Top Hoonah How to Get Around in 2026

See Alaskan wildlife on this whale-watching tour in Hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter. The Hoonah whale season is roughly May to September. From the boat, you may also spot orcas, seals, and sea otters.

Spend three hours exploring the scenic and remote Chichagod Island on this small group tour that showcases life on the tiny island. Learn from your local guide about the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife while you explore this island that's home to the largest concentration of bears on earth. With just 750 residents, you'll feel far off the beaten path on this tour that's perfect for nature lovers.

Experience an authentic local crab feast with freshly caught shellfish that you’ll first see in the fishing boat, where you’ll learn about crabbing and choose your crab. Your local hosts will then take you and a small group on a tour of Hoonah and Icy Strait Village with totem carving and foraging forest visits. The grand finale is a hand-cooked crab feast at a coastal home with ocean views.

This 3-hour driving excursion offers a truly unparalleled Alaska cruise experience, inviting you beyond the ordinary into the authentic heart of the Icy Strait Point area. What sets this tour apart is its immediate immersion into local culture, starting with a beautiful scenic drive leading you directly to the community of Hoonah. Here, you'll be welcomed by Alaskan Natives and lifelong residents who serve as your guides, sharing intimate historical insights as you journey down unique dirt roads initially built for logging timber. These historic routes, now repurposed for tourism, provide exclusive access to the pristine interior of Chichagof Island, unveiling breathtaking landscapes and prime opportunities to spot Alaska's diverse wildlife. Combining comfortable driving with a few very short walks, this tour offers a distinctive blend of local perspective, history, and rugged natural beauty that truly captures the wild spirit of Alaska.

Focus on spotting native Alaskan wildlife on this half-day shore excursion on Icy Strait. Once your cruise ship docks in Hoonah, transfer to a boat and embark on a whale-spotting tour in Icy Strait. Listen to in-depth guided commentary on local Alaskan flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for whales, geese, coastal ducks, deer, and bears.

Optimize your chances of seeing humpback whales on a catamaran tour of Hoonah’s Icy Strait. Absorb views of the Alaskan landscape as you explore, and look out for other native fauna including bald eagles, sea lions, and bears. Keep energized with homemade snacks provided on board, and gain insight into the region’s history, culture, and wildlife from your captain.

Come join us on this 26-foot Hewescraft vessel. This boat was built specifically for whale watching in extreme comfort. This small group excursion will take you away from the crowds and will allow you to view whales up close and personal. Call for private charters. This boat takes only six passengers at a time.

Venture into Alaska’s Icy Strait and search for the gentle giants of the sea on this whale-watching excursion. Join a small group out on the water and listen to commentary from your onboard guide about the local ecology. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales as well as sea lions, sea otters, and occasionally bears and orcas.

Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. This area is known as ‘Bear Island’ because it has the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. Learn about the area’s other wildlife from your informative guide and about the native Tlingit population. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of the wildlife.

Make the most of your visit to Icy Strait Point with an independent shore excursion that puts you in control of the journey. This Icy Strait Point Hoonah car rental for a self guided island tour lets you explore beyond the port and discover more of Chichagof Island, including the Tlingit village of Hoonah and the wilderness of Tongass National Forest. Drive through scenic forest roads, visit peaceful coastal areas, look for local wildlife, browse Alaskan owned shops, and experience the island at your own pace during your 5 hour rental. Why Rent With Us? 100% Cruise-Friendly Flexible Pick-Up: Morning slot runs from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, but you can pick up your vehicle whenever your ship docks! Arrive at 6:00 AM or 9:00 AM? No problem—your vehicle is reserved and ready for you when you step ashore. Unmatched Freedom: Visit Hoonah town, stop at local eateries, or explore miles of scenic forest roads deep in bear country.

Head into the Icy Straits on a private whale-watching tour. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, Orcas, sea otters, and more. Your captain takes you to the best spots off Hoonah to spot these giant creatures. Relax onboard, sipping provided hot coffee or tea, and be ready to capture wildlife like bald eagles and sea lions.

Your experience is very unique because it is on a specifically designed whale watching boat. There will be only up to 13 guests aboard so there is plenty of room inside and out for everyone. Your experienced captain is a local resident with a great deal of knowledge of the wildlife and area, and lots of good stories to tell. Our tour length ensures that you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beauty of our area and the incredible wildlife. We’ve been sharing our part of the world with enthusiastic guests for over 25 years and would love to share it with you, too.