Hoonah Whale Watching Tour: Small Charter Boat

Small charter boat built for speed and comfort on Alaska's whale-feeding waters

A whale watching tour from Hoonah departs Icy Strait Point with roundtrip transport and a small charter boat built for Alaska's waterways. The nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay attract humpback whales in large numbers from May through September to feed, and sightings typically include diving, blows and flukes. The boat also offers chances to see orcas, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, seals, brown bears, blacktail deer, bald eagles and puffins. Viewing decks and heated cabins keep guests warm and dry. Bottled water and a light snack are included, and the tour returns with time to board your ship or explore downtown Hoonah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and wildlife tour

• Pickup outside Icy Strait Point gates
• Drive along Shaman Point spotting wildlife
• Board small charter boat
• Watch for orca, sea otters, and seals
• Observe humpback whales feeding and diving
• Return to docks and transport to Icy Strait Point

The experience

The charter boat leaves from Shaman Point after a drive through local habitat where brown bears, blacktail deer, puffins, swans, coastal ducks, geese and bald eagles are common sights. Once onboard, the water itself becomes the main event: humpback whales can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh 30 to 50 tons, and they arrive every summer starting in May to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay. Typical sightings include diving, blows and flukes, and observing humpbacks practice bubble-net feeding is described as a real treat.

The boat is built for speed and comfort, with viewing decks and heated cabins so guests stay warm and dry while watching. Beyond humpbacks, the waters hold orcas, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and seals. The tour runs about three hours total, including the roundtrip transport from Icy Strait Point gates and back, with time built in to return to your ship or explore downtown Hoonah before departure.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transport from Icy Strait Point gates.
• small charter boat with viewing decks and heated cabins.
• bottled water and a light snack.
• onboard restrooms.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 May 2027

AgesAdult (13 to 95 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by My Holidays Online

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the tour live, so all passengers follow the commentary comfortably. The three-hour schedule fits within a typical cruise port call, with the return timed to give you time to board your ship.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What whales and wildlife might I see on the Hoonah whale watching tour?

Humpback whales are the main draw, feeding in large numbers from May through September. Sightings typically include diving, blows and flukes. The waters also hold orcas, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and seals. The drive to the boat passes brown bears, blacktail deer, bald eagles and puffins.

Does the tour include transport from the cruise ship dock?

Roundtrip transport is included from the Icy Strait Point gates. The tour returns with time to board your ship. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the operator can time the return.

What should I bring or wear for a whale watching tour in Alaska?

The charter boat has viewing decks and heated cabins to keep you warm and dry. Bottled water and a light snack are included. Restrooms are onboard. Dress warmly for time on deck, and bring a camera or binoculars if you have them.