Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

Whales are only half the show here. This three-hour trip into Icy Strait pairs close boat-based wildlife viewing with aerial drone footage, giving you a rare look at humpback whales moving through their full surroundings. I especially like the 14-passenger boat, which avoids the crowding and blocked views common on large cruise excursions, and the USB drive of drone footage, which gives you a lasting record of what you saw.

Captain Josh leads the trip and provides the commentary, with first mate Jamie assisting on some departures. The small boat offers indoor and outdoor viewing, and the crew works hard to find humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and sometimes bears. The main caution is weather: fog can limit both visibility and drone use, even when the crew is doing everything possible.

Key Details Before You Book

• A 14-passenger boat keeps the viewing personal: You can move between the front, back, indoor, and outdoor areas instead of peering over rows of people.

• Captain Josh provides the local eye: He has been praised for spotting whales early, explaining what you are seeing, and adjusting the route toward active wildlife.

• The drone changes the scale of the experience: From the boat, you see a whale surface. From above, you may see the whole animal, its calf, or an entire pod moving through the water.

• Icy Strait is the main stage: The trip searches for humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, porpoises, bears, and eagles rather than following a fixed sightseeing route.

• Plan carefully around your cruise ship: Check-in is at the Excursion Hub, and you need to arrive 15 minutes early because the boat leaves on time.

• Weather matters more than any promise of wildlife: Humpbacks are regularly found, but fog can reduce visibility and prevent the drone from flying.

Why This Small Boat Makes Such a Big Difference

At $249 per person, this is not the cheapest port activity. The price buys something specific, though: a maximum of 14 passengers, Captain Josh’s direct commentary, a purpose-built viewing boat, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks as listed, and aerial footage to take home.

I think the group size is the strongest part of the value. A large ship excursion can put hundreds of people on one boat, with limited access to the rail and plenty of heads in your way. Here, you have room to shift from the front to the rear viewing area and step inside if the weather turns unpleasant. Several people who have taken other whale watches rated this small-group format far higher.

The boat is designed for wildlife watching, not simply transportation. You can watch from outside when conditions are pleasant, then retreat indoors without ending the outing. That flexibility matters in Southeast Alaska, where a calm start can become wet, cold, or foggy.

You should still judge the price against your own priorities. If you mainly want a short ride on the water, a less costly option may suit you. If you want a quieter boat, direct access to the captain, and a video souvenir made during the trip, the added cost is easier to defend.

Finding the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point

The meeting point is Icy Strait Point, at 108 Cannery Road in Hoonah. The location is straightforward once you know which dock your cruise ship uses, but the walk can take longer than expected if you are unfamiliar with the port.

From the Adventure Dock, go ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Walk through the building, leave through door number 2, and follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The walk takes about six to eight minutes.

From the Wilderness Dock, walking to the Adventure Center takes about 25 minutes. You can also use the Transporter Gondola, which takes about three minutes, then follow the signs to the Excursion Hub. At the hub, look for the driver holding an orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. That advice is not decorative. The operator says the boat leaves on time, and a late arrival could mean missing the entire outing. Allow extra time if you walk slowly or need to transfer from the ship by shuttle or gondola.

Pickup is offered, and the activity returns to the meeting point after the three-hour outing. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the tour is offered in English.

Heading Into Icy Strait With Captain Josh

Once everyone is aboard, the trip heads out into Icy Strait in search of active wildlife. There is no fixed list of stops because animals move, feeding areas change, and the captain must respond to what is happening on the water.

This flexible route is important. Captain Josh is not simply taking you to a marked viewpoint and waiting for something to appear. He uses local knowledge to look for signs of humpbacks and other marine life, then positions the boat for viewing. People who have taken this trip describe him spotting whales before anyone else on board did.

His commentary adds meaning to the sightings. A back or fin at the surface can be easy to miss when you do not know what to watch for. The crew helps direct your attention, explains the activity, and keeps the trip moving when one area is quiet.

