Some of the best attractions are all within a few blocks of the center of town, where the shuttle bus drops you off. . Welcome to the Sitka Cruise Port! Buses are also available to take visitors to the Sitka National Historical Park, the Alaska Raptor Center and the Sheldon Jackson Museum. We're wanting to DIY our Sitka visit as well, and the Raptor center is top of the list! Chantelle is a successful travel blogger, and travel advisor who has made a name for herself in the travel industry. Dedicated to treating injured birds, especially bald eagles, the center works hard to preserve avian wildlife and educate about Alaskas birds and environmental concerns. They do great work and it's an interesting place to visit. On our first visit to Sitka, we were at the "old dock," and the line for the shuttle was very long. Alaska Raptor Center - Rehabilitation. Education. Research. Cruise port location. Sitka Cruises: Best Cruises to Sitka, Alaska | Celebrity Cruises She is also a dedicated National Parks enthusiast and loves to hike in these beautiful locations. Learn at the Sitka Sound Science Center, 8. Built-in 1848, St. Michaels Cathedral was the first orthodox cathedral in North America. Knew Sitka very well. Let us drop you off for a Norwegian Pearl Cruise experience. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. When you are visiting this area visitors should know Alaska can be a rainy place. Trying to tell from the map -- is the Raptor center or Fortress of the Bears walkable? Easy 4.4 (64) Sitka National Historical Park Photos (117) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.6 miElevation gain 141 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Sitka, Alaska. We plan on a DIY tour of Sitka since most points of interest to us are very walkable. Let a high-speed catamaran zoom you to one of the 10 top beaches in the Caribbean! Highly recommend visiting these sights. We did the Best of Sitka through the cruise line (Sitka was a surprise port change two days before sailing.) There are websites that tell you how many ships are in port on a particular day. Choose from a variety of shore excursions and tours, or just wander around the beautiful town on your own. Sitkas Best AttractionsMany ships will dock at what is called the Old Sitka Dock, located about five miles outside of town. Overview. Does anyone know about any shuttle/bus that would run out there on the weekend? 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. one compound and there were two black bears in the other We then drove out to the Bear Fortress to see "da bears", For us the easiest way was to book a tour that included the Raptor center and the Fortress of the Bear along with one other stop. Built in 1897, it has many exhibits showing off the history of the area. Cab may be our only option on a Saturday, but would prefer a shuttle/bus if available. We spotted a taxi and it wasn't terribly expensive for the ride back to the ship. In Sitka, youll find a variety of souvenirs and local goods, such as traditional native artwork, hand-made knitted items, and other handcrafted items. This National Park protects the territories where battles between the Tlingit peoples and the Russians took place in the early 1800s. See St. Michael's Cathedral 5. Sitka's 13,000-visitor day was 'far too many,' mayor says we went to the totem park, fortress of the bear, and raptor center. I bet they get the damage fixed asap though. holding tank from the old paper pulp mill (very large Tlingit clans inhabited this area long before the Russians began to settle there. Many of Sitkas attractions are within walking distance from downtown. 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. Most cruise ships dock at the two-berth Old . around to collect a unique gift. Visit Sitka Historical Museum 4. Taxi fare UBER from Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to Alaska Raptor Center Russian Bishop's House 4. The Fortrus of the Bears was awesome and the Native Cultural Centre and totems at the National Park was cool. The Alaska Raptor Center offers a great opportunity to get close to magnificent birds of prey which have been brought in for rehabilitation. Another rescue center in Sitka is the Alaska Raptor Center, which is a refuge for sick or injured bald eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey from across Alaska. There were groups of brown bears in It was originally built by Alexander Baranov after he established his fur trade activities in the area. The tour guide was very 6.43 miles (10.35 km) with 13 min travel time. You will learn about the history, customs and lives of native peoples. Visit Us Will you be visiting Sitka soon? That way we were free to do exactly what we wanted. Most cruise ships dock at the two-berth Old Sitka Dock at Halibut Point Marine, six miles north of the town centre. We are also wanting to see the Fortress of the Bears and the Raptor Center. In addition to being a popular cruise port, it is the sixth largest seafood-producing port in the U.S. The main attraction is Totem Park, with 20 beautiful hand-carved totem poles set along nature trails. 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. Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience. The inner ear senses movement that the eyes cannot see, causing discomfort and nausea. Theres also a gift shop and the best seafood chowder in town. Stretched Limousine When you hear about our stretched limousine, you know it is comfortable and luxurious. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist. Zion National Park In Winter 2023: A Spectacular Sight! Follow along and adventure with me! Private Sedan The Seven Seas Mariner cruises is where you have always wished to be. I haven't been to Sitka yet but we will there in late May and from everything I have seen the Fortress of the Bear is 5 miles out of town. Trace Russias influence on Sitka in the 19th century and tour a raptor center that rescues injured birds in hopes of returning them to the wild. However, some birds, which could not survive in nature, are permanent residents there. When visiting a cruise port, it can be a tough choice to decide what to do with limited time ashore. So you can probably arrange something with a taxi. Check your email for your list (Check your spam box if you dont see it). Very nice day if you are able bodied to walking some. We all got a good laugh from it and even took a pic. IF they tender us to the downtown dock, I'd actually prefer that to taking the shuttle bus from out of town. *Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. allerdings ein Ausfall nichts oder nur wenig erklrt. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bears, which allows you get within 25 feet of Alaska's brown bears in a naturalized setting. In addition to discovering the history and heritage of the Tlingit and the russian colonization, you can admire totem poles. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. Add Cruise Critic's Community Forums to your iPhone's Home Screen! The Rapter Centre was vary informative and visual. Touring the wildlife sanctuary & seeing bald eagles up 17 Exciting things to do from the Sitka Cruise Port 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. . The Sitka Whale Park has a gazebo area, perfect for picnics, where you can sit and watch humpback whales in the bay. To find out more, please. Read more Best Hotels Between Universal and DisneyHow Many Disney Parks are there in the World? To visit this attraction and a few others is heavily dependent on the cruise port time available ! It's a service provided on cruise days, charges $10pp and stops at several tourist. 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. You might enjoy seeing pictures of that tour at the link below. Hike the Harbor Mountain Trail 7. About us Brenfestung knnte etwas lnger sein. The tour puts the songs, history and lower Manhattan locations into perspective. In fact, Sitka is known for its commercial fishingand there are plenty of half-day or full-day tours available for cruise ship passengers. Sitka is a charming island community surrounded with stunning mountain and seaside panoramic views. And while it isnt the busiest cruise port, there are still plenty of things to do in Sitka. Its historic sites, native culture, and small-town feel make it a great place to explore. (Rich McClear/KCAW) Sitka hosted more than 13,000 cruise . This day trip from Fajardo takes you across pristine waters to a beautiful beach Flamenco or Culebrita (Little Snake) situated just off Culebra Island, known for crystal clear waters and colorful reefs. 13 IDEAL Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska for 2023 - Cruise Hive We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit. Sitka Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour. We have walked through the Sitka National Historical Park (AKA "Totem Pole Park") and on to the Raptor Center. In addition to roundtrip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, your guide provides live commentary about landmarks passed along the way. The fortress is constructed from a concrete By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. I would like to know this as well. local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. We were in Sitka about 6 years ago when we did the inside passage on the Oosterdam, but spent most of our time there on an excursion that took us out on an ocean raft to first whale watch and then to a rainforest where we road 4x4's. The rainiest month in Alaska is September, while October is the wettest month in Sitka. Taxis and car rentals are also available. The Kiksadi occupied this place and later, Governor Baranof built a wood log castle. Sitka Whale Park. The Gavan Hill and Indian River trails starts nearby. