Imagine gliding through icy waters, surrounded by soaring eagles, playful otters, and majestic whales. For those fortunate enough to visit Hoonah, the Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography offers an unforgettable 3-hour journey. At $255 per person, this tour blends wildlife encounters with a dash of tech wizardry — thanks to a skilled drone pilot capturing stunning aerial footage.
What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the small-group setting (max 14 people) ensures plenty of time for personalized viewing and questions. Second, the drone footage provides a unique, overhead perspective of the whales and other wildlife, transforming what might have been a standard boat trip into a multimedia memory you’ll cherish long after the trip ends.
A potential consideration? The tour’s success relies heavily on the expertise of the captain and drone pilot, so it’s not the best choice if you prefer larger, more impersonal vessels or are concerned about strict schedules. But for lovers of authentic, close-up wildlife encounters and high-quality photos, this trip hits the mark.
This experience suits travelers eager to see whales, sea lions, otters, and even brown bears in their natural habitat. It’s especially ideal if you value small groups, expert guides, and exclusive drone footage that offers a perspective no other tour provides.
Key Points
- Wildlife Wonders: Expect to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, and more.
- Aerial Advantage: The drone footage offers a unique view of the whales and scenery from above.
- Expert Guides: Captain Josh is known for his knowledge and ability to find whales with a 100% success rate.
- Personalized Experience: Small boats mean fewer crowds and more chances to ask questions.
- Memorable Souvenir: All participants get a USB with drone footage, including whales, wildlife, and onboard videos.
- Value for Money: The combination of wildlife viewing, expert guides, drone filming, and small-group intimacy makes this a worthwhile investment.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
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What to Expect on This 3-Hour Expedition
When you step aboard with Alaska Whale and Drone Tours, you’re stepping into an adventure designed to maximize wildlife sightings and memorable moments. The boat departs from the Excursion Hub at Hoonah, a quick walk from the cruise dock or a short gondola ride if you’re at Wilderness Dock. The crew emphasizes punctuality, so arriving 15 minutes early ensures you’re ready to set out on time.
The boat itself is comfortable and intentionally small—seating only 14 passengers—which means you won’t feel like a sardine in a tin can. This intimacy is appreciated by many reviewers, who mention how it enhances the experience. The boat is equipped for a smooth ride, with snack bars and soft drinks available to keep everyone refreshed.
Wildlife Encounters: The Core of the Experience
Expect the captain, Josh, to take you directly into prime whale territory, where humpbacks are often feeding, breaching, or bubble-netting. Several reviews highlight how Josh’s local knowledge ensures a high success rate in finding whales — a 100% success rate, as one enthusiastic reviewer pointed out. We loved the way guides provide insight into the animals’ behavior, making sightings more meaningful.
The waters around Icy Strait are also home to orcas, sea lions, otters, and even brown bears — if luck is on your side. The crew’s expertise means they often find these creatures, and you’ll be surprised at how close they get. As one reviewer shared, “We saw so many whales, tails, breaching, and bubble net feeding!”
The Drone Experience: A Game Changer
Here’s what we love about this tour: the drone footage. Captain Josh, a certified drone pilot, uses a powerful, large filmography drone to capture aerial views of the whales from above. Many travelers describe the drone footage as “spectacular,” offering a perspective that’s impossible from land or standard viewing. Seeing the whales swimming just beneath the surface from above makes the experience even more immersive.
During the trip, the crew shows you the footage they film live on board, which is a fantastic way to see the animals from a different angle. At the end of the tour, every participant receives a USB drive filled with videos: whales, other wildlife, and onboard moments. Reviewers mention how this makes the experience incredibly memorable — “getting a USB stick with pictures was better than expected,” said one.
More Great Tours NearbyLogistics and Meeting Points
The tour departs from the Excursion Hub at Hoonah, which is a short walk from the cruise terminal. If you are at the Adventure Dock, you walk 6-8 minutes through the Adventure Center, following signs to the Excursion Hub. For those at Wilderness Dock, a gondola ride (just 3 minutes) or a 25-minute walk gets you to the meeting point.
The tour runs twice daily, usually in the morning and afternoon, with flexible booking options that allow you to reserve now and pay later. Check-in is 15 minutes early, so plan accordingly. The tour is cancellable up to 24 hours in advance, a plus if your plans change unexpectedly.
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The Small Boat Advantage: Personal and Flexible
Many reviews praise the small-group size for creating a more personalized and flexible experience. Captain Josh and his crew are noted for their friendliness and knowledge, often sharing detailed information about the animals and eco-system. This makes the trip not just about spotting whales but learning about their environment.
Value and Cost
While $255 per person isn’t cheap, the tour’s offerings justify the price. The combination of wildlife sightings, expert guides, drone footage, small-group intimacy, and a high success rate makes this a good value. Other tours may be larger or less focused on providing high-quality footage, making this trip stand out.
What Reviewers Say
Consistently, travelers describe this tour as a “highlight of their trip,” emphasizing the quality of guides and the stunning drone footage. One said, “The drone videos are spectacular, and we took many pictures that made our vacation,” while another noted, “This was far better than any other whale watching excursion.”
Many reviews also mention the respect for wildlife — the boat stays at a respectful distance, ensuring animals are not disturbed, which is a crucial aspect of responsible wildlife viewing.
Who Should Consider This Tour
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, families, and small-group enthusiasts. If you want a more intimate experience with knowledgeable guides who go the extra mile, this is a top choice. It’s also ideal if drone footage excites you — the videos are a unique souvenir.
However, if you prefer larger vessels with more guests or are uncomfortable with smaller boat rides, you might prefer a different option. Also, if seeing bears from a boat is a priority, be aware that sightings depend on the day’s wildlife activity and luck.
The Sum Up
In the end, the Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography offers a genuinely memorable way to experience Alaska’s stunning marine life. Small groups, expert guides, and the high-tech drone footage combine to create a trip that feels personal and extraordinary. It’s especially suitable for those who cherish the idea of capturing their wildlife encounters from a unique perspective, with quality videos to take home.
If you’re a traveler who values authentic encounters, expert interpretation, and high-quality souvenirs, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a chance to see whales and wildlife in their natural habitat, with a professional crew dedicated to making each trip special.
FAQ
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You can expect to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, and potentially brown bears, depending on wildlife activity during your trip.
How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample time for wildlife viewing and drone filming.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock, a 3-hour wildlife tour on a small boat, soft drinks and snacks, drone footage of the trip, and a USB with all the videos.
How many people are on the boat?
The boat is limited to 14 passengers, creating a more intimate and flexible experience.
What makes this tour different from others?
The use of a professional drone pilot to film whales from above, plus the personalized attention from guides, sets this tour apart.
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at the Excursion Hub near the cruise dock, a 6-8 minute walk from the Adventure Dock or a short gondola ride from Wilderness Dock.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making it flexible if your travel plans shift.
This tour offers a combination of wildlife, technology, and intimacy that’s hard to beat in Alaska. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you’ll leave with not just photos but stories of encounters that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
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