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Icy Strait Whale Watching, Bear Search & Wildlife Tour

5.0
19 reviews

Excursion Overview

Get up close with humpback whales and Alaska’s wild coastline!

This intimate whale watching tour ventures into the rich waters of Icy Strait and Port Frederick, which are prime feeding grounds for humpback whales. With a small group of up to six guests, travelers enjoy a personalized experience as knowledgeable crew and captain share insights while tracking whale activity in Alaskan waters.

While observing humpbacks, the crew also keeps a close eye on the shoreline, where bears can sometimes be spotted along the beach. Along the way, guests may encounter sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and occasionally orcas.

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

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the Icy Strait Excursion Hub
  • 3 hours of whale watching
  • Light snack and water
  • Restrooms onboard the vessel

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2 required to book
  • 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.
  • Minimum of 4 required to operate

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours (roundtrip from the Excursions Hub)

  • 30 minutes - roundtrip transportation to Hoonah Boat Harbor
  • 3 hours - whale watching and bear search

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Excursion Hub. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to negotiate a sometimes extremely steep ramp to the boat due to extreme tides. There is minimal storage for collapsible wheelchairs or walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

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

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 vessel that can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

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

The waters we operate in are usually pretty calm. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend Dramamine or a wristband.

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.

Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

A minimum of 2 guests is required to make a booking, and a minimum of 4 guests is required for the tour to operate. If the operating minimum is not met, guests will be contacted and a full refund will be issued accordingly.

 

Guest Reviews

5.0

19 total

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Daniel Z

On Jul 2026

Captain Billy and 1st mate Taylor took our group on the adventure of a lifetime! We followed a group of 7 whales as they were bubble feeding. Our captain always had us in the perfect viewing position. He took us to see bears along the shoreline and also to see sea lions and otters. Captain Billy has a great personality, and we can't recommend his tour company highly enough!

Ariel A

On Jul 2026

We had an AMAZING time hanging out with Captain Billy and his daughter. They were both knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful during our excursion. The weather was cold but their warm boat, The Silver Spoon, made for a cozy time on the water and was perfect for cruising around. We were able to go out on the front of the boat area for photos when we slowed down and they kept the inside nice and warm from us in between photo stops. Billy was funny and told many stories of his time growing up in the area. We enjoyed the tour from them very much. Beyond their excellent service towards us, the wildlife we encountered was phenomenal! We saw a pod of Orcas, sea lions, a bear and her cubs, and 3 humpback whales! One of the humpback whales put on an AMAZING show for us, dancing and jumping all around for 30+ minutes--I couldn't believe the photos I was able to capture! Excellent experience all the way around.

Bailey K

On Jul 2026

This was an amazing experience from start to finish! We got to see so much incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery, and our guide shared so many interesting facts and local insights that made the tour even more enjoyable. I learned a lot while having a great time. Overall, it was a fantastic excursion, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Alaska!

Nicole L

On Jul 2026

Our tour guide, William Mills, knew just where to find the bears, eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, orcas and humpbacks! Amazing trip!

Ainslie B

On Jul 2026

Amazing experience with Captain Billy! We saw many humpback whales and bears. He shared his knowledge of the animals and the land. Memorable and fun!

$231.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$231.00

Duration: 3.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3.5 hours



Minimum of 2 Required to Book

Passenger: $231.00

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