pleasant experience. Another cab ride back to the ship was around $20. Whether you want to explore the area on an excursion or just take some time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, here are the top things to do from the Sitka Cruise Port. This National Park protects the territories where battles between the Tlingit peoples and the Russians took place in the early 1800s. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. September 16, 2019 Tucked into a bay on the western side of Baranof Island, Sitka is located on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage and is only accessible by air and sea. and gave some personal insights to his story. Best way to get to FOTB and raptor center from cruise dock? - Sitka Sitka cruise port guide - The Telegraph - Telegraph Online, Daily Smaller cruise ships may dock at the Crescent Harbour Cruise Terminal. We're wanting to DIY our Sitka visit as well, and the Raptor center is top of the list! Here you can discover an exhibition about life in Sitka during the period of the Russian colonies. This time, though, I am better prepared thanks to CC and research of where city tours go. Great tour that was booked rather last minute. When I'm not under a palm tree in the Caribbean, I can usually be found hiking the National Parks! Sure can't wait to go, only 91 more days to go!! Some of the smaller cruise ships dock at Crescent Harbour and the ships lifeboats will bring you to shore, which is right in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall. We wait. Lincoln Street is the main street in town and it connects the lookout at Castle Hill in the. Our tour guide Stephen was fully knowledgeable and so passionate about his travels!!! First Name Last Name. Would appreciate a little more history and understanding of the towns economics, history, and current events, 12 passengers in small van. Its a great spot to stop for a snack and refreshments during a day of sightseeing. When you are visiting this area visitors should know Alaska can be a rainy place. Both sanctuaries are smaller than I imagined,and the stops As you walk along the street, youll pass some of Sitkas notable landmarks, including the Russian Bishops House and St. Michaels Cathedral, as well as the Sheldon Jackson Museum and Tlingit Clan house. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. The guide did a fine job. Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Explore the Town of Sitka Many of Sitka's attractions are within walking distance from downtown. Touring the wildlife sanctuary & seeing bald eagles up Sitka hosted more than 13,000 cruise-ship visitors in one day last week. Saw famous carver finishing a 9 totem pole. You might enjoy seeing some of the pictures my wife took for her website at the link below. These are BOTH great places to see, and an easy DIY as well. The Gavan Hill and Indian River trails starts nearby. Sitka Rides offers transportation throughout Sitka for a single price. Kayak tours are available for beginners and experienced paddlers, and include all gear and instruction. Visit Sitka's Raptor Hospital for a close encounter with Alaska's bald eagles, or take a drive along Sitka's rainforest coast to the Fortress of the Bear. Sitka Bears, Raptor Center, and Totem Park on Shore - 2023 | Viator 1 year ago Save Our Viking cruise stops in Sitka for a day on Thursday May 26 and we would really like to see Fortress of the Bears and the raptor center. It was rebuilt identically and houses a collection of Russian art objects that were saved from the fire. Visit Us Will you be visiting Sitka soon? Much less touristy with a lot of history. Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada), List of ports in country: United States of America. By Transportation - Visit Sitka The HCC is located beside the small boat harbor. For physically active visitors you can rent a bike for a daily rate. We also will be on the Radiance Ots, and in Sitka on May 20th. At one point they show this burly, bearded fellow with glasses and a camo ball cap and he says "Alaska isn't for sissies" - that is Les who runs Fortress of the Bear. the area which was quite enjoyable. This was one of our (my!) We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. That battlefield is now part of the Sitka National Historical Park, where you will browse exhibits explaining the conflict. Could not download documents. Norwegian Bliss, with twice the number of passenger has STO (outside). Confirmation will be received at time of booking. