Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Hoonah, USA
- 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the beauty of Alaska’s Icy Strait on this exclusive 6-passenger, small-group boat tour, and maximize your chances of spotting whales. The custom built catamaran has both indoor and outdoor seating, a spacious deck for photography, an enclosed heated cabin, as well as an onboard restroom. In addition to humpback whales, other exciting Alaskan wildlife may be encountered, including orcas, brown bears, sea lions, otters, eagles, and more.
- Enjoy this Icy Strait wildlife tour in an intimate group of six
- Learn more about the area’s rich ecosystem, history, and geography
- If you don’t spot any whales, get a full refund
- Handy round-trip transportation from the cruise ship port
What's Included
- Restroom on board
- Private transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
- Icy Strait Cruise TerminalAlaska 99825, USA
Pickup details
We will meet you at your cruise ship port at the EXCURSION HUB – a large outdoor meeting spot for guests and vendors. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled tour start time. Please note the Excursion Hub is an open air meeting spot - NOT a building. At the Excursion Hub, we will have a small handheld sign that says VIVID ENDEAVORS. Don’t worry if you don’t see us/our sign holder there early; the driver/sign holder may arrive right on time as we coordinate our tour start times very precisely to avoid congestion at the hub. There are two separate cruise ship docks on site at the Icy Strait port. Your ship will be coming into either the OCEAN LANDING or the WILDERNESS LANDING. If your ship docks at the Ocean Landing – walk to shore and through the Adventure Center (a large beautiful building) and exit through the door marked #2. Follow the gravel path and look for an Excursion Hub sign that directs you slightly to the right and continue walking that path to the Excursion Hub. From the ship to the Excursion Hub is about a 5 - 10 minute walk. If there are mobility issues, please contact us ahead of time for extra details. If your ship docks at the Wilderness Landing – walk to shore and to the green Transporter Gondola where you can catch a 5 minute ride to the main area of the port (this is a free and pleasant gondola ride that will save you a lot of time compared to walking on foot from the wilderness dock). After exiting the gondola look for the sign directing you to the Excursion Hub and follow the path and signs. From the gondola drop off location to the Excursion Hub, the walk is about 5 minutes. If there are mobility issues, please contact us ahead of time for extra details. After we meet at the Excursion Hub, we will drive you via van through the town of Hoonah to the harbor where you will board our whale watching vessel. We provide return transportation back to the port after your tour. Additional Information: Due to Icy Strait’s remote location and influx of people throughout the day - cell phone coverage including data/internet capabilities on the day of your tour can be spotty at best. Please try to call or text ahead of time with any questions. Additionally, please consider either printing or taking a screen shot of our meeting instructions beforehand.
Itinerary
1
Icy Strait
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Hoonah (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Raylene_B
We wanted to book a whale watching excursion that wasn't the big cruise ship experience. Something on a small scale and personalized. We found out about this tour through a Facebook group for our sailing.
Booking was quick and easy. The tour operator, Seth, communicated with us before the tour. He even told us that our itinerary had changed before our cruise ship did.
We were given specific instructions on where to meet, what would happen during the tour and afterwards. It gave us a good feeling that we would be well taken care of.
Seth met us at the specific time and location and took us by van to the harbor. There we boarded the Kohola and set sail.
There were only 6 passengers which allowed all of us a window to watch from. The weather was rainy and cold, but Captain Seth kept our windows wiped clean so we could see everything. He also provided hot chocolate and munchies for our trip.
He told the history about Icy Strait Point and Hoonah and the Tlingit people who live there. It was very interesting.
We watched sea otters with their young on their belly's and one had a Dungeness crab and was munching on it. Along the shoreline, we saw bald eagles and their huge nests. And harbor seals swam alongside of us while we sailed.
The grand finale was the whales and boy did they put on quite a show for us. At first, they were diving, and you could see their tail fins and spouts of water.
Just when we thought it was over we saw a double breach! Talk about lucky! They decided to treat us by playing and slapping their fins on top of the water. It was a sight to behold.
What a fabulous day, it was definitely the highlight of our Alaskan cruise. I highly recommend Seth and his tour company!
Reviews
5.0
based on 156 reviews
Steve_R, Oct 2025
Our small-group tour with Captain Seth was an unforgettable experience! We watched a whale surface again and again, lifting its tail high after each round of breaths — such a beautiful sight. We also spotted a few bald eagles and even an otter along the way, which made the morning even more special.
Captain Seth was professional, friendly, and always made sure we had the best possible view. He kept us updated about other whale sightings that day, some in rougher seas, and even gave us the choice — stay with our playful whale in calm waters or venture out to choppier waves for a chance to see more. We all agreed to stay, and it was the perfect call. The calm conditions, the relaxed pace, and the close-up moments with that one incredible whale made for an unforgettable trip.
Highly recommend this tour and Captain Seth for anyone visiting Hoonah — it was the highlight of our Alaska adventure!
