Icy Strait: Whale Watching Tour on 6-Passenger Catamaran

Summary

Whale watching in Icy Strait with heated cabin & local guide

You’ll ride a cozy catamaran with only five others and a local guide who knows these waters by heart. Expect close-up whale sightings (guaranteed or your money back), eagles overhead, and stories you won’t find online. Includes cruise port pickup and time to linger over every wild moment—no rush.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet at first—just standing on the dock in Hoonah, hands jammed in my pockets, waiting for our little group to board the catamaran. The air had that sharp, seaweedy smell you only get this far north. Our guide, Mike (he grew up here—he pointed out his uncle’s fishing boat with a laugh), handed out coffee before we climbed aboard. The boat itself was snug inside, with the kind of warmth that makes your glasses fog up when you step in from the chill. Six of us total. It felt like we were all just friends who happened to end up on the same day trip from Icy Strait to see whales.

The water was that slate color you see in old postcards. We drifted past bald eagles sitting like sentries on the shoreline logs—Mike slowed down so we could actually hear their calls, which sounded more like giggling than I’d imagined. About half an hour in, someone spotted the first humpback. I almost missed it because I was distracted by a sea otter floating by (they really do look like they’re holding hands). Then there it was—a plume of mist and a tail slap so loud it echoed across the strait. Mike knew each whale by name; he said one had been coming back here for years after migrating from Hawaii. He let us take turns out on the deck—wind biting at my cheeks—and told stories about orcas showing up unexpectedly some summers.

I think what stuck with me most wasn’t just seeing whales (though yeah, you do see them—it’s basically guaranteed), but how unhurried everything felt. No one rushed us back inside when it started to drizzle; we just pulled our hoods tighter and watched sea lions bark at each other from a rocky outcrop. There was a moment where everyone went quiet except for the sound of water slapping against the hull and someone’s thermos clicking shut. It felt honest somehow—like being let in on something locals don’t talk about much outside Alaska.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and wildlife tour

• Meet at cruise ship port
• Van ride through Hoonah to harbor
• Board whale watching catamaran
• Explore Icy Strait for whales and wildlife
• Return by van to cruise ship port

Top questions

How many people are on each whale watching tour?

The tour is limited to 6 passengers per boat for an intimate experience.

Is there a restroom onboard during the whale watching trip?

Yes, there is a restroom available inside the catamaran.

How long does the Icy Strait whale watching tour last?

The entire excursion lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes including pickup and drop-off.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

Yes, whale sightings are guaranteed or you receive a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?

You’ll be picked up at your cruise ship port in Hoonah and returned there after the tour.

Is transportation included from my cruise ship?

Yes, private van transportation from your cruise ship port to the harbor is included.

What wildlife can I expect besides whales?

You may also see sea lions, seals, porpoises, sea otters, bald eagles, coastal brown bears, and possibly orcas.

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

Infants are welcome if seated on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right at your cruise ship port in Hoonah, private van transport through town to the harbor where you’ll board a heated catamaran with indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks, plus access to an onboard restroom before returning comfortably after nearly four hours out on Icy Strait.