Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

Taking a whale watching tour in Alaska is often considered a must-do for wildlife lovers, and this particular experience out of Hoonah promises more than just your average boat ride. With a dedicated focus on seeing humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, and even bears, combined with the innovative addition of professional drone footage, this trip aims to give you a multi-layered perspective on Alaska’s wild waters.

What sets this tour apart? First, the small vessel experience—only 14 passengers—means you’ll enjoy a more intimate, less crowded adventure. Second, the live drone filming offers a stunning aerial view of the wildlife, making it a trip that appeals to those eager for both close-up encounters and impressive overhead footage.

However, a potential consideration is that this tour is quite popular, often booked 124 days in advance, and it may not suit travelers looking for last-minute bookings or those with very tight schedules. Still, if you’re passionate about wildlife and appreciate personalized service, this trip is a prime choice.

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone wanting a deep, authentic experience with Alaska’s marine life—especially if you’re keen on capturing captivating drone footage to remember your trip by.

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

Key Points

• Small-group setting offers a more personal, less crowded experience.
• Expert guide provides insightful commentary that enhances wildlife spotting.
• Drone footage adds a unique aerial perspective to the wildlife encounters.
• High success rate—Captain Josh has a 100% track record of spotting humpback whales.
• Inclusive amenities: snacks, drinks, and a USB drive with drone footage.
• Three-hour duration balances ample wildlife viewing with comfort.

An Authentic and Well-Organized Alaska Wildlife Tour

The experience begins with a pickup option at Icy Strait Point, which makes logistics a breeze, especially for cruise passengers or those unfamiliar with the area. The meeting point at 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah places you right in the heart of this small Alaskan town, offering easy access and a chance to soak in local surroundings before departure.

The vessel is a custom-built, 14-passenger boat designed primarily for optimal wildlife viewing. This small size means fewer passengers competing for space, and the boat’s interior and exterior decks are set up to give you excellent views from all angles. This is a stark contrast to larger tour boats that can feel crowded and impersonal.

The itinerary involves heading out into Icy Strait, a renowned wildlife corridor, where Captain Josh actively searches for whales and other creatures. From the reviews, it’s clear that his success in locating humpbacks is impressive—many travelers mention that he works hard to get close to the whales and fishes for the best viewing points.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Live Drone Footage—An Unmatched Perspective

The tour’s standout feature is the professional filmography drone. During the 3-hour trip, the drone is deployed to film whales and other wildlife from above, providing a breathtaking aerial view that’s impossible to get from the boat alone. Travelers rave about the quality of the footage, with one reviewer noting, “Drone footage was amazing,” and another saying, “Seeing what was really happening from the air made the whole thing that much better.”

This addition means you can watch whales from the deck and later relive the experience through the USB drive provided to each group. Many comments highlight how the drone captures mother-calf interactions, breaches, and pod movements—adding a dynamic layer to the wildlife encounter.

Personalized Service and Expert Guidance

With Captain Josh at the helm, you’ll find a guide who is knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated. Several reviews mention his ability to spot whales—including bubble net feeding behaviors—and his engaging commentary that enriches the experience. One guest exclaimed, “He worked hard to put us close to humpbacks and orcas,” emphasizing the guide’s commitment.

A Rich Variety of Wildlife

Beyond whales, expect to see sea otters, seals, bald eagles, and even bears—if luck and conditions permit. Multiple reviews mention seeing two cubs, sea lions, and bears, making this a well-rounded wildlife experience. The tour’s success rate in finding whales (100%) gives travelers confidence that they’ll see plenty of marine mammals and birds.

Amenities and Extras

Snacks and soda are included, along with a USB drive of drone footage. Although some travelers noted that snacks weren’t immediately available on the boat, crew members are happy to provide snacks like granola bars or rice crispy treats if asked. The small group size and private vibe mean everyone gets a good view and personal attention.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your 3 Hours

Departure from Icy Strait Point: After meeting at the designated spot, you’ll board the custom vessel, which is designed for comfort and great viewing.

Wildlife Search: Captain Josh actively searches for whales, which he has a 100% success rate with—meaning you’re very likely to see humpbacks and possibly orcas. As the boat moves through the water, you’ll be able to choose between outdoor decks and a protected, comfortable cabin for viewing, depending on weather conditions.

Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see whales breaching, spyhopping, and tail slapping. Reviewers mention witnessing calves playing and whales bubble net feeding, a rare and fascinating behavior. Alongside marine mammals, views of sea lions, otters, eagles, and bears add to the variety.

Drone Filming: When wildlife is spotted, the drone is deployed for overhead footage. This part of the experience is seamlessly integrated to not interfere with the wildlife or the viewing from the boat.

Return and USB delivery: After roughly three hours, you’ll head back to port, ending with a USB drive filled with the drone footage—great for sharing or reminiscing.

Price and Value Analysis

At $242 per person, this tour offers a premium wildlife viewing experience with very tangible extras—especially the drone footage—which many find to be worth the cost. The small group size and personalized guiding also enhance the overall value, making it feel less like a generic cruise and more like an exclusive adventure.

When considering value, many reviews highlight the quality of sightings and the professionalism of Captain Josh. Given the success rate and the added drone perspective, this tour provides a memorable, high-quality experience that justifies the price for wildlife enthusiasts.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who value intimate wildlife encounters, enjoy a personalized experience, and want unique photo opportunities. It suits photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Those who appreciate expert guides and immersive experiences will find this trip particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

This Alaska whale watching tour out of Hoonah stands out as a top-tier wildlife adventure, combining expert guidance, small-group intimacy, and cutting-edge drone footage. The chance to see humpbacks, orcas, bears, and more in their natural habitat, all while capturing aerial shots, makes it a memorable choice.

The tour’s emphasis on authentic encounters and personalized service ensures you’ll get more than just a boat ride—you’ll get a genuine connection with Alaska’s stunning marine life. Its high success rate and positive reviews all point to a reliable, value-packed experience that’s well worth planning ahead for.

If wildlife, photography, and the thrill of discovery appeal, this tour is designed for you. It’s perfect for those seeking an up-close, interactive, and breathtaking Alaskan adventure that combines marine magic with a touch of modern technology.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, providing enough time to see a variety of wildlife without feeling rushed.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easier to access the meeting point at Icy Strait Point.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, soda, and a USB drive with drone footage are included. The boat itself is designed for comfort and good viewing.

What wildlife might I see?
You can expect to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and possibly bears.

How successful is the tour at finding whales?
Captain Josh boasts a 100% success rate with spotting humpback whales on his tours.

Are there indoor and outdoor viewing options?
Yes, the boat has both sheltered and open decks, allowing for comfortable viewing in various weather conditions.

Can I book last minute?
Generally, the tour is booked about 124 days in advance, so last-minute bookings might be difficult.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. If you love wildlife and unique viewing experiences, this is a great fit.

This whale watching adventure offers a well-rounded, memorable glimpse into Alaska’s rich marine life, especially for those who cherish authentic encounters paired with cutting-edge technology like drone filming.