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! We stayed in front of the hordes of tourists from the cruise ships that overrun the small town and tourist sites. Explore Sitka without the hassle of navigating on your own on a half-day tour to the city's top landmarks, including the Fortress of Bears, National Historic Park, and Raptor Center. We may try to book it once we get on the ship. Viel Tierwelt . Eagles, falcons, hawks and owls can be found throughout the state and you can visit several species at the Alaska Raptor Center, a 17-acre campus on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Becky was an excellent tour guide. The vast and rich wildlife boasts sightings of whales, brown bears, deers, sea otters, and various birds flock here. bucket of food (yet to be given) have some decent looking We're here to answer them. Theres also an option to choose a tour that visits an abandoned WWII fort on Causeway Island. She tried to connect with Sitka Culture, National Park and Raptor CenterAdults Only Departure is a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure that features Tlingit heritage, sightseeing, a bird encounter and a rainforest. Its a great way to learn about Tlingit, Russian, and American history. Been lookin at one tour the ship has to offer, its Alaska Raptor Center and Cultural Discovery. Sitka is a beautiful, historical site. Sitka Sound Science Center, 834 Lincoln St., is an aquarium with touch tanks as well as a hatchery, marine research and educational facility. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist. Join us on anearly morning tour and head on a journey to La Joya in the famous Paso de Cortes named like this for being the place where the Spanish conquerors and Hernan Cortes crossed on their way to Mexi- co-Tenochtitlan in 1519.You will have the chance to check on the impressive landscapes created by nature, and see how they change as you go through the mountains trails, Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group), Culebra Day Trip by Catamaran from Fajardo, Iztaccihuatl Volcano Hike with an Alpinist from Mexico City, 1hourguided roundtrip narration viabus, 1 hour at the Sitka National Historical Park, 30 minute visit at St. Michael's Cathedral. Click here to book a small group tour to Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center and Totem Park. Want to save on alcohol on your next cruise? I bet you are correct about the repairs but repair of anything always takes longer than first guess. 7. The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. There are a number of cruise lines that offer cruises to Sitka. Safety Information. Live performances are held in the summer months, with drumming and the chance to join native dance around the fire pit. We'll keep our fingers crossed. I've been looking at that excursion when signed into RCCL for a few weeks now and it never would let me select it; today -- for the first time -- it show as "online booking not available; check onboard". per group (up to 7) LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. Sitka - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums: Ask a Question $239.00 (ages 10 and up . Beginning September 30th, the Alaska Raptor Center's fall/winter visiting hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 3pm. We are also wanting to see the Fortress of the Bears and the Raptor Center. Explore Sitka without the hassle of navigating on your own on a half-day tour to the city's top landmarks, including the Fortress of Bears, National Historic Park, and Raptor Center. Christian, wore many hats, having also volunteered with bird Sitka Walking Tour - Crescent Harbor to the Raptor Center: 64 Reviews With its rich history and abundant wildlife, theres plenty to do and see. Phone (907) 623-7267 Email sitkarides@gmail.com Water Taxis A Whale's Song Expeditions P.O. Box 6535, Sitka, AK 99835 Ever wanted to witness one of nature's great events? I would like to know this as well. Sitka cruise ships dock at the . Built in 1897, it has many exhibits showing off the history of the area. Hopping on and off different bus's and when their running and where to catch them is a concern. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. Great experience. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about Haida and Tlingit cultures, or take a guided walk through the park. Most cruise ships dock at the two-berth Old . This site uses cookies and similar technologies to analyze traffic, customize content and advertisements, and provide social media features. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Zion National Park In Winter 2023: A Spectacular Sight! Check the Sitka visitors bureau website (should be listed in the 2019 resources ) at the top of this forum page for more ideas. She's a native of Sitka and very knowledgeable of the area. There are websites that tell you how many ships are in port on a particular day. