The 29th Annual Sitka WhaleFest will be November 7th – 9th, 2025
This year’s theme is Entwined.
Join us in unraveling the tangled connections of the natural world, revealing how intimately we are bound together on our shared planet.
About WhaleFest
Sitka WhaleFest celebrates marine life through science, art, culture, and adventure. Attendees of all ages and backgrounds leave WhaleFest with a deeper connection to the ocean.
The core of Sitka WhaleFest is the three-day Science Symposium, where scientists and knowledge-bearers share the latest research and learning about marine life. This symposium is for everyone: speakers highlight the relevance and accessibility of their knowledge to people from all walks of life. Deepen your WhaleFest experience by participating in hands-on workshops, appreciating the work of artists and performers, exploring Sitka Sound, and engaging with Sitka’s vibrant community. This annual Sitka tradition is not to be missed!
2025 Sitka WhaleFest Artist, Lisa Teas Conaway, is a lifelong Sitka resident and has attended Sitka WhaleFest for many years. She is thrilled to be contributing her artistic vision to this year’s symposium.
Welcome to the 29th Sitka WhaleFest November 7th-9th, 2025
Entwined
Join us in unraveling the tangled connections of the natural world, revealing how intimately we are bound together on our shared planet.
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.
Marine Wildlife Cruises
Marine Wildlife Cruises
Join the WhaleFest speakers aboard an Allen Marine vessel for an educational whale-watching adventure in Sitka Sound. Today, Sitka is considered one of Alaska’s most picturesque and historically fascinating communities. The best way to experience Sitka’s majestic scenery, amazing wildlife, native history and frontier lifestyle is on the water.
Allen Marine Tours is a family-owned company based in Sitka that is one of the oldest tour companies in Alaska. Their cruises are designed to provide the guest with the best means possible to view and learn about the wilderness of Southeast Alaska. Our scientists will provide you with great insight into the science and wildlife that you see in beautiful Sitka Sound. From sea otters to humpback whales, a Sitka WhaleFest Wildlife Cruise is an unforgettable experience for all ages! Limited tickets are available.
Tickets will be $70 for adults and $35 for children 12 and younger.
This Event is Sponsored by Allen Marine Tours, Supporting Southeast Alaska Through Tourism!
Saturday, November 8th, from 8:30 to 11:30 am
Sunday, November 9th, from 8:30 to 11:30 am
Location: Crescent Harbor, Sitka, AK, United States
Price: $ 70
Time: Nov 08, 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Nov 09, 8:30 am - 11:30 am
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!