Gallant Adventures
Gallant Adventures
5
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Intimately observe and learn about whales, sea otters, brown bears, Stellar sea lions, puffins and bald eagles while on a personable marine wildlife boat tour with a 100 ton Master captain, Alaskan field geologist and mountain climber as your guide. There is truly no better way to experience the Real Sitka!
Sitka, Alaska
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
537 reviews
Excellent
534
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Amy and Rick Ross
27 contributions
Jul 2022
Paul and Gallant Adventures did NOT disappoint! His boat was small and held 6 passengers comfortably in the cabin, it's wide base made the boat feel very stable. We were thrilled with our 3 hour tour from Sitka. Paul was knowledgable, very professional and personable. He knew the area "sweet spots" of potential wildlife and quickly navigated us to each one where we had some amazing close to boat encounters with Humpbacks, Orcas, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters and a plethora of pacific coast sea birds. Paul identified all the wildlife and explained the behaviors we saw. St. Lazaria Island was a visual masterpiece of lava tubes and birds. Our personal favorites were getting to see the humpbacks feed near the rocky outcrops and interacting with a pod of orcas that encircled us for quite a while. Although this was a once in a lifetime trip for us, we knew after this tour - we have to come back again and do a repeat tour with Paul and Gallant Adventures soon!!
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Those orcas were something that day weren’t they??!! We couldn’t have gotten away from them if we tried! Thanks for the fun morning and also for taking the time to write me a thoughtful review! I had a blast out exploring with you and hope to see you again!
Written July 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig and Jen S
3 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Paul was incredibly knowledgeable, entertaining, personable, and showed us the best time on the water in Sitka. We saw so much wildlife from his beautiful boat, and even came within 15ish feet of a couple whales. All five of my family members (hubby, self and three teens) agree that our 3+ hours on this excursion was the highlight of our time not only in Sitka, but on our Alaskan cruise. Thank you Paul!
** Worth mentioning, I was a bit nervous booking a private whale watching excursion rather than one sponsored through Royal Caribbean, but I’m so glad I did! Paul was incredibly easy to work with the entire process, from initially booking the excursion, to communication about the logistics, to a guarantee to get us back on our ship on time. It honestly couldn’t have gone smoother, from start to finish. Thanks for an afternoon we will never forget!!
** Worth mentioning, I was a bit nervous booking a private whale watching excursion rather than one sponsored through Royal Caribbean, but I’m so glad I did! Paul was incredibly easy to work with the entire process, from initially booking the excursion, to communication about the logistics, to a guarantee to get us back on our ship on time. It honestly couldn’t have gone smoother, from start to finish. Thanks for an afternoon we will never forget!!
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s really nice to hear from you and thanks so much for taking the time to write me a 5 STAR review!! I’m really happy that you guys had such a good time!! The area around Sitka is absolutely phenomenal and exploring this area is surely a highlight to an Alaskan vacation! Thanks for choosing ME to take you out exploring and I hope to see you in Sitka again sometime!
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maryland Traveler
Tilghman, MD50 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Paul was one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic nature guides I’ve had my life. He took six of us on his 30 foot new boat out to see: humpback whales, sea otters, some with pups, puffins, a horned puffin, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles, murre, pigeon guillemots, black oyster catcher, cormorants, and so many more I can’t name them all! Paul was extremely kind and gracious. We all LOVED our tour. I have only a couple of photos in this review because most are still on my camera. Magnificent vistas of Sitka from the water and of the surrounding islands. Worth every penny! I would give six stars if I could. Gallant Adventures is #1 in my book.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just 6 stars? Why not 7?? Lol, I’m just kidding. Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! I’m glad that you had a good time and it appears as if you got some good photos as well! Good luck to you and please keep me in mind for next time because every day is different out there!
Written August 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Veronica M
Cranberry Township, PA31 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Highly recommend Captain Paul and Gallant Adventures! Our party of 5 arrived in Sitka on RCCL's Serenade and had pre-booked the afternoon tour. Great communication before-hand helped make it very simple. A quick (free) shuttle from where the ship docked to the marina downtown. We met up easily and got on the water very quickly for our private charter.
