If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, there’s a good chance that Sitka Cruise Port will be one of the places you visit. Nestled on the western shore of Baranof Island, Sitka offers a perfect blend of rich history, local culture, and stunning natural beauty.
This remote coastal town is a favorite amongst cruise passengers because of its scenic landscapes and fascinating blend of Tlingit and Russian heritage and colonial influence. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, Sitka is an unforgettable cruise destination.
In This Article:
Sitka Cruise Port Location and Address
Sitka Cruise Port, also known as the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, is located along Alaska’s famous Inside Passage. Its ideal location between the Pacific Ocean and the towering mountains of Baranof Island makes it an ideal stop for visiting cruise ships and their passengers.
Not only is the location highly accessible for cruise ships, but the rugged and untamed landscapes are incredibly beautiful. Plus, they’re home to some of Alaska’s most iconic animal species, making Sitka one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing in all of the Last Frontier.
In fact, Sitka Cruise Port is located in such a remote and wild area that I’d recommend keeping an eye out for sea otters floating in the water, whales breaching in the distance, and even brown bears roaming along the shoreline as your cruise ship pulls into the port.
Sitka Cruise Port Address:
Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, 4513 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, Alaska 99835
In relation to the town itself, the cruise port is located roughly 5 miles north of downtown Sitka. Given that Sitka and the port are only accessible by air or sea, both destinations have retained a real sense of isolation, making it feel like you are visiting an untouched Alaskan gem.
Unlike the larger cruise ports found in Juneau or Ketchikan, I personally found that Sitka’s sense of isolation gave it a serene atmosphere that instantly made me feel like I could relax. The remote location of Sitka and the town’s compact feel make it an enjoyable and stress-free stop on your itinerary.
Sitka Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
When your cruise ship arrives, it will dock along the single pier that services the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. This modern version of the port opened in early 2022, replacing the much smaller Old Sitka Dock, which opened in 2012 and could only handle a single cruise ship.
Today, the one double-sided pier features two cruise ship berths. These two deep-water berths can handle large cruise ships simultaneously, but this is somewhat rare outside of Alaska’s peak cruise season.
Worth Reading: Your Guide to the Best Alaska Cruise Ports
At the end of the pier, you will find a modern and surprisingly well-equipped 40,000-square-foot terminal building designed to welcome thousands of cruise ship passengers.
This large, timber-framed terminal building houses gift shops, two separate restaurants, and even a rental shop where visitors can rent mountain bikes, e-bikes, hiking poles, and more.
Where Sitka was once a remote destination featured only on some cruise itineraries, the upgraded and expanded cruise ship port has made it one of the go-to destinations for Alaska cruise travel. In fact, it’s becoming so popular that some locals have started opposing the cruise industry out of concerns about over-tourism.
The Terminal Building
Once you disembark, you’ll find that the impressive terminal building is clean, organized, and designed to make your visit as seamless and enjoyable as possible. I personally loved that they made it a timber structure with enormous windows, as it helps make it feel like a true Alaskan destination.
Outside of ample seating areas, clean bathrooms, and an observation area, the terminal building offers other amenities that can enhance your visit, including the following:
Free Wi-Fi
After the 2020 renovation and expansion, the entire port was outfitted with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. This allows all guests to stay connected as they plan their Sitka adventure.
Visitor Center and Tourist Information Booth
Helpful staff members provide maps, brochures, and local insights to help you make the most of your time in Sitka. If you’re looking for a more adrenalin-packed experience, Adventure Sitka is located within the terminal building, where you can rent bikes and book excursions.
The Shuttle Service
Although the port is nearly 6 miles from Sitka, complimentary shuttle buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. These buses transport passengers directly to downtown Sitka in roughly 12 minutes.
The fact that the buses are free and run so frequently throughout the day makes it easy to explore Sitka and its surrounding attractions.
Shopping and Restaurants
There are gift shops inside the terminal building, offering unique Alaskan souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and plenty of snacks you can take with you. Sitka Fur Gallery and Dockside Provisions are particular highlights.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, there are two restaurants inside the building, and one features a large outdoor patio where you can take in the views of the harbor. If you’re just looking for a hot cup of joe, there’s also Portside Coffee, located right beside the terminal building’s main entrance.
The Sitka Alaska Odyssey Dome
One of the port’s most unique features is the Alaska Odyssey Dome, an incredible 270-degree immersive movie theater. It showcases educational movies about Alaska and its wildlife in crisp 8K resolution, making watching a film a full-sensory experience you can enjoy minutes after stepping off your cruise ship.
If you get the chance, I highly recommend getting tickets to the Alaska Raptor Experience.
Not only do you get to watch a high-definition movie about bald eagles on a giant wraparound screen, but as soon as the movie finishes, an eagle handler from the Alaska Raptor Center gives a live presentation.
It was one of my favorite memories from my visit, and it’s the perfect activity if you arrive in Sitka when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Accessibility
The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal was designed to prioritize accessibility for all visitors. With wheelchair ramps, elevators to the top floor restaurant and observation deck, and assistance available for those with mobility challenges, the building is a welcoming destination for all cruise passengers.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to explore Sitka’s top attractions, the terminal is the perfect starting point for your adventure.
