Our 4 Best Hoonah Whale Watching Tours

1.Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 387 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $249Our pick

Join Captain Josh and first mate Jamie for a three-hour whale watch from Hoonah into Icy Strait. The 14-passenger boat offers indoor and outdoor viewing, while a professional drone films whales and other wildlife from above. Pickup, snacks, soda, and one USB drive of drone footage per group are included.

“Great experience! I suggest looking at a map ahead of time to find the meeting location. We came in on Norwegian Bliss. I wish I had walked to harbor area instead of waiting for the shuttle. There is a brewery and a couple shops near the harbor.”

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2.Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise – Near Icy Strait Point

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $225

From Icy Strait Point, you’ll ride into Hoonah and board a small whale-watching boat for about three hours. Captains such as Denise and Paul share local stories and wildlife facts while you look for humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, otters, eagles, and bears. The boat has a heated cabin, outdoor viewing, and room for up to 30 people.

“One of the best excursions ever! When we boarded the boat, I asked the guide if there was a good chance that we'd see whales. She guaranteed we would and did not disappoint. There were several boats out looking for whales and the captains of each ship were talking to each other when a whale was sited. Great trip and great commentary by the guide and the captain.”

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3.Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 254 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $195Best value

Set out from Icy Strait Point in Hoonah for about three hours with a captain and local naturalist. A maximum of 24 people searches Icy Strait and Point Adolphus for humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, otters, seals, eagles, and bears. Boats have indoor seating, opening windows, and an onboard bathroom.

“Alona was an absolutely wonderful guide. Her knowledge of the wildlife and her passion for her culture made for a great experience. Even though we did not see any Orcas, we saw a mother humpback whale and her calf playing in the water. We also saw sea otters, sea lions, and puffins. A great excursion.”

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4.Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $285

Meet at the Excursions Hub at Icy Strait Point, ride five minutes to Hoonah, and board a boat with up to 13 people. Guide Shawn knows the local waters and works with other boats to locate whales, sea otters, and harbor seals. The three-hour tour returns you to the same meeting point.

“Fantastic experience. Family run operation. Clean boat, great guides, great experience for our family! 100% recommend!”

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