Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour

If you’re heading to Hoonah and love the idea of seeing Alaska’s incredible wildlife, this whale watching adventure could be a highlight of your trip. We’ve looked into this tour, and while we haven’t taken it ourselves, the reviews, itinerary, and features paint a pretty appealing picture for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

What really catches our eye are the expert guides, including one from the Tlingit nation, who share stories that add depth and local flavor to the experience. Plus, the chance to see humpback whales bubble-net feeding—a truly mesmerizing sight—makes this tour stand out. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that it’s a relatively pricey outing at around $326 per person, but considering what’s included, many feel it’s worth the cost.

This tour is best suited for those who want to combine wildlife viewing with a bit of education and cultural insight. If you’re okay with a roughly 3-hour adventure on the water and don’t mind the price tag, it’s an experience worth considering—especially if spotting whales and other marine creatures in their natural environment excites you.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with stories from the Tlingit nation adds rich context.
• Wildlife sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, seals, and more.
• Comfortable boat design allows for inside viewing with lift-up windows.
• Round-trip transportation from Icy Strait Point makes logistics simple.
• Small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures a personal feel.
• Snacks and water are provided for comfort during the trip.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 3-hour adventure begins right outside the Icy Strait Point gates, where your transport picks you up for a short ride along Shaman Point. This initial drive is more than just a warm-up—it’s your chance to spot some local wildlife, such as brown bears, blacktail deer, puffins, swans, coastal ducks, geese, and bald eagles. If you love wildlife spotting from land, you’ll enjoy this glimpse into Alaska’s natural surroundings even before the boat ride.

Once onboard the small charter boat, you’ll notice it’s built for both speed and comfort. It’s equipped with large windows that lift up, giving inside passengers a clear view of the waters and wildlife. During the ride, you’ll have access to restrooms on board, and snacks and water are included—important details that keep you comfortable during the roughly three-hour voyage.

Wildlife and Marine Life

The waters around Hoonah, especially the nutrient-rich Glacier Bay area, are a magnet for humpback whales. These giants arrive each summer from May through September to feed, and your tour aims to catch these impressive creatures in action. Humpbacks can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 50 tons, making sightings quite a spectacle.

You’ll likely see them engaging in bubble-net feeding, a cooperative hunting technique that’s as fascinating to observe as it is rare to witness. Expect to see blowing spouts, tail flukes, and diving whales, which makes every sighting an exciting event. One reviewer shared that they saw 6 to 8 whales—a solid number for a short trip.

Along With humpbacks, the tour often encounters orcas, sea otters, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. These creatures are quite accessible in these waters, and many travelers note that the close-up views of sea otters and sea lions are a highlight.

Guides and Stories

A standout aspect of this tour is the guides’ knowledge and storytelling. One reviewer loved the fact that their captain was from the Tlingit nation, which added a layer of cultural storytelling that enriched the experience. The guides also share insights about local flora and fauna, helping visitors understand the behaviors and biology of the animals they observe.

Viewing Experience

The boat’s design allows for inside shelter and open-air viewing, which is ideal for getting close-up photos without worrying about rain or wind. Passengers praised the large windows and the ability to stay dry while still enjoying the views. The small group size also means you’re not just another face in a crowd, making for a more intimate experience.

Price and Value

At roughly $326.45 per person, this is not the cheapest tour around, but considering the included transportation, snacks, water, and the small group setting, many find it a fair value. The price reflects the quality of guides, the rarity of whale sightings, and the overall experience of being out on Alaska’s waters.

Who Would Love This?

This tour particularly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those interested in Alaskan culture. It’s suited for anyone comfortable on a boat for a few hours and eager to see whales and other marine animals in their natural habitat. It’s not explicitly family-focused but can work for older children who enjoy nature and boat trips.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting from outside Icy Strait Point, you’ll hop into a transportation vehicle that takes you along Shaman Point, a scenic route where wildlife sightings are common even before you reach the boat. During the drive, you might see brown bears, deer, puffins, and eagles, giving you an early taste of Alaska’s wild side.

Once at the boat, you’ll be welcomed aboard a vessel designed for comfort and speed. The boat’s large windows and lift-up sides are perfect for wildlife viewing, and the onboard restrooms are a considerate touch on a trip of this length. Snacks and bottled water keep you refreshed, and the crew’s friendly, knowledgeable approach makes the experience memorable.

Your main focus will be on spotting whales, but you’re also likely to see seals, sea otters, and sea lions. The waters are rich in nutrients—thanks to proximity to Glacier Bay—that make it an ideal feeding ground for whales and other marine life.

Throughout the trip, guides will point out animals, share stories about their biology and behavior, and offer cultural insights. They’re often praised for their patience and knowledge, helping even novice wildlife watchers feel engaged and informed.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

One guest appreciated the stories shared by the captain from the Tlingit nation, adding a cultural layer to the natural spectacle. Another said, “We saw 6-8 whales, a huge group of sea otters and at least 6 sea lions,” emphasizing the diversity of sightings. Multiple reviews mention how close-up they got to sea otters and sea lions, often scoring good views from the boat.

Some noted that whales were observed from a distance, but the boat’s design and crew’s skill made the trip worthwhile. The experience is also described as intimate, with only six passengers in one review, allowing for more personalized attention.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This whale watching tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife sightings, cultural storytelling, and comfortable boat design. If you’re eager to see humpback whales bubble-net feeding, orcas, seals, and sea otters with knowledgeable guides, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding. The small-group setting ensures a more personal, less rushed adventure, which many travelers appreciate.

While the price may seem steep, the inclusion of transportation, snacks, and the chance to learn about Alaska’s marine life and indigenous stories make it a solid value for wildlife lovers. Keep in mind it’s weather-dependent—hence, some patience might be needed if conditions aren’t ideal.

This tour is an excellent choice for anyone who values authentic wildlife encounters combined with a touch of culture and storytelling, making your Alaskan cruise even more memorable.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you a good chunk of time to enjoy the wildlife and scenery without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Round-trip transportation from Icy Strait Point, bottled water, a light snack, and onboard restrooms are included, making the experience comfortable.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour caps at 30 travelers, which helps maintain an intimate atmosphere and allows for personal attention from guides.

Can I see whales from inside the boat?
Absolutely. The boat is designed for comfortable inside viewing with large lift-up windows, so you can stay dry and still enjoy the sights.

Are there restroom facilities on the boat?
Yes, onboard restrooms are available, which is especially helpful during a 3-hour trip.

When is the best time to go whale watching here?
While the tour runs from May to September, the best chance of seeing humpback whales is during the peak summer months, from May through September.

Is snacks and water enough, or should I bring extra food?
Snacks and water are provided, but if you’re particularly hungry or have dietary needs, bringing additional food is always a good idea.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, it’s suitable for most travelers comfortable on a boat. Older children who enjoy wildlife and boat trips will likely have a great time.

If wildlife, cultural insights, and the thrill of seeing whales in their natural environment appeal to you, this Icy Strait whale watching tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience. It combines convenience with authenticity—a memorable way to connect with Alaska’s wild side.