It was a bit windy and the water was a little choppy in areas, but Captain Paul knew how to detour around the area to avoid any trouble. On our 3+ hour tour we saw MULTIPLE whales, sea lions, harbor seals, otter, eagles, puffins, and more! The small boat was able to get in close to multiple little islands, and the views were absolutely breathtaking! This excursion will be hard to top!!!!
It was a bit windy and the water was a little choppy in areas, but Captain Paul knew how to detour around the area to avoid any trouble. On our 3+ hour tour we saw MULTIPLE whales, sea lions, harbor seals, otter, eagles, puffins, and more! The small boat was able to get in close to multiple little islands, and the views were absolutely breathtaking! This excursion will be hard to top!!!!
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You’re still on your cruise and you already wrote me a review?? You are really sweet for taking the time to do that for me! I had a blast out there yesterday with your very nice family! We had some challenging conditions but we’re able to get the job done and have fun while doing it! And, woo wee, what a beautiful day sunshine wise!! I hope Tracy Arm is amazing for you this morning! Thanks again for everything and I hope to see you in Sitka again sometime!!
Written June 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy C
Southend-on-Sea, UK204 contributions
Sep 2019
Captain Paul is a star. We travelled to Alaska as a party of six so chartered the boat just for us (6 is a perfect number for this trip.) Paul met us on the jetty and immediately his enthusiasm for his job showed and whilst he must have seen thousands of whales, sea lions and eagles, you would have thought that just like us, it was a new experience. Being a small boat, we were able to get to areas that the larger ones can't so saw wildlife up quite close due to his knowledge. We saw several humpbacks, seals, sea lions and eagles. Great tour which is highly recommended. I haven't attached any photos of the whales as these are all on video, with one that came from a distance right up to our boat, incredible.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s great to hear from you and thanks for sharing the fun photo of you playing your kelp horn! I’m glad to hear that you really enjoyed your trip out with me and I remember having a lot of fun myself that day! While you never truly know what you might see on any given day, it’s always a blast going out exploring around Sitka! Thanks for writing me a nice review and I hope to see you again sometime!
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wes H
Louisville, KY219 contributions
May 2023
We had a great time. From the beginning Paul was great at replying to emails and answering questions before we even booked and stayed in touch up until we arrived in Sitka. Directions how to meeting him were very good and he was standing with a sign for us to find him once we got off the bus. HIs boat is in great shape and well maintained and has a headed cabin if the weather is cooler. Paul was a great tour guide pointing out things along the way. We found that early in the season is not the best time to see whales and that August and September there are many more and a better time for viewing. But even at that we saw lots of beautiful scenery. We did see the seals and Otters and Eagles and after a long chase Paul managed to get us right beside a whale that you couldn't ask for a better spot. Most whales dive for 6-9 minutes but this was doing 15min dives making it harder to track. We followed him for a hour but again managed to get a great view. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to him if we ever return (we will just make sure its later in the season).
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review!! Some days/weeks are better than others but we see good stuff & have a great time even on the toughest of days!! While August & September are consistently the best months for whales around Sitka, any given day/week/month can potentially have unbelievable whale action-in addition to all the other notable wildlife we see. You just NEVER KNOW what the cards will have in store for us while out exploring!
I’m glad your group had a good time and thanks for choosing ME to take you out exploring the awesome area around Sitka! See you NEXT time!!
Written June 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike H
Anchorage, AK1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
It had been too, too long (9 years!) since our last adventure with Paul and as breathtaking as that 2013 trip was, this trip was even more amazing!! I lost count of how many flukes we saw—so many whales that Paul was backtracking numerous times to give us the most awesome views of wildlife. Paul’s ability to keep a stimulating wildlife narrative is truly impressive and he’s such a personable guy! He makes you feel like an old friend every moment you’re with him. I’m a long time Alaskan and wouldn’t consider any other marine wildlife adventure on our trips to Sitka!
