Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography

Discover the Unique Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filming in Hoonah

The Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography offers a captivating three-hour adventure in the waters of Icy Strait. For $255 per person, this tour combines traditional whale watching with the extraordinary benefit of capturing stunning drone footage of the marine life. It departs from Hoonah, Alaska, and provides an intimate experience aboard a comfortable boat with a maximum of 14 passengers. The tour stands out with its expert guide, Captain Josh, who is also a certified drone pilot, ensuring you get breathtaking aerial views of whales, sea lions, otters, and even bears.

The experience has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 86 reviews, emphasizing consistent high quality, excellent guide knowledge, and the remarkable addition of drone footage. While the price point is competitive, the small-group setting and personalized wildlife encounters make this tour especially appealing to those seeking a more intimate and immersive nature experience.

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Key Points

• Price: $255 per person for a 3-hour tour
• Duration: 3 hours, suitable for morning or afternoon options
• Location: Departing from Hoonah, Alaska, with pickup at the Excursion Hub
• Wildlife: Focus on humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, bears, and eagles
• Drone Filming: Unique aerial footage captured during the trip, provided on a USB drive
• Group Size: Small boats with a maximum of 14 passengers enhance the experience

The Departure Point and How to Find It

This tour departs from the Excursion Hub at the Adventure Center in Hoonah. Passengers arriving via cruise ships are advised to check in 15 minutes early to ensure timely departure. If your cruise is docked at the Adventure Dock, a short 6-8 minute walk through the Adventure Center leads to the meeting point. For those at the Wilderness Dock, a 25-minute walk or a 3-minute gondola ride on the Transporter Gondola can be taken to reach the pickup location.

Partnered with Hoonah Travel Adventures, the tour provider offers round-trip transportation, making it easy for visitors to connect from their cruise ships or nearby lodgings. Upon arrival, crew members will be ready with signages and check-in procedures, ensuring smooth start to your marine adventure.

What Wildlife Can You Expect to See?

The Icy Strait is regarded as a prime location for whale watching, with a 100% success rate at spotting whales, especially humpback whales. Captain Josh is known for his ability to locate these giants, along with orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and bears. The tour’s focus on diverse wildlife makes it a rich experience, with the chance to observe bubble net feeding, tail breaches, and breaching whales.

Along With marine mammals, the tour often features bald eagles soaring overhead. The small boat size allows for closer observations without disturbing the animals, which adds to the authenticity of each sighting.

The Drone Filmmography: A Visual Highlight

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is the drone footage captured during the trip. Captain Josh, a certified drone pilot, uses a powerful, large filmography drone to film the whales from above while the boat is in motion. This aerial perspective offers a completely unique view of the whales swimming, feeding, and diving just below the surface.

Guests receive a USB drive with the drone footage, which includes whales, other wildlife, and passengers onboard. Many reviews highlight how spectacular and memorable this footage is, often describing it as the “icing on the cake.” The drone videos provide a new perspective impossible to capture from the boat or land.

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The Vessel and Comfort Level During the Tour

The boat used for this excursion is designed to seat up to 14 passengers, fostering an intimate atmosphere. This small-group setting means fewer crowds and more personalized interaction with the crew and wildlife. The vessel is described as comfortable, with snack bars and soft drinks available onboard, making the three-hour trip pleasant even if the weather is brisk.

The size and layout of the boat make it easier to spot wildlife and enjoy unobstructed views. The tour prioritizes safety and comfort, with knowledgeable guides who are attentive to passenger needs.

The Expertise of Captain Josh and the Crew

Captain Josh is celebrated for his extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and effective whale locating techniques. His friendly, personable style makes the tour both educational and fun. Many reviews mention his enthusiasm and ability to find whales and other animals, ensuring a successful and exciting outing.

Along With Captain Josh, crew members like Andrew contribute to the smooth operation of the tour. They are praised for their patience, helpfulness, and willingness to answer questions, creating a relaxed and informative environment.

