Icy Strait Whale Watching: Small-Group Cruise & Guaranteed Sightings

Summary

Whale watching up close in Icy Strait with local guides

You’ll board a small boat at Icy Strait Point with a local guide who knows where to spot humpback whales — sightings are guaranteed here. Window seats for everyone mean you won’t miss anything as you glide past sea otters and eagles. It’s cold out there but honestly, you’ll hardly notice once those whales appear so close you can hear them breathe.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped off the ship in Icy Strait Point before the salt air hit me — sharp and cold, but kind of clean in a way that makes you want to breathe deeper. Our guide, Mark (he’s lived here forever, apparently), met us at the Excursions Hub and immediately started talking about which whales had been spotted that morning. He had this way of squinting at the water like he could see straight through it. The boat was smaller than I expected — only 24 of us — and every seat had a big window. I snagged one by accident; lucky break.

Once we got moving, there was this low hum from the engine and a weirdly comforting smell of coffee mixing with seaweed as people shuffled around for photos. The water was glassy except for these little ripples that Mark said were probably sea otters messing around. About half an hour out, someone yelled “there!” and suddenly everyone was pressed to the glass or out on deck (wind stinging my cheeks, but worth it). Humpback whales — not just one, but three — surfaced so close I could see their scars and barnacles. Their breath sounded like old bellows. It’s strange how quiet everyone gets when something huge moves right next to you like that.

I tried to snap a photo but honestly my hands were shaking a bit (cold or excitement? both maybe). Mark pointed out bald eagles perched up on the spruce trees along the shore, and at one point we saw what he called “a whole raft” of sea lions flopped together on some rocks. There was this little kid near me who kept asking if orcas would show up too — Mark just grinned and said “you never know.” We didn’t see any that day, but somehow it didn’t matter.

The whole thing took about three hours from pickup to drop-off, and they made sure everyone got back in time for their ship’s departure (I’m a worrier about stuff like that). Even now, sometimes when it’s quiet at home, I remember that sound the whales made coming up for air. Makes regular city noise seem kind of small, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in Icy Strait

• Arrive at Icy Strait Point
• Meet guide at Excursions Hub
• Board whale watching boat
• Travel through Icy Strait waters
• Observe wildlife including whales and sea lions
• Visit Point Adolphus for whale viewing
• Return to Icy Strait Point

Top questions

How long is the whale watching tour from Icy Strait?

The tour lasts about 3 hours total from pickup to drop-off.

Are whale sightings guaranteed on this cruise?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed during this tour.

Is pickup included from my cruise ship?

Yes, transfers to and from your ship are included in the tour.

How many people are on each boat?

The boat holds a maximum of 24 people per tour.

Will I get back in time for my ship’s departure?

Yes, departure and return times are planned around your ship schedule.

What animals might we see besides whales?

You may also spot orcas, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, bears, deer, and bald eagles.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Children are welcome with an adult; collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if not needed onboard.

Does the boat operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather except during small craft advisories; dress warmly in layers.

What’s included

Your day includes easy transfers between your cruise ship and the vessel at Icy Strait Point. You’ll join a small group on Alaska’s specialized whale watching boat—every seat has its own window view—and spend about two and a half hours searching for wildlife like humpbacks and sea otters before returning safely to port in time for your ship’s all aboard call.