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 16 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 16 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. Captain Matt and his crew ensure each tour provides guests with a warm and inviting, family friendly personalized Alaskan experience. Bring your camera and rain gear and we’ll provide the rest.
Rates start at $185 per person and will be confirmed upon booking.
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
Happy Customers
Matt was an amazing guide - incredibly knowledgeable and put forth every effort to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible. His boat was SO nice - had a heated/enclosed section with plenty of seating which was great for the cold weather, but overall the boat had so much space to move around and catch all of the views. Incredible experience, highly recommended! I definitely plan to book with him again in the future for family visits!
Melissa
We had the best experience with Matt and Gaby. They took the time to stop for viewing the whales and explained different marine life we saw. I would recommend 100% to go with them for whale watching.
Sri
Absolutely could not recommend this more 15/10. Matt was fantastic. My sister Sarah and I booked months in advance because I wanted to see St. Lazaria with the Tufted Puffins. Day of, he took us out early to make it happen (because of the declining weather conditions). He was also just a delightful tour guide: accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable. You can tell that he knows the area really well. We saw sea lions, seals, a whale, cormorants, sea otters, gulls, pigeon guillemots, and TUFTED PUFFINS. It was a fun ride over. If you are going through Sitka this tour is a must!!!
Ashley
Great trip out on the sea piper! Matt was very kind and gave us a great tour. Our group had a fantastic time and saw whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and a bear. Thanks Matt!
Cait
Matt does a great tour! We had so much fun! It was great to see whales, sea lions and eagles. He knows right where to take you. The boat is super safe and comfortable. The most fun we had while in Sitka!
Bryan
Captain Matt provided an amazing experience aboard Sea Piper. He is very knowledgeable and has thought of everything to ensure a memorable experience. His tour will make you fall in love with Alaska! This is a must book tour!!
Matthew
Our group (local Sitkans) enjoyed 2.5 hour early evening boat ride south of town to see whales and any other bits of interest.
Captain Matt was friendly, considerate and informative.
We saw several whales surface feeding, as well as sea otters rafted up and sea lions.
The trip was all the more special because of good company, sunshine and calm, shimmering waters.
Bitsy
Captain was a down to earth, nice person. So was his helper.
We saw whales and a variety of other animals which is what we were hoping for. The boat is sturdy, clean and relatively smooth sailing, so we couldn’t really ask for anything more.
No hesitation recommending Sea Piper for an excursion.
Scott
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.