Humpback whales glide effortlessly beneath the still waters in search of food. Suddenly, one picks up speed, breaches the top of the water line, and rotates in mid-air before splashing back down with a magnificent sound. It’s a moment you’ll never forget!
In the village of Hoonah (often confused with the nearby Port of Icy Strait cruise ship docks), sights like this are a daily occurrence in summer. This hidden gem is the best location for whale watching in Southeast Alaska, thanks to its proximity to the Point Adolphus feeding grounds, abundant wildlife, and authentic operations run by locals who truly know these waters.
A tour we think you'll love
If you’re wondering where to see whales in Alaska or where is the best place to see whales in Alaska, the answer is Hoonah! Let’s look at a few reasons why, and then we’ll discuss three amazing whale watching tours available here.
Why Is Hoonah The Best Place For Whale Watching In Alaska?
Hoonah is one of the best locations for whale watching due to its ideal geography. The town is perfectly situated on Chichagof Island, which is surrounded by the nutrient-rich coastal waters of Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay National Park. These waters attract humpbacks, other whales, and many other wildlife species, making them much easier to spot and observe.
Humpbacks migrate to coastal Alaska (including Southeast and Prince William Sound in Southcentral Alaska) during the summer months, generally from May to September, before heading south to their winter homes near Mexico. It’s an incredible journey that brings them right to our shores!
Humpback whales are usually over 50 feet long, weigh between 25 and 40 tons, and communicate through the use of their beautiful whale song. They’re often seen diving, breaching, and blowing bubbles—each behavior more fascinating than the last. Individual humpback whales are identified by their flukes, which are the unique patterns on the underside of their tails.
They also eat using a spectacular phenomenon known as bubble-net feeding, where a group of whales find a school of fish or krill and take turns blowing bubbles through their blowholes. The disoriented fish then converge into a single group, making it easier for the whales to feed. It’s like watching nature’s most coordinated dinner party!
Although humpbacks are the most common whale you’ll see, Hoonah is also home to orca whales, blue whales, gray whales, Minke whales, fin whales, Beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and the largest concentration of brown bears in the world. All these and more can be seen on a tour conducted by a small, family-run company whose local captains have sailed the nearby waters for years.
Tour #1: See Land And Sea Life On Our Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour
What You’ll Experience
On our Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour, you’ll be picked up at the Port of Icy Strait Excursions Hub. After a short, scenic drive through beautiful Hoonah, you’ll arrive at Hoonah City Harbor. From there, you’ll take a seat on one of our comfortable ships, complete with heated cabins, spacious viewing decks, and restrooms.
As the boat departs, you might spot eagles, deer, and even brown bears on the shore. In the water, you may be able to view humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, seals, and porpoises. Puffins, herons, cormorants, and terns may be visible, too—it’s a birdwatcher’s dream come true!
Why Choose This Tour
Perfect for first-time whale watchers and families, you’ll be warm and dry in our heated boat cabin. If you’re looking for a comfortable cruise, are traveling with your family, or really want the best chance to see humpbacks, this tour is an excellent choice.
While it’s rare that we have a voyage without seeing whales, it can happen. We can’t control wild animals (and we wouldn’t want to!). However, we’re so confident you’ll see one that we offer a $100 guarantee if you don’t see a whale on this tour. That’s how sure we are that you’ll have an incredible experience!
Tour #2: Whales, Wildlife & Drones Tour
The Next-Level Experience
If you’re looking for a more intimate, personalized tour, consider our Whales, Wildlife & Drones Tour. Seats are limited to only 14 guests per voyage, which enables you to enjoy more personal attention than you would on a cruise with 7,000 passengers. You’ll feel like you’re on a private expedition!
Captain Josh has years of experience sailing the waters near Hoonah. He’s a certified drone pilot and is part of a communication network with other captains in the area, so he always knows where the whales are gathering.
The Drone Advantage
Our state-of-the-art drone has a live video feed broadcast directly to the boat, allowing you to see incredible sights under the water like never before. These include orcas gliding gracefully, humpback whales diving deep, bubble-net feeding from above, and much more. It’s like having a window into the whales’ underwater world!
The drones operate at a safe, legal distance that allows us to observe and not disturb the local wildlife of any species. Of course, this feed is only designed to enhance your experience, and there’s still plenty to see without it—we promise the real thing is even more breathtaking!