Mike Helton
Anchorage, Alaska
Mike Helton
Anchorage, Alaska
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikey! Thanks for taking the time to write me a review and I am so glad that you guys had a good time! Repeat customers are sometimes tough for me because I almost start to stress about continuing to meet expectations or to “one-up” the previous trip. Especially when they’re Alaskans like myself! But just as I start to feel that stress, I pause, and remember that this is SITKA, BABY and even the worst day out exploring is still more fun than just about anything else one could do!! It was really nice to see you two again and also to meet some of your family! I always enjoy your geology banter and look forward to seeing you guys again! Thanks so much!
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thirsty for fun
Arlington Heights, IL44 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was a 10+ day. Paul got us right on the whales - up close and personal - even smelled “whale breath” which was less than fresh but cool to experience. Not only whales but otters, seals, sea lions, star fish and tons of local intel. Thank you Paul - it was a great day!
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra C
49 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
My highest priority visiting Sitka this past August was to go whale watching. I signed on with Gallant Tours as they had such positive reviews and, now I want to add another one as my experience was not just positive it went beyond my expectations.
The tour I was on was the extended wildlife boat tour for 6 passengers. This five-hour small group excursion allowed us ample time to not just see whales but also to travel the distance to see other wildlife.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our tour captain, Paul and his determination and dedication to make sure we saw multiple pods of humpbacks as well as puffins, otters and ultimately a bear fishing for salmon. He is a very experienced guide and knew exactly where to take us to see them. He also had taken the time to prepare a snack of salmon and chips for us which was delicious.
I loved every minute of our tour and highly recommend it to travelers who want to go on a tour with the best possibility of seeing whales.
The tour I was on was the extended wildlife boat tour for 6 passengers. This five-hour small group excursion allowed us ample time to not just see whales but also to travel the distance to see other wildlife.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about our tour captain, Paul and his determination and dedication to make sure we saw multiple pods of humpbacks as well as puffins, otters and ultimately a bear fishing for salmon. He is a very experienced guide and knew exactly where to take us to see them. He also had taken the time to prepare a snack of salmon and chips for us which was delicious.
I loved every minute of our tour and highly recommend it to travelers who want to go on a tour with the best possibility of seeing whales.
Written September 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awww, what a thoughtful review! Thank you for taking the time to write that about me. I had a great day out exploring with your group! I don’t do that many 5hr trips each year but it’s always fun because I get to slow down the pace which gives us opportunities for extra intimate encounters with the wildlife PLUS I get to make a snack for my people-which I’m glad you enjoyed! Thanks for choosing ME to take you out exploring the awesome area around Sitka and I look forward to seeing you NEXT time!!
Written September 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LoveBeingATourist
Fort Worth10 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We had the most amazing trip with Captain Paul on our port day in Sitka. Though we arrived on a cruise ship, we independently booked with Gallant Adventures easily through the website. Communication was excellent to help us arrive at our destination. Not only did we experience many whale sightings, but also seals, sea lions, otters and beautiful waterfalls. Our family of 6 consisted of varied ages ranging from 80-11. The cabin is covered and heated so we stayed dry and warm during the chilly, rainy day. We will not hesitate to go on another journey with Gallant Adventures in the future. Highly Recommend!
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ashlee, Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a nice review! I had a fun time out exploring with your family and appreciate you for choosing ME to take you out! The area around Sitka is just teeming with wildlife and it’s so much fun to cruise around searching for good sightings! I hope you had a good rest of your trip and I look forward to seeing you NEXT time!
Written July 27, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am very interested, but do get seasick easily. Would this tour be suitable, or should I look for a land-based activity?
Written July 13, 2023
The waters in Sitka Channel can be rough at times. Like any adventure out to sea, there is always the possibility of getting sea sick. I would think a dose of Dramamine would help if you are able to take one. The tour is amazing and definitely worth the time and money if you can swing it. There are lots of land adventures but nothing of this grandeur. Good luck deciding!
Written July 15, 2023
Also, I forgot to ask about whether you have to proved your own transport from the ship to where Paul docks? Thanks
Written October 2, 2019
He was very helpful with instructions. The dock is away from town so there is a free shuttle to town and he was waiting for us with a sign when we got off.
Email him, he is a great communicator.
