Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour

Discover the Icy Strait Whale Watching Adventure in Hoonah

The Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour offers an engaging half-day experience in Hoonah, USA, for around $326.45 per person. This 3-hour tour is popular among cruise ship passengers, with bookings typically made 102 days in advance. It combines round-trip transportation, expert narration, and opportunities to see some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife.

This tour is ideal for those eager to see humpback whales, sea otters, seals, and coastal birds in their natural environment. The boat is designed for comfort and speed, making it easy to explore the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. A key highlight is the chance to observe bubble-net feeding, a spectacular whale behavior.

While the tour generally receives excellent reviews for its guides and wildlife sightings, travelers should be aware that whale views can sometimes be from a distance. The inclusive amenities—such as snacks, water, and onboard restrooms—add to the overall convenience.

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, perfect for a quick but immersive wildlife experience
• Cost: $326.45 per person, with bookings made well in advance
• Transportation: Round-trip transfer from Icy Strait Point gates included
• Wildlife: Sightings of humpback whales, sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and more
• Guidance: Expert narration about Alaskan flora, fauna, and local stories
• Comfort: Restrooms onboard and snacks and water provided

Convenient Pickup at Icy Strait Point

This tour begins right outside the Icy Strait Point gates, making it highly accessible for cruise ship visitors. The round-trip transportation ensures a seamless start and finish, with a scenic drive along Shaman Point. During the drive, it’s common to spot local Alaskan wildlife such as brown bears, deer, puffins, and various coastal birds.

Travelers appreciate the informative narration from guides, particularly when they share stories about the Tlingit nation and local customs. The scenic drive sets the tone for the wildlife-filled adventure ahead.

The Boat and Its Features

The small charter boat used for this tour is built for speed and comfort, allowing swift navigation across the waters. Its design includes lift-up windows that give inside passengers unobstructed views of the surroundings. The boat’s layout and onboard amenities make the experience enjoyable, especially for those who prefer to stay indoors during choppy conditions.

The boat is equipped with restrooms, a feature often appreciated on shorter tours, and light snacks and bottled water are included, ensuring comfort throughout the trip.

Wildlife Sightings in the Nutrient-Rich Waters

The waters surrounding Hoonah are packed with marine life, thanks to the nutrient influx from Glacier Bay. Between May and September, humpback whales arrive in large numbers to feed, making this a prime season for whale watching.

Humpback whales can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh up to 50 tons. They are highly active, providing visual cues like diving, blowing, and flukes. Observing bubble-net feeding—where whales collaborate to herd fish—is a rare and exciting sight.

Apart from whales, the tour often features sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals. The chance to spot orcas, puffins, swan, and geese adds to the diversity of the wildlife experience.

Experienced Guides and Local Stories

One of the tour’s highlights is the knowledgeable guides, including those from the Tlingit nation. They share stories about local traditions and the wildlife, adding depth to the experience. The marine biologist on board enhances the scientific understanding of the animals’ biology and behavior.

Guests consistently praise the guides for their patience and engagement, making the tour both educational and memorable. The storytelling aspect enriches the trip, especially for those interested in the cultural context of the region.

Viewing Conditions and Whale Behavior

While whale sightings are frequent, the distance can vary. The tour often captures multiple whales, including feeding humpbacks, but some views might be from afar. Sea lions and sea otters tend to be closer and easier to observe.

The speedy boat ensures that the guide can follow whale movements, but natural factors like weather and whale location still influence how close the animals come to the boat.

Food and Refreshments on Board

The tour includes bottled water and a light snack, making it easy to stay refreshed during the short trip. No additional food or drinks are included or available onboard, so travelers should plan accordingly if they want a full meal afterward.

Having snacks provided means you can focus on wildlife viewing without worrying about hunger or thirst.

Booking and Scheduling Details

This tour runs from May 12 to September 15 each year, with daily departures between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Since it is popular, reservations are recommended, often made over 3 months in advance.

Participants must provide their ship’s name, docking time, and disembarkation details when booking. The maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Practical Tips

At $326.45 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded wildlife experience, especially considering the transportation and guided commentary included. The free cancellation policy allows travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding flexibility.

We recommend arriving prepared with appropriate clothing, as weather can change quickly. The tour is accessible to most travelers, with most participants able to join.

Comparing Similar Tours in Hoonah

This whale watching trip stands out for its combination of wildlife sightings, cultural storytelling, and comfortable vessel design. It shares similarities with other whale and wildlife tours in Hoonah, but its focus on native Alaskan stories and a small, fast boat makes it a unique choice.

Other options include private charters, drone tours, and specialized cruises, which can be compared through provided links for those seeking variation.

Final Thoughts on the Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour

The Icy Strait Whale Watching Adventure offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, cultural storytelling, and comfort. It is well-suited for anyone interested in Alaskan marine life and looking for an educational yet fun excursion. The small boat and knowledgeable guides create an engaging atmosphere, and the inclusion of snacks and water adds to the ease of the trip.

While whale sightings are sometimes at a distance, the opportunity to see humpbacks, sea otters, and sea lions in their natural habitat justifies the price. This tour tends to appeal most to those who appreciate rich guided commentary and personalized attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the whale watching tour in Icy Strait?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a short but immersive wildlife experience.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers round-trip transportation, bottled water, a light snack, and restrooms onboard.

When is the best time to book this tour?
Since it is popular, most travelers book about 102 days in advance, especially during the peak season from May to September.

What wildlife might I see during this tour?
Expect to see humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and coastal birds like geese and puffins.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical restrictions mentioned. The boat is designed for comfort with onboard restrooms.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

With its combination of wildlife sightings, cultural stories, and convenient logistics, the Icy Strait Shore Excursion stands out as a rewarding choice for anyone visiting Hoonah wanting to experience Alaska’s marine life firsthand.