Alaska Cruise Series: Exploring Sitka, Alaska – Wildlife, Whales & a Perfect Day
Welcome back to our Alaska Cruise Series! In this post (and video!), we’re taking you along on one of our favorite stops from our recent Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas cruise — the beautiful and historic town of Sitka, Alaska.
And let me tell you — we were in for an incredible surprise with the weather!
Arriving in Sitka
We arrived in Sitka to something locals will tell you doesn’t happen every day — clear skies and sunshine! The views as we approached were absolutely stunning, with snow-capped peaks framing the coastline and calm blue water greeting us at the dock.
After disembarking, we hopped on a quick shuttle that took us into downtown Sitka, where we spent some time strolling through the charming shops, admiring local art, and just soaking up the town’s relaxed vibe. Sitka has such a cozy, coastal feel — small enough to explore on foot but packed with history and beauty at every turn.
Our Wildlife Adventure
After exploring town, we boarded a small-group wildlife boat tour — and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Within minutes, we were surrounded by pure Alaska magic.
We saw salmon gathering to spawn in the shallow waters, and even caught sight of a bear at the water’s edge taking advantage of the salmon run — straight out of a nature documentary!
From there, we cruised past floating sea otters, playful and curious, before encountering what we’d really been hoping for: an abundance of humpback whales. Watching them surface and dive against the backdrop of those rugged Alaskan mountains was something we’ll never forget.
The entire experience was peaceful, wild, and deeply moving — the kind of day that makes you realize just how incredible Alaska truly is.
Watch the Video
Be sure to check out our full video below — you’ll see all the highlights from our day in Sitka, from walking through town to spotting whales, bears, and otters in their natural habitat.
🎬 Watch now:
Want to Experience This in Sitka?
If this sounds like your kind of adventure (and trust me, it’s worth it!), you can book the exact same wildlife tour we did through my Viator affiliate link below. It’s a fantastic, small-scale experience with amazing guides who know where to find the wildlife without the crowds.
Coming Up Next: Skagway Adventures!
Next up in our Alaska Cruise Series — we’re heading to Skagway, a charming gold rush town surrounded by towering peaks and incredible history. Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it!
-Melissa 🥰
Melissa@wandersbymelissa.com | wandersbymelissa.com | 601-540-7336
