Birds, Bears & Barnacles

This is your guaranteed opportunity to view up close Alaska's majestic bald eagles, Alaskan coastal brown bears, and ocean sea life from aquariums, touch tanks, and a salmon hatchery. Departing the pier you will drive to the Alaska Raptor Center where you will spend time learning about the many birds of prey in the Flight Center and outside bird habitats. The Raptor Center specializes in the care of the American bald eagle. A presentation with a live bird on a handler’s glove will give you a chance to ask questions. Next, you will drive along a very scenic portion of the Sitka road system, stopping at the Fortress of the Bear. Learn about the life and habits of the Alaska coastal brown bear, and an elevated platform offers views of brown bears. You'll see their handler feed, talk to and encourage them in a natural but safely enclosed habitat. Leaving the fortress, head to the Sitka Marine Science Center which houses an active salmon hatchery, saltwater aquariums, and live fish touch tanks displaying many of the marine species found in Sitka's ocean waters. This program is educational experience for all ages - a chance to appreciate some of the inhabitants of Alaska's remarkable animal kingdom.