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, Ravenna & Its Mosaics With Transfers To Bologna Airport, Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting, No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees - the price you see is what you pay, Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you, Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise, Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call, Never get left behind. Tlingit clans inhabited this area long before the Russians began to settle there. This website uses cookies. Support local artisans by buying items made in Sitka. While it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Sitka, the best time to view them is between September and early April. We saw a lot of Puffins on a ship sponsored tour in Homer called Best of the Bay. and tourist sites. The cruise ship shuttle drop-off point is at . This small fishing town of 8,500 citizens is very popular with tourists. Totem poles and the restored Russian Bishops house are must see sights. Most tour companies and historic and other sites close or operate restricted hours from mid-September to April. we went to the totem park, fortress of the bear, and raptor center. In addition to discovering the history and heritage of the Tlingit and the russian colonization, you can admire totem poles. It a place of majestic views, with towering mountains, spruce forests, and even the occasional whale! economics, history, and current events, 12 passengers in small van. Did not give infor on time to meet. We spotted a taxi and it wasn't terribly expensive for the ride back to the ship. A Triple Trip About six miles out from the city's downtown, Old Sitka Dock is where most large cruise ships tie-up; from Grand Princess to NatGeo expedition ships. Sitka has two cruise ports, and both require transportation to reach the downtown area. Fun Fact #1. Click Here toDownload your Alaska Cruise Packing List. This tour is designed for folks whohave already seen or plan to see the 11 Tony Award winning Broadway production orthose just addicted to the cast album. 2hours), and quite central to the downtown area to wander Sitka Sound is home to a wide variety of marine life, and the best way to get a closer view of local sea life is to book a boat tour. Theres also a gift shop and the best seafood chowder in town. Read my disclaimer for more information. This refuge welcomes injured birds of prey in order to rehabilitate them and return them to the wild. Sitka is one of the best walking ports in Southeast Alaska. We have done the tour provided thru the cruise ships and we have taken the free shuttle from the port to the drop off center and took a taxi that was there last time. A very cool thing are the many bald eagles hanging around there - I was able to take several pictures of one of them from less than 3 feet away. Update the estimate to see the real-time fare prices in Sitka . That way we were free to do exactly what we wanted. Oh yeah, its been rainin here all day,:) went to the store earlier in the day, an got wet!! While youre not guaranteed to see any whales, you can see seals, sea otters, porpoises, and various types of birds. For most cruisers I'd say it's pretty unlikely to be deemed walkable at over 5 miles from downtown on country roads without sidewalks for much of it - the map linked above actually states the 5 mile distance, along with a super-obvious '1/2 a mile is this long' scale notation - but the Raptor Center and the outdoor Totems in the national park area absolutely are easily walkable for folks with even modest mobility, we've done it on a leisurely wander (do bring bug spray - under the trees gets a little bit bitey!) passionate about his travels!!! Trip Planner; Things To Do; Tours; Itineraries; Hotels; Blog; Login; Sign Up; Log In; . The area is easy to navigate on foot, with many good sites to see close by. Hi! Tour ist Geld absolut wert. Visitors also have the chance to watch the brown bears play, swim and eat from the safety of an observation deck. Lincoln Street is the main street in town and it connects the lookout at Castle Hill in the southeast to Sitka National Historic Park in the north. The center's website says the facility has 200,000 visitors every year. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 53 min to complete. The remainder of the day is yours for sunbathing, swimming or beachcombing along miles of powdery white sand. If you have more time, then wildlife, fishing, hiking, kayaking and other outdoor excursions are possible. I am reading a pdf of wildlife times throughout the year. says early May is prime bear timewhat does that mean? You might enjoy seeing pictures of that tour at the link below. Sitkas position on a mountain-backed bay scattered with forest-covered islands makes it one of Alaskas prettiest towns, but the regions Tlingit Native and later history before 1867 this was where Russian colonialists established their Alaskan capital makes it of unique interest to cruise-ship and other visitors. Those excursions included both the Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bears. Does anyone know if it will work to come out on the shuttle's RT but go back on the second? By Sitka and was enthralled by the natural beauty of the area. Private Van This port has been home for the Russian empire since the 19th century. 