Your Unique Souvenir
You’ll receive a free digital copy of your tour’s drone footage to help you remember this unforgettable experience. The video is downloaded before we reach the dock, and you’ll get an immediate copy with every booking. We’re the only company in the state of Alaska that offers this amazing service!
If you’re looking for exclusive and unique experiences, are a tech-savvy traveler, want to see the most species (especially those that don’t often surface), or love photography, this is the perfect tour for you. It combines cutting-edge technology with Alaska’s timeless natural beauty.
Tour #3: Sail The Waters Yourself On Our Icy Strait Kayak Adventure
If you’re looking for a quiet and serene tour that lets you experience Alaska’s amazing beauty in an intimate setting, consider our Icy Strait Kayak Adventure. This is where adventure meets tranquility!
You’ll glide silently across the calm waters of Port Frederick with no engine noise, just nature. It’s the most intimate possible way to encounter humpbacks or killer whales anywhere in the world. Imagine being at eye level with these magnificent creatures with nothing but your kayak between you!
Meet Cody Anderson
Your guide on this expedition is Hoonah’s own Cody Anderson. He’s been kayaking in these waters for over 10 years, and he’s a Red Cross-certified EMT, an ACA-certified Guide Instructor, and a certified Lifeguard Instructor. You’re in safe hands with Cody! His knowledge of the area is unmatched, and his passion for these waters is contagious.
What To Expect
Before we set sail, you’ll receive basic instructions about how to paddle a kayak. Don’t worry, this trip is perfect for beginners, novices, experts, and everyone in between! No previous kayaking experience is necessary—just bring your sense of adventure.
We’ll paddle around Pitt Island towards Long Island, and you might see seals, sea lions, humpbacks, blue whales, Beluga whales, Minke whales, killer whales, or gray whales at eye-level. You may also spot other marine life on the water, eagles soaring in the sky, and deer and brown bears on the shore. If we’re really lucky, we might even get to see whales feeding! The silence of the kayak means wildlife often comes closer than they would to a motorized boat.
Behind it all is a stunning mountain backdrop and gorgeous, untouched nature. Majestic creatures in their natural habitats can be found swimming, flying, eating, and simply being themselves. After your adventure, take a free shuttle back to your cruise ship or explore Hoonah and discover this charming village.
This adventure is best for active travelers, adventure seekers, and those who want to enjoy a peaceful, tranquil journey to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Decision Time! How To Choose Your Perfect Tour
Quick Decision Guide
If you’re looking for the highest probability to spot whales (complete with our $100 Guarantee!) in a comfortable chair, you’ll most likely want to try our Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour. It’s perfect for those who want comfort without sacrificing the thrill of whale watching.
If you love technology and want a unique perspective on humpbacks, orca whales, and other marine life, you’ll probably enjoy our Whales, Wildlife, and Drones Tour the most. It’s the best of both worlds—traditional whale watching with a modern twist!
If you’d prefer a thrilling adventure coupled with an intimate look at the untouched natural beauty that only summer in Southeast Alaska can provide, our Kayak Tour is probably your best bet. It’s the ultimate way to feel truly immersed in nature.
What They All Share
There are some traits that all our whale watching tours share. You’ll get an authentic, family-owned-and-operated experience (provided by Hoonah locals!) in a smaller group, which allows for a more personalized adventure. We’re not just tour guides—we’re your neighbors sharing our home with you.
While watching whales, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who has spent years on these waters. They know all the best sites and sights to make sure you have the best possible experience. You’ll also be supporting our local economy, which helps ensure that these Alaska whale watching tours are still around next summer! When you book with us, you’re not just taking a tour—you’re becoming part of the Hoonah community.
See Whales Your Way With Icy Strait Shore Excursions In Beautiful Hoonah
Hoonah Travel Adventures offers three unique and exciting ways to enjoy the best whale watching in all of Alaska from May to September. These authentic local experiences wouldn’t be possible on crowded ships run by large tour companies. Here, you’ll get the personal touch that makes all the difference.
Whether you’re most excited about Alaska whale watching with heated cabins, drone footage, or silently kayaking through pristine waters near the gorgeous Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, we have the perfect Alaska whale watching tour for you. Each option offers something special, so you can choose the experience that speaks to your heart.
Remember to dress in layers and bring your camera! These whale watching tours do sell out fast, especially during summer, so you’ll want to book in advance when possible. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
These intimate, remarkable local experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Select the adventure of your choice and prepare for unforgettable whale encounters near Hoonah! We can’t wait to share our beautiful home with you!
