Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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!!!
What To Expect
You will be picked up at the Icy Strait Excursions Hub , then driven into Hoonah where you will board your whale watch boat. Then off you go to view Alaska's beautiful scenery and wildlife. You will see humpback whales, you may see Orca's, Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and a large amount of birds. Afterwards you can choose to stay in town for a bit or head back. We have shuttles that run every 30 minutes from the Hoonah Travel Adventures Transportation Hub. THERE IS NO WIFI OR CELL SERVICE AT THE PORT AREA. PRINT YOUR CONNECTING INSTRUCTIONS AND HAVE THEM WITH YOU!
Options
Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Local guide
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
391 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent. highly recommended.
HaangYee N,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I 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.
Whale watching, wild life chartering transporting
Cheryl K,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain 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!!!
We enjoyed this tour. ...
Teresa G,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
This was an amazing tour....
Gloria V,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing tour. We enjoyed it so much. Our captain’s stories were captivating. I highly recommend it!
In Desperate Need of Training
Caesar1pup,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00While we were fortunate to see many amazing humpback whales, the overall experience was disappointing due to the unprofessional conduct of the guide. The naturalist/guide who joined the captain spent the majority of the trip at the back of the boat chatting with a single passenger about hunting and fishing in Alaska, rather than engaging with the group or providing educational commentary. At one point, another guest asked if they ever see killer whales in the area. The guide replied, “No, never any killer whales. We mainly see humpbacks and occasionally orcas.” He seemed unaware that “killer whales” and “orcas” are the same animal—a basic fact that someone working on a whale watching tour boat should know. He also shared several personal details with the boat that felt completely out of place, including that he was from Oklahoma, is 85% Cherokee, had just turned 21, and had gotten so drunk on his birthday that he blacked out and woke up in the woods. The wildlife viewing was good, but the guide’s lack of professionalism, inaccurate information, and focus on personal anecdotes rather than the tour significantly detracted from the experience. I would not recommend this operator if you’re looking for an informative and well-guided trip.
One of our best whale watching experiences ever!
RMurray847,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I know that having a great whale watching experience (we saw bubble feeding!) is a lot of luck, but this company really went out of their way to keep up with what other captains were seeing and made sure they got us to the good stuff. We bypassed a single whale to make better time getting to a group that was bubble feeding!! It was great. Captain Denise Gray was terrifice, and told funny stories all along the way. She had a young naturalist onboard with her (Annaliese) who was helpful and friendly too. All in all, it was a great experience, and one I would gladly repeat. (Aside from the nine whale group we saw, we also saw sea otter, bald eagles, stellar sea lions and even a mink as we sailed through the dock area).
Denise Gray was a great...
Sharon M,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Denise 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.
Canceled last minute with no communication.
141joanng,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We were scheduled for the whale watching tour on 6/17. We showed up at the pick up sight at 4:00 as instructed (15 minutes before pick up time). After 20 minutes, another tour operator called the owner of Hoonah Travel Adventures, LLC directly. The owner informs me that she cancelled the tour the previous day with Viator because there were only two of us booked and, “they can’t make any money” that way. She said she messaged me through the App (which I did not have). She had my email (sent me an email to review her) and my phone number on file but did not use either of those options. We were on a cruise ship. This left us with ZERO options to rebook with anyone else. Completely ruined our day, and honestly one of the most important bucket list reasons we came to Alaska. It really stings to hear all the other people coming off the boats talking about all the whales they saw and the “bubble feeding” (they were with a different operator). There was no apology. No empathy. Basically a middle finger. Do not book with these people!
Best Whale Watching Ever
Chris B,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Denise 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
Great experience and memories
davewO802XR,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Denise and crew were excellent. We had several sightings without getting too close/disturbing the Whales. This was an experince we will always have great memories of.
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Operated by Hoonah Travel Adventures LLC