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Icy Strait Whale Watching Expedition

4.9
43 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

43 total

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Kristin N

On Jul 2026

Great tour! We were able to see many orcas and humpback whales!

James H

On Jul 2026

Captain was excellent. Saw multiple orcas and humpbacks. Captain worked hard to get close to these awesome animals! Highly recommend!

Andrew B

On Jul 2026

Outstanding excursion. The boat crew was great and we had a wonderful experience.

Matthew W

On Jun 2026

This tour may have been the highlight of our Alaska Cruise! We were lucky enough to have decent weather and saw an abundance of wildlife including Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, Sea Lions, a Brown Bear, and at least 10-15 Humpback Whales. While that bounty of wildlife probably isn't typical, we had a great time and both the Captain and Crew were great and very respectful of the animals! Would highly recommend!

Cooper S

On Jun 2026

Great excursion! Simple and straightforward. The captain and deckhand were knowledgeable and easygoing. Nice boat and good sightings,

$220.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$220.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Passenger (5+): $220.00

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