Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography

If you’re headed to Alaska and want a whale watching experience that feels both personal and breathtaking, then this tour from Hoonah might just be your perfect choice. It’s a 3-hour adventure that promises encounters with humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, and even brown bears, all while capturing stunning drone footage of it all.

Based on numerous enthusiastic reviews, this is a tour that truly stands out—especially for its small-group setting and the unique drone perspective.

We love the way this tour combines authentic wildlife encounters with the novelty of aerial filming—it elevates the typical whale watching trip into a cinematic experience. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and personalized approach make it perfect for travelers who want more than just a boat ride.

The only potential downside? For those with tight schedules, the 3-hour duration might feel a bit short, but for most, it’s just enough time to see plenty and get a good dose of nature.

This tour appeals most to those who appreciate small-group adventures, wildlife photography, and expert guides. If you’re looking for a memorable, camera-ready experience that goes beyond the usual whale watch, this could be your ideal day in Alaska.

This experience made our article of 15 Most Highly Rated Tours & Things To Do In Hoonah.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.
• Drone footage offers a unique aerial perspective of whales and other wildlife.
• Expert guides like Captain Josh are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• The 3-hour duration balances enough time for wildlife viewing without feeling rushed.
• Inclusive USB with drone footage captures your memories professionally.
• Good value for the price, considering the added drone filming and small-group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Watching Experience

Setting the Scene: Hoonah and Icy Strait

Hoonah, a small coastal town with a strong Native Alaska heritage, serves as the launching point for this tour. The waters of Icy Strait are especially popular among marine life, making it a prime location for whale watching. The area is known for its abundant humpback whales, as well as orcas, sea lions, otters, and even bears—if the season and luck align.

What sets this trip apart initially is the size of the vessel—it seats a maximum of 14 passengers, which is a welcome change from the crowded cruise-ship excursions. This smaller boat allows for a more relaxed and flexible experience, giving guides room to move around and make sure everyone gets a good look.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from the Excursions Hub, conveniently located within walking distance from the cruise ship dock at the Adventure Dock or Wilderness Dock. The detailed directions and the partnership with Hoonah Travel Adventures make logistics straightforward.

You’re asked to check in 15 minutes early, which is sensible given the tour departs on time. If your ship is at the Adventure Dock, walking takes about 6-8 minutes; if at Wilderness Dock, you’ll have a 25-minute walk or a quick gondola ride. The ease of access and clear instructions help mitigate the stress often associated with shore excursions.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Once aboard, your captain—often Captain Josh—is your guide for the next three hours. Right from the start, you get a sense of the expertise and enthusiasm he brings. As noted in reviews, Captain Josh has a 100% success rate at finding whales, which is reassuring for wildlife enthusiasts eager for sightings.

Your journey will take you through inland waters of Icy Strait, where the focus is on finding humpback whales feeding, breaching, and diving. When whales are spotted, the captain skillfully positions the boat to give everyone a good view.

Beyond whales, expect to see sea lions, otters, and possibly orcas—the resident killer whales are a particular highlight. Many reviews mention seeing bubble net feeding, tails slapping, and breaching, which are all awe-inspiring sights. One guest recalled seeing bubble feeding and breaching, illustrating the dynamic nature of these encounters.

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The Drone Experience: A Game-Changer

What truly elevates this tour is the presence of a certified drone pilot and powerful filming equipment. As your wildlife viewing unfolds, the captain uses the drone to capture stunning aerial footage of the whales and surrounding landscape.

Guests repeatedly mention how spectacular the drone videos are, often saying they provide a completely different perspective from what’s possible from the boat. Many reviews highlight the quality of the footage, describing it as “unbelievable,” “spectacular,” and “a treasure to keep.”

The drone footage is then compiled into a USB drive, featuring whale scenes, other wildlife, and passenger shots. Several reviewers point out that this adds incredible value, transforming their experience from a simple boat trip into a cinematic memory.

