Hoonah: Icy Straight Whale Watching Tour

Observe the majestic humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat during this unforgettable 3-hour whale watching tour in Hoonah, Alaska, featuring scenic drives and a charming local town.

The Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Priced from £239.00 per person, this 3-hour excursion offers the chance to observe majestic humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat. With guaranteed sightings, a knowledgeable guide, and scenic drives through breathtaking landscapes, the tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the wonders of Alaska’s marine life. But that’s not all – the experience also includes exploring the charming downtown Hoonah, where visitors can discover local shops, galleries, and delicious seafood restaurants.

Key Points

  • A 3-hour guided whale watching tour in Icy Strait, Hoonah, Alaska, that offers sightings of humpback whales and orcas from May to September.
  • The tour is priced at £239.00 per person and includes round-trip transportation, with a refund guarantee if no whales are spotted.
  • The tour experience includes a scenic drive, a charter boat with comfortable amenities, and a light snack, providing an immersive wildlife observation opportunity.
  • Along With whales, the tour offers the chance to see a variety of other Alaskan wildlife, such as bears, eagles, and sea otters.
  • After the tour, visitors can explore the charming downtown Hoonah, which features locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hoonah Whale Watching Tour, located in Icy Straight, offers a 3-hour excursion to observe humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Priced from £239.00 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation from Icy Strait Point. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Priced from £239.00 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

An optional "Reserve now & pay later" plan is available. The tour is conducted on comfortable, air-conditioned minivans and charter boats that accommodate 18-30 passengers.

Sightings are guaranteed, with a $100 refund for the whale watching portion if no whales are spotted.

Wildlife and Sightings

Humpback whales and orcas inhabit the nutrient-rich waters around Hoonah from May to September, providing guests on the Icy Straight Whale Watching Tour with the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Sightings may include diving, blows, flukes, breaching, and bubble-net feeding. Typical whale sightings include large baleen whales, reaching over 50 feet and weighing 30-50 tons.

Guests may also spot Alaskan Brown Bears, bald eagles, blacktail deer, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals during the scenic drive and tour.

Tour Experience

Guests begin the Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour at the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center, where they board an air-conditioned minivan for a scenic drive along Shaman Point, keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings.

Guests embark on a scenic drive along Shaman Point, keeping a watchful eye for wildlife during the Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour.

The charter boat offers comfort and luxury, with heated cabins and viewing decks, accommodating 18-30 passengers. The tour includes a guide, cruise, bottled water, and a light snack. Restrooms are available onboard.

After the tour, guests can explore the charming downtown Hoonah.

The whale watching experience is guaranteed, with a $100 refund if no whales are sighted.

Amenities and Inclusions

The tour includes a guide, cruise, bottled water, and a light snack. Restrooms are available onboard, providing convenience during the journey.

However, food and drinks beyond the provided bottled water and snack aren’t included. This allows guests to focus on the whale watching experience without the distraction of meal preparation.

The tour’s inclusions ensure a comfortable and seamless excursion, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Hoonah and the surrounding waters.

With these amenities, the tour provides an exceptional value for the price.

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Important Information

According to the information provided, the meeting point for the Hoonah Whale Watching Tour is the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center.

The tour offers a sightings guarantee, with a $100 refund if no whales are spotted during the whale watching portion.

The charter boats used can accommodate 18-30 passengers, providing a comfortable and intimate experience.

After the tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the charming downtown Hoonah.

Scenic Drive Along Shaman Point

After being transported by air-conditioned minivan from the cruise pier, the scenic drive along Shaman Point offers wildlife observation opportunities before boarding the charter boat.

Passengers can spot Alaskan Brown Bears, bald eagles, blacktail deer, and other native species along the route. The drive provides a scenic prelude to the whale watching experience, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

The air-conditioned comfort and scenic sights help set the stage for an unforgettable encounter with the majestic humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Onboard Comfort and Luxury

Once aboard the charter boat, passengers enjoy a comfortable and luxurious experience. The cabins are heated, providing warmth on chilly days.

Spacious viewing decks allow ample space to observe the whales and other wildlife. Passengers can relax in the cozy seating areas as the boat glides across the scenic waters.

The charter boat accommodates 18-30 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalized tour. With round-trip transportation from Icy Strait Point gates included, guests can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Hoonah’s marine environment.

Explore Downtown Hoonah

Visitors to Hoonah can cap off their whale watching adventure by exploring the charming downtown area.

After the tour, guests can stroll through the quaint streets of this Alaskan fishing village and enjoy the local culture.

Some highlights include:

  • Browsing the locally-owned shops and galleries featuring indigenous artwork and handicrafts

  • Sampling fresh seafood at one of the harbor-side restaurants

  • Visiting the Huna Totem Corporation Visitor Center to learn about the Tlingit history and traditions

  • Touring the Naa Kahídi Community House, a traditional Tlingit clan house

  • Hiking one of the scenic trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.

Ask Away

What Is the Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify an age requirement. It’s suitable for all ages, though young children may require parental supervision during the boat excursion. There are no age restrictions mentioned in the tour details provided.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Minivans used for transportation to the charter boat have wheelchair lifts, and the boat has designated wheelchair seating areas and accessible restrooms onboard.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

The tour allows passengers to bring their own food and drinks, though only bottled water and a light snack are provided. Guests are welcome to pack their own meals and beverages to enjoy during the whale watching experience.

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price doesn’t include gratuity. Customers are expected to provide a tip for the guide and crew at their own discretion based on the quality of service received during the Icy Strait whale watching excursion.

Can I Make Any Special Dietary Requests for the Snack?

While the tour includes a light snack, travelers with special dietary needs can’t make requests. The snack offerings aren’t customizable, but guests are free to bring their own food and drinks on the tour.

Final Words

The Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour offers an unforgettable 3-hour experience to observe majestic humpback whales and orcas. Priced from £239.00 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and amenities like bottled water and light snacks. Participants can also explore the charming downtown Hoonah, featuring local shops, galleries, and delicious seafood restaurants after the scenic tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: