Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise: Humpback Whales & Wildlife
Three hours on the water watching humpback whales feed in Glacier Bay
A small-group, 3-hour whale-watching tour from Hoonah, Alaska boards a heated custom vessel at the Icy Strait Excursions Hub and heads into Glacier Bay to watch humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, sea otters and birds. The tour includes pickup from the port, a local English-speaking guide, snacks and all fees; humpback whales arrive in May and stay through September. Cruise ship passengers must allow 6–8 minutes walking time from the dock and check in 15 minutes early.
The Experience
You arrive at Icy Strait Point on a cruise ship and have a free afternoon. The tour starts with pickup at the Icy Strait Excursions Hub—a short walk from either the Adventure/Ocean Landing Dock or the Wilderness Dock (which has a free gondola)—and a shuttle drive into Hoonah. From there you board a small-group vessel built for whale watching, with a heated cabin and restroom onboard. The boat heads into the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpback whales gather to feed before their winter migration.
Humpback whales are the main draw, and they arrive in large numbers starting in May through September. On the water you may also spot orcas, seals, sea lions, sea otters and a large number of birds. A local guide narrates in English throughout the three-hour tour, pointing out wildlife and the landscape. Snacks are included. After the tour ends, you can either return to the ship or stay in Hoonah for a bit—shuttles run every 30 minutes from the Hoonah Travel Adventures Transportation Hub back to the port.
One practical note: there is no WiFi or cell service at the port area, so print your confirmation and connecting instructions before you arrive. Check in for the tour 15 minutes early; the boat leaves on time.
What’s included
- Private transportation from the port to Hoonah.
- a local English-speaking guide.
- snacks.
- all fees and taxes.
Operated by Hoonah Travel Adventures LLC
Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship and need a tour that departs and returns on a fixed schedule timed to ship arrivals—the 3-hour window and included shuttle eliminate guesswork about timing.
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Top questions
When do humpback whales come to Hoonah?
Humpback whales arrive in Hoonah in May and stay through September, feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait before migrating south for the winter.
How do I get from the cruise ship dock to the tour?
Pickup is included; you walk 6–8 minutes from the dock to the Icy Strait Excursions Hub (the Adventure Center has a clearly marked exit and gravel path, or the Wilderness Dock has a free 4-minute gondola ride), then a shuttle drives you into Hoonah to board the whale-watching boat.
What wildlife might I see besides humpback whales?
You may see orcas, seals, sea lions, sea otters and a large number of birds in addition to the humpback whales.
Is there WiFi at the port so I can pull up my reservation?
No—there is no WiFi or cell service at the port area, so print your confirmation and connecting instructions before you arrive at the ship.
How much time should I allow before the tour departs?
Check in 15 minutes early; the boat leaves on time, and the walk from the dock to the Excursions Hub takes 6–8 minutes, so plan extra time if you walk slowly.
Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise: Humpback Whales & Wildlife
3h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 225 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.81482 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
