Alaska Whale Watching Tour with Drone Footage

You watch whales from the boat while a drone films them from above, then take the footage home on a USB drive.

A three-hour whale watching tour in Alaska's Icy Strait where you spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and brown bears from a 14 or 18-passenger boat, with a professional drone deployed during the tour to film wildlife from above. The boats are designed for stable viewing in both indoor and outdoor spots. You receive a USB drive with drone footage at the end, and the tour includes bottled water and snacks. Pickup is included.

The experience

You travel into Icy Strait on a small boat captained by Captain Josh or his crew, searching for humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions and seals. The boats are built specifically for Alaska's waters and give you clear viewing from inside or on deck. The tour runs three hours, and the operator reports a 100% success rate finding humpback whales on every departure.

What sets this apart is the drone. While you're watching marine life from the boat (a mother whale with her calf, orcas moving through their pod, bears on the shore), a professional filmography drone launches from the deck and captures the same scene from above. You see the whole whale moving through its environment, the calf playing with its mother, the pod swimming together. The drone adds a second viewing angle without pulling your attention from what's happening on the water. It amplifies the moment instead of replacing it. At the end of the tour, you get a USB drive with the drone shots to take home.

Bottled water and snacks are included. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels. Pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the boat.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks throughout the three-hour tour.
• a USB drive with drone footage of whales and wildlife from your boat.
• pickup included.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Whales & Drones Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup is included, so if you're staying in the area without a car, you don't arrange your own way to the boat. The tour handles the logistics and you show up ready to watch.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How often do you actually see humpback whales on this tour?

The operator reports a 100% success rate finding humpback whales on every trip into Icy Strait.

What other wildlife might I see besides whales?

Orcas, Steller sea lions, seals, and coastal brown bears are frequently sighted on the tour, along with the humpback whales.

Do I get to keep the drone footage?

Yes, the tour includes a USB drive with drone shots from your boat, so you take the aerial footage home with you.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and the USB drive with drone footage. Pickup is also included so you don't need to arrange your own transport.

Is the boat comfortable for watching from outside in cold weather?

The 14 and 18-passenger boats are designed with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, so you can watch from the deck or stay inside depending on the weather and your preference.