Watch humpback whales breach and feed just miles from shore on this small-group whale watching tour from Icy Strait Point. Your adventure starts with a short scenic drive from the Excursion Hub through Hoonah to the Commercial Dock, where your captain and crew are waiting aboard a custom-built charter vessel equipped with a heated cabin and open-air viewing deck.
Once underway, you'll cruise the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait—one of the premier whale watching destinations in Southeast Alaska. Humpback whales arrive here each May and stay through September, drawn by the abundant krill and plankton flowing from nearby Glacier Bay. Sightings on this stretch are remarkably consistent, and lucky guests may witness bubble-net feeding, a dramatic cooperative technique where a pod drives prey to the surface in a ring of bubbles before lunging through the catch together.
Beyond the whales, keep your eyes on the water for orca, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, and sea otters. Along the forested shoreline, brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles are common sights. Your guide shares real-time narration throughout, pointing out wildlife and explaining the ecology of this rich marine corridor.
The vessel’s heated cabin means you can warm up between sightings, while the open deck keeps you close to the action. With a maximum of 18 guests per boat, you’ll have plenty of space and clear sightlines in every direction.
After roughly 2.5 hours on the water, you’ll return to the dock and transfer back to Icy Strait Point with time to explore downtown Hoonah or reboard your ship. This tour is one of the highest-rated whale watching experiences in Hoonah—book early, as summer departures fill quickly.
What's Included
Round-Trip Transportation
Expert Local Guide
Heated Cabin Vessel
Wildlife Narration
Whale Sighting Commentary
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Rain Gear
Photo Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I meet for the tour?
Your guide will meet you at the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point. If docked at the Wilderness Dock, take the free Green Transporter Gondola to Adventure Landing and follow signs to the Hub. Allow 6-8 extra minutes for walking.
Will I definitely see whales?
Humpback whales feed in Icy Strait from May through September in large numbers. While sightings are extremely common during the season, they cannot be guaranteed as this is a wildlife experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is family friendly and children of all ages are welcome. The vessel has a heated cabin and open viewing deck so guests can move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces.
What happens if my cruise ship doesn't dock?
If your ship is scheduled to stop in Hoonah but does not dock, or if the tour is canceled due to weather, you will receive a full refund.
What other wildlife might I see?
In addition to humpback whales, guests frequently spot orca, sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoise, bald eagles, brown bears along the shoreline, and various seabirds including puffins and herons.
Know Before You Book
Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Tour operates rain or shine unless sea conditions are unsafe
Private charter options available for groups up to 30 guests
Groups of 4+ receive a discounted per-person rate
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure time
Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.
