We are photographers and Lione is excellent at making sure the boat is positioned for the best photo lighting. You couldn’t ask for a better or nicer captain and naturalist/photographer in Sitka. We’ve gotten some of the best whale pics we’ve ever taken so whether you’re a pro, semi-pro, phone photographer or just want to observe wildlife, this is the tour for you.
As Seen on Planet Earth
A Unique Natural Phenomenon
Hear the Whales via Hydrophone
Witness One of Nature’s Great Events
As a photography professional or enthusiast, you know that the best shots are the ones that tell a story. That’s exactly what you’ll capture on our tour! Watch in awe as humpback whales work together in a coordinated effort to feed, and snap photos that showcase their intelligence and teamwork. You’ll feel a rush of adrenaline as you capture these unique images, and a sense of pride knowing that you’ve captured something truly special. Our Bubble-Net Feeding Humpback Whales Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of Mother Nature’s greatest events. Led by a professional photographer, this 3-day tour takes you to the best place in the world for viewing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As they breach the surface of the water to trap their prey, you’ll feel your heart skip a beat. And when you look back on your images, you’ll be reminded of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
3-Day Tour / 24 hours on the water – $2699 per person
Fuel Surcharge:
Embracing transparency and service excellence, our dynamic fuel surcharge model correlates with Brent Crude Oil prices. With increased participation, expect a significant reduction in surcharges per additional traveler. The surcharge ranges between $10 and $30 per guest for every $5.00 rise in oil prices above $80 per gallon, ensuring competitive pricing and unparalleled travel experiences.
Departure time
7:00 AM
Meeting point
Unless you’ve made special arrangements for a different meeting location, we kindly ask all passengers to gather at Harrigan Centennial Hall, conveniently situated at 330 Harbor Drive. Look out for our distinctive blue sign in front of the building it’s a beacon guiding you to the beginning of your tour. Once you arrive, be sure to check in with one of our friendly team members, easily recognizable in their bright yellow jackets. From there, your journey continues down the gangway, where you’ll find our vessel waiting in the harbor, just next to the hall.
Important Note for Cruise Ship Passengers: If you’re arriving via cruise ship, we’ve got your transportation covered! You’ll be transported to Harrigan Centennial Hall either by a convenient shuttle bus or a comfortable liter, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Availability
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- March 20 – March 22, 2024 … 2 Spots left
- March 28 – March 30, 2024 … *Sold Out*
- March 31 – April 2, 2024 … *Sold Out*
- April 3 – April 5, 2024 … *Sold Out*
- April 4 – April 6, 2024 … *Sold Out*
- April 5 – April 7, 2024 … *Sold Out*
- April 10 – April 12, 2024 … 2 Spots left
- March 21 – March 23, 2025 … 6 Spots Left – Aboard Voyager
- March 24 – March 26, 2025 … *Sold Out*
- March 21, 2025 – April 7, 2025 … *Sold Out*
- March 28, 2025 – March 31, 2025 … *Sold Out*
- April 1 – April 3, 2025 … *Sold Out*
- April 4 – April 6, 2025 … *Sold Out*
- April 7 – April 9, 2025 … 4 Spots Left – Aboard Voyager
- April 8 – April 10, 2025 …*Sold Out*
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Duration
3 days – 24 hours on the water.
Group size
Maximum 6 people
Included
- Detailed booklets for the wildlife we often see on this tour.
- Access to Coast-Guard recommended marine binoculars for all guests while onboard.
- Beverages and snacks including coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water.
- Bathroom
Not included
- Flights to and from Sitka
- Lodging
- Transport to and from the meeting point
- City and Borough of Sitka sales tax
- Staff gratuities
- Meals – Leave It To us Rather than shopping, preparing and packing your own food. When booking your tour look for the Optional Meal Add-Ons to have freshly prepared breakfast items, Sandwiches and Salads safely waiting for you to come aboard.
Participation requirements
Suitable for ages 15 years and over.
What to bring
- Camera or cell phone with well-charged batteries – we have a limited number of USB outlets.
- Plenty of memory cards.
- Patience – these are wild animals that abide by no man’s schedule.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe, rubber-sole, flat shoes. Boat (or non-marking) shoes are not necessary.
- To reduce the number of items in the waste stream, personal water bottles are recommended.
- Rain gear – just in case as Sitka is surrounded by temperate rainforest.
- Temperatures on the water are cooler, come prepared and dress in layers.
About your guide
- US Coast Guard 25GT masters licensed captain
- 1 Certified naturalist guide
Highlights
See humpback whales simultaneously launch out of the water, throat grooves bulging with herring.
Watch brown bears and the seawater come alive as gulls & bald eagles frantically converge, plucking leftovers seemingly from their open mouths.
Witness what Planet Earth called “One of nature’s great events.”
Learn about this unique event from an expert naturalist guide.
Only a hundred humpbacks in the world have learned to fish in this way & Sitka is the best place to see it!
What You'll See & Do
Join our professional photographer and Captain Neil McDermott to photograph one of nature’s most extraordinary events on a 3-day guided photography expedition with a minimum of 24 hours on the water.
During this expedition, we will make sure we are in the right spot at the right time for you to capture these fantastic moments. Imagine the shots you will get when up to 20 humpback whales simultaneously explode out of the water with their throat grooves bulging with herring and seawater, as gulls and bald eagles frantically converge, plucking leftovers seemingly from their open mouths. The leading female dives first and then the rest follow, diving in formation and in the same order each time.
This time of the year is the perfect season and Sitka is the best place to get stunning pictures of humpback whales bubble-net feeding. It was with good reason that the BBC chose Sitka during this timeframe to film the documentary Planet Earth’s bubble-net feeding content. We will witness this awe-inspiring group feeding display as often as 70+ times per day.
Good to Know
All our expeditions are subject to the realities of the natural world. A Whale’s Song Expeditions makes no guarantees of seeing any specific species. Although we will do everything in our power to find the species that are of interest to customers and stay on the itinerary, circumstances such as species location, weather, and ocean conditions may necessitate alteration of an itinerary. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change.
Unfortunately, our vessel is not wheelchair accessible.
Features of our vessel:
- A spacious heated cabin
- Deluxe comfortable seats for all guests
- Restroom equipped
- Large wrap-around windows for unobstructed viewing
- Expansive deck space for multiple perspectives
- Great stability to ensure safety and comfort
Smoking and the consumption of alcohol or any illegal drug while aboard is prohibited.
If the captain determines that you may be under the influence or may pose a hazard to yourself, the vessel, the crew, or other guests you will not be permitted to board, and no refund will be given.
If you are motion sickness prone, take your remedies at least 1 hour in advance.
Please arrive at the vessel 15 minutes before departure.
Your Captain has over 1,200 hours at the helm maneuvering the boat in the best position to get that great shot. Our professional photographer will join all photo tours with over 3 guests.
Previous Guests Rave About A Whale's Song Expeditions
We saw bubble feeding by humpback whales, breaches, a double breach, a herring burst out of the water into glistening sun, Edgecumb the volcano, Lazaria the rockery, beautiful sunny days, and calm waters. The days on the water were all you could ask for and more.
Lione showed us all sorts of animal information and shared so much knowledge, incredible! I would recommend this tour and experience to anyone wanting to have a beautiful exploration of Sitka was an awesome crew.
