Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Hoonah, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
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.
- See humpback whales and other Hoonah marine life in their natural environment
- Watch from the viewing deck or heated cabin
- Look for additional wildlife like bald eagles and blacktail deer
- Choice of several departures throughout the day
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Local guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Snacks
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR TOUR IS SCHEDULED TO DEPART, OUT OF COURTESY TO OTHERS WE LEAVE ON TIME. If your ship is docked at the Ocean Landing Dock, proceed ashore to the Icy Strait Adventure Center. Once inside the Adventure Center walk through the building and exit through door number"2". (This is clearly marked above the door.) Once outside, follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time from the ship is 10 minutes, please allow extra time if you are not a fast walker. We ask that you check in 15 minutes early and we leave on time. If your ship is docked at the Wilderness Dock, walk up the dock and to the right. Ride the Green Transporter Gondola(4 minute ride) to the Adventure Landing. Exit the Gondola and go left, follow the signs to the Excursion Hub. If you don't take the Gondola there is a trail that you can walk - it is a 1/2mile walk. As you exit the woods start looking for the sign that says Excursion Hub on your left. Follow the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. Please check in with the Hoonah Travel Adventure Representative when you arrive at the Hub! If you are arriving via AK Seaplanes or AK Marine Highway please call us before your trip to make other arrangements.
What To Expect
1
The Shops By HTA
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name
- Departure times are dependent upon arrival and departure of your cruise ship
- No smoking allowed
- If your ship is docked at the Adventure/Ocean Landing Dock, proceed ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Once inside the Adventure Center walk through the building and exit through door number “2”. (This is clearly marked). Follow the signs on the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time is 6-8 minutes, please allow extra time if you are not a slower walker. We ask that you check in for your tour 15 minutes early and we leave on time.
- If your ship is docked at the Wilderness Dock, walk up the dock and to the right. Ride the Green Transporter Gondola(4 minute ride) to the Adventure Landing. Exit left and follow the signs to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time if you ride the free dock to dock Gondola is 6-8 minutes, please allow extra time if you are a slower walker. We ask that you check in for your tour 15 minutes early and we leave on time.
- There is NO WIFI or Cell Service at the port area. You will NOT Be able to pull up your email or see you reservation online. Print your connecting instructions!!!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
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Frequently Asked Question (1)
Q:Is this tour available from Sitka?
A:No. This tour departs from Hoonah and is not available to travelers visiting Sitka
Feb 2023
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Kathleen_D
Our tour guides were excellent. We had a great experience. Highly recommend this tour for anyone considering it.
Reviews
4.8
based on 409 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
GiniO, Jul 2026
It was terrific! Our guide was a local lady, and knew where to go to see whales, seals, and even a couple of brown bears.
iris930, Jul 2026
The best excursion! The deck crew was super friendly and the captain led us to see all sorts of wildlife! More than we could have asked for! Thank you for the wonderful memories!
Michael_R, Jul 2026
What a great trip. The tour guides were excellent, informative and genuinely knew their stuff. I was a little concerned at first since we ran out a good ways before we actually saw some whales but once we saw them, we saw a lot of them. Orca’s, Humpbacks, sea lions etc….incredible. There was a passenger with us on another cruise ship that needed to get back early and they actually took us to a different disembarkation point that brought us closer to the cruise ships. They went out of their way to make sure he got back on his boat on time..
Vivian_B, Jul 2026
This was a great tour, very efficiently run, shuttle picked us up by the cruise terminal and took us right to the boat. We all very much enjoyed the stories Denise shared from her culture and the area. We were able to see a harbour seal, sea lions, sea otters and an entire family of humpback whales and capped it off with some surprise orcas! Such a beautiful tour
Brandi_C, Jul 2026
We had a fantastic experience on this tour. Our captain was really great and was able to find us not only humpback whales, but also orcas. This was a highlight for our child as we have not seen orcas on previous whale watching tours.
Roger_G, Jul 2026
This excursion was one of the highlights of our Alaskan Cruise. Denise, the boat captain was very knowledgeable and informative of the culture of the area. She was very safe and was able to carry us out to view several humpback whales feeding in the sound. On our way back she also spotted a pod of 8 Orcas and we got to view them up close and personal. Thank you Denise for making our trip a lifetime experience.
Adrian_F, Jul 2026
This was the best experience I have ever had while in Alaska.
I had researched company’s that did whale sightings/watching expeditions, and came across them.
I emailed asking for ratios as I was traveling with my mom who will most likely not return to Alaska and I wanted to give her the best possible opportunity to feel up close and in the mix of a tour.
Through my ship they offered a tour yet was $50
Per Person over what I paid here.
All still with the numbers being wildly higher for guest count.
This tour was just want I needed.
I was able to reach out and gather more answers for a few questions I had. I was very happy to receive a quick response with full details.
When I go back which I know I will I will be sure to be booking with them again.
I definitely felt so confident and welcomed with this tour.
The captain was an amazing captain and the guide was very knowledgeable.
Craig_R, Jul 2026
Denise was an incredible guide, captain, and story teller. It was a great day with loads of whale sightings (including 3 that swam right at us and then disappeared!!), sea lions, and otters. The boat was very comfortable and well appointed for this type of tour. Would definitely recommend.
Leslie_E, Jul 2026
We had a beautiful day on the water. The boat is heated but you can stand outside , too. Captain Denise shared many historical stories about the area. Our naturalist was also very good. We saw about a dozen humpback whales , some otters, sea lions and jumping salmon. We were lucky to also spot some orca ! At the end we spotted a brown bear grazing on the shore .
