
Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 487 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point worth booking?
Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point is a 3-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $225 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 487 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (487)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $225 per person
Embark on a small-group, 3-hour whale watching and wildlife sightseeing tour from Hoonah, Alaska in our custom built vessels with heated cabins and restroom. Every season humpback whales come in large numbers to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait before migrating south again for the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May, and stays through September.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a small-group, 3-hour whale watching and wildlife sightseeing tour from Hoonah, Alaska in our custom built vessels with heated cabins and restroom. Every season humpback whales come in large numbers to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait before migrating south again for the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May, and stays through September.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Local guide
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hoonah Travel Adventures LLC
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name
- Departure times are dependent upon arrival and departure of your cruise ship
- No smoking allowed
- If your ship is docked at the Adventure/Ocean Landing Dock, proceed ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Once inside the Adventure Center walk through the building and exit through door number “2”. (This is clearly marked). Follow the signs on the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time is 6-8 minutes, please allow extra time if you are not a slower walker. We ask that you check in for your tour 15 minutes early and we leave on time.
- If your ship is docked at the Wilderness Dock, walk up the dock and to the right. Ride the Green Transporter Gondola(4 minute ride) to the Adventure Landing. Exit left and follow the signs to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time if you ride the free dock to dock Gondola is 6-8 minutes, please allow extra time if you are a slower walker. We ask that you check in for your tour 15 minutes early and we leave on time.
- There is NO WIFI or Cell Service at the port area. You will NOT Be able to pull up your email or see you reservation online. Print your connecting instructions!!!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 487 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
487 verified traveler reviews for Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent Whale Tale
Saw 4 diff whales and got great photos!!! Staff was very personable and shared interesting info and stories about the whales, area, and culture. Excellent experience!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed
Captain and guide were very nice and informative. Overall experience was disappointing, only had 1 encounter and that was a quite a distance. We could see many blows from a distance but never got close enough to see the whales. It should be noted that our tour was at the very end of the season so I’m guessing we shouldn’t have expected any more than we got, certainly was not worth the $450 we paid. Also, the included “snacks” was a joke, a very tiny Biscoff cookie.
via Viator
This was one of the...
This was one of the highlights of our Alaska trip! We were so lucky to see so many humpback whales during the Hoonah Whale Watching Cruise. There were whales appearing again and again around the boat, and it was such an incredible experience to watch them in their natural environment. We even got to see sea lions too, which was such a fun surprise! 🐋🦭 The scenery around Icy Strait Point was beautiful as well, and being out on the water surrounded by Alaska’s amazing landscape made the experience even more special. The crew was friendly, helpful, and clearly knew where to look for the wildlife. Everything was well organized and we felt very comfortable throughout the trip. We had an unforgettable time and would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Icy Strait Point. Seeing so many whales and sea lions was definitely one of our favorite memories from Alaska! ❤️
via Viator
A truly memorable experience
Magnificent trip at Icy Strait Point. Captain Denise was extremely knowledgeable and also shared lots of her local native knowledge along the way. The naturalist Annalise had lots of great info. Boat was not too big and we had lots of space. We saw humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters and many sea birds. We even followed a pod of orcas for quite some time. On our way back Denise spotted brown bears on the shore and swung the boat around so we could get a closer look, truly amazing experience. I would highly recommend.
via Viator
Great Tour
Denise was a great guide. The water was very rough but we were still able to see whales. The boat handled the waves very well.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 170
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoonah.
How much does Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point cost?
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Prices start at $225 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-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point take?
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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-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 487 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point suitable for kids and families?
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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-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point?
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Around 170 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?
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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-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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, Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point?
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Included: Private transportation; Local guide; Snacks; and All Fees and Taxes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Hoonah. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point?
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Across 487 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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