EXPERIENCE THE OUTER COAST & BARANOF ISLAND
LIKE A
LOCAL
Coastal Tours Sitka
Explore Like Never Before
We specialize in small group excursions that let you explore the outer coast and Baranof Island like a local. CTS offers the best platform for whale watching, wildlife viewing, photography and coastal tours of the Sitka area for those looking for a unique adventure with local knowledge.
Rick Jarvill
About the Captain
Born in Maui and raised in Alaska, Rick has spent a lifetime on the water and he has extensive experience navigating the ocean around Sitka. Rick grew up working on a charter fishing boat and then spent many years commercial fishing before discovering his passion was sharing the beauty and wonder of this place with others and founded Coastal Tours Sitka.
Rick knows this place and these waters. So, whether you’re looking for the best whalewatching, wildlife viewing, or a tour away from the crowds, CTS can show you the Sitka that only the locals know.
Tours
GETTING YOU OUT THERE
Coastal Tours Sitka is a full service tour operation based in Sitka, Alaska. A typical tour is 2.5-5 hours and accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably. Each tour can be customized to your preferences or Captain Rick can make recommendations based on his local knowledge and experience.
Tours include plenty of whale watching, wildlife viewing and ample opportunity for photos. Guests can expect to see whales, otters, sea lions, eagles, sea birds, the occasional Sitka black tailed deer, brown bear and more. CTS also offers custom photo tours that will take guests on single or multi-day whale watching excursions. Peak viewing for whale activity, including bubblenet feeding, occurs during herring season in March and April.
M/V Goleta
THE BOAT
The M/V Goleta is a 32’ custom tour vessel built locally by Sitka Custom Marine. This oceangoing vessel is designed to provide maximum comfort, safety and a smooth ride for guests. Powered by twin Honda 250 horsepower outboard engines, this vessel can transit harbors efficiently and get you out to your destination quickly. With a spacious heated cabin and restroom, the Goleta provides guests with ample seating, deck space and room to enjoy the ride for up to six people.
The boat was custom designed for whale watching and wildlife viewing and guests can take in the sights from a cabin that features large windows on all sides and also an extra large aft deck for those moments when you want to be up close with Alaska. The vessel is current on all Coast Guard safety inspections and has appropriate safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, onboard for all passengers.
THE GOOD WORD
GUEST REVIEWS
This was a great experience. Beautiful scenery and we saw whales, eagles and sea otters. The owner Rick was very friendly and super informative. And he was great with my 94 year old father in-law. I highly recommend.
Eduardo P. (Spring 2025)
Rick the Captain was great to work with. From the first phone call with questions, to scheduling, to the actual trip, it was all easy and very communicative. He worked with our schedule to make the trip work, was on time, and we got to see everything we asked for. His boat was also spotless and very comfortable. If you're wanting to see wildlife while in Sitka, I highly recommend Coastal Tours Sitka!
Jared L (Summer 2025)
Absolutely an amazing time! Rick was friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, with added insights only a local would know! He was able to customize our experience for exactly what we wanted to do and prioritize timing and current weather conditions for the best results. We even saw several Orca whales including two Moms with babies! Would book again His boat was also very clean and comfortable with great indoor and outdoor spaces, both with room to move around.
Michael R. (Summer 2025)
We had a fantastic experience with Rick Jarvill and Coastal Tours Sitka! Rick was incredibly friendly and welcoming, especially with our kids, which made the tour even more enjoyable for our family. His heated boat was a huge plus, providing comfort during the ride, and having a bathroom on board was a great convenience. The highlight was definitely seeing the whales—it was unforgettable. We also really appreciated hearing Rick’s stories and insights about life in Sitka from a local perspective. It was a memorable and personal touch to an already amazing tour and we would highly recommend booking a tour with Coastal Tours Sitka.
Margaux L. (Spring 2025)
Our tour with Coastal Tour Sitka was truly unforgettable. Captain Rick, a Sitka native, shared his deep knowledge of the area and took us to the best spots for wildlife viewing. We saw humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, and even black bears. The boat was comfortable, the scenery breathtaking, and the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour—a must-do in Sitka!
Martita D (Summer 2025)
Contact
BOOKING & QUESTIONS
We would love to host you on an epic tour around the waters surrounding Sitka, Alaska and Baranof Island. Our summer schedule fills up months ahead of the season so be sure to get in touch to reserve your spot as soon as possible. The peak season in Sitka begins in May and runs through September. If you would like to book a tour while you’re in Sitka, please submit a booking request using the link below.
If you’re not quite ready to book, or you’ve got questions, feel free to send us an email at rick@ctsitka.com
