Experience Alaska Whale Watching and Wildlife in a way you’ll never forget - from the deck of a working commercial fishing boat with an Alaskan commercial fisherman as your guide.
Meet Captain Matt
Captain Matt Stroemer is your guide on the Sea Piper. An18 year commercial fisherman, a USCG licensed 100-ton Master Captain, and longtime Sitka, Alaska resident, Matt has the local knowledge and on-water experience that ensures guests have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable tour. Captain Matt can share countless fishing stories and has in-depth local knowledge of the commercial fishing industry, wildlife, history and culture.
More than just a tour boat, the Sea Piper was custom designed to provide guest comfort along with the functionality of a working commercial fishing vessel. Along with his 18 years of commercial fishing, Captain Matt has been building boats for more than 25 years.
Building custom commercial fishing, charter and pleasure boats for clients around the Pacific Northwest gave Matt the inspiration to build a dual purpose vessel; one that would provide guests with the ultimate platform for whale watching and wildlife viewing, as well as the ability to commercially fish and share both experiences with visitors from around the world.
Boasting a roomy, heated cabin, ample seating for up to 14 guests, a marine head and a fully covered back deck, the Sea Piper leaves nothing to chance in delivering the best in guest comfort and experience.
The F/V Sea Piper
Sea Piper offers 2.5 hour marine tours, for up to 14 guests, in the beautiful waters of Sitka Sound. Some of the wildlife we may encounter include brown bears, bald eagles and a variety of sea birds. Sitka Sound is also home to Steller sea lions, sea otters, humpback whales, orcas, and Dall’s porpoise, and we often see many of these species in a single tour.
Since the Sea Piper is also a working commercial fishing vessel, Captain Matt can provide interested guests with an introduction to onboard commercial fishing gear and methods, followed by a discussion about the commercial fishing industry and sustainable fisheries in Sitka and Southeast Alaska.
Light refreshments including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot cider and water are available, plus a light snack is provided. Bring your camera and rain gear and we’ll provide the rest.
The Tours
The Sea Piper is a new boat and in excellent condition. When we first boarded the boat Matt and First mate Darren were offering us coffee, water and scones. When we left the marina both Matt and Darren were telling us all about the history of Sitka. Not long after the excursion begin we spotted our first whale spout. We headed that way and watched it until it dived exposing his large tail. Very exciting. After watching whales for a while Captain Matt took us to a small island to watch sea otters. From there we headed to the fish hatchery in hopes to spotting a bear. My wife and I have been on quite a few excursions in the past to see bears and have always been disappointed. When we arrived there was a mother and her three cubs playing in the water and fishing. Then across the bay we spotted a large male bear walking on the beach. Very exciting. We would highly recommend The Sea Piper for your wildlife excursion. Top notch operation and excursion.
John Clark
Happy Customers
Matt & Darren, thanks for the memories! It was great talking with you both and hearing your wealth of knowledge about the area, wildlife, and boats. Best of luck as you grow your business! We will recommend you to everyone!
Cassy & Jason
I sent my family out on Sea Piper on September 29th [2022]. There were 4 adults and 2 children. When I asked them what the highlight of their cruise on Quantum of the Seas was they all said the whale watching trip in Sea Piper.
Anonymous
The Sea Piper can be found on Float 3, Slip 28 in Crescent Harbor. Crescent Harbor is conveniently located downtown, along the Sea Walk, just east of Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Enter the harbor via the ramp next to the large covered shelter, just off the Sea Walk. From there, walk east along the main dock and turn right at the 3rd float. You’ll find Sea Piper at Slip 28.