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Whale and Drone Tour

4.96
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Live Drone Footage
Aerial whale views from above the water
Small Group Vessel
Intimate experience with your captain
Three-Hour Tour
Extended time on prime whale waters
Heated Cabin
Warm up between wildlife sightings
Round-Trip Transport
Door-to-door from Icy Strait Point

Description

See humpback whales from the water and the sky on this one-of-a-kind drone-equipped whale watching tour from Icy Strait Point. Captain Josh takes you aboard a small, custom vessel into the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait, where humpback whales gather each summer to feed on krill flowing from Glacier Bay.

What sets this tour apart is the live drone. While you scan the surface from the boat, a drone launches overhead to capture real-time aerial footage of whales below. Watch the feed on an onboard monitor as humpbacks surface, dive, and blow from a perspective you simply cannot get from deck level. It’s a striking way to appreciate the sheer size and movement of these animals.

Beyond the drone footage, this is a full whale watching experience. Icy Strait is one of Southeast Alaska’s most productive marine corridors, and sightings of humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoise are common throughout the season. Along the shoreline, brown bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer add to an already rich wildlife roster.

The vessel’s heated cabin keeps you warm between sightings, and the small group size means you’ll have plenty of room on deck and direct access to your captain’s commentary throughout the trip.

Three hours on the water gives you extended time in prime feeding areas without rushing between sightings. Your tour includes round-trip transportation from the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point, so logistics are handled start to finish. If you want a whale watching experience that goes beyond the standard format, this is the one to book.


What's Included

Round-Trip Transportation
Expert Captain & Guide
Live Drone Footage
Heated Cabin Vessel
Wildlife Narration
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Rain Gear

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this different from other whale watching tours?
This tour uses a live drone during the trip to capture aerial footage of whales from above. You'll see the animals from the boat and from a bird's-eye perspective on a monitor, giving you a view most whale watching tours can't offer.
Will I receive the drone footage?
Ask your captain about footage options during the tour. Availability may vary by trip, but the live aerial feed is viewable on board during the experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. The vessel has a heated cabin and open viewing areas, making it comfortable for families.
How long are we on the water?
The tour is approximately 3 hours total, with most of that time spent on the water scanning for whales and wildlife in Icy Strait.

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
Live drone footage captures aerial whale views during the tour
Wildlife sightings are highly likely—especially humpback whales—but cannot be guaranteed as animals move freely in their natural habitat.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires stepping on and off the vessel independently.
Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 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.

Quick Facts

City
Icy Strait Point

Duration
3h 00min

Adult Rate
$224


Itinerary • 3h 00min • 4 activities

Check in at the Excursion Hub, meet your captain, and transfer to the boat dock in Hoonah.

Duration
20 minutes

Cruise out of Hoonah Harbor while the captain launches the drone for aerial whale scanning across Icy Strait.

Duration
15 minutes

Spot humpback whales from the deck while watching live drone footage on the monitor for a dual perspective of marine wildlife.

Duration
1 hour 55 minutes

Head back to Hoonah Harbor, disembark, and transfer to Icy Strait Point with time to explore or reboard your ship.

Duration
30 minutes

Customer Reviews 387

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