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Still within walking distance from downtown, at the end of Lincoln Street is Sitka National Historical Park, Alaskas oldest national park. The highlights are, seaside scenic views, the raptor center, Sitka National Park, St Michael Catherdral and the dancers. Browse Telegraph Travel's selection of best river and ocean cruises, The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. How Many Disney Parks are there in the World. Sitka cruise ships dock at the . Both sanctuaries are smaller than I imagined,and the stops So any firm answer yet on the shuttle? Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess, Viking Ocean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, Seabourn, Silversea, Scenic, and Cunard Line are among the most popular. Famous For. and the Native Cultural Centre and totems at the National Where Your Ship Will Dock - Cruise Port Info Sitka has two places for ships to dock; Old Sitka Dock (just renamed Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal) and Crescent Harbor. Visit Sitka - Alaska Raptor Center We'll be in Sitka in early June on Serenade. National Park And Raptor Center - Adult Only Departure (SI13) Port of Call. A lovely walk along the small boat harbor to the National Historical Park (referred to as Totem Pole Park by the locals). Sitka Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bears . Should be a great cruise hard to beat a 14 night cruise. https://visitsitka.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-VS_AttractionsMap_FINAL.pdf. Sure can't wait to go, only 91 more days to go!! It a place of majestic views, with towering mountains, spruce forests, and even the occasional whale! Includes a pre-packed lunch box with a choice of chicken salad wrap or veggie wraps options and beverages. Its a great way to learn about Tlingit, Russian, and American history. Larger vessels anchor in Crescent Bay and tender to OConnell Bridge or Crescent Harbor on the town centre waterfront. Is hiking dangerous then? The website for them is sitkatoursalaska.com and that tour is described there. Best Disney Park for a 5-year-old Is Universal the same as Disney? The best time of year to visit Sitka is from late May to mid-September. passionate about his travels!!! Sitka is a small, friendly town where you can feel safe exploring under your own steam. open windows or air conditioning. sightcrr. 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. In addition to round-trip transportation from the Sitka cruise port, your guide provides live commentary about landmarks . According to the internet, Sitka has a bus line w 3 routes. Bus Our bus will drive you to the Lincoln Street and back to the port of Sitka in time. Hsmama, February 16, 2017 in Alaska. Hi guys, will be on the Radiance Ots, one of the stops is in Sitka on May 20th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., an have never been to Sitka, was wonderin what tours to take?, Am also thinkin about wanderin around town to take in all the sights. Visit Sheldon Jackson Museum 7. 2015-2023, Cruise and Sea. Sitka hosted more than 13,000 cruise-ship visitors in one day last week. She tried to connect with Free shuttle buses to downtown are usually provided if docked here. The center's website says the facility has 200,000 visitors every year. At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time. Sitka Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bears. Local food trucks set up on days when ships are in. close was impressive. To find out more, please. None of us are interested in walking the 5 miles out there. but direct from a likely visited downtown site, the Russian Bishop's House is a smidgen under a mile on foot. compound. Theres a gift shop on-site and proceeds go directly back to the rescue center. and Osprey birds being rehabilitated to nurse back to good We're wanting to DIY our Sitka visit as well, and the Raptor center is top of the list! Get ready to explore beautiful nature, amazing wildlife, and fascinating history while stopping at this stunning Alaskan destination. Cruise and Sea is not responsible for the content of external websites and transactions made on third-party websites. (SI15) View Gallery Port of Call. Enjoyed our 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. My wife is the one with the talent. Sitka Cruise Port | Tourist information about Sitka - United States of The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. . Free shuttles depart every 10 minutes on cruise-ship days and take 15 minutes to travel to the drop-off point at the central Harrigan Centennial Hall, home to Sitkas visitor centre. Its also the spot where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the U.S. in 1867. The oldest museum in Alaska also holds the honor of being the first concrete building in the state. The Rapter Centre was vary This Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. Sitka Cruise Port Things to do in Sitka 1. 