Our local captain, Duane, will guide you through an unforgettable and surreal whale and wildlife watching experience, describing the diversity of wildlife and its cultural connection and significance to the Hoonah Tlingit people. The high accumulation of natural food in these waters makes it a habitual feeding ground for one of Alaska’s largest resident humpback whale populations, providing for a unique experience of “bubble-net feeding”, flipper slapping, and spectacular breaching!

Our custom-built whale-watching vessel is highly maneuverable with a low profile design and large windows that allow unrestricted viewing while getting up close and personal to whales and other wildlife, yet staying dry and out of the weather. Viewing platforms on the outer decks allow you to get outside and experience the whales with all of your senses – see them, hear them, and, yes, when they come up close and spout, that whale breath is an experience your nose won’t forget!

We will meet you at Icy Strait Point and transfer you to our vessel, Captain and Crew. For 2.5 hours you’ll be traveling through the waters of Icy Strait – home to a wide array of wildlife including Orcas (killer whales), Stellar sea lions, sea otters, Harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, and the magnificent humpback whale.

Keep an eye out for brown bears and Sitka Black-tailed deer meandering the shoreline, and the noble Bald eagle perched on tree-tops. From the village of Hoonah to Pt. Adolphus near Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Whale Adventures will delight in sharing the majestic beauty and culture that is Alaska!

*Duration: 3 hrs - includes transfers on Gondola and to our boat, plus 2.5 hrs on the water.

*We operate two 26-passenger boats and one 49-passenger catamaran

*Please meet 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time. Icy Strait Point has two docks. You will either be arriving at the Adventure Landing or the Wilderness Landing. Directions to the Excursion Hub from your dock will be provided in your confirmation email after booking.

*We will return you directly to Icy Strait Point, and guarantee to get you back in time for “all guests onboard”.

*You never know what the weather will be, so come prepared for rain or shine.

*Hat and mittens can really make it more comfortable.

*Warm coats that are water-resistant are a good idea.

*A camera to capture all those great sightings is a must and binoculars make those whales pop!

*And, don’t forget your sunglasses.

*Our guides were born in Hoonah and raised on local waters with a heritage of hospitality, safety, and fun. They are your escort to an experience so special it can not be offered elsewhere. Our custom-built whale-watching vessels have your comfort and experience in mind from bow to stern.

*We’re so sure you will have a whale of a time, your adventure is guaranteed. We will visit the most active playground of humpback whales in Southeast Alaska - if we don’t site a whale, we’ll refund 50% of your tour cost. We also guarantee to get you back to the ship on time. Breathtaking vistas of land and sea and Alaska’s magnificent creatures in the wild - this adventure is unforgettable.

*Your hosts - the owners, skippers, and crew - are all descendants of the Hoonah Tlingit, Southeast’s first people. Join us and see the landscape and bounty through the eyes of Alaska Natives. Listen to accounts of the rich history and culture of a people once occupying Glacier Bay then forced by advancing glaciers to migrate and develop the village of Hoonah. Live a chapter in their ongoing adventure.

*Price includes all taxes and fees

*Frequently Asked Questions & Health Considerations

- How many guests do you take out?

Due to the need for responsible physical distancing, we may limit the number of guests we typically carry. We will monitor the CDC guidelines on the suggested reduction of capacities and make changes accordingly. Our vessel is designed to carry 26 passengers, but we will reduce capacity as necessary in accordance with the CDC and cruise line guidelines to ensure your health and safety.

- How big is your boat?

Our boat is approximately 43 feet long and 12 feet wide, with a low to the water profile design; it has extra-large windows allowing unrestricted viewing while getting up close to wildlife. We do consider ourselves one of the smaller boats – not like the 150 passenger boat offered by the cruise line. Our custom-built whale-watching boat has a capacity of 26 passengers. It is very spacious and allows us to implement physical distancing as needed. We have much more square footage per passenger than any of the other small boat experiences out there.

- Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, our vessel maintains a private bathroom to accommodate our guests. We are implementing stronger measures on cleaning and disinfecting to ensure your health and safety. Hand sanitizer will be provided for all guests.

