Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with our tour?
The tour includes the following for each of our guests: A delicious charcuterie plate for each guest from Wildflour Cafe, right here in Sitka. We offer a selection of wines, chosen directly from the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wine List. We also offer local microbrew selections, local coffee, and waters.
Is it an open bar?
Not exactly. We still have to abide by Alaska state laws regarding alcohol service, plus your safety is our number priority. We won’t let the wine start flowing until we arrive at your first viewing location when the water is relatively calm and smooth. The amount of alcohol served is dependent on the number of guests, but our general rule of thumb is three servings per guest.
How do we get to the boat?
This is dependent on where you will be in Sitka on the morning of your tour and why the our initial communication with you is so important. There are several locations in Sitka that we can come and pick you up. Of course, we will be happy to come pick you up at your hotel and bring you back at the end of the day.
Can you accommodate passengers with disabilities?
We want to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy all that our tour has to offer. Please email tours@strobeboats.com so we can discuss how we can best accommodate this for your group!
Will a Wine & Wildlife tour work with our cruise ship schedule?
Yes – we customize your experience with us, including the when and where of your departure and return. When booking your tour with us, we’ll ask about any required return times, such as cruise ship “All-Aboard” times. We can pick you up from, and return you to, the cruise ship dock or wherever you prefer.
What can we expect with the ocean conditions?
Generally, weather during the summer in Sitka is fairly moderate. It’s common to experience some light wind throughout the day. We always seek the smoothest ride possible and choose our routes according to your preferences. But, we are going out on the open ocean and a few bumps are part of the journey. Don’t forget, we are located in a coastal temperate rainforest, so a little rain is always a possibility.
Docks and boat surfaces can be slippery, and wave conditions on the water can lead to unsteady footing. A good rule of thumb is to have one hand for yourself and one hand for the boat to keep steady.
What should we do about seasickness?
That’s a personal question that depends on how sensitive you are to motion sickness, and how sick and uncomfortable you tend to get. We can’t promise a perfectly smooth trip, as weather conditions change day to day. There are numerous over-the-counter medications and homeopathic remedies you can take to be more comfortable. With these medications, they work best when taken ahead of time. If you’re already feeling ill when you take them – it’s too late. If you’re just prone to occasional discomfort with motion sickness, we will have ginger chews and mint tea on board to help settle queasy stomachs, just in case. We don’t issue refunds for seasickness.
What should we wear? What should we bring?
Summer in Sitka tends to range from the mid 50’s to mid 60’s (Fahrenheit) in the summer months, averaging 4 to 6 inches of rainfall per month. We recommend bringing layers (including a rain jacket) to keep warm, or cool off, as needed. Of course, the boat has a heated cabin with lots of windows where you can stay dry and warm for as long as you’d like.
We recommend sturdy hiking boots, rain boots, or any close toed shoes that have good tread and traction. We strongly advise against heels, wedges, flip-flops, sandals, or flats. We do recommend sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, a hat, and hair ties. Cameras of all kinds are welcome. If you’re camera is your smartphone, make sure you have a way to secure it to you body so it doesn’t go overboard.
If you need anything before the tour, we recommend that you stop by Russell’s on Lincoln St or Trailhead Supply Company at the Cruise Ship Terminal. Mention your STROBE boat reservation and you’ll get a 10% discount at either location
How close will we get to the wildlife?
We’re visiting wildlife in their homes and want to be respectful of that. We follow viewing guidelines for marine mammals as outlined by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, with the goal of safely viewing wildlife without adversely impacting their behavior or habitat. Your Captain will determine the safest distance, while maximizing your opportunity to enjoy all that our tour has to offer!
Can we customize our tour?
Yes, and we encourage you to do so. The more we know about what your group wants to see and experience, the more we can focus on planning a journey specific to your group. Once you book a tour with us, you’ll receive a questionnaire via email. You can also expect a phone call from us in advance of your tour to make sure we are doing everything we can to personalize the experience and make it unforgettable.
What is your cancellation policy?
50% of the total is due at booking, if you are more than 30 days out from your selected date. Full payment is due 30 calendar days before your reserved date. If you cancel less than 30 calendar days before your sailing, we are unable to provide a refund.
We cannot provide refunds for cancellations due to airline or cruise ship changes/cancellations. Because of this, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
If a trip is cancelled because of a violation of any of our safety Terms and Conditions, you will not be refunded.
If STROBE cancels a tour because of adverse or unsafe weather conditions, maintenance concerns, or any reason as directed by the Captain, you will receive a full refund.