Cruise Lines that Visit Sitka Cruise Port
Despite its remote location, several major cruise lines include Sitka Sound as a port of call along their Alaska itineraries, allowing passengers to experience the town’s unique blend of culture and nature. Some of the most popular cruise lines that visit Sitka include:
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Alaskan Dream Cruises
Alaskan Dream Cruises is a relatively small cruise line that actually uses Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal as a home port. The other cruise lines simply use it as a regular stop along their Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries.
Read Also: What’s the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?
No matter which cruise line you travel with, experiencing Sitka’s charm can enhance any Alaskan cruise adventure.
How to Get to Sitka
Due to its remote location on the west side of Baranof Island, Sitka and the cruise port that takes its name are accessible only by air or sea.
While this makes it more difficult for tourists to get to Sitka, it also helps to make it a slightly more exclusive destination for cruise passengers.
Unlike some other Alaskan cities, there are no roads connecting Sitka to the mainland, so visitors need to plan their visit more carefully, especially if they are not arriving by cruise ship.
Here’s a quick overview of the two ways you can get to Sitka, Alaska:
Arriving in Sitka by Air
The Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) is the main airport serving the town, and it is the touchdown point for pretty much all visitors who choose to fly to Sitka.
This small, state-owned airport is located west of Sitka. Despite its size, the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport welcomes daily flights from Seattle, Juneau, Anchorage, and Ketchikan.
For those traveling from other parts of the U.S. or internationally, connecting flights through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Washington are the most common route.
Almost all of the passenger planes that arrive at the airport are operated by Alaska Airlines, so this will almost certainly be the airline you will travel on if you are flying into Sitka.
Arriving in Sitka by Sea
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) operates a ferry system that includes Sitka in its network of coastal destinations. While less popular with cruise passengers, these ferries provide scenic, slower-paced travel to and from Sitka.
For those traveling with a vehicle, the ferries are the best way to travel to Sitka. If you were planning on boarding a smaller cruise ship that lists Sitka as the initial embarkation point–like some of the smaller Alaskan Dream Cruises that use Sitka Sound as a home port–arriving by ferry can help you explore multiple Alaskan destinations at a leisurely pace before or after your cruise.
Getting to Sitka from Your Cruise Ship
There is a good chance you will be visiting Sitka as part of an Alaska cruise. Luckily, getting into downtown Sitka from the cruise port is pretty much effortless. Thanks to the free shuttle service mentioned earlier, you can get to and from Sitka in roughly 12 minutes.
You don’t need to book tickets ahead of time or plan your journey in any way, as the shuttle buses run non-stop as long as a cruise ship is docked in port. They also run every 10 to 15 minutes, so don’t worry if the pickup area is busy.
Keep in mind that the last shuttle from downtown Sitka departs 30 minutes before every cruise ship’s all-aboard time, so make sure you don’t miss it!
What Can You Do Nearby?
Sitka might be a remote destination, but it’s still packed with incredible things to do. Whether you want to take in the local history and culture, view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife up close, or even just take a relaxing nature hike through the Tongass National Forest, there’s plenty to do near the cruise port.
Here are just some of the most popular attractions within easy reach of the cruise port:
Visit Sitka National Historical Park
Located just 6.5 miles from the cruise port, Sitka National Historical Park is a must-visit destination. This stunning national park is home to authentic, towering totem poles, hiking trails bordered by dense trees, and exhibits on the history and culture of the Indigenous Tlingit people.
You can also visit and tour the historic Russian Bishop’s House, one of the only surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. This former Russian Orthodox church, built in 1842, is now a museum.
The Alaska Raptor Center
Located roughly 6.5 miles from the port, the Alaska Raptor Center is a wildlife reserve and rehabilitation center that cares for injured bald eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other predatory birds native to the area.
Since 1980, the Alaska Raptor Center has cared for an average of roughly 200 injured birds per year. The 17-acre Raptor Center is open to the public, allowing visitors to see these amazing birds up close. You can also tour natural eagle habitats, where wild raptors and other birds can be spotted amongst the dense rainforest.
Admission is only $16 for adults, and all funds are used to help care for the injured birds. If you don’t have time to visit, check out the Alaska Raptor Experience at the port’s Odyssey Dome. As I mentioned, you’ll even get to see one of the birds right at the port.
The Fortress of the Bear
The Fortress of the Bear is another educational wildlife recovery center. As the name suggests, its main focus is injured and orphaned bears, including Alaska’s iconic brown bears.
Three types of bears are viewable from covered and raised platforms, making it an amazing place to view bears without worrying about being on the menu by spotting them in the wilderness.
Given that it’s 11.5 miles southeast of the cruise port, the Fortress of the Bear is slightly further than the other attractions, but it is definitely worth visiting. Guided tours of the reserve last about 30 minutes; there’s even a gift shop and café.
