About WHALEFEST
Sitka WhaleFest is a festival to celebrate marine life through science education, community and storytelling! Sitka WhaleFest raises awareness, educates, and creates enthusiasm for the marine environment. Our goal is to bring a deeper understanding of the marine environment to a diverse and inclusive audience in a way that all participants feel welcome and engaged.
Through a community-based festival we celebrate the marine world and our connection to it. We seek to convey that science is not just for scientists; it is a part of our everyday lives. The core of the festival, is a unique science symposium for all that blends local knowledge and scientific inquiry of the rich marine environment of our oceans. Surrounded by community and cultural activities, the weekend events include science presentations, marine wildlife cruises in beautiful Sitka Sound, a marine-themed artisan market, music, local foods, art show, interactive student sessions, and a fun run/walk. Come to Sitka WhaleFest and celebrate with this unique tradition with our community!
FESTIVAL NEWS
Food Web Cruise
Saturday, March 30th, 2024 from 8:15am to 11:30am
Spring is here and soon the herring will be too, and with them we’ll start to see the seas come to life with their own banquet beckoning sea lions, sea birds, and even humpback whales. Join us aboard an Allen Marine vessel to view the action up-close along with our own breakfast spread including bagels, coffee, tea, and more. Take in the beauty and excitement of spring with us while listening to our team of naturalist.
The vessel features large picture windows in the main cabin, an open top deck, and bathroom facilities. Please dress for the weather to comfortably enjoy all the wonders around us and don’t forget your camera.
This event is a fundraiser for Sitka WhaleFest which will be November 1st-3rd, 2024. This years theme will be revealed during our cruise.
Tickets are $85 per person.
Purchase your tickets here!
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A look back at 2023
Sitka WhaleFest
Sound Science: Voices from the Ocean
This year’s Sitka WhaleFest explores the theme of “sound” science from a variety of angles: using sound waves for communication within the ocean, how scientists use sound to study underwater ecosystems, diverse approaches of inquiry in our natural world, and connections to current research in Sitka Sound. Join us as we learn more about what is happening below the waves and celebrate the critical importance of SOUND science.
Science Symposium Speakers
The heart of Sitka WhaleFest is the three-day symposium, where world-renowned scientists share their current research. These presentations are unique because the speakers are chosen for their ability to communicate their work and engage a broad sweeping audience. This innovative science event gives future scientists and anyone interested in our oceans opportunities to meet and interact with a passionate and diverse group of speakers. Each afternoon, symposium participants and guest speakers will explore a daily theme connected to the overall theme of the symposium.
Beautiful Sitka lies along the coastal edge of Baranof Island in the Tongass National Forest and spectacular Southeast Alaska. This remote community, with its myriad forested islands and rugged coastline, is home to whales and other marine mammals that can be observed each November during Sitka WhaleFest. Enjoy delicious local seafood and shop Sitka’s many galleries and shops. Sitka’s weather this time of year is in the 40’s and lower 50’s. Rain or shine, the festival will go on!
AIR
Alaska Airlines, one of the west coast’s major carriers (and one of the country’s most highly rated airlines) has never abandoned its tradition of service to rural Alaska. Sitka has daily flights from both Seattle and Anchorage, with a connecting flight to Juneau.
Alaska Seaplanes, is the premier commuter airline of Southeast Alaska. Operating from a hub in Juneau, Alaska Seaplanes serves the Skagway, Haines, Gustavus, Hoonah, Kake, Klawock, Sitka, Angoon, Tenakee Springs, Pelican, Elfin Cove and Excursion Inlet on a year-round basis. Custom charters are available throughout Southeast Alaska, Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
FERRY
Alaska Marine Highway, The southern U.S. terminal is located in Bellingham, Washington (just north of Seattle). Departing from Bellingham, you can expect to stay aboard the ferry for roughly 4 days, sleeping either in a cabin, in one of the lounges, or camped on deck. Cafeteria service and showers are available on all ferries, but only the larger boats have private accommodations. For reservations, more information, or a schedule contact: Alaska Marine Highway P.O. Box 25535 Juneau, Alaska 99802-5535; 1-800-642-0066 or 747-8737 in Sitka.
There are many area hotels for your stay and here are a couple that are in downtown Sitka area.
Westmark Sitka Phone: (907) 747-6241
Aspen Suites Sitka
Phone: (907) 747-3477
There are vacation rentals available in Sitka, including Golden Alaskan Lodge Book online, or call (907) 747-3712.
For more information about Sitka, other accommodations, or other visitor opportunities please contact Visit Sitka by visiting their website (www.visitsitka.org), following their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/VisitSitka) or calling (907) 747-8604.
Volunteers are vital to the success of Sitka WhaleFest. If you are interested in volunteering or being a part of the planning please contact whalefest@sitkascience.org.
Thank you for your help and continued support!