Born and raised in Sitka, Captain Gary has spent a lifetime navigating the coves and inlets of Baranof Island. His intimate 6-16 passenger outings pair wildlife expertise with warm storytelling, so each whale breach, bear sighting...
Captain Gary clearly knows these waters inside and out, and his genuine passion for sharing Sitka's wildlife makes every trip special. Guests consistently rave about spotting humpback whales (often multiple sightings), plus sea lions, otters, eagles, and occasionally bears. His guides Ryan, Riley, and Abigail get equally enthusiastic praise for their knowledge and friendly approach. What stands out is how personable the experience feels—Captain Gary treats guests like family, frequently checks in on everyone's comfort, and takes time to answer questions. His small group tours on the Morning Glory create an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds apart from being herded around on larger cruise excursions. The full-day "Best of Sitka" tour combines morning whale watching with afternoon land excursions to places like the raptor center, bear rescue, and totem poles at the state park. Communication is reportedly excellent, with detailed information provided before tours. The boat itself gets consistent compliments for being clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Families particularly appreciate how accommodating Captain Gary is with different ages and abilities, making everyone feel safe and included throughout the adventure.
We did Gary's land and sea tour while visiting Sitka. Gary is an experienced captain and we saw humpback whales, sea otters, and more bald eagles than one could count. The land tour was with Ryan, an experienced guide with lots of inside and historica facts. They returned us to our ship with time to spare. 5 stars!
Nick Taranik
May 19, 2026
We did Gary's land and sea tour while visiting Sitka. Gary is an experienced captain and we saw humpback whales, sea otters, and more bald eagles than one could count. The land tour was with Ryan, an experienced guide with lots of inside and historica facts. They returned us to our ship with time to spare. 5 stars!
Nick Taranik
May 19, 2026