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RB-4516 Sitka was our last Alaskan port on this cruise so CJ and I signed up for a Sea Otter and Wildlife excursion. We were hoping to see whales on the boat ride. The cruise ship pulled into Sitka harbor early and the clouds clung to the surrounding hills. It was a beautiful morning and we took pictures before breakfast. We decided to go ashore a little early and the tender ride was quick and easy. After taking a few pictures we settled down to wait for the tour guide to direct us to the boat.

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mb-4587 The tour boat was a catamaran with seats  and a galley below. Up top there was open space with railings and a several protected seats. We went up top to secure a couple of the protected seats. The harbor was calm and the ride was comfortable. My camera with its 100-400 mm zoom lens got some comments as I stood by the rail to awaiting whales.

The captain pointed out the local  volcano, Mount Edgecumbe (pictured above), that is extinct despite a 1974 prank of burning tires inside it. Soon after that the captain alerted us that a whale had been sighted. The captain steered the ship closer to the where whale spout was seen and soon the whale surfaced. We saw the whale's hump many times and it's tail several times.

Humpback Whale Tale

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The captain would follow a whale for awhile and then move on looking for sea otters or another whale. Eventually we did find both more whales and sea otters. Another stand out time and we got some memorable pictures.

Sea Otters in a ring

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Waiting in Sitka for the Sea Otter tour.