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Whale and Drone Tour

4.96
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Live Drone Footage
Aerial whale views from above the water
Small Group Vessel
Intimate experience with your captain
Three-Hour Tour
Extended time on prime whale waters
Heated Cabin
Warm up between wildlife sightings
Round-Trip Transport
Door-to-door from Icy Strait Point

Description

Experience humpback whales like never before on this unique drone-assisted whale watching tour from Icy Strait Point. Join Captain Josh aboard a custom-built, small-group vessel and head into the rich feeding grounds of Icy Strait, where humpbacks return each summer to feast on krill carried out from Glacier Bay.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the live drone experience. As you watch the water from deck level, a drone lifts above to provide real-time aerial views of whales beneath the surface. The live feed streams directly to an onboard monitor, giving you a rare perspective of humpbacks as they glide, surface, and dive—something you simply can’t see from the boat alone. It’s an entirely different way to understand their size, patterns, and movement.

Beyond the drone feature, this is a well-rounded wildlife tour. Icy Strait is one of Southeast Alaska’s most active marine environments, offering frequent sightings of humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoise. Keep an eye on the shoreline too, where brown bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer are often spotted.

The heated cabin offers a comfortable place to warm up between sightings, while the small group size ensures plenty of deck space and a more personal experience with direct insights from your captain.

With three full hours on the water, you’ll have ample time to explore prime whale feeding areas without feeling rushed. Round-trip transportation from the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub is included, making this a seamless and standout wildlife experience from start to finish.


What's Included

Round-Trip Transportation
Expert Captain & Guide
Live Drone Footage
Heated Cabin Vessel
Wildlife Narration
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Rain Gear

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this different from other whale watching tours?
This tour uses a live drone during the trip to capture aerial footage of whales from above. You'll see the animals from the boat and from a bird's-eye perspective on a monitor, giving you a view most whale watching tours can't offer.
Will I receive the drone footage?
Ask your captain about footage options during the tour. Availability may vary by trip, but the live aerial feed is viewable on board during the experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, all ages are welcome. The vessel has a heated cabin and open viewing areas, making it comfortable for families.
How long are we on the water?
The tour is approximately 3 hours total, with most of that time spent on the water scanning for whales and wildlife in Icy Strait.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: There is no minimum age to join this tour
Tour operates rain or shine unless sea conditions are unsafe
Live drone footage captures aerial whale views during the tour
Wildlife sightings are highly likely—especially humpback whales—but cannot be guaranteed as animals move freely in their natural habitat.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires stepping on and off the vessel independently.
Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 72 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
$224


Itinerary • 3h 00min • 4 activities

Check in at the Excursion Hub, meet your captain, and transfer to the boat dock in Hoonah.

Duration
20 minutes

Cruise out of Hoonah Harbor while the captain launches the drone for aerial whale scanning across Icy Strait.

Duration
15 minutes

Spot humpback whales from the deck while watching live drone footage on the monitor for a dual perspective of marine wildlife.

Duration
1 hour 55 minutes

Head back to Hoonah Harbor, disembark, and transfer to Icy Strait Point with time to explore or reboard your ship.

Duration
30 minutes

Customer Reviews 387

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