Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point
Description
Embark on a small-group, 3-hour whale watching and wildlife sightseeing tour from Hoonah, Alaska in our custom built vessels with heated cabins and restroom. Every season humpback whales come in large numbers to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait before migrating south again for the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May, and stays through September.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
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.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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!!!
Reviews(394)
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.
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 .
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.
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.
An excellent trip, saw alot of whales, seals and bald eagles. Took loads of really good photos. Highly recommended.
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.
Amazing experience, lots of humpbacks, sea lions, and some sea otters! This trip exceeded all of my expectations!
Amazing tour!! Saw a lot of whales, sea lions, otters etc!! Definitely recommend!! Even got to see a whale breach!!
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.
Captain billy made our trip awesome! We seen more than expected and he tells great stories! If you don't go then your missing out big time!!!
