We will be docked in Sitka on May 14th, 8am to 4pm. We are interested in a wildlife tour. The ship offers a Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest through Allen Marine. Has anyone taken this tour? We would love to see puffins and sea otters. Someone recommended Davey at puffinsandwhales.com. Any suggestions or advice is welcome.

It really depends what sort of tour you're after, and only YOU can decide... The Allen Marine tour will feature you and 150 of your closest friends on a ship about 65' long and 2-stories high.

Davey Lubin's tour is a smaller boat, and a much more personal tour of the area. Chances are, it will just be your group aboard, as I believe he maxes at 6 guests per trip.

The last time I was in Sitka (personal trip aboard the Can Can, not a charter or tour) we couldn't find puffins anywhere until we got to St. Lazaria Island. I don't suspect the Allen Marine tours get out that far, so it's a question to ask each vendor. I'm sure, if the weather permits, Davey Lubin will be happy to go wherever necessary if puffins are of interest to you. I also see the Esther G II is listed as having earned 4 stars (out of 5), so without seeing the vessel, I would still feel comfortable recommending the boat.

It all really boils down to whether you're the tour-on-a-motorcoach type, or the sort who travels and sees things a bit more independently, as a local would do it.

Happy Alaska Travels!
-Case