Practical, no-nonsense tours await in Hoonah, where nature delivers the real Alaskan experience. Local operators run three standout excursions: wildlife-rich kayaking trips, guaranteed whale-watching outings, and rugged ATV adventures on Chichagof Island. The kayak tours earn top marks for up-close encounters with eagles and sea lions, while the whale-watching excursions consistently deliver on their promise of humpback sightings. For those wanting to cover more ground, the ATV tours let you explore deep into the wilderness with expert guides. Safety and small group sizes are priorities across all tours. Check out our tested and recommended tour selections below.
Key Points
- Kayak tours in Hoonah offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities and personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.
- Hoonah’s Island Explorer ATV Tour provides a guided off-road adventure through diverse landscapes on Chichagof Island.
- Hoonah Whale Tours guarantee humpback whale sightings and offer a comfortable, personalized wildlife viewing experience.
- The Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah provides close-up encounters with marine life and receives a 99% traveler recommendation.
- The Chichagof Island Tour in Hoonah offers a unique opportunity to see the world’s largest concentration of brown bears, led by knowledgeable local guides.
Kayak Tours
Why not start your Alaskan adventure with a guided kayak tour in the stunning region of Hoonah?
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, Fairweather Kayaks offers an exceptional opportunity to paddle past old logging camps and towering mountains.
Traversing the rugged beauty of Alaska’s Long Island area, you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including eagles, sea lions, spawning salmon, porpoises, and even bears.
The small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides, who’ll share their expertise about the local environment.
Safety is paramount, with a dedicated support boat accompanying the tour, equipped with a photographer to capture your unforgettable moments.
Conveniently located at Icy Strait Point, the tour provides all necessary kayaking gear and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Hoonah: Island Explorer ATV Tour
For travelers seeking a thrilling off-road adventure, the Hoonah: Island Explorer ATV Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s Chichagof Island.
Led by experienced guides, the tour takes participants on a scenic journey through the island’s diverse landscapes, including lush forests, rolling meadows, and dramatic coastal vistas.
Participants can choose from a range of ATV models, ensuring a comfortable and customized experience. The tour covers approximately 20 miles of well-maintained trails, allowing riders to navigate through the island’s rugged terrain with ease.
Along the way, guides provide informative commentary about the local flora, fauna, and history, offering a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural wonders.
The Hoonah: Island Explorer ATV Tour is a must-do activity for adventurous travelers visiting Hoonah.
With its stunning scenery and adrenaline-pumping thrills, the tour provides an unforgettable way to take in the untamed beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
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Hoonah Whale Tours
While exploring the untamed beauty of Hoonah, Alaska, travelers can embark on a captivating Hoonah Whale Tours experience. This catamaran tour offers a money-back guarantee to maximize the chances of spotting humpback whales.
Guests will also have the opportunity to observe bald eagles, sea lions, and bears in their natural habitat. The tour provides insights into the region’s history, culture, and wildlife from the knowledgeable captain.
Comfort and convenience are prioritized, with a heated cabin, on-board bathroom, and refreshments, including light snacks and beverages. The tour accommodates up to 6 travelers, making it suitable for families and groups.
Pickup is available at Icy Strait Point port for cruise ship passengers and in Hoonah for other guests. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations due to poor weather result in a full refund.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 159 reviews, Hoonah Whale Tours consistently delivers a personal and engaging wildlife experience, leaving travelers with lasting memories of Alaska’s natural wonders.
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Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour
The Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour in Hoonah, Alaska, provides travelers with an engaging and up-close encounter with the region’s diverse marine life. Departing from Icy Strait Point, the tour takes guests on a journey to observe whales, sea otters, and harbor seals in their natural habitat.
With 99% of travelers recommending this tour, it’s clear that the experience is a hit.
The tour includes convenient amenities like individually packed snacks and hot chocolate, ensuring guests stay refreshed. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum age of 9 years old. The group size is capped at 13, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
At $285 per person, the Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour offers a competitive price point, backed by a lowest price guarantee. However, the tour is non-refundable, so travelers should plan accordingly.
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Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search
What makes the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Hoonah? This 3-hour excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the remote and scenic Chichagof Island, home to the world’s largest concentration of brown bears.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour promises an immersive experience in the Alaskan wilderness, with the chance to spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.
While bear sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour’s positive reviews suggest many participants have been successful in glimpsing these magnificent creatures.
The included round-trip transport from Icy Strait Point and the maximum group size of 10 participants ensure a personalized and comfortable experience.
However, some customers have expressed disappointment due to limited wildlife encounters, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such tours.
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Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: Were Going on a Bear Hunt!
Though Hoonah is renowned for its abundant brown bear population, the Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt! offers nature enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the region’s diverse wildlife.
This 4-hour tour departs from Hoonah, taking visitors to the aptly named “Bear Island” with the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile globally.
During the experience, guests can expect to observe a variety of native wildlife, including otters, beavers, bald eagles, and, of course, the elusive brown bears.
The small group size, limited to 12 people, ensures a personalized and intimate encounter with the local environment and Tlingit culture.
While bear sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour is highly recommended even without the iconic mammals, as visitors can still enjoy the breathtaking scenery and educational commentary provided by the knowledgeable guide.
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Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Looking to maximize your wildlife viewing experience during your Hoonah visit? Consider the Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour. This half-day excursion promises the chance to spot native Alaskan wildlife, including whales, geese, coastal ducks, deer, and bears.
Departing from the Icy Strait Point gates, the tour provides round-trip transportation and departs daily from 9 AM to 2 PM between May 12th and September 15th. With a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, you’ll enjoy guided commentary from the Tlingit captain, who shares insights into the local flora and fauna.
Priced at $293.31 per person, the tour includes bottled water, light snacks, and access to restrooms onboard the boat. Though not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
With 8 reviews and a 4.9 overall rating, this excursion offers a well-reviewed opportunity to learn about Alaskan wildlife and culture during your Hoonah cruise.
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Sum Up
Hoonah offers a range of exciting tour options for visitors. From kayaking and ATV tours to whale watching and bear hunting, there’s something for all. Whether you’re seeking a scenic adventure or an up-close encounter with wildlife, Hoonah’s tours provide an unforgettable experience. With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect activity to suit your interests and make the most of your time in this beautiful Alaskan destination.