Karen_A, Sep 2025
Captain Seth and his wife Emily took 4 of us out and it was truly amazing, we saw a couple of humpbacks as soon as we pulled out of the boat yard but it was quite misty so we headed in the opposite direction. There quite a bit of humpback whale activity and we just followed one to the other.
We had one whale who was really showing off, we saw it breach 3 times, it was rolling on his back and slapping his fins, it was spectacular. We saw 2 sea lions basking in the sun, lying on top of a red buoy. We then went bear hunting along the shoreline but Seth spotted 5 humpbacks as we got closer, they was bubble net feeding and which is amazing to watch. I did a whale watch boat tour in Juneau but we only saw humpbacks in the distance, I am so glad I booked this one as well as a backup, because I have some brilliant video footage and photos. A truly memorable morning! Highly recommend it
Stephanie, Sep 2025
I had an amazing experience on this whale watching tour. The boat was comfortable and with it being small there was no fighting for pictures or space. Seth was very knowledgable and found us a whale and sea otters!
Gerald_K, Sep 2025
We had the best experience. Seth is an mazing captain, great boat, small group experience, individualized attention, and fantastic encounters.
Kathleen_J, Sep 2025
Seth could not be any better! He’s such a kind, personable guy loaded with knowledge and he shares it along the way. We checked off our entire Alaskan wildlife goals in one excursion. We had orca swim under the boat, otter nearby, a bear nearby on shore, bald eagle, and of course multiple humpbacks! The boat handles great, it was smooth and seasick friendly. It was unforgettable! Book it, you won’t regret it!
Wendy, Sep 2025
We had a great boat trip. Seth took us to various spots where we saw the Humpbacks bubble net feeding. It was the best whale watching trip we have ever had.
Alecia_O, Sep 2025
This excursion was everything I hoped it would be and more. Seth was so friendly and was able to spend a decent amount of time showing us wildlife - we saw an eagle, seals, sea otters and many whales! We even saw humpback whales breaching and bubble net feeding which was incredible. He absolutely knows his stuff and does everything he can to show you as much as possible. It’s even better not having to share the experience with 50+ people as his boat only takes up to 6. It makes for a very special experience. This was without a doubt my favourite excursion on our trip to Alaska. I would happily recommend!
Frances_K, Sep 2025
This is a six person only. Very informal and Capt Seth and his wife were excellent hosts. He made sure we got the best whale views. There was no set root that he followed it was wherever we saw whales we would head in that direction. Bottled water and hot drinks available and snacks. It was a great day and fun people. Would highly recommend
They only take six people at a time.
Heidi_K, Sep 2025
This was an amazing experience! With a smaller boat, Captain Seth was able to get us so close to the whales and I didn't have to struggle to see over crowds of people. With a small group, everyone could get right to the edge of the boat for pictures and videos. I was also impressed with Seth's knowledge of the area. He knew where the whales would be and we didn't have masses of other boats around us.
The only negative to this trip was that we had such a good time, the rest of our excursions paled in comparison.
Thank you so much for allowing us to have fun and make amazing memories! We would love to tour with you again if we head back to Hoonah!
Sharon_C, Sep 2025
Excellent communication, this was the absolute highlight of our trip to Alaska. Seth is friendly, knowledgeable and makes sure his guests get the best experience possible. We were lucky to have killer whales swimming right up to the catamaran twice plus humpbacks spouting and diving in the distance.
Elizabeth_W, Sep 2025
This is the ultimate Alaskan experience. We saw Eagles, Otters, Seals Bears (with cubs), Humpbacks and Orcas! Our Captain, Seth, is a wonderful tour guide and host. He provided snacks, drinks and binoculars to use. We will book his tour again on our next visit!
Janet_C, Sep 2025
This was an amazing experience! Seth gave us a fantastic trip. We saw Humpbacks and Orca. Sea lions and sea otters also.
Julie_C, Sep 2025
Whale watching with Captain Seth was a dream. It was on my bucket list and it was everything that I wanted! Seth takes 6 people and the boat is so clean, stable and comfortable. You aren’t fighting for a spot, you can walk around the entire boat and take pictures. Even though the boat is small, it was stable and safe. Seth was very informative and was talking to others about where things were. We saw orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and otters. We even saw the humpbacks creating a bubble net very close to the boat. Seth was on time and the tour was the best that we have ever been on. Don’t fight the crowds, book this tour and enjoy!
angelamorrell268, Aug 2025
Fantastic trip. Seth was amazing. Pick up was very easy and we made our way to his catamaran with no trouble what so ever. He was very informative and obviously loves his job and his life! We looked for orca but they were not around unfortunately so we went to where the hump back whales were bubble net feeding in a large group. We watched this behaviour for a long time and got some great shots and video with Seth keeping us informed and in the right place to see clearly. Fabulous trip. Highly recommended, loved the small group (only 5 of us) and the complimentary hot drinks were very welcome too.