89 helpful votes Best way to get to FOTB and raptor center from cruise dock? (Had a blast!) Russian Bishop's House 4. Raptor Center and Bear preserve - Alaska - Cruise Critic Community Final Thoughts: Top Things to Do from the Sitka Cruise Port, Click Here to Book Sitka Sightseeing Tour including Fortress of the Bear and Totem Poles, Click here to book a small group tour to Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center and Totem Park. However, some birds, which could not survive in nature, are permanent residents there. Prices. It includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center, a visit to the Sitka National Historical Park, and a stop at the Fortress of the Bears. That is with the exception of Whale Park and the Fortress of the Bear. Sitka Bear Sanctuary, Eagle Rescue & Nature Walk - Disney Cruise Line Beginning May 1st, the Alaska Raptor Center's Spring/Summer visiting hours will be 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Sitka Culture, National Park & Raptor Center Tour - Disney Cruise Line After rehabilitation, many of the birds are released back into the wild, but others who arent able to live in the wild continue to stay at the raptor center as permanent residents. For this and more updates about the Russian empire, take a ride in our private van to the port. Sitka Alaska Cruise Port Tips: Attractions, Weather Think I'll be takin the Alaska raptor center and cultural discovery tour, that the ship has to offer, then just wander around town, but who knows. Hi swmichigan, do you remember the name of the tour that gave a good price an were they vendors on the dock? Sitka Cruise Port | Tourist information about Sitka - United States of The museum itself was declared a National Historical site in 1972. Is Whale Park worth the time to head out there? What a fantastic tour the guide was very friendly. Sitkas wonderful ocean setting makes trips on the water the most tempting of the local excursions on offer. If not, is there a shuttle there, or how would we work that out? Russians lived there starting in the early 1800s and it is the site where, on October 18, 1867 the Alaska purchase was signed. https://visitsitka.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-VS_AttractionsMap_FINAL.pdf. informative and visual. Maybe they'll get another bus. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. It is easy to get around Sitka, which consists of a handful of central streets and sights around Castle Hill, along with other streets and attractions on and around Lincoln Street, which curves east, in conjunction with the Sea Walk Trail, from the town around the Crescent Harbor Marina to the Sitka National Historic Park. Quite frankly I didn't pay any attention to the rates, just observed the sandwich boards. And with its spectacular mountain views and abundant marine life, its the perfect destination for any nature lover. 146 February 23, 2005 Hamilton,MI #3 Posted May 1, 2006 We went to both last year on our cruise. This ethnographic museum presents a collection of period objects, costumes and totem poles. The Sitka History Museum and a tourist information desk are located there. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The best time of year to visit Sitka is from late May to mid-September. The cruising season, fortunately, coincides with this, and most cruises visit Sitka from June to September. Most larger cruise ships dock at Old Sitka Dock, which is 6 miles from town. Just north of the park is the popular Alaska Raptor Center, . Bob. Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My! Bear Sanctuary, Eagle Rescue and Native Trails Departure is a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure featuring bald eagles at The Alaska Raptor Center, resident bears at Fortress of the Bear and a nature walk through Sitka National Historical Park. We took our time looking around, watching the bears and listening to the great people who work there, and then had the cab come back, at a pre-arranged timesay hour or 90 minutes, and get us and then dropped off at Raptor Center. Guest Services . We now have private sedans that will drop you off safely. The state is known for its cold climate, so make sure you bring warm, waterproof clothes when you visit. Park was cool. We have 10 people in our group who has booked same tour with private tour company, also says it's now fully booked also. Alaska Raptor Center (Sitka) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) guide and the small group we were with. The rainiest month in Alaska is September, while October is the wettest month in Sitka. The trip takes about 12 minutes, but its a scenic drive and youll be dropped off in the heart of downtown, right in front of Harrigan Centennial Hall. Monday - Sunday : 08:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. 13. Powered by Invision Community. Last year when we docked at Sitka (at the old Sitka dock a few miles north of downtown) we jumped in a cab as soon as we got off the ship and headed to the airport - ~10 minute ride - and rented a car for the day. Further along Lincoln Street, the Sitka Sound Science Center is another great place to visit in town. . Visit Sitka - Alaska Raptor Center I don't believe the Fortress has their own shuttle, not a big enough attraction to warrant that sort of expenditure, so plan on transit or cabs. Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. See St. Michael's Cathedral 5. