Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

The Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales tour offers a captivating 3-hour adventure in Hoonah, USA, for $242 per person. This tour, operated by Alaska Whales & Drones Tours, departs from Icy Strait Point and stands out through its intimate 14-passenger vessel and innovative drone footage of whales and other wildlife in their natural environment. It’s designed for those eager to see Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bears, and sea otters while enjoying a personal, small-group experience.

One of the most appealing features is the professional drone footage included on a USB drive, providing a breathtaking aerial perspective of marine activity. The tour’s high success rate in locating Humpback whales, combined with expert guide Captain Josh’s knowledge and friendly approach, makes this trip particularly attractive. A potential limitation is that the tour lasts only around 3 hours, which is ideal for a quick but memorable wildlife encounter, although it might feel brief for some.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with 14 passengers ensures personalized attention and better wildlife sightings.
• Includes a professional drone flyover with footage of whales and other marine animals, plus a USB drive of the shots.
• Departs from Icy Strait Point and features snacks and drinks included in the price.
• Captain Josh has a 100% success rate in finding Humpback whales, making sightings highly likely.
• The custom boat allows for excellent indoor and outdoor viewing of wildlife.
• Tour booking average is 124 days in advance, indicating high demand and popularity.

Small Boat Cruises in Hoonah: An Intimate Marine Adventure

The small, custom-built vessel used for this tour is designed to comfortably fit 14 passengers, giving each guest ample space for viewing and movement. This size creates a more personal atmosphere compared to larger tour boats, making it easier to spot wildlife and receive attention from the guides. The interior cabin also offers shelter when needed, making the trip adaptable to various weather conditions.

The meeting point at Icy Strait Point, 108 Cannery Rd in Hoonah, is conveniently located and accessible, with pickup options available. Once aboard, the tour quickly ventures into the Icy Strait, a fertile area renowned for abundant marine life.

Wildlife You Can Expect to See in Icy Strait

Throughout the 3-hour trip, the focus is on finding and observing marine mammals and birds in their natural habitat. The tour boasts a 100% success rate in locating Humpback whales, which are often seen swimming and breaching nearby. Other sightings include orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and seals. On land, bears and coastal brown bears can sometimes be spotted, along with bald eagles soaring overhead.

Guests are likely to witness mother whales with calves and orcas swimming in pods, providing spectacular photo opportunities. The drone footage captures these moments from above, offering a unique perspective that enhances the experience.

Captain Josh: Knowledgeable and Engaging Guide

Captain Josh leads this tour with a wealth of local knowledge, making the wildlife encounters more meaningful. Reviewers consistently praise his friendly, humorous, and attentive demeanor. His expertise ensures that guests are well-informed about the behaviors and habitats of the animals encountered.

The guides are committed to respecting the wildlife, ensuring that the experience is both enjoyable and environmentally conscious. They are also attentive to the safety and comfort of passengers, providing commentary throughout the trip without overwhelming.

Drone Footage: A Stunning Bonus in Your Wildlife Viewing Experience

One of the tour’s most distinctive features is the professional drone filming conducted during the trip. The drone captures overhead footage of whales, including mother and calf pairs and orcas swimming in pods. This extra perspective allows guests to see how whales move through their environment and interact with each other.

The footage is provided on a USB drive, allowing guests to take home a high-quality video of the marine wildlife. Reviewers describe the drone footage as amazing, noting that it adds a new dimension to the traditional whale-watching experience. Although one drone crashed during a recent trip, the overall quality of the footage remains highly praised.

Comfort and Convenience Onboard

The vessel offers comfortable seating and plenty of space both inside and outside, which is appreciated during the 3-hour trip. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included, ensuring guests stay refreshed throughout the tour.

The tour includes pickup options and mobile ticketing for ease of access. After the trip, guests are returned to the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Booking and Availability

Most bookings are made 124 days in advance, emphasizing the tour’s popularity. The price of $242 per person is competitive given the small group size, wildlife sightings, and drone footage. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and it is limited to a maximum of 14 guests to maintain an intimate setting.

The full cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled trip, providing peace of mind for planning. Weather can occasionally cause cancellations, but full refunds or rescheduling options are available if conditions are poor.

Why Choose This Tour Over Others in Hoonah?

This small, personalized whale-watching experience offers an excellent chance of seeing a variety of marine wildlife in a natural setting. The drone footage is an outstanding addition, providing surveillance from above that many other tours don’t offer.

The knowledgeable Captain Josh and his crew are highly regarded, and the comprehensive package with snacks, drinks, and USB footage adds value. The high customer ratings (5.0/5 from 296 reviews) reinforce the tour’s reputation for quality and reliability.

While the 3-hour duration may feel quick for some, the intimate size and expert guidance make every minute count. This tour is especially well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a personal, eco-conscious adventure with tangible keepsakes.

Alaska Whale Watching with Bonus Drone Viewing of Whales: Final Thoughts

For those eager to see whales in their natural habitat with a high likelihood of sightings, this tour provides excellent value. The small-group setting combined with expert guidance and stunning drone footage creates a memorable experience that balances wildlife photography and educational insight.

While weather can occasionally affect plans, the flexible cancellation policy and professional crew offer reassurance. Guests who appreciate close-up marine wildlife encounters and aerial perspectives will find this tour especially rewarding.

Most importantly, the combination of marine wildlife, land animals, and birdlife, all captured from both sea-level and above, makes this experience a standout choice for anyone visiting Hoonah, Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s short duration makes it manageable for families. However, children should be comfortable on a boat for 3 hours.

What wildlife is most commonly seen?
Guests frequently see Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles. Bears and brown bears are also occasionally spotted.

What is included in the price?
The $242 fee covers the 3-hour tour, snacks, soda/non-alcoholic drinks, and a USB drive with drone footage.

How far in advance should I book?
Bookings are typically made 124 days ahead, due to high demand, so early reservations are recommended.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
Full refunds or rescheduling options are available if the trip is canceled due to poor weather, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Can I buy additional photos or videos?
The USB drive with drone footage is provided as part of the experience; additional copies are not mentioned in the data.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Icy Strait Point, 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah. Pickup options are available for convenience.

Is the tour accessible for those with limited mobility?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the vessel’s design for comfort and the indoor cabin suggest some flexibility, but it’s best to inquire directly for specific needs.

What makes this tour different from other whale-watching trips?
The inclusion of professional drone footage and a small-group size set this tour apart, offering an extraordinary aerial view and more personalized experience.

How long does the drone footage take?
The drone captures multiple overhead shots during the 3-hour trip, with the USB drive including these special views for guests to enjoy at home.