Enjoy the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, brown bear, Sitka blacktail deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem. You'll also learn about the sea otters' recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800s. Your Alaskan-built expedition vessel has been designed to navigate Southeast Alaska's narrow island passages, allowing for wildlife viewing at close range. The vessel features a warm cabin with enclosed seating, large windows and a topside observation deck for unparalleled photo opportunities and to fully experience your quest with all your senses. You will have a generous amount of free time to explore beautiful Sitka on your own, before or after the tour.