🇺🇸 Sitka, USA — Cruise Port Guide
Once the capital of Russian America, Sitka blends onion-domed churches, Tlingit totems and abundant wildlife on Alaska's open Pacific coast.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Sitka
Best May through September; Sitka faces the open Pacific and is one of the wetter, breezier Southeast ports, with mild temps in the 50s-60s°F.
Getting back to the ship on time
Sitka's tender and dock-shuttle operations are weather-dependent and can be suspended for hours in rough swells or wind, so independent excursion goers should return well before the last scheduled tender or shuttle, never plan on catching the very last one.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Sitka
Sitka National Historical Park
Walk totem-lined rainforest trails where the Tlingit fought the Russians.
Alaska Raptor Center
Meet rehabilitating bald eagles and owls up close.
St. Michael's Cathedral
Visit the onion-domed Russian Orthodox landmark downtown.
Sea otter wildlife cruise
Boat Sitka Sound to see otters, whales, puffins and eagles.
Fortress of the Bear
See rescued brown and black bears at a rehabilitation sanctuary.
Sitka Sound kayaking
Paddle protected island waters teeming with marine life.
Popular excursions
Russian history & totem park walk
St. Michael's Cathedral and rainforest totems of Sitka NHP.
What to eat
- Wild king salmon
- Alaska halibut
- Dungeness crab
- Fresh spot prawns
- Herring eggs (Tlingit delicacy)
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Sep (cruise season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40° | 31° | 7" |
| Feb | 42° | 32° | 5.7" |
| Mar | 44° | 33° | 5.5" |
| Apr | 49° | 37° | 4.6" |
| May | 55° | 42° | 4.3" |
| Jun | 59° | 47° | 3.7" |
| Jul | 62° | 51° | 4.7" |
| Aug | 63° | 52° | 7.4" |
| Sep | 59° | 48° | 10.7" |
| Oct | 52° | 42° | 12.5" |
| Nov | 45° | 36° | 9.7" |
| Dec | 41° | 32° | 8.4" |
A little history
Sitka was the capital of Russian America; St. Michael's Cathedral reflects that Orthodox heritage.
The Tlingit resisted Russian colonizers at the 1804 Battle of Sitka, remembered in the national park.
Sitka National Historical Park displays historic totem poles along scenic coastal rainforest trails.
The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured bald eagles and other birds of prey.