- Is it heated, protected from rain, is there an inside to the boat?

Yes, the boat is heated and fully enclosed so that guests can escape the elements if so desired. However, Alaska weather is unpredictable so we advise all of our guests to bring warm clothing – jackets, mittens, and hats.

- What type of whales and wildlife will be seen?

Southeast Alaska has an abundance of wildlife to experience, and our Captain does his best to provide our guests the opportunity to see not only the majestic humpback whale, but orcas, Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, sea otters, eagles, and the occasional Alaska brown bear.

- How long is the trip?

The trip is approximately 3 hours from pick-up at Icy Strait Point to drop-off. Our transfer times are very short with most of the time spent on the water experiencing the beauty of southeast Alaska.

- Is your boat wheelchair accessible?

Though we cannot accommodate a wheelchair on board for safety reasons, we have accommodated many guests with mobility issues. We can stow a wheelchair on the back deck so it is available immediately after the tour. Guests must be able to physically walk into the boat on their own power but with Captain assistance and be able to sit up in their sit unassisted.

- What happens if the ship gets in late? Or cancels the port?

We understand that you have no control over when the ship arrives and departs. Should your ship get in late, we will do our best to accommodate any of our scheduled guests either via a shortened and discounted tour, or a refund. If your ship decides to stay later due to getting in late then all tours just get pushed back a bit and we can still offer the full tour. If your ship cancels its port call, we will provide a 100% refund.

- Is the morning or the afternoon better for whale watching?

The beauty of having one of Alaska’s largest resident whale populations feeding in the waters of Icy Strait is that they are typically on display all day, morning and afternoon.

- Will I get seasick? How rough does it get?

We usually don’t encounter heavy swells or the type of seas that tend to cause seasickness. With our sturdier boat, you often don’t feel the waves. However, the wind can pick up on occasion even on the inside passage and the water can get choppy. So, if you are prone to motion sickness then we highly recommend taking seasickness meds 1 hour before the tour. No need to worry about drowsiness, the excitement of the whales will keep you awake!

- Where do we go to meet up?

Icy Strait Point has two arrival docks. Depending on what ship you are on you may either arrive at the Adventure Landing or at the Wilderness Landing. If arriving at the Adventure Landing, proceed up the dock to the Adventure Center. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit door number 2, which is clearly marked. Follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you will meet our Captain with a sign that says Icy Strait Whale Adventures. If arriving at the Wilderness Landing, take the Green Transporter Gondola (tickets will be sent out) once you get off follow the signs to the Excursion Hub. We ask that all guests arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.

For more than 10,000 years, the Tlingit people have thrived on these lands and navigated Southeast Alaska’s magnificent waterways. Since first contact with Western visitors, the Tlingit have shared their homelands and guided people throughout the beauty and majesty of Haa Aaní, our land. We welcome you to share our family tradition, an experience so uniquely Alaskan — the hospitality of Southeast Alaska’s first people.

Jackie, and son Russell

Direct descendants of the Kaagwaantaan(Eagle/Wolf clan) Tlingit, co-own Icy Strait Whale Adventures, sharing our love for the community of Hoonah and the rich culture and heritage of our Tlingit brothers and sisters. We invite you to share with them what is sure to be a whale of an adventure.

Captain Duane

What Hollywood might characterize as “wildlife whispering,” our crew—continuing the ancient Tlingit tradition of Uncle-Nephew mentoring—enjoy a natural connection with this place and its magnificent creatures. Share in their experience as they build upon a lifetime of adventure. Captain Duane is a life- long Hoonah resident and one of the most experienced and gifted skippers in the region. Rain or shine, he will keep you safe and expose you to wondrous interaction with area wildlife. Don’t be surprised when he reveals amazing stories from throughout his life about his Tlingit culture, the community he loves and his countless encounters with wildlife.

Cancellation more than a week in advance: 15% administration fee.

Cancellation between a week and 48 hours prior to departure date: 50% of the total amount plus administration fees that might be imposed.

Cancellation less than 48 hours prior to departure date and time or no-show: 100% of the total amount.