MTimothy_H, Aug 2025
Very personal small group excursion w/kind attention to all. Seth is an amazing guide. Highly recommend! Everything was neat; clean & safe. Seth was good at communicating & very helpful. Can’t give this experience a HIGH enough rating.
Smaller boat with ability to move into different areas than a large boat experience. Money well spent.
Chrystine_R, Aug 2025
Fabulous opportunity to get up close and personal with those magnificent leviathans of Icy Strait! Captain Seth is so knowledgeable about every aspect of the area, and he clearly enjoys sharing that knowledge. We were thrilled to be surrounded by Humpback Whales frolicking all around the boat, and to have Captain Seth educating us about them.
Staza_P, Aug 2025
Wonderful experience! Seth was a fabulous guide who was knowledgeable and personable! We saw and learned so much!
Stacie_C, Aug 2025
Seth is a wonderful host and captain and gave us a fabulous tour. He first picked us up at the cruise port and drove us to the marina in Hoonah which was about a 10 minute ride. The boat was clean and had hot drinks, water and snacks although we were so busy watching for whales we didn't need the drinks. The boat also has a restroom. Seth was so knowledgeable and friendly and took us to see Orcas, humpback, sea otters and eagles. It was an amazing adventure and a highlight of our Alaska trip. Seth will not disappoint you!
Connie_C, Aug 2025
Best Whale watching tour I have ever been on!!! Seth kept everybody on edge, looking at the whales and finding us the best place to be! He knew his business and had an extremely clean, and very nice boat! Thank you, Seth! Your family owned business went above and beyond! We will be back!!!
Karen_T, Aug 2025
The BEST experience! We have been in Alaska for 5 days and went on another whale tour and the only wildlife we saw was 2 humpbacks. Seth took us out and we saw it all orcas, humpbacks, eagles, otters and bears. Only 6 of us on the boat, we were able to walk around the entire boat. This tour is a MUST!!
Alissa_S, Aug 2025
If I could give this 6 stars I would. Now, to be fair - the whales put on a spectacular show the day I went out and they deserve high praise. But this tour deserves equally high praise. The small size of the tour makes this an intimate and personal experience - letting you control how long to stay and watch a certain whale / pod. Captain Seth was so knowledgeable about all things involving boating, whales, and Alaska and was friendly and engaging. The boat was clean, the perfect size for our group, and well stocked with snacks and hot cocoa. This tour was the highlight of my entire Alaskan vacation. I will recommend this to anyone coming to Icy Straight.
KarenandMatt_R, Jul 2025
Amazing tour would highly recomend!! Seth was very knowledgeable and we were able to see humpbacks and orcas.
Jeffrey_W, Jul 2025
Seth was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, funny and a great host. Great boat and saw a lot of wild life. Highly recommend this tour.
Craig_S, Jul 2025
Captain Seth was wonderful in every respect. He is very knowledgeable about all the wildlife we saw and we saw a lot of, including humpbacks, bear, eagles and orkas. He took the time to follow the whales and then wait while they put on their show.
Aaron_M, Jul 2025
We had an absolutely unforgettable whale-watching experience with Captain Seth! He went above and beyond to make sure we saw a variety of amazing sea life, from orcas and humpback whales to playful otters and even a brown bear and bald eagles!
Captain Seth’s deep knowledge of the area and its wildlife made the trip educational as well as thrilling. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an incredible adventure in Alaska!
Sheila_V, Jul 2025
Awesome trip! Very comfortable boat and appreciated the ability to experience this in a small group setting. Seth did everything possible to be sure we got to see whales and other wildlife! His knowledge of the whales and area was very interesting. Highly recommend this for those that prefer not to be on a crowded boat!!
Kristen_W, Jul 2025
We had an unbelievable day with Vivid Endeavors. Captain Seth was amazing and taught us so much! We got to see humpback whales performing bubble net feeding - multiple times! We saw a coastal brown bear foraging, a raft of otters, sea lions, some eagles and even a harbor seal. The boat was clean and well stocked, and we loved the intimacy of the smaller boat. To say this exceeded my hopes and expectations would be an understatement. This was a true Alaskan experience that we will absolutely cherish forever.
Doug, Jul 2025
This was a small group excursion - we had six total. The captain was knowledgeable of the area and where the whales were. Also very nice. We were fortunate to have witnessed (and photographed) a double breach of Humpback whales. We didn't see any Orcas, but a number of humpbacks. And on the way back a group of porpoise played along with the boat. A very enjoyable time, made excellent by the show put on by the whales.
Jane_F, Jul 2025
Seth built his boat.. it seats 6. There is space inside to sit and stay dry and space on deck to view the whales. We saw sea otters and a harbor seal. The humpback whales were active with spouts and roars. We saw many whale tales. Then two of the whales breached with a third breaching right behind. Beautiful!
Seth wanted us to see as much as we could. WE had a great time on a rainy chilly day.
Sheldon_S, Jul 2025
Seth was amazing and the excursion was the highlight of our cruise. Brown bear, seals, otters, Orcas, and 19 whales bubble net feeding. Incredible show.
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