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Icy Strait Whale Watching, Bear Search & Wildlife Tour

5.0
30 reviews

Excursion Overview

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

Venture into the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait and Port Frederick, which are prime feeding grounds for humpback whales. Family owned and operated, head out with Captain Billy on a small boat and enjoy a personalized experience. Your Captain knows these waters and can't wait to bring you along.

While observing humpbacks, your local team 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. See why guests are calling this the highlight of their trip to Alaska.

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

30 total

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Benson W

On Sep 2026

Captain Billy was amazing! Super knowledgeable about the area. Billy shared the history of the area as well as personal stories that brought the area to life. Billy was able to find a pod of humpbacks and we saw one breach. Unfortunately, the tide was in so all the bears were up in the wooded area and we were not able to see one, but it wasn t for a lack of trying. This was a great experience!

Michele M

On Sep 2026

Great tour. Lots of whales. Salmon weren t running so no bears unfortunately. Be at the meeting point early because they leave exactly on time.

James C

On Sep 2026

Amazing. Guide and all the team were so kind and accommodating. We were able to see multiple eagles and even had the opportunity to search for bear tracks on a stop of the river. It was so relaxing and the best excursion of our trip. Highly recommended.

Simone B

On Sep 2026

This was the best excursion of our entire vacation, and where we saw the most wildlife. We were in a small group of only 6 people. Our guide was a Hoonah born and raised local who told us all about the town and his adventures living here. From the comfort of his boat, we saw humpback whales bubble net feeding! Our guide was knowledgeable and explained to us what we were seeing. After watching more humpbacks than we could count, we went to another area and saw a pod of female and juvenile orcas. It was absolutely magical. On our way to the orcas, we passed a large group of sea otters including mommies with babies on their chests. We also passed sea lions and saw countless eagles. At the end of the tour, our guide took us to see bears and we saw 5 including a mom and 2 baby bears. It was an absolutely magical time that I will remember forever.

Tricia L

On Aug 2026

This was the highlight of our trip! Our captain and guide were just wonderful. Cannot recommend enough!!

$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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