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Sitkas warmest months are June, July and September, with average highs of around 58F (14C), and August, with highs of 62F (16C). We have walked through the Sitka National Historical Park (AKA "Totem Pole Park") and on to the Raptor Center. The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. Let us drop you off for a Norwegian Pearl Cruise experience. Famous For. So you can probably arrange something with a taxi. Hi thanks. goofiness and unstable gait, as they were slowly coming out Hey funkat, don't these pictures that shadowmeboy took in Sitka, make you want to go now? centre for these birds. For the most recent version of this page, visit: https://www.cruiseandsea.com/port/sitka-alaska/. Seasickness is caused by conflicting signals sent to the brain through the inner ear and the eyes. Take a song-by-song stroll through Hamiltons rise and eventual fall as New Yorks foremost Founding Father. After the bear tour, you may disembark on the main street to shop or be returned directly to the tender pier. The hall has an information desk, washrooms and free WiFi and is where most shore excursions meet. We are deeply disappointed by your attitude regarding tours in Sitka.We booked and pay tour SITKA BEARS, RAPTOR CENTER AND TOTEM park.A night ( 1 30am) seven hours before the tour we received notice that the tour canceled.You give us money, but we are lost tour and we had to make it by ourselves.Very irresponsible and unprofessional. When visiting a cruise port, it can be a tough choice to decide what to do with limited time ashore. Good luck and have fun! Sitka is known for the richness of its artistic and cultural life as well as for the nature activities that can be practiced there. Its run by volunteers who lead half-hour guided tours, where youll learn about the history of the rescue center, as well as the names of the bears and a bit about their personalities. Chantelle is a successful travel blogger, and travel advisor who has made a name for herself in the travel industry. Google maps is always your friend for exact distances and routes - and it even has the local Sitka transit bus schedules available so you can check stop locations and timings on the exact day of your visit! St. Michael's Cathedral 3. Bald Eagle Flight Training Center The places we saw were awesome would so recommend this tour its very easy to book without booking from a ship. Damaged mooring dolphin leaves cruise ship terminal at half capacity - KCAW. very knowledgeable of the area. Its a gorgeous place to visit, but there is often a wet chill in the air. rescues. local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. I like the idea of walking if weather permits, how do I find the shuttle to the fortress? See Baranof Castle 3. the origins of the Rapture centre (and its self funded by This shore excursion is one of the most popular init showsthe best of Sitka, the former "Russian" capital city of Alaska. This shelter for bears has the mission of rehabilitating sick or orphaned cubs in order to reintroduce them into the wild. In fact, Sitka is known for its commercial fishingand there are plenty of half-day or full-day tours available for cruise ship passengers. This taxi fare estimate from Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to Alaska Raptor Center was updated 39 days ago . Tlingit Clan House 5. The museum includes over 8, 000 artifacts from the past, as well as works of art and historic photos that explore the lives of early Russian settlers, native Alaskans, and other groups who call this area home. The highlights are, seaside scenic views, the raptor center, Sitka National Park, St Michael Catherdral and the dancers. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Cruise and Sea. Ad. Baranof Castle State Historical Site, also known as Castle Hill, is one of Alaskas most important historical sites and a must-see for visitors to Sitka. Bears amazing. The Sheldon Jackson Museum is as old as many of the artifacts it preservers. there was a totem carving by the local indigenous people. Sitka vs. Ketchikan - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums: Ask a Question Discover more about Sitkas Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, a few minutes walk east of the town centre. The mixture of Amerindian and Russian influences gives an undeniable charm to the region. each person in the tour group which made the trip very This historic building dating from 1842 and restored in 1973 is one of the only Russian colonial buildings still in existence in North America. Sitka Cultural Tour with Alaska Raptor Center. close was impressive. On Royal I see $109 for adults and $85 for children. Learn at the Sitka Sound Science Center 8. Rare opportunity to visit 3 pretty unique sites, Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group), Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore Excursion, Sitka Premium Tour- Private- Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears,Totems, Sitka Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour, Sitka Shore Excursion: Sitka Harbor & Islands Guided Kayaking.