Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Hoonah, USA

3 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales with a money back guarantee
Benefit from the heated cabin and on-board bathroom to sail in comfort
Enjoy a group-friendly tour, ideal for families with kids
Relax with hassle-free round-trip transfer from the port’s excursions hub

What's Included

Local taxes
Light refreshments
Snacks
Local guide
Driver/guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Coffee and/or Tea

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We can pick up all cruise ship passengers at Icy Strait Point port. We can also pick up any guests not coming to Hoonah, AK through cruise ship anywhere in town.

Itinerary

Hoonah Whale Tours

3 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Infant seats available

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 173 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Best whale watching!

Lisa_M, Aug 2025

This excursion was amazing from start to finish. We saw tons of whales, seals, and sea otters right next to the boat (but they came to us, not the other way around so it was done safely for us and the wildlife). The boat also wasn’t jam packed, we had plenty of space to move around. We had an incredible time and highly recommend it!!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thanks for much for your review and recommendation!

So many whales!

Amanda_V, Jul 2025

Great excursion! My husband, two teen boys, and I had an amazing time! We saw So. Many. Whales. - Captain Jordan knew exactly where to find them! Pick up was easy, a quick 5 min drive to the dock, then several amazing hours on the water seeing sea otters, salmon, sea lions, and humpback whales. Wonderful, local, family owned business.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thanks for the review!! So happy to hear there were lots of whales!

A Whale of a Time!

Bernard_M, Jul 2025

After a short walk off the cruise ship, we were met and then taken to the boat via a van by Maraiya. The boat left promptly and the Captain thought it would be about 45-60 minutes to the whales. After stopping by some otters, we turned around because the whales were sailing down the stretch of water past Hoonah to the south/southwest. Some 10 minutes later…that she blows! A pod of about 4-5 whales (including a baby) and for the next two hours, we chased and passed the whales. We saw them blow and arch and dive! We went to the opposite bank for a few minutes and were able to see a mama bear and two cubs foraging along the shore. Then back to the whales! Just past Grassy Island, we saw them bubble feed, not once but twice! Fortunately, we paid extra for the great weather and Alaska came through! So did the skipper!! Professional and knowledgeable, he delivered. We really had a great time and the Hoonah Whale Tours helped remind us why Alaska is considered God’s Country.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you for the wonderful review!

Whale tail

Andrew_B, May 2025

Saw lots of whales captain was very knowledgable and helpful The boat was clean and organized The blueberry homemade muffins are amazing!!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We appreciate it and are glad you enjoyed your tour!

The HIGHLIGHT of our Cruise!

Joseph_L, Jul 2018

Great excursion! Everything we read going in came true - and then some. Moriah met us at the excursion pick up location and drove us to the marina. There we met Joardan. Joardan grew up on Icy Strait fishing on his dad's 58 foot boat. He knows these waters as well as anyone. His boat consists of a center cabin - has a restroom - with a complete 360 degree walk around outside. He is able to accommodate 6 passengers. There were 4 of us. Inside the cabin, he had coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade wild blueberry muffins. There's about a 40 minute ride to get to where you can view stuff. One of the first things we saw was a bear on a beach. Next there were numerous porpoises, sea otters, seals, and then we started seeing the humpback whales. It was a fascinating show. We enjoyed almost non-stop action right up until it was time to leave. We could not have asked for a more personal, intimate experience than what we got from Hoonah Whale Tours. Highly recommended and if we're ever back in Hoonah, we would definitely book again.