Hoonah is a standout port for Alaska cruise travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. Its prime location on Icy Strait makes it an ideal jumping-off point for immersive excursions.
Among the options, the Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour offers a close-up with humpback whales and other marine life, while the Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We’re going on a bear hunt! provides an intimate look at brown bears and native wildlife.
We particularly like the whale tour for its combination of easy logistics and impressive wildlife sightings, and the bear hunt for its chance to see these iconic predators in their natural habitat. Both tours highlight Alaska’s rich biodiversity and promise memorable moments.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover two top-rated shore excursions from Hoonah. The first is a whale watching tour that focuses on spotting humpbacks, sea otters, and seals in the nutrient-rich Icy Strait. The second is a small group bear hunt where you’ll explore “Bear Island” and have high chances of seeing brown bears along with eagles and other native animals.
Both experiences include transportation from your cruise ship and are tailored for different interests—marine mammals or land predators. Now, let’s dive into the details of each.
1. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
At number 1 on our list is the Icy Strait Whale Watching Adventure. For around $326.45 per person, this roughly three-hour tour offers a fantastic chance to see humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-dense waters of Glacier Bay. The tour includes round-trip transportation from the Icy Strait Point docks, making logistics smooth and straightforward—no need to worry about extra planning.
Upon boarding a small, comfortable boat, you’ll join a knowledgeable crew that shares insights on the local flora and fauna, including orcas, sea otters, and seals.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of wildlife viewing and cultural storytelling. The captain, from the Tlingit nation, enriches the experience with stories from native tradition, adding an authentic touch to your wildlife adventure.
During the summer months (May to September), humpbacks are very active, often diving, blowing, and flipping their tails—spectacles that are hard to beat. The boat provides onboard restrooms, snacks, and water, adding to the comfort of the trip.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable crew, the close whale encounters, and the opportunity to see sea otters and sea lions at shorter distances.
Bottom line: If you’re after a reliable, well-organized outing with chances to see multiple species, this tour offers great value. It’s perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn and observe without complicated logistics.
2. Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We’re going on a bear hunt!
Taking the second spot is the Bear Hunt tour, priced at about $380 per person for approximately four hours. This small group tour aims to maximize your chances of seeing brown bears, known as the “king of the island.” Hoonah’s nearby “Bear Island” is famed for having the highest concentration of brown bears in the world, with 1-2 bears per square mile.
The tour includes round-trip transportation and stops at key points based on current bear movements, feeding habits, and weather conditions, allowing for highly targeted wildlife viewing.
This trip offers a rich experience beyond just bear sightings. You’ll explore edible berries, muskeg, and old-growth forests, gaining insight into both the natural environment and Tlingit native culture. Guides share valuable information about the area’s ecosystems and native populations, making it ideal for those interested in both wildlife and local history.
Reviews highlight the informative nature of the guides and the intimate experience of traveling in a small group, which makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.
While sightings are not guaranteed, the area’s dense bear population makes this one of the best places on earth to observe these majestic animals. The tour also often encounters other wildlife like eagles, mink, and marten, adding variety to the day.
Bottom line: This excursion is suited for adventurous travelers eager for a chance to see brown bears in the wild. It offers a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, though it requires patience and a bit of luck with wildlife sightings.
How to Choose Between the Tours
Choosing the right excursion depends on your personal interests and travel style. If you’re captivated by marine life like whales, sea otters, and seals, the Whale Watching Adventure provides a reliable, engaging experience. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see humpbacks in action.
On the other hand, if land-based wildlife excites you and you’re comfortable with the possibility of a longer, slightly more rugged experience, the Bear Hunt offers a chance to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. It’s best suited for those who enjoy adventure and photography.
In choosing, consider your budget, as the whale tour is slightly less expensive, and your physical comfort—marine trips tend to be smoother, whereas land excursions may involve some trekking or bumpy rides. Booking early is recommended since these popular tours fill up quickly during peak season, especially in summer months.
Final Thoughts
Hoonah offers a wonderful range of wildlife-focused excursions that cater to different interests. The whale watching tour provides a fantastic, comfortable way to see Alaska’s marine giants, while the bear hunt gives a more rugged, intimate experience with one of the most iconic predators.
Both tours promise unforgettable moments—just pick the wildlife that fascinates you most and book early to secure your spot. Alaska’s wilderness waits for no one, and these tours are your best bets to see it firsthand.