Written October 2, 2019
Hi. I am so interested in this tour. My one concern is the comfort level of the ride and seats. My parents, early 70s, have some aches and pains. The alternative would be Allen Marine which looks like a good second option. Any advice? Thanks
Written October 2, 2019
I traveled once with my parents who were 69 and they were fine. Another trip there was a lady on the boat that had just recovered from a bad car accident and had some leg/knee issues and she seemed to be fine. Paul will help you in and out of the boat and seemed to take care based on who he was traveling with. There is comfortable seating inside the enclosed cabin with a wall of windows so you won't miss things if you need to stay seated.I have no doubt that if you emailed Paul with your concerns in more detail he will be very honest with you on whether this is the right trip for you or not. He's a great guy!
Written January 23, 2020
jimmccabe707
Glen Arbor, Michigan
We arrive on the Oosterdam, Holland America at 8am in Sitka on Thursday, May 4, 2017 and depart at 4 pm.. Do you have room for two to fit our schedule? Is your boat enclosed to shield one from the wind and rain?
Thanks.
Written April 3, 2017
Please email me for questions regarding availability. You can also try calling me and leaving a voicemail at (907)738-2855. Emails do work best though. My email address is on my website and also listed here on my TripAdvisor page. Thanks a lot and I look forward to hearing from you!
-Paul Davis
Owner & Captain
Written April 3, 2017
Do you have two spaces available for one of your shorter tours during the period Sept. 9 through Sept. 11? My wife and I will arrive
in Sitka on the evening of the 8th and will fly on to Juneau on the 12th.
Written September 5, 2016
Call Paul Davis directly at 907-738-2855. He is very responsive and will answer your questions directly.
Written September 5, 2016
Good to hear from you and thanks for the inquiry. I operate year-round, but things slow down a lot from Oct-April, so I am often traveling or away on a mountain climbing trip. If you're interested in a tour, shoot me an email and we'll go from there. Thanks!
Written August 21, 2016
And I do have a customized bucket for emergencies with the best view in the house!
Written June 30, 2018
I would like to book a group fo us for next June. I would like to know if yu could accomodate 7 adults and i 5 year old child
Written November 7, 2015
Good to hear from you and thanks for the question! The boat that I use for my wildlife tours can only take a maximum of 6 passengers at a time. That is a US Coast Guard regulation and they consider every living person a passenger, whether they are 1 day or 100years old. The USCG takes this law seriously. In the past I have run tandem tours with another operator to accommodate larger groups, but I don't really like operating tandem with another boat because that compromises the quality of my tour and also opens the bag on some of my secret spots. 😁 As mentioned above, often times larger groups will just split up and the early risers go on my first tour and the people who want to sleep-in go out on my second tour of the day (departure times vary depending on the day). I've been told it's nice to compare the things they saw in my tour over dinner because every tour is different! Thanks a bunch and feel free to email or call me.
Written November 12, 2015
We will be on a Norwegian cruise ship docking how would we get to you
Written August 15, 2015
I meet my people in a convenient downtown Sitka location. If your ship is docking at the Old Sitka Dock out the road, then you would hop on the free busses that your ship uses to shuttle you into downtown Sitka. If you are on my first tour of the day, I'd meet you right where you step off the bus at our designated time. If you aren't on my first tour of the day, I'd meet you underneath the Crescent Harbor Covered Shelter which is adjacent to the Harrigan Centennial Hall Visitor's Center. My meeting place is super convenient and I recommend you contact me to see what my availability looks like and, if I have room for your group and you decide to book, I'll email you meeting instructions. Thanks!!
Written August 15, 2015
Good to hear from you and thanks for the inquiry! Your best bet is to email or call me to see what my availability is like. I offer several types of tours and they vary from day to day depending on my availability and what I already have booked. My standard 2.5-3hr marine wildlife tour is $125/each (or 6passengers for $625) and my 5-6hr extended marine wildlife tour is basically twice the time-twice the price of my standard tour or $250/each. TripAdvisor won't let me post my phone # or email address in this response, but they are both in my information above.
Please feel free to contact me to see what I have available. My tours are really great and are the best way to see the REAL Sitka! Thanks!
Written June 9, 2015
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