Keep in mind that you can’t book tickets ahead of time, so arrive early if you want to make sure you have time to take one of the tours. Admission is $15 for adults, and like the Raptor Center, the money goes towards caring for the bears.
Dining in Sitka
Sitka might be a relatively small and remote town, but its dining scene is impressive. As you find throughout Alaska’s towns and cities, Sitka offers plenty of seafood restaurants, local cafes, and a number of casual eateries and bars.
Fortunately, many of these delicious eateries are within walking distance of the shuttle drop-off, so they couldn’t be easier to get to.
While you are always welcome to explore the downtown and find a restaurant that looks appealing to you, here are just a few of my favorites:
Bayview Pub
Located in downtown Sitka, roughly 6 miles from the port, the Bayview Pub is a local favorite. This casual bar and eatery serves up local craft beers and has a food menu that includes some truly delicious seafood dishes. If seafood isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of pub classics, like burgers, chicken wings, and a signature French dip sandwich.
With dart boards, live music, and plenty of TVs showing live sports, there are plenty of reasons why it is such a popular spot.
The Beak Restaurant
For something a little bit more upscale, the Beak Restaurant is also located in downtown Sitka. In fact, it’s actually on the same street as the Bayview Pub, but it has a very different atmosphere.
The Beak specializes in high-quality, fresh-caught seafood and other local ingredients. The chefs and staff are happy to tell guests about the ingredients and recipes, and the entire restaurant has a unique gratuity-free model, so you don’t have to worry about tipping.
With a focus on hiring locals and giving them meaningful employment in a restaurant that focuses on quality above all else, it’s well worth visiting.
Campfire Kitchen Sitka
With wood-fired pizzas made fresh to order, Campfire Kitchen Sitka is a unique experience perfect for picky eaters. Everything is made from scratch, and the smell of the burning wood makes it one of downtown Sitka’s top spots for pizza. I’d highly recommend visiting and enjoying your pizza in the open-air seating area if you want something casual.
Halibut Point Crab & Chowder
Another option for fresh Alaska seafood is Halibut Point Crab & Chowder. With locally sourced Dungeness crab, Alaskan salmon, halibut, cod, clams, and more, it’s one of the best places to go if you want a real taste of the Last Fortier’s famous seafood dishes.
The best part about this restaurant? It’s actually located directly inside the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal building, so it couldn’t be easier to get to.
They also serve a variety of local beers, so it’s a nice place to just sit back with a cold beer while you enjoy the view of the harbor and surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that, like the port itself, the restaurant is only open during cruise season.
Harbor Mountain Brewing Co.
If you’re a craft beer fan or want a quiet spot to relax, Harbor Mountain Brewing Company is Sitka’s locally owned and operated brewery.
With a variety of beers available in its taproom and some really eye-catching merchandise you can purchase as a souvenir, it’s a spot I always recommend to those visiting Sitka.
Like most of the places I’ve mentioned, it’s also located right in downtown Sitka, so it is easy to get to from the cruise port.
Shopping in Sitka
I already mentioned that there are some nice gift shops and jewelry stores located right in the port’s terminal building, but Sitka itself also offers a variety of great shopping destinations, especially for those looking to pick up a local souvenir.
The Russian American Company is a unique store with authentic Russian souvenirs that tribute the area’s Russian colonial roots. These include hand-painted nesting dolls, imported Russian food items, and hand-carved goods. Even by Alaskan standards, some of the items on offer are really unique!
If you’re looking for a fun gift to bring back or even just a souvenir for yourself, I’d recommend visiting Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. As you can probably guess, they specialize in carrying locally sourced sea salt products.
Some flavored sea salts, like the wild Alaskan blueberry-infused flake-style sea salt, are absolutely delicious. Do yourself a favor and pick up a jar of the Original Sitka Flake Sea Salt. I put it on everything and will have to plan another trip to Sitka to get more!
Outside of the two options listed above, downtown Sitka has plenty of boutiques and shops, so it is easy to wander down Lincoln Street and find something that appeals to your tastes.
The Best Time to Visit Sitka
The best time to visit Sitka is during the peak of the Alaska cruise season, which runs from May through September. During these months, temperatures can range from 55°F to 65°F, so you should pack warm clothing.
I recommend wearing layers, as Sitka’s temperature tends to fluctuate quickly. A waterproof rain jacket is also a good idea because even clear skies can change quickly in Alaska.
During summer, daylight can last up to 18 hours in Sitka. While this can be a bit disorienting, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy the views and outdoor activities as much as possible.
Read Also: What is the Best Time of Year to Cruise Alaska?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, visiting in the shoulder months of May or September is often for the best. On the other hand, July and August offer the warmest weather, so crowds tend to spike.
Unfortunately, Sitka’s most famous festival, Sitka WhaleFest, occurs in November most years. However, the date changes year to year, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on it if you plan on visiting Sitka.
One of the main takeaways I hope you get from this guide is that no matter when you visit or what you enjoy doing, Sitka’s natural beauty and the hospitality of the locals can make it the perfect place to visit.
