Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography

If you’re considering a whale watching trip around Alaska’s Icy Strait, this tour from Hoonah has been making waves — and for good reason. It’s not just your average boat trip; it combines expert-guided wildlife viewing with the added thrill of drone filmography. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating from over 80 travelers, and plenty of unique features that set it apart.

What really makes this tour stand out are two key elements: the chance to see a wide variety of marine life up close and the stunning drone footage captured during the trip. These add a layer of immersion and keepsake value that’s hard to beat. That said, the tour lasts only three hours, which is a solid chunk of time but may feel quick if you’re eager for a full day on the water. It’s best suited for those who want a focused, high-quality wildlife experience—especially if they’re into photography or aerial views.

Our honest take? This tour is especially appealing if you value small-group intimacy. With a maximum of 14 people, you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guides’ expertise really shine through in their efforts to find the animals and share their knowledge. It’s also a great pick for travelers who want more than just seeing whales – they want those memorable aerial shots and videos to relive the experience.

Let’s break down what you can expect from this well-rounded, rewarding adventure.

Key Points

• Small-group size (max 14) enhances the experience and comfort
• Expert guide Captain Josh combines wildlife knowledge with drone piloting skills
• You’ll get exclusive drone footage of whales and other wildlife
• The tour covers a broad array of wildlife—whales, sea lions, otters, bears, and more
• Value for money is high, especially considering the drone videos and personalized approach
• The overall experience is praised for being well-organized, informative, and fun

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

This whale watch adventure is based out of Hoonah, Alaska, within the stunning Icy Strait. It’s a three-hour trip, which means plenty of time to spot whales and other marine critters without feeling rushed. The boat is comfortable, accommodating up to 14 passengers, so you can expect a cozy but not overcrowded outing.

The real magic happens with Captain Josh, a highly skilled guide who’s not only great at finding wildlife but also a certified drone pilot. This dual expertise is what elevates the experience from typical whale watching tours. While you’re watching humpbacks breach or orcas glide through the water, Captain Josh is capturing incredible footage from above using a powerful drone. You’ll be able to see the whales swimming, feeding, and diving from an entirely new perspective—something that’s rarely available on standard tours.

The Itinerary and Wildlife Encounters

The tour departs from the cruise ship dock at the Excursion Hub, which is conveniently within walking distance or a short gondola ride if you’re docked at Wilderness Dock. Once aboard, the captain sets out to find the best wildlife hotspots in the inland waters of Icy Strait.

Sightings are almost guaranteed, thanks to Captain Josh’s 100% success rate at locating whales, as one reviewer pointed out. Expect to see humpback whales, orca, sea lions, otters, and possibly brown bears if the timing is right. The guides are very knowledgeable about the ecosystem, so they’ll tell you about the animals you’re seeing and their behaviors, making the experience more educational and immersive.

A favorite aspect, according to reviews, is the drone footage. While you’re captivated by the whales from the boat, the drone is capturing the action from above, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the whales breaching, tail slapping, or bubble net feeding—behavior that’s hard to witness from the boat alone. After the trip, you’ll receive a USB drive with all the footage, including whales, other wildlife, and even clips of the passengers on board.

The Experience in Perspective

Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the extra effort the crew puts into making the day special. Many have noted how knowledgeable and personable Captain Josh and his team are, making the trip not just a wildlife viewing but a memorable outing. Several highlight the drone footage as a standout feature—something they hadn’t experienced on other tours—and describe it as “spectacular,” “incredible,” and a “great souvenir.”

The small size of the boat means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. As one traveler put it, “Having the drone footage included made it amazing,” and “the boat isn’t too big either so you don’t feel ‘herded.’” This intimate setting enhances the overall enjoyment, especially if you’re someone who appreciates close-up encounters with nature.

The Practical Side: Logistics, Price, and Comfort

The tour costs $255 per person, which some might find on the higher side, but reviews consistently mention that it’s good value considering the quality of the experience. The inclusion of drone footage, personalized guiding, and the small-group setting helps justify the price.

Logistically, the pickup and dropoff are handled smoothly at the Excursion Hub, with clear instructions on where to meet. If your ship is at the Adventure Dock, it’s just a 6-8 minute walk to the meeting point, or you can take the gondola if docked at Wilderness Dock for a quick ride. The check-in is 15 minutes early, and the guides are attentive to punctuality.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, warm (important in Alaska’s chilly waters), and well-equipped. Snacks and drinks are provided on board, making the trip all the more enjoyable.

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The Verdict

If you’re seeking a small-group, wildlife-rich whale watching adventure with a distinctive aerial perspective, this tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of knowledgeable guides, the chance to see diverse animals, and the drone footage makes it more than just a sightseeing trip. Instead, it’s an experience that captures the wild beauty of Alaska from multiple angles.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who love photography, video, or simply want a more personalized adventure. Families with older children who can enjoy the boat ride will also find it rewarding, thanks to the engaging guides and the chance to get up close to nature.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Anyone wanting high-quality, intimate wildlife encounters will appreciate the small boat size and expert guiding. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture Alaska’s wildlife from new perspectives, and for those who want a memorable keepsake in the form of drone footage. Nature lovers who are curious about the ecosystem will also find this trip enriching.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

If you’re on a tight budget, other tours might be less expensive but could lack the drone component or small-group intimacy. Also, if you prefer a longer, more leisurely day on the water, this three-hour tour might feel brief. And if you’re traveling with very young children, it’s worth confirming whether they’re suitable for the boat, though most reviews don’t specify age restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample wildlife viewing time without feeling rushed.

What wildlife will I see?
You are likely to see humpback whales, orca, sea lions, otters, and possibly bears, depending on the day.

Is the drone footage included?
Yes, you will receive a USB drive with drone footage, including whales, wildlife, and onboard videos.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 14 passengers, making for a personal and comfortable experience.

Where do I meet the tour?
At the Excursion Hub, which is within walking distance from the cruise ship dock or accessible by gondola.

Is it suitable for families?
While most reviews mention adults and older children, the tour is family-friendly but best suited for those who can handle a boat ride and outdoor conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring layers for the weather, camera or smartphone for photos, and a sense of adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour from Hoonah offers a well-rounded, engaging encounter with Alaska’s marine life. The combination of expert guides, small-group size, and exclusive drone footage creates an experience that feels both personal and extraordinary. The added benefit of capturing aerial views of whales and other animals provides a lasting memory that’s hard to find elsewhere—especially in such a pristine environment.

If you’re craving a wildlife adventure that’s active, intimate, and visually stunning, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially perfect if you value quality over quantity, and want to take home not just photos but videos that truly showcase the majesty of Alaska’s waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: