Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Hoonah Whale Tours is a family owned whale watching company that operates out of Hoonah, AK. When taking this tour you will be on a small group, up to 14 passengers, boat tour that goes out into Icy Strait. During the tour will you get the chance to see all sorts of Southeast Alaska wildlife, including bald eagles, sea lions, sea otters, sometimes brown bear and orcas and of course humpback whales! Our tours last between 3 and 3.5 hours and we guarantee you'll see whales or you money back. The boat is a 14 passenger catamaran, with a walk around deck, heated cabin, and a bathroom on board. We also provide snacks and beverages.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Specialized infant seats are available

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given a full refund

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Light refreshments

Local guide

Driver/guide

Snacks

Port pickup and drop-off

Local taxes

Coffee and/or Tea

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

gratuities

What To Expect

Hoonah Whale Tours

When out on our whale watching tour you will be in Icy Strait (body of water) You will get to see humpback whales (guaranteed!), sea lion, sea otter, and bald eagles. You even have the chance of seeing brown bear along the beaches, orcas and puffins flying by.

3 hours • Admission Included

Options

3 hour whale watch

Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

173 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

171

Best whale watching!
Lisa M,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This excursion was amazing from start to finish. We saw tons of whales, seals, and sea otters right next to the boat (but they came to us, not the other way around so it was done safely for us and the wildlife). The boat also wasn’t jam packed, we had plenty of space to move around. We had an incredible time and highly recommend it!!
GREAT COMPANY! Fantastic Tour
jamwin10,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I have to tell you how impressed I am with this company. The communication from the start was excellent. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it was only my son and girlfriend who went on this tour. They said it was the best time they had! I HIGHLY recommend them and hope to use them again in the near future!!! Thanks again for everything!!
Great Tour
Jessiemae13,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a phenomenal trip. Got to see several bubble feeds and I'm the far distance a breach. While not guaranteed Jordan really does try to get you the best shot. Plus it's a small group which made it so much nicer. Thanks so much!
Whale watching against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains was hard to beat!
W6791ANdouglasc,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommended! The 360 walk-around deck, along with a maximum of six people on this boat, makes for ideal photo ops. Joardan and Mariah work well together to make sure your experience is well coordinated, given the vagaries of the weather, etc. Joardan obviously knows the area well and respects the wildlife, allowing for viewing at a proper distance. A pot of freshly brewed coffee was a nice touch.
Brought tears to our eyes being so close to this magnificent creatures!
Resort41311955352,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As our cruise ship was delayed, we were concerned about making the tour. As we walked anxiously to the meeting point, there stood the wife of the captain and her son smiling with open arms and assuredness. As we left the shore the captain immediately spotted a spout! We followed for about 10 minutes and he made a great choice of leaving one whale looking for more. What happened next was unbelievable. As the ships communicated with other about sightings, we found ourselves surrounded with 3 feeding whales circling us. One came up within 20 yards off our port side. The other family with my wife and I had two young boys who had an unforgettable experience. I took videos and the father had a high zoom camera. We exchanged emails so we could share our pictures and videos. We had one "whale" of a time:)
Fabulous trip!!
481janisb,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was our second time with Hoonah Whale Tours. Captain Jordan had us on a pod of humpback whales within 10 minutes. We watched them bubble feed for about 90 minutes and then he took us to a different spot where we were able to watch a pod of orca’s. We saw sea otter and sea lions as well. Jordan can’t control the weather (we had rain) but he sure made the trip worth it!!! Thanks Maraiya and Jordan for another great visit!!!
A wonderful wholesome trip
Doylersontour,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were so delighted to learn that Hoonah Whale tours was owned and run by a local family who live between Hoonah and Juneau The boat was perfect. Small group. Low key but very knowledgeable and we saw the most incredible pod of Orca whales and Humpbacks all while sipping on home made hot chocolate and eating home baked blueberry muffins This trip was a 20 out of 10 🙌🙌🙌
So many whales!
Amanda V,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great excursion! My husband, two teen boys, and I had an amazing time! We saw So. Many. Whales. - Captain Jordan knew exactly where to find them! Pick up was easy, a quick 5 min drive to the dock, then several amazing hours on the water seeing sea otters, salmon, sea lions, and humpback whales. Wonderful, local, family owned business.
A Whale of a Time!
Bernard M,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
After a short walk off the cruise ship, we were met and then taken to the boat via a van by Maraiya. The boat left promptly and the Captain thought it would be about 45-60 minutes to the whales. After stopping by some otters, we turned around because the whales were sailing down the stretch of water past Hoonah to the south/southwest. Some 10 minutes later…that she blows! A pod of about 4-5 whales (including a baby) and for the next two hours, we chased and passed the whales. We saw them blow and arch and dive! We went to the opposite bank for a few minutes and were able to see a mama bear and two cubs foraging along the shore. Then back to the whales! Just past Grassy Island, we saw them bubble feed, not once but twice! Fortunately, we paid extra for the great weather and Alaska came through! So did the skipper!! Professional and knowledgeable, he delivered. We really had a great time and the Hoonah Whale Tours helped remind us why Alaska is considered God’s Country.
Absolutely amazing!
meO5939HX,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank you for an AWESOME whale watching tour today!!! Our family has been on a couple of other whale trips (in other parts of the country) in the past and the number of whale sightings, gorgeous scenery, attention to detail by Captain Jordan and Maraiya, delicious snacks, and having the boat to ourselves made this trip the absolute best! This will definitely be a highlight of our trip to Alaska and we would HIGHLY recommend!