Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography

When it comes to experiencing Alaska’s wild side, few activities rival a whale watch—especially when it combines intimate wildlife encounters with modern drone footage. This Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography tour offers just that: a chance to see humpback whales, orca, sea lions, and other marine life in their natural habitat, all from a comfortable, small boat equipped with cutting-edge drone technology.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size (max 14 passengers) ensures a more personal, less crowded experience. Second, the professional drone footage of the whales offers an unforgettable aerial perspective, giving you a glimpse you won’t find on standard whale watching trips.

One potential consideration? The price of $255 per person isn’t cheap, but the extra cost is understandable given the high-quality drone filming and personalized approach. This tour suits travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters and want keepsakes like photos and videos that truly capture the moment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to go beyond typical whale watching and want a more intimate, visually stunning experience, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s ideal for those who appreciate expert guides, small-group comfort, and the thrill of seeing whales from both the water and the air.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: Max 14 passengers for a more intimate experience.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable captain and crew who focus on quality.
• Unique Drone Footage: Aerial videos of whales and wildlife included.
• Diverse Wildlife: Opportunities to see humpbacks, orca, sea lions, otters, bears, and eagles.
• Full-Featured Experience: Includes snacks, soft drinks, and a USB of drone footage.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Close to cruise ship docks with easy check-in.

Exploring the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from Hoonah, Alaska, with pickup and dropoff included at the cruise ship dock’s Excursions Hub. If your ship is at the Adventure Dock, you’ll walk or take the gondola to the meeting point, which takes about 6-8 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by gondola. For those at Wilderness Dock, it’s roughly a 25-minute walk. Partnered transport from Hoonah Travel Adventures makes the process smooth.

Check-in is recommended 15 minutes early to ensure timely departure. The tour lasts three hours—ample time to explore the waters of Icy Strait and enjoy wildlife sightings without feeling rushed.

The Boat and Group Size

The vessel is designed for comfort, seating no more than 14 people. This smaller size is a definite advantage over larger, more crowded tours, allowing for better wildlife viewing and a more relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers consistently highlight the advantage of a small, friendly group, making conversations easier and the experience more personalized.

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Wildlife Encounters

The core of the tour is wildlife spotting. Captain Josh and his crew are experienced at locating whales, boasting a 100% success rate. Expect to see humpback whales up close, often breaching and tail-slapping, with many reviewers describing their awe at the whales’ behavior. One reviewer said, “We saw bubble net feeding, breaches, and tail slaps—unforgettable.”

Besides whales, the tour offers sightings of orcas, sea lions, sea otters, brown bears, and bald eagles. There’s even a chance of witnessing bears and their cubs, as one reviewer fondly recalls. The guides are attentive, providing commentary on the marine ecosystem and whale behavior, making the wildlife encounters both entertaining and educational.

Drone Filmography

The highlight feature of this tour is the drone footage. Captain Josh, a certified drone pilot, uses a powerful drone to film the whales from above while you observe from the boat. The aerial videos reveal the entire body of a whale feeding, diving, or breaching, giving a perspective that’s impossible from the water’s surface.

Many travelers have raved about this bonus. One said, “The drone footage was spectacular, and I loved the different angles—seeing the whales from above made the experience even more special.” After the tour, you receive a USB stick with all the drone videos, wildlife shots, and even some footage of the passengers, making it a fantastic keepsake.

The Experience’s Pace and Comfort

Throughout the trip, you’ll move from spot to spot, with the captain showing you the best locations found through his knowledge and experience. The boat’s design offers protection from the weather, and snacks and soft drinks are available on board, so you can stay refreshed during the adventure.

Overall Value

At $255 per person, this tour is a notable investment but one that many reviewers feel delivers excellent value. The combination of expert guiding, small-group intimacy, wildlife sightings, and drone footage sets it apart from typical whale watching outings. Several reviews mention that this tour exceeded expectations, and the drone videos are described as “unbelievable” and “a great bonus.”

What Makes This Tour Special?

Personalized Wildlife Encounters

The reputation for a 100% success rate at finding whales means you’re likely to see whales during your trip. The guides’ expertise, combined with the small boat size, translates into more up-close views and fewer missed opportunities.

Aerial Perspectives

The drone footage is not just a gimmick; it enhances the entire experience. Seeing whales from above offers a completely different appreciation of their size, feeding habits, and behaviors. The videos also make fantastic souvenirs, allowing you to revisit the encounter long after your trip ends.

Eco-Conscious and Respectful Approach

While not explicitly stated, the reviews emphasize the guides’ knowledge and respectful attitude towards wildlife. Seeing the bears and whales without disturbing them is a priority, making this a responsible choice for eco-minded travelers.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration and Timing

The tour runs about three hours and is available in both the morning and the afternoon, providing flexibility to fit your schedule. Planning ahead is wise—especially since the tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.

Group Size and Comfort

The vessel’s limitation to 14 passengers ensures a relaxed, less crowded atmosphere. This makes wildlife viewing more immersive and enjoyable, especially for photography and videography.

Cost and Value

While $255 per person may seem steep compared to larger group tours, many find the quality of the experience—from personalized guiding to drone footage—justifies the price.

Booking and Cancellation

You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility can be a real plus when planning a cruise port excursion.

The Sum Up

This Hoonah whale watching tour with drone filmography offers a rare combination of intimate wildlife encounters and modern aerial footage. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just a boat ride—they seek authentic, memorable moments captured from a perspective few get to see. The small group experience, expert guides, and high-quality drone videos make it a standout choice for anyone serious about Alaska’s marine life.

While the price is higher than some alternatives, the added value of personalized service and stunning footage makes it worth considering. If your ideal Alaska adventure includes close encounters, expert storytelling, and unique photo opportunities from above, this tour is an excellent pick.

This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, and those wanting a more personal, immersive experience. If you’re after a memorable, well-run adventure that offers both education and entertainment, this trip won’t disappoint.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, giving ample time for wildlife viewing and filming.

What is the group size?
The boat accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded experience.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and dropoff at the cruise ship dock’s Excursions Hub. If you’re at Adventure Dock, it’s a short walk or gondola ride; at Wilderness Dock, it’s about 25 minutes on foot.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see humpback whales, orca, sea lions, otters, bears, and bald eagles. The guides are skilled at locating these animals.

What’s special about the drone footage?
The drone provides stunning aerial views of the whales and wildlife, giving you a perspective that’s impossible from the boat alone. You’ll receive a USB with all the footage afterward.

What should I bring?
Bring layers suitable for the weather, camera gear if desired, and a sense of adventure. Snacks and drinks are available on board.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
While not explicitly stated, the knowledgeable guides and respectful wildlife viewing suggest an eco-conscious approach.

Will I get good views even if I’m not a photographer?
Absolutely. The guides aim to get everyone excellent views, and the drone footage adds a bonus for all passengers.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves boarding a boat and walking to the meeting point. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with these activities, but specifics are not detailed.

In summary, if you’re seeking a wildlife adventure that combines expert guiding, small group intimacy, and innovative drone filming, this tour in Hoonah is a top-tier choice. It’s a chance to see Alaska’s marine giants from multiple angles, making for stories—and videos—that will last a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here: