Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

The unusual feature here is not just the whale watching. During the three-hour trip, Captain Josh sends a professional drone above Icy Strait, giving you a view of whales, calves, orcas, and other wildlife that you cannot get from the boat. You can watch the action from the water, then see the same animals moving through their surroundings from above.

I like the small 14-passenger boat, where you can move between the front, back, and indoor viewing area without fighting a crowd. I also like the drone footage as a souvenir, since it takes some pressure off trying to capture every breach yourself. The main concern is weather: fog can limit visibility and may prevent the drone from flying.

Key points to know before booking

• A 14-passenger boat keeps the viewing personal: You get more room than on a large cruise-ship excursion boat and clearer sightlines from several positions.
• Captain Josh leads the trip: He provides commentary, handles the boat, and searches for wildlife in Icy Strait.
• The drone adds a second viewpoint: You may watch whales from the water, then receive overhead video afterward on a USB drive or by phone.
• Wildlife can include more than whales: Sightings may include orcas, porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, coastal brown bears, and eagles.
• Plan extra time at Icy Strait Point: The meeting point can take 6 to 25 minutes to reach, depending on your ship’s dock.
• Weather matters: Fog and poor conditions can reduce sightings and stop drone operations, though a weather cancellation comes with a refund or alternate date.

Why the drone changes a standard whale watch

A normal whale watch gives you a water-level view. That can be thrilling, but it also means that a whale may appear as a back, a fin, or a sudden burst of spray before disappearing again.

This trip adds a second camera angle. From the boat, you might watch a humpback mother and calf. Later, the aerial video can show the pair moving through the water, or reveal the shape of a whale beneath the surface. Orcas swimming in a pod can also make more sense from above, since you see the group rather than one animal at a time.

The drone is not meant to replace the live experience. You still spend the tour outside looking, listening, and waiting for the next appearance. The footage works best as a bonus that helps you understand what was happening around the boat.

The aerial video is supplied after the trip on one USB drive per group. It may also be sent directly to phones, according to the tour information and trip experiences. If your group includes several people, decide in advance who will carry the drive and how you will share the files.

Leaving Hoonah for Icy Strait

The tour begins at Icy Strait Point, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. The boat heads into Icy Strait, an area known for humpback whales and a broad mix of marine life.

The route is built around finding animals rather than visiting fixed stops. Captain Josh searches for signs of activity and adjusts the trip to suit the conditions. That means the exact order of sightings cannot be promised, but it also means you are not simply following a rigid loop.

Humpback whales are the main target. The operator reports a 100 percent success rate for finding humpbacks on its tours, and the trip’s strongest accounts describe repeated whale sightings, including bubble-net feeding and breaching. That claim should still be read with normal wildlife-watching caution: animals are wild, and weather can change what you see.

Several people have described seeing large numbers of humpbacks, along with orcas, otters, seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Some trips have also included coastal brown bears, bear cubs, and eagles. You should treat those animals as possible sightings, not guaranteed stops.

Captain Josh and the small-boat advantage

Captain Josh is the company owner, captain, and main guide. His role matters here because a small wildlife boat depends heavily on the person reading the water and deciding where to go next.

He provides commentary about the animals and the surrounding area, while also positioning the boat for viewing. Trip accounts repeatedly praise his ability to spot whales before the passengers do. First mate Jamie also helps on some departures and is described as personable and attentive.

The boat holds a maximum of 14 people. That limit changes the feel of the outing. You are not looking over rows of heads or waiting for a large group to clear a viewing rail. Several viewing areas let you shift around, and the boat has both indoor and outdoor spaces.

That does not mean every seat is perfect at every moment. Wildlife can appear on either side, and you may need to move or turn quickly. Still, a small boat gives you a much better chance of seeing the animal directly than a crowded vessel does.

One important point: a small boat can feel more exposed to the weather. The indoor space helps, but you should still dress for wind, spray, and cold. Layers are the sensible choice, even when conditions look mild at the dock.

What you may see during the three hours

The tour is centered on humpback whales, but I would not think of it as a single-animal trip. Icy Strait can produce a varied list of sightings, sometimes within the same outing.

Humpbacks may surface, travel in groups, breach, or feed using bubbles. Bubble-net feeding is especially memorable because several whales work together to gather fish before rising through the water. It is one of the most dramatic behaviors mentioned in connection with this trip, but it is not something anyone can schedule.

Orcas offer a different kind of sighting. They often travel in pods, so the drone perspective can be particularly useful for showing the spacing and movement of the group. Porpoises may appear quickly near the boat, while sea lions and harbor seals can offer a quieter look at local marine life.

