Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
One of the most popular shore tours when cruising in Alaska is our premier whale watching tour at icy Strait. This tour will not just offer whales but also the possibility of bears, deer, coastal ducks and geese.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
What To Expect
Alaska
Our Whale watching adventure starts with your transport picking you up just outside the Icy Strait Point gates. We travel along Shaman Point to our charter boat. During the drive it is not uncommon to see some of the local Alaskan wildlife from Brown Bears, blacktail deer, puffins, swans, coastal ducks, geese and bald eagles. Once onboard our small charter the water offers other delights from orca, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals in addition to the feeding humpbacks.
Hoonah
The nutrient rich waters of Glacier Bay attract humpback whales to Hoonah/Icy Strait in large numbers to feed on the nutrient rich waters. They arrive every summer starting in May and head back south again in September for the winter. Humpback whales are large baleen whales that can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 30-50 tons. Humpbacks are amazingly active and typical whale sightings will include diving, blows, and flukes (tails). Observing humpbacks practice bubble-net feeding is a real treat and a truly thrilling experience. The charter boat is built for speed and comfort, and perfectly suited for travel along Alaska's waterways. Guests will stay warm and dry with viewing decks and heated cabins as they experience the wonder and beauty of our whale watching trip. We will return to the docks and transport you back to Icy Strait Point with plenty of time to board your ship or explore downtown Hoonah.
Options
Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water and a light snack
Roundtrip transportation from Icy Strait Point gates
Snacks
Restrooms onboard boat
Bottled water and a light snack are included.
Food and drinks
Pickup points
Icy Strait Port
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't book this trip!!!!!!
Laurie B,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00We waited and waited and no one ever showed up. I had sent multiple messages with no response. Wasted an hour of our short visit waiting.
Wonderful wildlife and special stories!
MATTHEW H,Jun 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our captain was from the Tlingit nation and her first mate was a marine biologist. We were able to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. I think my favorite part was the stories the captain shared from the Tlingit nation. I felt privileged to be able to listen to these wonderful stories. It was an excellent time!
An Abundance of Whales!
lisam685,Jun 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the "Whale Watching and Seafood Feast" excursion through NCL and it was wonderful! We boarded an enclosed boat that seats about 55 and headed out to see the whales. We weren't disappointed! There were SO many, it was impossible to count, but we saw them do all the things that make for a great whale-watching experience. It was impossible (at least for me) to take pictures because the sea was not calm and when whales breach, it makes a big wake. I didn't mind, because any attempts to take pictures meant missing some of the action. We also had a "seafood feast" back in Hoonah that was delicious! Remember to dress for the weather!
Great excursion
James W,May 26, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice boat, we were able to stay inside and the windows lifted up. Saw 6-8 whales, a huge group of sea otters and at least 6 sea lions.
Very clean and comfortable way to see marine life!
glenns935,Sep 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I think the average whale watching tour would have been a good value and worth your time. We were lucky enough to get a much above average tour that we will never forget. The boat was new, spacious, and comfortable. Sea sickness on the 20-30 minute boat ride to where the whales were was never an issue even for my sensitive wife. I was not thrilled with the 7 am start time but was told that is unusual for this tour. Our guide Ashley (nick name bubbles tells how great she was) said they always see at least one or two whales per trip. We saw probably 15 at once! Quite a bit of the time there was 4-6 whales together 25 feet off the bow. After an hour of this amazement we finally went to see some sea lions on the navigation bouy who of course were super cute. We ended our trip with a surprise sighting of some Orcas! This tour will probably be the highlight of our vacation and a top memory of all vacations.
Excellent Whale Watching Experience
illinoissammie,Aug 3, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both the captain and the guide were wonderful! Captain knew where to find the whales and the guide was both knowledgeable and entertaining as she pointed out these magnificent whales. Best excursion ever!
The tour was good. We...
David V,May 20, 2022
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was good. We were able to see several whales however it was from quite a distance. Sea lions and sea otters we were able to see from much closer. The boat was good and the crew knowledge of the wildlife and local area.
Best whale watching we have ever had!
Parrothead1970,Aug 13, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Don’t miss this. Had a phenomenal time and great whale watching. Closest we have ever been to those magnificent humpbacks. Traveling with SilverSea in the SilverMuse and loved the excursion. Hope you get to experience it too.
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