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. The Fortrus of the Bears was awesome Great tour that was booked rather last minute. Its a gorgeous place to visit, but there is often a wet chill in the air. A shuttle is available to take passengers to the center of Sitka, close to Harrigan Centennial Hall. We stayed in front of the hordes of Guide was great with history and 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. Fun Fact #1. This destination offers superb fishing, and plentiful historical attractions. For the avian enthusiast, the Alaska Raptor Center should be a top priority. The Sheldon Jackson Museum is as old as many of the artifacts it preservers. 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. Terms and conditions If you like beer, you can walk to the Sitka Brewery which has super tasty beers and you can also walk back from the brewery or the Raptor center, as across the street near the Raptor center is an entrance for a nice and beautiful walk thru the "forest" directly back to the ship. This time, though, I am better prepared thanks to CC and research of where city tours go. I like the idea of walking if weather permits, how do I find the shuttle to the fortress? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Most memorable would be the bear sanctuary. Sitka is a very easy DIY port. Each guest receives a Personal Listening Device to insure you hear every Word and note, no matter how noisy the city gets. Search Excursions. The guide did a fine job. This shelter for bears has the mission of rehabilitating sick or orphaned cubs in order to reintroduce them into the wild. We wait. From kayaking and fishing in the bay to visiting historic sites and experiencing native culture, there are plenty of things to do from the Sitka cruise port on your next Alaskan cruise. Excellent local knowledge and info for each of the three stops! Start by visiting the oldest, the Russian Bishops House, which dates from 1842. Most cruise ships dock at Old Sitka Dock, which is located 6 miles from town. The hill was home to an important fortification built by the Tlingit people until the Russian settlers arrived and took control. We then parked at a free lot right next to the docks downtown and spent a few hours walking around, having lunch and shopping. Created in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the native Tlingit people and the Russian colonists, the Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska's oldest cultural and historic park. I am pretty sure. Explore Sitka without the hassle of navigating on your own on a halfday tour to the citys top landmarks, including the Fortress of Bears, National Historic Park, and Raptor Center. Cruise Price $0.00 USD Home Port Adventures. Explore the Town of Sitka 2. 17 Exciting Things To Do From The Sitka Cruise Port - Flannels or Flip Over 12 years old $4, under free. It was a very short walk over to the Russian Bishop's House for a tour. enjoyable. Most tour companies and historic and other sites close or operate restricted hours from mid-September to April. Great experience. Much less touristy with a lot of history. Sitka Sound Science Center, 834 Lincoln St., is an aquarium with touch tanks as well as a hatchery, marine research and educational facility. You can also listen to whale songs, or see enormous whale bones from killer whales. At the Raptor centre we saw Eagles, Falcons, Owls After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Featured Starting at . To visit this attraction and a few others is heavily dependent on the cruise port time available ! 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. The port of Sitka is located on Baranof Island. This old-fashioned soda shop serves milkshakes, and ice cream sodas, just like they used to. St. Michael's Cathedral 3. Operators such as Sitka Fish and Fly Fish Sitka offer sixhour and longer charters from $275. We had an excellent lunch at a food truck parked a block or two from St. Michael's Cathedral on Lincoln St. - I've recommended them (Ashmo's) several times. The cathedral, built between 1844 and 1848, was destroyed by fire in 1966. Taxi Cab Ensure you visit the Tongass National Forest and get lost in the bushes. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Cruise and Sea. Purchasing through the links above, helps me continue my blog at no additional cost to you, and I appreciate it so much! This site uses cookies and similar technologies to analyze traffic, customize content and advertisements, and provide social media features. good. Its not a busy tourist town and it retains its small-town charm. diameter dome), which gave the bears lots of space to roam, The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. While it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Sitka, the best time to view them is between September and early April. Park was cool. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Unlike other Alaskan cruise ports, you wont find the same souvenirs in every shop. Amazing places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Smaller cruise ships docked at Crescent Harbour will have lifeboats take you ashore to the downtown area of Sitka. Sitka Cultural Tour with Alaska Raptor Center - Cruises