Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore Icy Strait in style aboard our custom built 6 passenger whale watching catamaran with an enclosed heated cabin, restroom, indoor seating, outdoor seating, & 360 degree walk around viewing deck. We limit our vessel to 6 passengers max (whether private or mixed) to provide our guests with an uncrowded, relaxed, and intimate wildlife experience.
On the day of your tour, we will pick you up from your cruise ship port and return you via van. Our excursion is 3 hours and 45 minutes from pick up to drop off (includes meeting, transit, & loading time). We designed this excursion to be one of the longest whale watching tours offered in Icy Strait. This extra time on the water allows us the opportunity to fully experience Icy Strait's rich diversity of marine wildlife.
We guarantee whale sightings or you will receive a full refund.
We designed our calendar to accommodate as many ships as possible. A calendar listing specific ships can be found on our Vivid Endeavors website.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Restroom on board
What To Expect
Icy Strait
Icy Strait is a legendary body of water that connects the protected inside waters of Southeast Alaska to the open Pacific Ocean. The nutrient rich waters of Southeast Alaska make it one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. During the summer months, these abundant fjords become the ideal home and feeding ground for a large population of Humpback Whales. Humpbacks travel to the area every year after their winter breeding season in the warmer waters of Hawaii and Mexico. After navigating over 3000 miles, we often see the same individual humpbacks return to Icy Strait year after year. Humpbacks aren’t the only wildlife in the area. Our trips often encounter Sea Lions, Seals, Porpoise, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Coastal Brown Bears along the shoreline, & our favorite – the awe inspiring Orca better known as the Killer Whale.
Hoonah
On the day of your tour, we will meet you at your cruise ship port and then transport you through the town of Hoonah to the local harbor where our whale watching vessel is docked. Our brief van ride offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Occasionally, we'll even see wildlife (including Eagles) on our ride to the vessel. After your time on the water, we will transport you back to your cruise ship docking area. The van ride is approximately 5 minutes.
Options
Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor
Pickup included
Reviews
156 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wonderful Experience with Captain Seth!
Steve R,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our small-group tour with Captain Seth was an unforgettable experience! We watched a whale surface again and again, lifting its tail high after each round of breaths — such a beautiful sight. We also spotted a few bald eagles and even an otter along the way, which made the morning even more special. Captain Seth was professional, friendly, and always made sure we had the best possible view. He kept us updated about other whale sightings that day, some in rougher seas, and even gave us the choice — stay with our playful whale in calm waters or venture out to choppier waves for a chance to see more. We all agreed to stay, and it was the perfect call. The calm conditions, the relaxed pace, and the close-up moments with that one incredible whale made for an unforgettable trip. Highly recommend this tour and Captain Seth for anyone visiting Hoonah — it was the highlight of our Alaska adventure!
A truly memorable time - whale watching 14/09/2025
Karen A,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Seth and his wife Emily took 4 of us out and it was truly amazing, we saw a couple of humpbacks as soon as we pulled out of the boat yard but it was quite misty so we headed in the opposite direction. There quite a bit of humpback whale activity and we just followed one to the other. We had one whale who was really showing off, we saw it breach 3 times, it was rolling on his back and slapping his fins, it was spectacular. We saw 2 sea lions basking in the sun, lying on top of a red buoy. We then went bear hunting along the shoreline but Seth spotted 5 humpbacks as we got closer, they was bubble net feeding and which is amazing to watch. I did a whale watch boat tour in Juneau but we only saw humpbacks in the distance, I am so glad I booked this one as well as a backup, because I have some brilliant video footage and photos. A truly memorable morning! Highly recommend it
I had an amazing...
Stephanie,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an amazing experience on this whale watching tour. The boat was comfortable and with it being small there was no fighting for pictures or space. Seth was very knowledgable and found us a whale and sea otters!
This is the one
Gerald K,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best experience. Seth is an mazing captain, great boat, small group experience, individualized attention, and fantastic encounters.
There aren’t enough stars to give - Seth was the best!
Kathleen J,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Seth could not be any better! He’s such a kind, personable guy loaded with knowledge and he shares it along the way. We checked off our entire Alaskan wildlife goals in one excursion. We had orca swim under the boat, otter nearby, a bear nearby on shore, bald eagle, and of course multiple humpbacks! The boat handles great, it was smooth and seasick friendly. It was unforgettable! Book it, you won’t regret it!
Wonderful trip - Bubble net feeding by Humpbacks
Wendy,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great boat trip. Seth took us to various spots where we saw the Humpbacks bubble net feeding. It was the best whale watching trip we have ever had.
Favourite experience in Alaska!
Alecia O,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion was everything I hoped it would be and more. Seth was so friendly and was able to spend a decent amount of time showing us wildlife - we saw an eagle, seals, sea otters and many whales! We even saw humpback whales breaching and bubble net feeding which was incredible. He absolutely knows his stuff and does everything he can to show you as much as possible. It’s even better not having to share the experience with 50+ people as his boat only takes up to 6. It makes for a very special experience. This was without a doubt my favourite excursion on our trip to Alaska. I would happily recommend!
Great whale watching day
Frances K,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a six person only. Very informal and Capt Seth and his wife were excellent hosts. He made sure we got the best whale views. There was no set root that he followed it was wherever we saw whales we would head in that direction. Bottled water and hot drinks available and snacks. It was a great day and fun people. Would highly recommend They only take six people at a time.
Our favorite excursion!
Heidi K,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience! With a smaller boat, Captain Seth was able to get us so close to the whales and I didn't have to struggle to see over crowds of people. With a small group, everyone could get right to the edge of the boat for pictures and videos. I was also impressed with Seth's knowledge of the area. He knew where the whales would be and we didn't have masses of other boats around us. The only negative to this trip was that we had such a good time, the rest of our excursions paled in comparison. Thank you so much for allowing us to have fun and make amazing memories! We would love to tour with you again if we head back to Hoonah!
Brilliant trip, highly recommend
Sharon C,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent communication, this was the absolute highlight of our trip to Alaska. Seth is friendly, knowledgeable and makes sure his guests get the best experience possible. We were lucky to have killer whales swimming right up to the catamaran twice plus humpbacks spouting and diving in the distance.
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Operated by Vivid Endeavors