Icy Strait Point whale watching tour: Guaranteed sightings

Watch humpback whales from a boat built so you never miss the water

A small-group whale watching tour at Icy Strait Point carries up to 24 passengers on a 2.5-hour cruise through waters where humpback whales, orcas, sea lions and sea otters are sighted on every departure. The boat is fully enclosed and heated, with windows all around so no seat is blocked from the view. Transfers to and from your ship are included, and the tour is timed to get you back before your ship's all-aboard time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour in Icy Strait

• Arrive at Icy Strait Point
• Meet guide at Excursions Hub
• Board specialized whale watching boat
• Travel through Icy Strait waters
• Watch for whales and wildlife
• Visit Point Adolphus for whale viewing
• Return to shore and disembark

The experience

The tour runs 3 hours total from pickup at your ship to drop-off, with 2.5 hours spent on the water. You'll meet your guide at the Excursions Hub after arriving at Icy Strait Point, then board a boat designed specifically for whale watching in Alaska's waters. The vessel is completely enclosed and heated, which means you stay warm and dry while watching the animals move through the strait. Every seat has a window, so there's no jostling for position or missing a sighting because you're standing in the wrong spot.

Icy Strait and Point Adolphus are the two most active humpback whale feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. The tour visits both areas, and the operator guarantees whale sightings on every departure. If you don't see whales, you get a full refund. Beyond humpbacks, you'll watch for orcas, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals and Dall's porpoise. Brown bears and Sitka Black-tailed deer often appear along the shoreline, and bald eagles perch in the trees overhead. Your guide is a live English-speaking local who knows where the whales are moving and what else is active that day.

The boat operates in all weather except during a small craft advisory, so bring layers, a wind and rain jacket, hat and gloves. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. The Excursions Hub has a green sign and your guide will be holding a sign with the tour name. If you have mobility concerns, Care Cart transportation runs from your ship's gangway to the Hub, though you'll need to allow an extra 20 minutes for that service. Collapsible wheelchairs can be brought aboard if you don't need the chair itself once on the boat.

What’s included

• 2.5 hours on the water in an enclosed, heated whale watching boat.
• transfers to and from your ship.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• guaranteed whale sightings or a full refund.
• timed return to your ship before all-aboard.

Information

Lasts 2h 30m, from US$ 301.79 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Apr 20271 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (1 to 13 years) · Infant (under 1)

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Icy Strait Whale Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to watch whales from a protected boat where every seat has a window and you stay warm and dry. The guaranteed sighting promise and fixed return time mean you can commit to the excursion without worrying about missing your ship or going home empty-handed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 13 years); Infant (under 1).

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 whales will I see on the Icy Strait Point tour?

Humpback whales are the primary sighting: Icy Strait and Point Adolphus are their main feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. The tour also watches for orcas, Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals and Dall's porpoise. Whale sightings are guaranteed, or you receive a full refund.

How long does the whale watching tour actually take?

The tour is 3 hours from pickup at your ship to drop-off, with 2.5 hours spent on the water. The remaining time covers transfers to and from the Excursions Hub at Icy Strait Point.

Will I stay dry and warm on the boat?

Yes. The whale watching boat is completely enclosed and heated, so you watch from inside while staying protected from wind and rain. Every seat has a window facing the water, so you don't need to go outside to see the whales.

What do I need to bring for the whale watching cruise?

Bring layers, a water-resistant warm coat, a hat, gloves and sunglasses. A camera and binoculars are helpful but not required. The boat operates in all weather conditions except during a small craft advisory, so dress for rain and cold.

Will I make it back to my ship on time?

Yes. The tour is timed to guarantee you return before your ship's all-aboard time. Transfers to and from your vessel are included, and the operator offers a full refund if your ship is late or cancels the excursion.

Can I go on the tour if I have mobility issues?

Care Cart transportation is available from your ship's gangway to the Excursions Hub for passengers with mobility concerns. Plan for 20 minutes extra time for this service. Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated on the boat if you don't need the chair itself once aboard.