The operator reports a 100 percent success rate for finding humpback whales. That is a strong claim, but it does not mean every outing delivers the same number of whales, the same behaviors, or perfect viewing conditions. The number of sightings can vary, and fog may hide animals that are close by.

Humpbacks, Orcas, Otters, and More

Humpback whales are the main target, and the sightings described on this tour can be remarkable. Possible encounters include whales surfacing, breaching, traveling with calves, or bubble-net feeding. Bubble-net feeding is especially memorable because several whales work together to corral fish before rising through the water.

Orcas may appear in pods, while porpoises can move quickly through the water and may require sharp eyes. Sea lions and harbor seals add activity closer to the surface, and sea otters can appear in large groups. One outing included an impressive number of otters, while others included eagles and coastal brown bears.

Bears are not guaranteed, and the same is true of every species except the operator’s stated humpback success rate. You should think of the trip as a search for wild animals, not a staged performance. The reward is that the behavior is real and unpredictable.

That unpredictability can work both ways. On one outing, fog allowed only limited whale viewing, with seals and otters providing extra sightings. On another, the boat encountered several humpbacks, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and bears. The captain may work hard and still be limited by visibility and animal movement.

What the Drone Adds

The drone is the tour’s unusual feature. While you watch wildlife from the boat, the crew can launch a professional filmography drone and record the animals from above. You may first see a mother and calf near the surface, then later watch footage showing how they moved through the water.

That second angle is more than a gimmick. From boat level, a whale can appear as a back, a blow, or a tail. From above, you may see the animal’s full body, its direction of travel, the spacing between pod members, and the shape of the surrounding water.

The footage also lets you put down your camera. Instead of trying to frame every breach or tail slap, you can watch the encounter and rely on the supplied video for a record afterward. That is a real benefit in a moving boat, where perfect photographs are difficult.

The footage is provided on a USB drive, one per group. It may also be sent directly to phones, depending on the arrangement at the end of the trip. One useful limitation to understand is that the package focuses on video footage, not necessarily a separate collection of still photographs.

Drone operation depends on conditions. Fog, wind, or other poor weather can prevent the aircraft from flying. In that case, the crew may still share footage from another day, but you should not book this solely on the assumption that aerial filming is guaranteed on your departure.

Indoor Comfort and Outdoor Viewing

The boat gives you more than one way to watch. The outdoor areas provide the clearest connection to the water and make it easier to hear the sounds of whales, birds, and the boat itself. The indoor area offers shelter when rain, cold, or spray becomes tiring.

Dress in layers. Even if Hoonah feels mild at the dock, the open water can feel colder, and you may spend long periods standing outside while waiting for a whale to surface. You can move indoors, but you will want waterproof outer clothing and comfortable shoes for the boat.

The small capacity also helps with sightlines. You are not locked into one seat or competing with a giant crowd for a glimpse. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator for current details before booking, since the supplied information says most people can participate but does not give a full accessibility description.

Snacks, soda, and other non-alcoholic drinks are listed as included. One piece of feedback reported that no snacks or drinks were available on that particular trip, so I would bring a small personal supply rather than depend entirely on the onboard offering. That is especially sensible if you have children or dietary needs.

A Three-Hour Port Excursion That Needs Careful Timing

The tour lasts approximately three hours and returns to the starting point. For cruise passengers, the important question is not only the tour length but also your ship’s time in port, the dock location, and the walk or gondola ride to check-in.

The operator has worked with cruise passengers whose port schedule changed and advised that the timing would still work. Even so, you should compare the tour departure and return times with your ship’s all-aboard time. Leave a buffer for getting back from the Excursion Hub to the ship.

The departure process is designed to be simple. Meet the driver at the Excursion Hub, check in under the orange sign, and follow the operator’s instructions into town and toward the boat. At the end, you return to the same general meeting point.

If your ship docks at the Wilderness Dock, the gondola can save a large amount of walking time. Do not assume you can stroll casually from that dock and still arrive early. The 25-minute walking estimate does not include waiting, orientation, or delays.

