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
Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Absolutely FABULOUS trip! Captain Rick is top notch. We saw 6 whales, a mom and calf, sea otters, bald eagles, puffin, sea caves, harbor seals, and lots of Alaskan beauty. Rick was so accommodating. Our cruise ship came in to port two hours late due to a passenger having a medical emergency the night before. Rick adjusted our itinerary and we didn't miss a thing. His boat is SO clean and comfortable. I told him he is to be commended on how pristine he keeps it. Rick is a longtime local and knows his stuff. I feel we had a much more authentic experience than if we had gone on a big cruise ship excursion provider. Do not hesitate to book with Coastal Tours Sitka!
Robin B. (Summer 2023)
Rick was absolutely the best! Great communication, great tour, very knowledgeable! So glad we did this excursion in Sitka while at port for the day. We saw Sea Lions, Humpback Whales, and Sea Otters. We saw a Bald Eagle on the way back to the marina. Highly recommend!
Jessica s. (Summer 2023)
My wife and I had an excellent day in Sitka thanks to Captain Rick with Coastal Tours Sitka. Booking with him was super easy. We texted the morning of our tour and found him at the cruise terminal, no problem. His boat is brand new, just a few weeks old, and has a super comfortable cabin, a small and spotless restroom, and plenty of deck space. Rick offered us snacks and drinks, asked us what wildlife we'd like to see and then guided the boat to just the right places to see them (my wife especially loved the colorful starfish and anemones), and filled the travel time with interesting stories about Sitka, wildlife, migratory patterns and more. He answered every question we had in a way that you only get from someone with a significant amount of experience. You'll have a much better time on a small, locally-owned tour like Rick's than you'll ever have on anexcursion through the cruise ship. There's no hesitation at all when we say, book an excursion with Coastal Tours Sitka!
Devin H. (Summer 2023)
Beautiful big new boat with plenty of space. Took our kids (6, 4, and 1 year old) and had an absolute blast. Saw at least 5 whales and tons of otters, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. Memories for a lifetime! Strongly recommend.
Nick S. (Summer 2023)
Rick at Coastal Tours is a consummate professional. His local knowledge and skill set are both products of a lifetime spent on/in the waters of Southeast Alaska. The thing I like the most about Coastal Tours is how each trip is so thoughtfully arranged--never the same, but always safe, fun, and educational.
Rob E. (Summer 2022)
Our family has been to hot springs all over the world, but when we hired Coastal Tours Sitka to take us to Goddard Hot Springs we had no idea what we were in for! First of all the journey was fantastic with Captain Ricky showing us so many amazing sights on the way. Then we get there - walk up into a hot spring cabin with open views of a pristine aquamarine inlet and Alaskan snow capped mountains all while soaking in therapeutic natural hot spring water made us feel like we had just rejuvenated ourselves back to the very beginning.. Seriously we were like little kids without a care in the world that had just landed on some crazy avatar oasis planet. The combination of a skilled captain, Alaskan wilderness and wildlife and soaking in hot springs water will change your whole outlook on life . We have already booked our trip with Coastal Tours Sitka to an even more remote secret spot hot springs next April. Cant wait!
Gemma L. (Summer 2022)
We saw so many whales! Rick really knows how to sniff out the humbpacks. Mind blown.
Graham K. (Summer 2022)
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.