Cameron_M, Jul 2026
This was a great experience and easy from start to finish. Loved that we got to see downtown Hoonah instead of staying only on Icy Straight Point property. The two guides on our cruise were fantastic. They were both so kind, enthusiastic, and worked hard to ensure we had a great experience and saw as many whales as we could.
Evangeline_N, Jul 2026
Sebastian is a smart, witty, and informative guide who has a solid background in natural ecology. Even though it rained, he worked together well with the ship captain to maneuver the vessel to ensure that we would see the most whales. While other ships were guessing about locations, somehow the captain knew where to go and park quietly— the whales migrated into our path over and over. Wow— all of a sudden, a dreary, rainy day turned in to at least 10 or more consecutive sightings! I highly recommend this tour for a great day of learning and whale watching. You will NOT be disappointed.
Alisa_M, Jun 2026
Denise and Analisa where amazing! Very knowledgeable about the area of Hoonah. Capt Denise shared alot about her heritage and she also knows her body of water. She took us straight to whales and it was absolutely amazing.
Allison_H, Jun 2026
Amazing experience, lots of humpbacks, sea lions, and some sea otters! This trip exceeded all of my expectations!
Brian_S, Jun 2026
Amazing tour!! Saw a lot of whales, sea lions, otters etc!! Definitely recommend!! Even got to see a whale breach!!
HaangYee_N, Jun 2026
I am grateful to be able to join the whale watching tour with Captain Denise. She showcased her experience and shared lots of local stories, also made sure we get back the cruise on time with great buffer so no need to worry (my tour starts as 5pm and cruise gangway up is 8:30pm) . Boat condition is fantastic as well. In general I had a really great time with my family! Highly recommend recommended.
Teresa_G, Jun 2026
We enjoyed this tour. It was easy to find the pick up location. Captain Denise was awesome. She has a calm energy, had great stories, and made you feel welcome. The boat was comfortable and we found a few whales & seals. Captain Denise made sure we made it back in time to board our cruise ship.
Gloria_V, Jun 2026
This was an amazing tour. We enjoyed it so much. Our captain’s stories were captivating. I highly recommend it!
Sharon_M, Jun 2026
Denise Gray was a great captain, and Annaliese (sp?) was a very nice naturalist. We had great sightings, but also heard amusing stories all along the way. Much more reasonable than booking an excursion via the cruise line, and just an excellent overall experience.
Chris_B, Jun 2026
Denise and Annalise were amazing! The boat was also very comfortable and perfect for the tour. Literally saw a pod of 14 whales bubble net feeding and they swam right up to the boat!! Our guides were so awesome and very knowledgeable. 100/10
David_C, Jun 2026
Our ship 🚢 captain 🧑✈️ knew where whales 🐳 were as we saw 14 trip was fantastic
One issue is we paid for 4 people but only got viator rewards credit for 2 people we originally ordered but we made new reservations for 4 people and did not get 10% rewards of price paid 900.00 we only got 45.00 reward credits to spend on viator - hopefully the will make good 👍
Mary_A, Jun 2026
Captain Denise was the best! She found a pod of whales and it was absolutely amazing to witness bubble netting. We loved hearing about the history of her tribe and the area. Shout out to Captain Denise and Analise!
Ray_M, Jun 2026
Fantastic whale watch tour with a local captain. Witnessed bubble net feeding! Captain related local history to add to the experience.
Corinne_E, Jun 2026
Hoonah Travel Adventures did a great job!
Very organized and everyone was very nice.
I recommend using them for an excursion.
Jason_T, Jun 2026
Hands down, this was all of our family’s favorite experience.
It was more than we could have ever anticipated.
Robin_E, Jun 2026
Great tour. We saw lots of whales. The captain and naturalist were very knowledgeable. The only minor issue is that there were no snacks as advertised.
Michelle_L, Jun 2026
I did not expect to see so many whales! What an unforgettable experience with my kids! We truly enjoyed this and our captain was great!!
Clarissa_C, Jun 2026
There weren't many whales out the day we visited, which isn't the fault of the staff, but we wish we could have seen more for the price of the excursion. The staff were friendly, but hard to hear at times and not extremely engaging.
Timothy_K, Jun 2026
Amazing!! We saw over a dozen Orca whales and multiple humpback whales along with other wildlife. Captain and crew were on it! Thank you for an unforgettable day.
Heather_D, Jun 2026
Saw whales, bear, otters, seals, sea lions. Had a great time. Would highly recommend this excursion.
Javier_L, Jun 2026
Description and pictures are deceptive- the tour is for upwards of 50 people - it is a 2 deck catamaran not a smaller vessel as picture depicted, also no mention of total capacity. The boat and tour are fine but I was seeking a more private experience for my group and family for the price and amount of passengers.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review.
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the boat and the tour itself. During your excursion, you were fortunate enough to witness bubble-net feeding, one of the most spectacular whale behaviors observed anywhere in the world and something that is never guaranteed. In addition to that, you also saw numerous whales and other marine wildlife.
For future readers, our tours are shared whale watch excursions, not private charters. Guests looking for an exclusive vessel for only their family or group can certainly arrange a private charter, but those experiences come at a substantially higher cost.
We also want to clarify that we do not operate vessels carrying anywhere near 149 passengers, which is common on some cruise-line whale watch excursions. Our fleet consists of vessels carrying 18, 30, and 49 passengers. The vessel used for your tour was operating exactly as intended and as described for a shared small-group wildlife experience.
We're sorry the shared nature of the tour was not what you were expecting, but we're pleased you were able to experience the incredible wildlife that Southeast Alaska has to offer.
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