Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour with Small Group

Small boat whale watching in Hoonah’s wild Icy Strait with locals

You’ll feel Alaska’s wild side up close on this small group whale watching tour from Hoonah—watching humpbacks breach in Icy Strait, spotting eagles overhead, sipping hot coffee as sea otters drift past. Expect real local stories from your guide and plenty of quiet moments with just ocean and sky around you.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off in Hoonah, snacks and light refreshments like coffee or tea served onboard in the heated cabin of a small catamaran with bathroom facilities—plus guiding from locals who know these waters inside out before returning after about three hours on Icy Strait.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in Icy Strait

• Board small group catamaran
• Enjoy heated cabin and snacks
• Watch for humpback whales
• Spot sea lions and sea otters
• See bald eagles flying by
• Chance to see brown bears
• Look for orcas and puffins

The Experience

We were already out past the last dock in Hoonah before I realized how quiet it gets on the water here. Just the low hum of the catamaran and then, suddenly, a blast of air—a humpback surfaced maybe thirty feet off our side. Our guide, Tlingit-born and quick to laugh, pointed out how you can tell which whales are locals too (I didn’t quite catch his full explanation but it had something to do with their tail markings). The air smelled cold and salty, and someone handed around coffee that actually tasted better than I expected—maybe because my hands were freezing.

Icy Strait is huge. We drifted past bald eagles hunched on driftwood and watched sea otters float by looking like they owned the place. There was this moment when everyone went silent at once—just watching a whale’s back arching through gray water—and it felt almost rude to talk. Then a kid asked if we’d see orcas; our guide just grinned and said “maybe,” but you could tell he was scanning for them too. The snack basket made its rounds (granola bars, nothing fancy), and I tried not to spill tea all over myself when we hit a choppy bit.

We hugged the shoreline for a while hoping for brown bears—didn’t spot any this time, but honestly, just seeing those mountains drop right into the sea was enough. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud at home. On the way back, someone spotted a puffin darting by (blink and you miss it). The whole thing lasted about three hours but felt longer in a good way—like your brain slows down out there. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Juneau or have cruise time in Hoonah, this is worth it for the whales alone.

Top questions

How long does the Hoonah whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Is whale sighting guaranteed on this tour?

Yes, whales are guaranteed or your money back.

What kind of boat is used for the tour?

The tour uses a 14-passenger catamaran with a walk-around deck and heated cabin.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

Yes, snacks and beverages like coffee or tea are included.

Is port pickup included in the booking?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included.

Can children join the whale watching tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available.

What wildlife might be seen besides whales?

You may see bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, brown bears (sometimes), orcas, and puffins.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, there is a bathroom on board the boat.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you will receive a full refund.