Weather, Fog, and the Limits of Wildlife Watching

Southeast Alaska weather is part of the deal. The operator requires good weather and may cancel an outing because of poor conditions, offering another date or a full refund. A minimum number of passengers is also required, with similar alternatives if the trip does not operate.

The harder situation is a tour that runs in poor visibility. Fog can make the water feel empty even when animals are nearby. One outing continued for three hours in heavy fog, produced a whale sighting plus seals and otters, but could not use the drone as planned.

That does not make the crew at fault. Captain Josh and the deckhand may search, reposition the boat, and find other animals, but they cannot control the weather. Still, you should understand that a scheduled departure does not guarantee clear views or aerial video.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Weather-related cancellations are handled differently by the operator, with a new date or full refund offered.

Who Will Get the Most From This Tour

I would choose this trip if you want wildlife viewing to be the main event during your time at Icy Strait Point. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a personal boat over a large excursion vessel.

It is also a strong choice for anyone who has struggled to photograph wildlife. The drone footage removes some of the pressure to keep your phone raised at the exact moment a whale surfaces. You can pay attention to the water, then watch the wider scene later.

Families should appreciate the short duration, indoor viewing, included refreshments as advertised, and variety of animals. Younger children may still find the waiting periods challenging, since wildlife does not follow a schedule.

Photography purists should set expectations carefully. The aerial footage is the special souvenir, but the supplied details do not promise a full set of still images or individual USB drives for every person. If each member of your group wants a copy, plan to share the one group drive or arrange phone delivery.

This is less suitable if you dislike uncertain weather, standing on a moving boat, or waiting for wild animals. It is also not ideal for a very tight port schedule unless you have checked every transfer and return time.

Is $249 a Fair Price?

For a basic whale watch, $249 is a serious price. For a maximum 14-person trip with a captain-led search, indoor and outdoor viewing, refreshments as listed, and drone footage, the comparison changes.

The footage has lasting value. A standard whale watch gives you memories and whatever photographs you manage to capture. This tour gives you professional aerial images of the wildlife seen during the outing, which can be more useful than a collection of blurry phone shots.

The small boat is just as important as the drone. You are paying for space, clear sightlines, and a guide who can talk directly with the group. If your alternative is a crowded ship excursion, the difference may be worth it even before the drone launches.

I would book early if your schedule is fixed. This outing averages 163 days of advance booking, and only 14 places are available per departure. That figure suggests limited availability, especially for cruise dates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some flexibility, but you should still confirm the departure against your ship’s schedule.

Should You Book Alaska Whales & Drones Tours?

Yes, if you want a small boat, strong captain commentary, and a distinctive aerial record of your wildlife outing. The best reasons to book are the 14-person limit, Captain Josh’s ability to locate animals, and the chance to watch humpbacks, calves, or orcas from above afterward.

I would not book it expecting guaranteed clear skies, a guaranteed drone flight, or a fixed list of animals. Weather and wildlife remain in charge. Bring layers, arrive early, carry backup snacks, and make sure your cruise timing leaves room for the walk or gondola transfer.

For most people with one day at Icy Strait Point, this is a high-value choice despite the price. You get a personal outing rather than a crowd, and the footage gives the day a second life after you return home.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Icy Strait Point, 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, Alaska. Check-in takes place at the Excursion Hub.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The operator leaves on time.

How do I reach the Excursion Hub from the Adventure Dock?

Walk through the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center, exit through door number 2, and follow the signs on the gravel path. The walk takes about six to eight minutes.

How do I reach the Excursion Hub from the Wilderness Dock?

You can walk to the Adventure Center in about 25 minutes or take the Transporter Gondola, which takes about three minutes. Afterward, follow the signs to the Excursion Hub.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 14 passengers.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles. Wildlife sightings vary by outing.

Is drone footage included?

Yes. A USB drive with drone shots of the whales is included, with one drive provided per group. Footage may also be sent directly to phones.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel because of poor weather and offer a different date or a full refund. Fog or other conditions can also limit visibility or prevent the drone from flying during a trip.