Boat and Kayak Tours

Alaska Travel Adventures. Alaska Travel Adventures leads a three-hour kayaking tour in protected waters south of Sitka. The tour includes friendly guides, basic kayak instruction, and snacks at a remote cabin on the water. Sitka, Alaska, 99835. 800/323–5757; www.bestofalaskatravel.com. $149.

Allen Marine Tours. One of Southeast's largest and best-known tour operators leads several boat-based Sitka Sound tours throughout the summer. The Wildlife Quest tours provide a fine opportunity to view humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, eagles, and brown bears in a spectacular setting. When seas are calm enough, Allen Marine conducts a tour to the bird sanctuary at St. Lazaria Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Private catamaran tours for up to six guests can also be arranged. 1512 Sawmill Creek Rd., Sitka, Alaska, 99835. 907/747–8100; 888/747–8101; www.allenmarinetours.com. Call for rates.

Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures. The guide company's waterfront operation is easy to find: just look for the big blue bus at Crescent Harbor next to Sitka Historical Society. Sitka Sound runs various guided kayak trips through the mysterious and beautiful outer islands off the coast of Sitka. Guides help new-to-the-area paddlers understand Sitka Sound's wonders, and for day trips the company packs a great picnic. Experienced paddlers who want to go it alone can rent gear. Harbor Dr., at Centennial Hall, Sitka, Alaska, 99835. 907/752–0660; www.kayaksitka.com. From $79.