Whale Watching & Bear Search from Icy Strait Point: 3 Hours

A landing craft gets you into coves other boats cannot reach.

This three-hour whale watching and bear search tour departs from Icy Strait Point cruise port and Hoonah, traveling through Port Frederick and surrounding waters where humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, seals and brown bears are commonly sighted. The boat's unique landing craft design allows access to scenery and wildlife viewing spots most other vessels cannot reach. Live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and snacks with bottled water are included. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and bear search tour

• Depart from Icy Strait Point
• Observe humpback whales and sea lions
• Spot sea otters and occasional killer whales
• Look for bears walking on the beach
• Enjoy inside or outside boat seating
• Return to Icy Strait Point

The experience

Three hours gives you time to move through the waters near Icy Strait Point without eating the whole day. The boat leaves from the cruise ship port or Hoonah and heads into Port Frederick, where the waters hold some of the best humpback whale watching in the world. You'll watch for humpback whales, sea otters, orcas, seals and various seabirds, and often spot brown bears walking the beach. The boat has both inside and outside seating, so you can stay warm or get the full view depending on the weather and what you want to photograph.

The landing craft hull is the difference here. Its shallow draft and unique shape let Wooshkeetaan Tours access coves and shorelines that larger tour boats cannot navigate, which is how you end up closer to bears and in spots where the wildlife congregates. A live guide in English narrates what you're seeing and knows where to look on any given day. Snacks and bottled water come with the tour.

What’s included

• Live guide in English.
• hotel or cruise port pickup.
• snacks and bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 May 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years): free · Child (3 to 11 years): free · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 6

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.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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wooshkeetaan Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours is short enough to fit between a cruise ship departure or a morning in Hoonah, but long enough to move through the prime whale-watching waters and have real chances at bears on the beach. You're not rushing, and you're not losing the rest of your day.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

91 verified traveler reviews

5 ★89

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years): free; Child (3 to 11 years): free; Infant (1 to 2 years): 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.

What kind of whales and wildlife will I actually see on this tour?

Humpback whales are the main draw. These waters near Icy Strait Point rank among the world's best for humpback sightings. Sea otters, seals, orcas and various seabirds are commonly spotted, and brown bears walking on the beach are frequent sightings as well.

How does the landing craft design change what I can see?

The boat's shallow draft and landing craft shape allow access to coves and shorelines that standard tour boats cannot reach, giving you closer views of wildlife and scenery in areas other vessels cannot traverse.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, hotel or cruise port pickup, snacks and bottled water.

Will I be cold on the water for three hours?

The boat has both inside and outside seating, so you can move between them as needed. Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket. Alaska's coastal waters are cold even in summer.