04 Oct 2022
We contacted Baranof Tours via their website and email to coordinate a private tour for 12 while visiting Sitka aboard the NCL Bliss. They recommended a tour which included stops at the Alaska Raptor Center, the Fortress of the Bears, and the Sitka National Historic Park. Looking at Ship’s tours, they all met at noon and the Bliss docked at 11am so we asked for an 1145 pickup. We got off the Bliss at 1130 and contacted Baranof Tours via their contact phone. They said the Driver would be there in 5 minutes. It was easy to spot our Van as it pulled into the lot as it had Baranof Tours written on the side of it. Our Driver (Mike) quickly greeted us and the 12 of us piled in for the start of a great tour. As we drove to our 1st stop, Mike gave us great info on the island. You could immediately tell that Mike was going to be a great tour guide. We arrived at the Raptor Center before any of the Ship tours so it wasn’t crowded. The time allotted at the Raptor Center was perfect as it was just enough to see everything. We then headed over to Fortress of the Bears. I have written separate reviews of each of our stops. After the Fortress of the Bears, Mike drove us to the Sitka National Historic Park. I wish we had a little more time there. Mike and Baranof Tours are highly recommended.