Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, United States
Hoonah, United States

Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour

Outty Ranking 81 5.0 · 318 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $320
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 318 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour worth booking?

Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour is a 3-hour experience in Hoonah, United States, from $320 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 318 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
5/5 (318)
Duration
3 hours
From
$320 per person

Your experience is very unique because it is on a specifically designed whale watching boat. There will be only up to 13 guests aboard so there is plenty of room inside and out for everyone. Your experienced captain is a local resident with a great deal of knowledge of the wildlife and area, and lots of good stories to tell. Our tour length ensures that you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beauty of our area and the incredible wildlife. We’ve been sharing our part of the world with enthusiastic guests for over 25 years and would love to share it with you, too.

What you get

    About this experience

    Your experience is very unique because it is on a specifically designed whale watching boat. There will be only up to 13 guests aboard so there is plenty of room inside and out for everyone. Your experienced captain is a local resident with a great deal of knowledge of the wildlife and area, and lots of good stories to tell. Our tour length ensures that you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beauty of our area and the incredible wildlife. We’ve been sharing our part of the world with enthusiastic guests for over 25 years and would love to share it with you, too.

    What's included

    Included

    • Snacks
    • On-board restrooms

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hoonah

      We will meet you at the Excursions Hub and transport you in our van to Hoonah (a 5-minute drive), where you will board the boat for your whale and wildlife tour. After returning to the harbor, you'll be met by the van and driven back to Icy Strait Point.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Hoonah

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    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 13 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Glacier Wind Charters, LLC

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • We have a minimum age of 9 years old.

    Photos

    Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, photo 2Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, photo 3Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, photo 4Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 318 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    318 verified traveler reviews for Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    313
    4 star
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    Broomcrew · September 2026

    Best excursion in Alaska!

    This was our favorite excursion we did in Alaska! Glacier Wind Charters was easy to communicate with and book directly with. Casey was our captain and he had so much knowledge about the wildlife we saw (orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, eagles, porpoises, otters). You could also tell that he enjoys his job and enjoyed seeing the wildlife as much as we did. His mom was our van driver who picked us up at the excursion hub at Icy Strait Point and drove us back to the port. She was a wonderful and kind guide on land. I HIGHLY recommend booking with Glacier Wind Charters!

    Response from the operator: We are honored to be your favorite Alaskan excursion! Thank you for taking the time to share about your great experience with everything! We appreciate your recommendation.

    via Tripadvisor

    F6985LFemilyb · September 2026

    Best experience visiting at Icy Straight cruise port

    We had the BEST time!! This family owned and operated group provided an amazing experience! They were easy to find, easy to board and provided so much insight throughout the adventure! They knew what they were doing and allowed us to see so many whales, otters and bears!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!

    Response from the operator: So glad you had an amazing time with us! Getting to see whales, otters, and bears was very cool! Thank you for your high recommendation, it means a lot to our family.

    via Tripadvisor

    HikeTheUSA · September 2026

    Saw many whales and took many great pictures

    As someone with health issues, is was nice that a bathroom was available. Also like that seats are only two deep, so my view was never blocked. Crew was very helpful pointing out whales for me to take pictures, also good hot chocolate on board. Will use again on next visit to Icy Straight Point.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for all your kind words! We’d love to see you again, and are very glad you were able to always see the whales!

    via Tripadvisor

    hollyc974 · September 2026

    SMALL GROUP tour on NEW custom-built boat with walk-around outside deck!

    We booked this "small group" whale and wildlife excursion for when our Virgin Voyages cruise was docked at Icy Strait Point for the day. We reserved it for the 2 of us about a month in advance. We enjoyed the experience from the moment we were picked up in the van by Teresa til the end when we were dropped back off (right near our cruise ship). The boat they took us our on was designed specifically for whale/wildlife tours with an ourdoor deck that you could walk the whole way around! This boat was only less that 6 months old! There was plenty of room for everyone on board (13 passengers) - whether we were on the outside deck or riding inside in our comfortable seats. Every passenger could always have a great view without feeling crowded. Captain Casey was extremely knowledgeable and kept in contact with other boats so he knew where the best sightings were. He spoke very well on the microphone (great sound system inside the boat) and his insights and stories were very much appreciated! Katelyn was our First Mate and she was also very friendly and knowledgeable! It was a nice touch to enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate as we cruised back to port. We got to see pods of humpback whales 'bubble feeding' and in another area we saw Orcas/Killer Whales! We also saw a cute sea otter floating on it's back and Captain Casey knew just how to navigate close by him while not disturbing his relaxation! I was so grateful for our perfect small boat with personable, friendly staff as opposed to the big groups we saw where 40+ passengers who seemed to be packed in like sardines and only a small percentage could actually be at the railing looking at the wildlife while the others were behind them 3 or 4 people deep - trying to see. BOOK YOUR WHALE TOUR WITH Glacier Wind Charters! You won't regret it!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing so many positive details about your tour with us! We’re glad you loved the boat design and small group. It really makes a difference!

    via Tripadvisor

    gregoryfI4184DH · September 2026

    Wonderful day of whale and bear watching.

    Wonderful day with Casey. Beautiful weather. Even though we did not see as many whales we saw on a previous trip, it still was a wonderful day. Also saw whales and a mama brown bear with three cubs.

    Response from the operator: We are glad your day was wonderful! Glad you got to see the whales and even bears!! Thanks for joining us again and taking the time to post a great review for us!

    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
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    111
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 81

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)99
    Review evidence (18% weight)94
    Booking momentum (14% weight)93
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)83
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $320 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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour 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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 318 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Hoonah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour?

    +

    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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour 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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour?

    +

    Around 111 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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour 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, Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point, "Catch of the day" Whale-watching, Icy strait point, Hoonah. 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.

    What is included in Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour?

    +

    Included: Snacks; and On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Hoonah. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour?

    +

    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.

    Is Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour?

    +

    Across 318 reviews averaging 5.0 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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