Homepage / Tours / Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure

Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure

3 Hour Duration

2½ hours on the water

Custom Boat

Designed for whale watching!

Local Native Captain

Educational & authentic experience

Small-Group & All Ages

Family-friendly, intimate excursion

Description

Get up close and personal with the spectacular marine life on this Icy Strait Point whale watching excursion! Join our local captain for insight on the diversity of wildlife and the cultural connection of the Hoonah Tlingit people. This small-group, authentic, and family-friendly experience is the perfect way to see the magnificent wildlife and learn about the history and culture of this Alaskan town. The nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait Point allows us to guarantee sightings for the incredible humpback whales! You're likely to see the unique bubble-net feeding techniques, flipper slapping, and even the amazing breaching! Other possible wildlife sightings include orcas, otters, sea lions, porpoise, and harbor seals. The custom-built boat is specifically designed for unrestricted viewing and the ability to safely get up close to whales, with the option to stay dry inside the cabin or take it all in from the outside platforms. Immerse yourself in the stunning, unspoiled wilderness of Icy Strait Point and experience the wildlife and culture firsthand on this guaranteed whale watching excursion!

What's Included

Round-trip shared transfer from Icy Strait Point

Knowledgeable Guides

Heated, Fully Enclosed Boat for Your Comfort

Guide Gratuities

Food & Drink

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?

The weather is very hard to predict in Southeast Alaska. We always recommend being prepared for rain or sunshine by dressing in layers and bringing sunglasses. A warm mid-layer and a waterproof outerlayer is a good idea, and a hat and mittens can make a big difference. Don't forget your camera to capture all those great sightings, and binoculars make those whales pop!

What is the boat like?

Our boat is approximately 45 feet long and 12 feet wide, with a low to the water profile design; it has extra-large windows allowing unrestricted viewing while getting up close to wildlife. We do consider ourselves one of the smaller boats – not like the 150 passenger boat offered by the cruise line. Our custom-built whale-watching boats have the capacity for 26-49 passengers. They are very spacious and allow us to implement physical distancing as needed. We have much more square footage per passenger than any of the other small boat experiences out there. The boat is heated and does have a small bathroom.

Where do we get picked up and do you guarantee returning to my ship on time?

You will be meeting the guide 30-minutes prior to the tour departure time at the Excursion Hub. Icy Strait Point has two docks. You will either be arriving at the Adventure Landing or the Wilderness Landing. Directions to the Excursion Hub from your dock will be provided in your confirmation email after booking. You will be returned directly to Icy Strait Point and we guarantee that you will be back to your ship on time.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Though we cannot accommodate a wheelchair on board for safety reasons, we have accommodated many guests with mobility issues. We can stow a foldable wheelchair on the back deck so it is available immediately after the tour. Or it can be stowed on the dock waiting for you when you get back. Guests must be able to physically walk into the boat on their own power but with captain assistance and be able to sit up in their seat unassisted.

Will I get sea sick?

We usually don’t encounter heavy swells or the type of seas that tend to cause seasickness. With our sturdier boats you often don’t feel the waves. However, the wind can pick up on occasion even on the Inside Passage and the water can get choppy. So, if you are prone to motion sickness then we recommend taking medicine 1 hour before the tour. No need to worry about drowsiness, the excitement of the whales will keep you awake!

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour

Accessible for most travelers: folding wheelchairs can be accommodated with prior notice

Cancel up to 14-days before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 14-days of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City

Icy Strait Point

Itinerary • 3h 00min • 4 activities

Meet your guides at the Excursions Hub where you'll be transferred to your boat.

Duration

10 minutes

Get a brief safety orientation and overview before taking off on your whale watching adventure.

Duration

5 minutes

Once aboard, you'll enjoy a scenic boat ride with a native guide who will share the rich history of the area. Whale sightings guaranteed!

Duration

2 hours 30 minutes

Return to land and load up for your return trip back to the cruise ship dock

Duration

15 minutes