Board Captain Josh’s custom 14-passenger boat from Hoonah for a 3-hour Icy Strait outing that pairs close-up whale viewing with professional drone footage you keep. Expect reliable humpback sightings, sea lions, otters and a strong dose of coastal Alaskan geology and Tlingit history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips from Hoonah’s harbor and the sound of the engine becomes a promise — open water, islands, and the high arcing blows of humpbacks ahead. Salt wind cuts through your layers and the aft rail offers a stage: otters pop their heads like punctuation, Steller sea lions jostle on rocky ledges, and the captain scans for the telltale tail slaps that mark feeding whales.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to climb a short gangway and stay steady on a moving boat.
Wildlife
History
Hoonah is a contemporary Tlingit community with roots in coastal harvesting; the town’s maritime economy has long centered on fishing and boat travel.
Conservation
Operators follow distance and disturbance guidelines; drone flights are managed to minimize stress on animals and visitors are urged to pack out waste and avoid approaching wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for changeable weather
Temperatures can shift quickly on the water — wear a warm base and a waterproof outer layer.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Even calm days can be bumpy; take meds before boarding if you’re prone to seasickness.
Use binoculars and a telephoto lens
Binoculars help spot blows and surface behavior; a 200mm+ lens captures action without crowding wildlife.
Listen to the captain’s distance rules
Maintain the distance the captain sets to avoid stressing animals and to follow NOAA guidelines.
Waterproof shell jacket
Wind and spray protection keeps you comfortable on deck.
summer
Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
Traps heat when wind cuts through; easy to remove if it warms up.
spring
Binoculars or telephoto camera lens
Essential for spotting blows and capturing behavior from respectful distances.
Motion-sickness medication or wristbands
Useful if you’re prone to seasickness on choppy open water.