The Experience of Wildlife Watching in Icy Strait

The Icy Strait offers a rich variety of marine life and is known for its frequent whale activity. Tour participants often see pods of humpback whales, with some breaching and bubble net feeding being highlights. The tour routinely encounters orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and bears in their natural habitat.

The small boat size allows for closer interactions and better viewing opportunities. The offshore location provides a peaceful, scenic setting for observing wildlife in their natural environment, free from the congestion of larger tour vessels.

The Practicalities: Meeting Point, Timing, and Flexibility

The tour is generally offered in both morning and afternoon sessions, giving flexibility to fit into different travel schedules. The total duration of 3 hours is ideal for a half-day activity, leaving plenty of time for other excursions or rest.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, as the tour departs promptly. If arriving from the Wilderness Dock, the Transporter Gondola offers a quick ride to the meeting point, making logistics straightforward. The tour provides free cancellation with 24-hour notice and allows reservation without immediate payment, offering added flexibility.

Cost-Effective and Unique: Value of the Tour

At $255 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the small group size, the expertise of guides, and the exclusive drone footage. The USB of drone videos and images serve as lasting keepsakes, often described as worth the price.

The inclusion of snacks and drinks further enhances the comfort and enjoyment of the experience. Many reviewers express appreciation for the quality of the wildlife sightings and the personalized attention provided, distinguishing this tour from larger, less intimate options.

Why This Tour Excels Over Other Whale Watching Options

Captain Josh’s expertise, combined with the small vessel, results in more personalized, more memorable wildlife encounters. The drone footage is a rare extra that sets this tour apart, offering spectacular aerial views of whales and other animals.

Many reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides, the good communication, and the ability to see a variety of wildlife. The small group size minimizes crowding, making it easier to capture photos and enjoy the scenery.

Considerations for Potential Participants

While this tour offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, passengers should dress appropriately for the weather, as conditions can be cool and breezy on the water. The boat’s size is ideal for close encounters, but those with mobility challenges should confirm accessibility details.

Because the drone footage is a highlight, guests should be prepared for occasional noise from the drone and understand that wildlife sightings can vary depending on conditions. The 3-hour duration is manageable for most, but those preferring longer excursions might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts on the Hoonah Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography

This tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife observation, expert guiding, and innovative drone filming. The small boat creates an intimate setting, while the drone footage provides memorable images and videos that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

At $255, the experience is well worth the investment for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a more personal and visually stunning whale watching adventure. The positive reviews and high ratings confirm the tour’s consistent quality and appeal.

While it may require some planning around meeting logistics, those who value expert guidance, wildlife diversity, and aerial perspectives will find this tour leaves a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $255 per person fee covers a 3-hour whale and wildlife watching excursion, round-trip transportation from the Excursion Hub, snacks and soft drinks, and a USB drive with drone footage.

How do I find the meeting point?
Guests meet at the Adventure Center in Hoonah, walking through the building and exiting through door number 2 to follow signs to the Excursion Hub. If arriving from the Wilderness Dock, a 25-minute walk or 3-minute gondola ride is available.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What wildlife is most likely to be seen?
Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, bears, and bald eagles frequently during the tour.

Is the drone footage of high quality?
Absolutely. The powerful drone captures spectacular aerial views of whales and wildlife, with footage provided on a USB stick to cherish long after the trip.

What is the group size?
The boat accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Guests should dress warmly and in layers, as weather on the water can be cool and windy.

Is this suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The small boat size is generally suitable for most, but guests with special needs should confirm accessibility beforehand.

How long does the drone footage take?
The footage covers whales, other wildlife, and onboard passengers, providing a comprehensive view of the day’s highlights.

Why choose this tour over others?
The expertise of Captain Josh, the small group setting, and the exclusive drone footage make this tour stand out as a personalized, high-quality wildlife experience.

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