Sitka Photo Tour

Trip Highlights

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Experience the thrill of observing humpback whales, with the possibility of witnessing the extraordinary and rarely seen bubble-net feeding—one of nature’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.

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Photograph sea otters, bald eagles, sea lions, and coastal seabirds from the deck of a comfortable charter boat in the world’s premier whale-watching location.

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Explore Sitka by land with visits to cultural and conservation centers that share powerful wildlife stories.

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Connect with a small group of like-minded women passionate about wildlife, adventure, and photography in a supportive, learning-focused environment.

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Learn from a professional wildlife photographer and editor-in-chief of Alaska magazine through group instruction, editing sessions, and image reviews.

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Locations:

Sitka, Alaska

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Dates:

March 26-31, 2026

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Limit:

4 – 5

Trip Details

If you’ve dreamed of capturing iconic wildlife images in one of the world’s most scenic and wildlife-rich coastal towns, this is your trip. Our expedition places you in one of the best locations in the world—at the optimal time—for the chance to photograph humpback whales, fluking, breaching, and with the exciting possibility of witnessing their rare and awe-inspiring bubble-net feeding behavior. We’ll spend hours on the water to maximize opportunities to get the perfect gallery-worthy image.

Located on Baranof Island in the heart of the Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest in the world—Sitka offers a stunning backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, lush old-growth forest, and rich marine waters. This wild, remote region is considered one of the best locations on the planet to view and photograph these magnificent whales as they feed cooperatively, breach, and vocalize in the misty waters of Southeast Alaska.

Guided by professional photographer Michelle Theall, editor-in-chief of Alaska magazine, you’ll sharpen your camera skills through hands-on field experience and in-depth instruction. With three full days on the water and plenty of land-based opportunities to photograph eagles, totem poles, sea otters, and rehabilitated raptors and bears, you’ll come away with more than just incredible images—you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for wildlife, storytelling, and conservation. This trip is the first in our new photo series, built for women who love both wildlife and the art of capturing it.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Getting Acquainted

After arriving in Sitka, we’ll check into our waterfront accommodations at the Longliner Lodge & Suites. We’ll spend the afternoon getting our cameras warmed up with an easygoing road tour that includes tide pooling, eagle photography near totem poles, and time at Totem Park. Depending on group interest and timing, we may also visit the Alaska Raptor Center or Fortress of the Bear—both rescue and rehabilitation centers. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and orientation to kick off the week ahead.

Accommodations: Longliner Lodge & Suites
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – On the Water: The Whale Show Begins

Today we head out on an 8-hour private marine charter into the rich waters surrounding Sitka, where humpback whales return each spring to feed. Our goal: to photograph rare and spectacular bubble-net feeding behavior exhibited by humpbacks in this area. This coordinated technique involves a group of whales diving beneath a school of fish and releasing spirals of bubbles to corral their prey before lunging upward with mouths wide open. It’s a true marvel of nature—and a once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity. Along the way, we’ll also keep an eye out for sea lions, sea otters, eagles, and seabirds. With plenty of space on board for unobstructed shooting, you’ll be set up for success. We’ll return in the early evening to rest, review images, and prepare for more time on the water.

Accommodations: Longliner Lodge & Suites
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 – Edits, Insights, & Image Review

After a full day on the water yesterday, we’ll take a slower pace to review and refine our images. Our workshop today includes group instruction on editing, storytelling through imagery, and personalized feedback. Depending on weather and energy levels, we may head out for a bonus evening shoot in town to practice new skills and workshop a few assignments.

Accommodations: Longliner Lodge & Suites
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 4 & 5 – More Whale Action, More Magic

We have two more full days on the water, offering you maximum chances to witness and photograph the bubble-net behavior that makes this location and time of year so exceptional. With Michelle’s instruction and supportive guidance from the group, these days are all about capturing that shot. Whether it’s a whale mid-lunge or a charismatic sea otter floating on its back, you’ll have stories to tell—and the photos to prove it.

Accommodations: Longliner Lodge & Suites
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Farewell, for Now

On our final morning in Sitka, we’ll say our goodbyes and prepare for departures home. If time allows before flights, we may squeeze in a quick morning stroll or harbor visit to catch a few final frames.

Meals: Breakfast

Download Full Itinerary

Your Guide

Michelle Theall

Michelle Theall is a writer, photographer, and seasoned wildlife guide. She has been the editor-in-chief of Alaska magazine for 12 years and knows the state’s hidden gems and best wildlife-viewing spots and seasons. Her publishing career began at Women’s Sports & Fitness magazine before she launched Women’s Adventure magazine. She also worked as a photo instructor on National Geographic excursions throughout Southeast Alaska. Her images have been published globally and also reside in private collections. Michelle’s deep love for wildlife was sparked in the ’80s by a Tom Mangelsen photo of a grizzly catching a salmon. Since then, she has made it her mission to guide people to the best wildlife encounters in Alaska and beyond. Known for her enthusiasm, knowledge, and lighthearted style, Michelle has a particular affinity for bears. When not guiding, she is busy capturing incredible wildlife moments with her camera, always on the lookout for the next adventure—koalas and kangaroos in Australia are high on her bucket list! And at the end of the day? Halibut fish and chips with a Midnight Sun IPA.

What to Expect

Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.

This Alaska expedition involves:

Multiple full-day excursions on a small private charter boat. Conditions may include chilly winds, light rain, and ocean swells. Seasickness is uncommon but possible; bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
Carrying and managing camera gear in potentially damp or drizzly weather. Water-resistant gear and protective camera covers are highly recommended.
Early mornings and full-day outings, with some flexibility required depending on whale activity and weather forecasts.
Hands-on photography instruction in the field, group image reviews, and possible evening shooting sessions.
A small-group atmosphere that fosters collaboration, creative growth, and lots of laughter.

Accommodations

5 nights at Longliner Lodge & Suites

What's Included

Lodging for 5 nights as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, double-occupancy is available.
Expert guide Michelle Theall
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Private transportation throughout trip
Activities and entrance fees as listed
Conservation donation to Alaska Whale Foundation

What's Not Included

Airfare to and from your departure city and Sitka
Travel insurance (quotes available)
Optional activities
Pre- or post-trip hotels
Room upgrades
Gratuities for boat crew on charter days and hotel staff
Personal expenses

Cost

$9500* per person based on private, single-occupancy accommodations. If you prefer double-occupancy accommodations and have someone to share with, the cost is $8610* per person for you and your roommate.

*Price is based on payment by eCheck or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of payment.

Conservation Impact

Alaska Whale Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the long-term health of whales and coastal ecosystems through science, education, and community engagement. For more than two decades, the organization has studied the foraging ecology, social behavior, and communication of Southeast Alaska’s humpback whales. In response to recent declines in whale numbers and overall health, AWF has expanded its research to examine the impacts of changing oceans on marine ecosystems. A conservation donation to support the AWF’s efforts will be made on behalf of all trip participants.