No roads, no tourist infrastructure—just natural hot springs, rushing waterfalls, and the raw quiet of the Alaskan rainforest. Baranof Island's Warm Springs Bay is expedition cruising at its most rewarding.
Ships anchor in Warm Springs Bay and tender passengers to the small public dock — a short ride through dramatic scenery.
💡 Pro move: This is a remote anchorage with no ATMs, shops, or emergency services ashore. Bring everything you need from the ship.
Warm Springs Bay has only a small public dock suitable for skiffs and tenders — all cruise ships anchor offshore.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition lines (UnCruise, Lindblad, etc.) | Warm Springs Bay public dock📍 | Tendered |
| Private yachts / charter vessels | Warm Springs Bay anchorage or dock📍 | Tendered |
Shore time here is all about the natural landscape — hot springs, waterfalls, kayaking, and wildlife are the program.
The star attraction: natural mineral hot springs drain into outdoor rock-lined soaking pools overlooking the bay. The water temperature hovers around 108–110°F year-round. Many expedition itineraries include free time here as the centrepiece of the call.
Find Alaska expedition tours →A short but steep trail above the bathhouse leads past Baranof Lake outlet cascades to sweeping views of the bay. Sitka spruce and hemlock crowd the path — bring layers for the mist.
Find Alaska hiking tours →The calm, protected waters of Warm Springs Bay are ideal for sea kayaking. Look for harbour seals hauled out on rocks, bald eagles overhead, and Sitka black-tailed deer on the shore. Expedition ships often carry their own kayaks for this stop.
Find Alaska kayaking tours →Some itineraries position Baranof Island as a day trip from Sitka by floatplane, offering aerial views of the island's fjords, glaciers, and the Baranof Wilderness. Typically booked through the ship.
Find Alaska floatplane tours →Walking options are limited to the immediate dock area and the trail network around Baranof Hot Springs.
A flat boardwalk stroll from the public dock past the Warm Springs Bay shoreline to the Baranof Hot Springs bathhouse and pools.
📍 Open in MapsFrom the hot springs bathhouse, follow the trail uphill through old-growth rainforest to the cascades below Baranof Lake. Roots and wet rocks demand sturdy footwear.
📍 Open in MapsTransport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal runs a complimentary shuttle to downtown Harrigan Centennial Hall every 10-15 minutes. Reservation required — book your time slot through your cruise line or the terminal before disembarking.
Multi-stop shuttle connecting the cruise terminal, downtown, Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska Raptor Center, and Fortress of the Bear. A practical alternative to a private tour for seeing multiple sites.
Local taxis (Baranof Taxi & Tours, Tidal Taxi) operate at city-regulated rates. The terminal is 5-6 miles north of downtown so fares run higher than in-town trips. Book in advance on busy cruise days.
Fixed-route public bus operated by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. Budget-friendly for some downtown and mid-island destinations; route coverage is limited compared to the dedicated cruise shuttle.
Once downtown, Sitka's historic core is very walkable. The Cathedral of St. Michael, Russian Bishop's House, and waterfront are all within easy strolling distance of the Harrigan Centennial Hall drop-off.
Upcoming cruises that call at Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.