Shore Excursions Group
Private Premier Whale Watching
Private Premier Whale Watching
Built for speed and comfort, travel in a boat perfect for Alaskan sailing with spacious viewing decks and heated cabins, allowing you to stay warm and dry as you take in the wonder that the northernmost state has to offer.
Your private tour begins when as you are picked up at the Excursions Hub at Icy Strait Point, a privately-owned property of the Huna Totem Corporation located in Hoonah, Alaska. Make a scenic drive along Shaman Point to the Hoonah City Commercial Dock where your exclusive charter boat will be waiting. Along the way you may spot some of the local wildlife including Bald Eagles, Black tail Deer and more.
Take to the waters of this beautiful and natural place, board the boat and leave from Hoonah Harbor. While traveling along the shorelines, sightings of bears, deer, coastal ducks and geese, blue heron, puffin, swans, terns, cormorants and more are common.
In the water you may get a chance to spot humpback, orca, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals. Humpback whales come to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait every summer in huge numbers before migrating south again in the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May and stay through September.
Humpback whales are large baleen whales that can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 30-50 tons. They are perhaps most famous for their whale songs, thought to be used by males as a mating call. Humpbacks are amazingly active and typical whale sightings will include diving, blows, and flukes (tails). Lucky whale-watchers may get to see breaching, bubble-net feeding, a cooperative feeding method where a pod forms a circle and dives under the water. They then blow air to create a wall of bubbles that force krill and plankton to the surface where the whales can eat them. Observing humpbacks practice bubble-net feeding is a real treat and a truly thrilling experience.
Your custom designed boat is ideal to experience the wonder and beauty of this area’s whale watching population. Return to the docks and transfer back to Icy Strait Point with plenty of time to board your ship or explore downtown Hoonah when your amazing and unforgettable day on the water is complete.
Please Note: The boats available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 18 and 30 guests maximum. Please take this information into consideration when booking.
| Day 1 |
Icy Strait, Alaska, is a hidden gem for adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Nestled between the rugged coastlines of the Inside Passage and the stunning wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, Icy Strait offers unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife encounters. This remote destination is ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors, with opportunities for whale watching, fishing, and hiking through pristine landscapes. The area's primary town, Hoonah, is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska and provides a rich cultural experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tlingit traditions by visiting local art galleries and cultural centers. The Hoonah Cultural Center, for example, showcases traditional Tlingit crafts and offers insight into the community’s history and heritage. Additionally, the town is known for its friendly atmosphere and charming small-town feel, perfect for exploring on foot. One of Icy Strait’s standout attractions is the world’s largest zipline, the Icy Strait Point ZipRider. Soar over the treetops with breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and forests. For a more tranquil experience, consider a scenic floatplane tour that offers stunning aerial views of the glaciers, mountains, and ocean. A fun fact about Icy Strait is that it is one of the prime locations in Alaska to witness the migration of humpback whales, with peak sightings occurring from late June through September. This natural spectacle is a highlight for many visitors. For the best experience, plan your visit during the summer months when the weather is milder and wildlife sightings are at their peak. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/03/22 - 05/15/27 |
Starting At $249 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to get in and out of all transportation. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
