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Icy Strait Whale Watching Expedition

4.9
31 reviews

Excursion Overview

Exciting whale watching in Southeast Alaska!

Join a three-hour Alaskan experience you won't soon forget! Delight in your captain's lively commentary as your small group combs the surrounding waters for humpback whales, eagles, and Alaskan wildlife.

With over 30 years of sea experience, Captain Dennis is thrilled to have you aboard. Coast guard inspected vessels with interior heated cabins; welcome adventurers to Icy Strait. Ensure you bring your camera to snap those incredible memories of iconic scenery and Alaskan wildlife.

Icy Strait is a popular destination for humpback whale watching. Discover the area's rich history and see these mesmerizing marine mammals. Sea otters, porpoises, and eagles are frequently seen in the area. Come share the seas for an epic Alaskan expedition.

This tour is typically available from April through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • 2.5 hours of whale watching
  • Light snack and water
  • Coast Guard-approved restrooms onboard the vessel as well as all necessary safety equipment
  • Luxury roundtrip transportation from the main entrance to Icy Strait

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 5 years or older
  • Guests must be comfortable walking up and down a ramp to the vessel. It can be steep at times due to the tide. Guests must also be able to get on and off the vessel from the dock. For this reason, this tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours (roundtrip from the main entrance to Icy Strait)

  • 30 minutes - roundtrip transportation to Hoonah City Commercial Dock
  • 2.5 hours - whale watching

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the main entrance to Icy Strait. All guests should arrive at the meeting location location 30 minutes in advance of the tour time. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to negotiate a sometimes extremely steep ramp to the boat due to extreme tides.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour utilizes a Coast Guard-inspected vessel and can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

Yes, there is a restroom onboard however, guests are encouraged to utilize the restroom before departing.

We get this question a lot. The waters we operate in are usually pretty calm. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend Dramamine or a wristband. Over the years, less than 1% of our guests have gotten seasick.

Humpback whales and other sea animals are protected species and a safe distance of at least 100 yards must be maintained at all times according to NOAA regulations.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Warm layers are always recommended as Alaskan weather can change quite rapidly.

For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

Weather depending, you are encouraged to wear gloves and light layers. The weather in Alaska can be highly unpredictable.

For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

31 total

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Gemin N

On May 2026

It is a wonderful vacation in the Alaska.

Jennifer N

On May 2026

This was the best tour we took in Alaska. The captain and crew were all wonderful and went out of their way to make this an incredible experience. We saw bears, whales, eagles and sea lions and had the BEST day.

Thad L

On May 2026

Had an excellent time. Having a small boat that has the ability to quickly move to where the "action" is along with the captains helping each other out, makes all the difference. Which is the way it should be and everyone wins. I'm positive we saw more than others on larger vessels. We saw several bears, a breaching whale, seals, otters and 6-7 other whales.

Walter H

On Sep 2025

Great excursion. Capt Bill and the driver were fun, knowledgable and took extra time to ensure we got close and saw as many whales as possible. Bus and boat was clean and nice.

Jennifer S

On Sep 2025

Capt Dennis was awesome! On the boat you stay warm and dry inside the protected all glass seated area. His spotter found tons of whales and we even saw Orcas!! Fabulous 5 star trip!!

$220.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$220.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Passenger (5+): $220.00

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