Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah
Hoonah, United States

Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait

Outty Ranking 79 5.0 · 191 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $314

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$314
View availability on Viator

Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 191 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait worth booking?

Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait is a 3-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $314 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 191 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
79 / 100
Rating
5/5 (191)
Duration
3 hours
From
$314 per person

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 to

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Light refreshments
    • Local guide
    • Driver/guide
    • Snacks
    • Port pickup and drop-off
    • Local taxes
    • Tea and coffee

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hoonah Whale Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Humpback whales bubble net feedingHoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah, photo 3Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah, photo 4Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah, photo 5Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah, photo 6Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait in Hoonah, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 189 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    189 verified traveler reviews for Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    186
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    tmichele2020 · August 2026

    Much better than cruise excursions!

    What an incredible experience! From the moment of pick up to the moment of drop off, we had a great time. We saw orcas, humpbacks, purposes, and sea otters. Do not hesitate to book with this tour operator. They are wonderful! The cruise excursions had so many people, and we were lucky to only have 9.

    via Tripadvisor

    brandon_p · August 2026

    Best excursion I have been on!

    This was the absolute highlight of our Alaskan vacation! We saw whales bubble feeding and they were so incredibly close. The boat was so nice and clean. The captain was personable and safe. Just an all around amazing time.

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your kind review!

    via Viator

    daverV1221YW · August 2026

    Awesome whale watch that could be 6 stars.

    We had a great time! Their new boat is amazing! We were told Captain Jordan spent hours on the boat design to get exactly what he wanted so it would be the best client focused whale watch boat on the water. So why only 4 stars? I mean this in a positive way to suggest 1 improvement. It's obvious Captain Jordan has years of experiences on the water along with being a son of a commercial fisherman I have to believe he has so many stories he could pass on. I'm not saying tell a tall tale. What I am saying is that during the time we spend motoring to and from the whale watch areas I think passengers would enjoy hearing him speak about his time on the water and to also hear more about what the whales and other marine life habits are.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review!

    via Tripadvisor

    bo8bo8 · August 2026

    Superb Whale & Orca Watching

    The Hoonah Whale Tours trip was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise for our group of 6. The family owned business was top notch and the touring boat was comfortable and state of the art. Pick up and drop off was seamless. The smaller group allowed us to interact with the Captain more and move closer to the fascinating whale and orca activity. Would take this tour again. Thank you!

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your kind review! Glad it was a good time

    via Tripadvisor

    kathaleenb2019 · August 2026

    Seeing six whales breaching together so close you felt like you could touch them

    It was amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Great people and great hosts

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the review!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    67
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)86
    Booking momentum (14% weight)83
    Value for money (12% weight)57
    Listing quality (10% weight)84
    Local standing (8% weight)83
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoonah.

    How much does Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait cost?

    +

    Prices start at $314 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hoonah usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hoonah is not rushed.

    Is Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 191 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait?

    +

    Around 67 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hoonah can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hoonah and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hoonah within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Hoonah?

    +

    Hoonah, AK packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Hoonah by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Hoonah experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Tours, "Catch of the day" Whale-watching, Icy strait point, Hoonah, Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Hoonah?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Hoonah, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Hoonah?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait.

    Pick your date