Sea otters are another possible highlight. Some outings have produced large numbers of them, while other trips have included only a few. Coastal brown bears and eagles may also appear along the shore or nearby areas. Keep your eyes moving, and do not assume the largest animal will be the only one worth watching.

The captain and crew work to view animals responsibly. That matters because a good wildlife trip is not about forcing a close approach. It is about getting a clear look while allowing the animals to continue behaving naturally.

A practical look at the drone footage

The drone is operated from the boat during the trip. You can watch the animals in real time from the deck, then receive footage afterward. The best material may include whales surfacing, breaching, feeding, or traveling with calves.

The video can be especially helpful for families. Children may miss a quick breach while looking in another direction, but the shared footage gives everyone something to watch later. It also provides a record of the scale and movement that is difficult to capture with a phone from water level.

There are limits. Fog, poor weather, and rough conditions can prevent the drone from flying. One outing had thick fog for much of the three hours, with only limited whale sightings, seals, and otters. The drone could not operate normally and supplied footage from another day instead.

That is worth considering if the aerial video is the main reason you are booking. It is an excellent addition in clear conditions, but it is not a guarantee. The live whale watch remains the core activity.

A few people wished the package included more footage or still photographs. The included material is best treated as a welcome souvenir, not a professionally edited film made just for your group.

Price and value at $249

At $249 per person, this is not the cheapest shore excursion. The value comes from the combination of several things: a three-hour trip, a maximum of 14 passengers, a small custom boat, guide commentary, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and drone footage.

The group size is the strongest part of the price calculation. Large ship excursions can carry far more people, which usually means less freedom to move and more competition for the rail. Here, the smaller boat gives you more direct access to the viewing areas.

The drone also changes the comparison. You are paying for more than a standard whale search, though the value depends on the weather and the quality of the sightings that day. If the sea is clear and the whales cooperate, the overhead footage can make this feel like a special-purpose wildlife outing rather than a basic boat ride.

I would bring a small personal snack and water anyway. Snacks and soda are listed as included, but one trip account specifically reported that no food or drinks were available. Bringing your own costs little and protects you from a minor surprise.

The USB drive is supplied one per group, not one per person. That is fine for families or couples traveling together, but separate groups should know that the footage arrangement is shared.

Getting to the meeting point at Icy Strait Point

The meeting point is at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub, with pickup arranged from there. You need to arrive 15 minutes before departure because the boat leaves on time.

If your ship uses the Adventure Dock, go ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Walk through the building, exit through door number 2, and follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The walk takes about 6 to 8 minutes.

The Wilderness Dock requires more planning. You can walk for about 25 minutes, or take the Transporter Gondola, which takes roughly 3 minutes to ride to the Adventure Center. From there, follow the signs to the Excursion Hub.

At the hub, look for a driver holding an orange sign marked Alaska Whale and Drone Tours. The driver will check you in and bring you into town before the boat portion begins.

Do not cut this close if you are returning to a cruise ship. Build in time for the walk, gondola, check-in, and any delay getting off the ship. The operator has worked with shortened port schedules, but your own ship’s all-aboard time remains your responsibility.

Who will enjoy this whale watch most

This tour suits you if whale watching is a main reason for stopping at Icy Strait Point. It is also a good choice if you dislike large excursion groups and want a guide-led trip with room to move around.

Families can benefit from the small group and the saved video. Couples and photographers may appreciate the open viewing positions, although the drone footage reduces the need to get perfect phone footage at every moment.

It is less ideal if you need a fully sheltered, calm boat ride or if you are booking only for guaranteed aerial footage. The weather can be cold, foggy, or wet, and wildlife sightings always depend on nature.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. Specific accessibility details are not provided, so contact the operator directly if you have mobility needs or concerns about the gravel path, dock access, or boat boarding.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of passengers is not met, you are offered another date or activity, or a full refund.

Should you book Alaska Whales & Drones Tours?

I would book this tour if you want a focused whale watch with a small group and a memorable record of what you see. Captain Josh’s local guidance, the 14-passenger boat, and the overhead video give it more character than a standard large-boat excursion.

Go in with sensible expectations. The operator reports excellent humpback success, but fog can erase the drone portion and reduce visibility. Bring layers, arrive early, carry a backup snack, and keep your schedule flexible.

For a whale-focused day in Hoonah, the price is reasonable when you place a value on space, personal guidance, and the saved footage. If those features matter to you, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The activity lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 14 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles.

Is drone footage included?

Yes. Drone footage of the wildlife is included, with one USB drive per group. The footage may also be sent directly to phones.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting process begins at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub in Hoonah. Look for a driver holding an orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Fog may also prevent the drone from operating during a tour that still runs.