Express Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest

Offered by Allen Marine Tours In Sitka, Alaska

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About us

Allen Marine Tours is a family-owned business, and one of the oldest tour companies in Alaska. We have been cruising the pristine waters of the Inside Passage for over 45 years. We currently operate vessels from the ports of Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. All of our day-cruises are thoughtfully designed to provide our guests with the best means possible to view and learn about the wilderness and wildlife of Southeast Alaska, and provide insight into the human history & cultures of the people who live here.

The vessels we operate were custom built in our own shipyard in Sitka, and our unmatched experience is evident in every design. Features common to all vessels include spacious and comfortable passenger accommodations, wrap-around windows and expansive open-air observation decks. Most of our fleet is made up of high-performance, waterjet-powered catamarans, preferred by all who ride them for their speed, smooth ride and superior maneuverability.

Every year our goal is to operate the highest-rated shore excursions in Alaska. Allen Marine Tours has received numerous awards for tour quality and we have earned an industry-wide reputation for exceeding our guest’s expectations.

What we'll do

Join a cruise that guarantees wildlife viewing and offers the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bears, blacktail deer, bald eagles and a variety of marine birds. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem. You’ll also learn about the sea otters’ recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800s.

Your waterjet-driven tour vessel has been designed to navigate Southeast Alaska’s narrow island passages, allowing for wildlife viewing at close range. The vessel features a warm cabin with comfortable seating, large windows, galley and restrooms. There is an expansive topside observation deck for unparalleled photo opportunities and to fully experience your quest with all your senses.

This tour guarantees you will view sea otters, a whale or a bear. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. You will have a generous amount of free time to explore beautiful Sitka on your own, before or after the cruise.

* Tour Highlights:
- Sitka Sound is home to the greatest variety of wildlife in Southeast Alaska -sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, puffins, bald eagles, and more!
- Throughout the voyage an onboard naturalist will provide educational enrichment regarding local flora and fauna, history, and Alaska Native culture. While sea otter and whale viewing is our top priority on this tour, you may also have an opportunity to view and photograph other notable features of the area, including Mount Edgecumbe, Saint Lazaria and more!
- Every voyage is unique, custom-designed by your experienced Alaskan captain and crew. You'll have the opportunity to view sea otters, humpback whales, orca, sea lions, porpoises, seals, eagles, and more!
- Tour operator has been operating for over 50 years in Sitka, Alaska. This is a family and native owned organization that provides the ultimate guest experience from start to finish.

What to expect / what's provided

* Duration: Approximately 2 hours

* Port: Sitka

* Provided: Cathedral ticket; snacks; coffee, tea, cocoa

* Accessibility: Select departures can accommodate persons using a collapsible/manual wheelchair. Please consult your cruise line shore excursion department before booking for details. The vessel is not accessible by electric scooter.

* Meeting Location: Crescent Harbor, 330 Harbor Drive

* What to Bring:
- Dress in layers to enjoy the outside observation deck. Rain jacket, hat and gloves recommended.
- Camera, handheld video equipment, and binoculars
- USD Cash / Credit Card for Onboard Purchases

* Vessel Amenities:
- Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, tea and select snacks available.
- Spacious outdoor observation deck
- Climate controlled interior seating with panoramic windows.
- Includes one, or more, restroom(s)

* Good to Know:
- The tour departs and returns from Crescent Harbor. Guests should meet 15 minutes prior to departure time.
- Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Participants may have to walk up to 150-yards and negotiate 3-4 steps with non-lifting assistance to embark tour vessel. Once onboard minimal walking is required.
- Tour Minimums: Tours do need to reach a minimum capacity to operate. We will contact guests 48 hours in advance if the tour has not reached a minimum.

* Special Notes:
- Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck. You will have a generous amount of free time to explore beautiful Sitka on your own, before or after the tour.

* Availability:
Allen Marine is committed to the long-standing relationships we have cultivated with our cruise line partners. Booking through your cruise line’s website is the most expedient and effortless way to book a trip, and includes several built-in benefits and guarantees. Because you are booking directly through your ship, your tickets will be ready ahead of time, and often hand-delivered to your stateroom. You are also guaranteed to make it back to your ship before it departs – the ship will stay in port if your shore excursion runs late. If there are any changes to your ship’s schedule, your shore excursions team will ensure that we are contacted on your behalf, and any necessary changes in itinerary will be made. Finally, you will have the added bonus of a dedicated shore excursions team who will be available to help answer questions and make arrangements should your tour be canceled or changed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The value you receive by booking through your cruise line is truly outstanding.

Cancellation Policy

<p>A $10/person processing fee will be charged for cancellations made after the booking is confirmed. Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days prior to the tour date. 50% refund if you cancel 3-6 days prior to the tour date. No refund if you cancel less than 48 hours prior to the tour date. If the tour is cancelled by the operator for any reason, the customer will receive a full refund. For Tracy Arm Fjord trips, in the event unpredictable and ever-changing ice conditions preclude your vessel from entering Tracy Arm Fjord, the tour will be modified to explore Endicott Arm, a fjord and tidewater glacier of equal beauty.</p><p>Booking Fees: Please note that booking fees are non-refundable should you cancel an excursion.</p>

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