Wildlife Viewing: What You’ll Likely See

Based on the glowing reviews, it’s clear that the tours do a great job of spotting a variety of animals. Guests report seeing humpback whales in feeding or breaching, as well as orcas, which are particularly thrilling. Sea lions and otters often pop up, sometimes right next to the boat or basking on rocks.

One reviewer said, “We saw so many whales, tails, breaching, and bubble net feeding,” emphasizing how dynamic the wildlife activity can be. The guides are praised for their knowledge and patience, explaining the behaviors and ecosystem details, which enhances the experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Personal Touch: Small Group and Knowledgeable Guides

The small boat size is frequently highlighted as a major plus. Guests mention how it feels more intimate, allowing guides to focus on individual questions and give more personalized attention. The crew, especially Captain Josh and his team, are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share their expertise.

This personal approach is often cited as a reason why the tour feels more authentic and less rushed than larger, more commercial options. Many reviews mention how guides go out of their way to find whales and make everyone comfortable, even accommodating special needs or questions.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $255 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest whale watching option available. However, considering the small group size, expert guides, and the drone footage, many reviewers agree it offers great value. They point out that the professional drone videos are an extraordinary keepsake and justify the price.

Several guests noted that the quality of the experience—from the wildlife sightings to the personalized service—made it worth every penny. Plus, the USB of footage is a tangible memory that many cherish long after their trip.

Accessibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding a layer of flexibility. For those concerned about timing, the tours are typically available in the morning and afternoon, giving options to fit your schedule. As it’s a live tour with an English-speaking guide, language barriers shouldn’t be an issue.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion suits travelers who value small-group intimacy, wildlife photography, and professional filming. It’s perfect if you’re eager for close-up encounters with whales and other animals, and want to capture the moment from above in incredible drone footage. Nature lovers who appreciate expert guides and a relaxed atmosphere will find it particularly rewarding.

It’s also an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized, memorable day on the water. If your priority is seeing a variety of wildlife and getting high-quality videos to remember your trip, this tour will likely exceed expectations.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, a duration that balances ample wildlife viewing with comfort.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation from the dock, a 3-hour wildlife watching cruise, soft drinks and snacks, drone filming of the wildlife, and a USB drive with all the drone footage.

Where does the tour meet?
It departs from the Excursions Hub at the Adventure Center, with clear directions provided. If your ship is at Wilderness Dock, you can walk or take a gondola.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the small size and relaxed pace make it suitable for most ages. However, check the weather and your group’s mobility when planning.

What wildlife will I likely see?
Guests often see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, and possibly bears. The guides are skilled at locating animals and explaining their behaviors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

How good is the drone footage?
The drone videos are highly praised for their quality, providing a unique aerial view that most other tours do not offer.

Is the boat comfortable?
While specific boat details aren’t given, reviews suggest a comfortable vessel with a maximum of 14 passengers, ensuring a less crowded experience.

What’s the main advantage of this tour?
Beyond wildlife sightings, it’s the combination of small-group intimacy, expert guiding, and aerial drone footage—making it a standout in Alaska whale watching.

Final Thoughts

This Hoonah whale watching tour offers a balance of wildlife encounter, expert guidance, and innovative drone filming that few other excursions can match. The smaller boat size means you’ll feel less like a number and more like a guest on an adventure. The drone footage isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a genuinely impressive added value that turns your trip into a cinematic keepsake.

If you’re someone who loves taking photos, appreciates wildlife, and values personalized service, this tour will leave you with memories—and videos—that last a lifetime. It’s a pretty special way to see Alaska’s marine life and capture the scenery from above.

For travelers seeking a more authentic, intimate, and visually stunning whale watching experience, this tour is highly recommended. It’s a worthwhile investment for those who want the best chance of seeing whales up close while also walking away with professional drone footage that captures the magic from a different perspective.

In summary, this tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager for a smaller, more personal experience. With expert guides and stunning drone footage, it offers real value and unforgettable memories at a fair price. If you’re visiting Icy Strait and want to make the most of your marine adventure, this is one trip you won’t regret.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby