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Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor

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Whale Guarantee
Full refund if no whales spotted
Ultra-Small Group
Maximum six guests per trip
Custom Catamaran
Purpose-built for Icy Strait waters
Private Option
Charter available for your group
Expert Local Captain
Narrated wildlife commentary throughout

Description

Get closer to humpback whales than you ever thought possible on this ultra-small group catamaran tour departing from Icy Strait Point. Limited to just six guests, the Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor offers a level of access, comfort, and personal attention that larger tours simply can’t deliver.

Led by an experienced local captain, you’ll cruise through the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait, one of Southeast Alaska’s most reliable feeding grounds for humpback whales. Each summer, these giants return in impressive numbers, and sightings are so consistent that the tour is backed by a guarantee: no whales, full refund.

With such a small group on board, everyone gets a front-row view. There’s no crowding, no waiting for space, and plenty of opportunities to engage directly with your captain. As conditions change, your captain adjusts the route in real time, carefully positioning the vessel for safe, respectful encounters. Watch as whales surface, exhale powerful blows, and dive gracefully just yards away.

Beyond humpbacks, the area is rich with marine life. Keep an eye out for orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, and playful sea otters. Along the shoreline, you may also spot brown bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer moving through the dense coastal forest.

This three-hour experience gives you meaningful time on the water without feeling rushed. Round-trip transportation from the Excursion Hub is included, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free from start to finish. For travelers who value guaranteed sightings and an intimate setting, this is easily one of the best whale watching tours in Hoonah.


What's Included

Round-Trip Transportation
Expert Captain
Whale Sighting Guarantee
Custom Catamaran
Wildlife Narration
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Rain Gear

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the whale sighting guarantee mean?
If you do not see at least one whale during the tour, you receive a full refund. The guarantee reflects the consistently high whale activity in Icy Strait during the May through September season.
How small is the group?
The catamaran has a firm maximum of 6 guests. This is one of the smallest group sizes available for whale watching in Hoonah, giving you unobstructed views and direct interaction with your captain.
Can I book a private charter?
Yes, private charters are available for your group. Contact the operator for private booking options and pricing.
Is this tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
Guests must be able to navigate a steep ramp and step to board the vessel. The boat is stable once aboard, but the boarding process requires some mobility.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Maximum 6 guests per trip for an ultra-small group experience
Guests must be mobile enough to board via a steep ramp
2-passenger minimum required for departure
Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours 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

Duration
3h 00min

Adult Rate
$232

Private Charter Rate
$1,372


Itinerary • 3h 00min • 4 activities

Check in at the Excursion Hub, meet your captain, and ride to the dock where the custom catamaran is waiting.

Duration
20 minutes

Depart Hoonah Harbor and head into the open waters of Icy Strait, scanning for humpback whales and other marine wildlife.

Duration
15 minutes

Spend extended time in active feeding areas as your captain positions the catamaran for close, respectful whale encounters.

Duration
1 hour 55 minutes

Head back to the harbor, disembark, and transfer to Icy Strait Point with time to explore or catch your ship.

Duration
30 minutes

Customer Reviews 156

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