Hoonah is one of Alaska’s most interesting ports, especially if you’re into wildlife, stunning scenery, and authentic local culture. Unlike many cruise destinations that feel commercialized, Hoonah offers real chances to see whales, bears, eagles, and sea otters in their natural environment. Tours such as the Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise deliver memorable wildlife encounters, while smaller, more personalized options like the Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor get you closer to nature with fewer people. Whether you’re after a thrilling whale sighting, a quiet kayak paddle, or a cultural visit with a crab feast, Hoonah’s tours stand out for their authenticity and focus on wildlife.
Hoonah’s true strength lies in its diversity of experiences — from whale watching to bear searching, and fishing trips to village tours. For example, the Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure offers the peace of mind that you will see whales, while the River Fishing and Bear Watching combines sport fishing with chances to spot brown bears along remote rivers. If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic approach, the Kayak Tours provide a beautiful water-based view of Alaska’s rugged coastline. The list below covers the best of what you can experience in Hoonah — each with its own unique appeal.
1. Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise – Near Icy Strait Point
At number 1, this Whale-Watching Cruise takes you out onto the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpbacks arrive annually to feed. The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, seals, and sea otters. The boat has both a heated cabin and viewing decks, making it comfortable regardless of weather. Reviewers praise the informative guides and the comfortable boat, often remarking on the incredible whale breaches they’ve witnessed—some as many as seven breaches in a row. The tour is ideal for families or anyone wanting a reliable chance to see whales in their natural habitat. The multiple departures allow flexibility during the busy season from May to September.
Bottom Line: Highly rated and reliable, this tour offers great value with a focus on marine wildlife, making it ideal for first-time whale watchers or those seeking a straightforward experience.
2. Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales
Number 2 is the Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing. For around $242, Captain Josh offers a three-hour tour aboard a small, 14-passenger vessel — perfect for a more intimate wildlife experience. The standout feature is the professional drone footage that captures whales and other animals in flight, providing unforgettable views both on the water and from above. Passengers love the personal attention, with many mentioning how knowledgeable and friendly Captain Josh is. You can expect to see humpbacks, sea lions, otters, and possibly bears. The tour includes pickup, snacks, and drinks, adding comfort to the adventure.
Bottom Line: If you’re a wildlife enthusiast who appreciates technology-enhanced viewing and smaller groups, this tour offers a unique perspective on Alaskan marine life.
3. Kayak Tours
Number 3 on our list, Kayak Tours, immerses you in Alaska’s nature from a different angle. For about $180, you’ll paddle past an old logging camp and around Long Island, with wildlife like whales, eagles, and seals often spotted along the way. The tour is led by experienced guides who provide all necessary equipment and personalized attention, making it suitable for beginners or seasoned paddlers alike. The quiet waters and scenic surroundings make this a relaxing yet adventurous way to experience Hoonah’s coastline. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see whales and bears up close.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an active outdoor experience, combining wildlife viewing with a peaceful paddle.
4. Hoonah Whale Tours
Number 4, Hoonah Whale Tours, offers a 3-hour catamaran experience focused on maximizing whale sightings, with a money-back guarantee. The tour includes homemade snacks and features a heated cabin and onboard bathroom for comfort. It’s great for families or travelers who want a relaxed, informative cruise with a high success rate for whale sightings. Reviews highlight how well the crew takes care of guests and the impressive number of whales—including humpbacks, seals, otters, and possibly bears—and the scenic views of the Alaskan landscape.
Bottom Line: This tour combines comfort, professionalism, and a high success rate — excellent for those wanting a hassle-free wildlife adventure.
5. Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour
Number 5 is the Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour. It’s a small-group outing (up to 13 people) led by a local captain with a wealth of stories about the area’s wildlife and culture. The tour lasts about 3 hours, providing plenty of time for relaxation and wildlife viewing. Guests consistently note the personalized service and the opportunity to see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and seals. The boat is specifically designed for whale watching, adding to the experience’s uniqueness.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a more personal, storytelling experience that combines wildlife spotting with local insights.
6. Whale-watching, Icy point, Hoonah, whales, Orca, killer-whales
Number 6, this Smaller Whale Watching Tour takes only 16 people aboard a 38′ vessel. It’s perfect if you prefer a more comfortable ride with fewer passengers and a flexible search for whales, including humpbacks and orcas. The highlights are the coastal scenery and the knowledgeable captain who shares insights about local wildlife and history. Reviewers mention how smooth the ride is and how many whales they saw, including sea otters and bears.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those who want a smaller group and a more relaxed, personalized outing with excellent wildlife viewing.
7. Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor
Number 7 offers an exclusive 6-passenger experience aboard a custom-built catamaran. The Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor emphasizes intimacy and high-quality photography, with indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, and an outdoor deck. It’s ideal if you want a personalized trip with a focus on photo opportunities and learning about Alaska’s ecosystem. The tour guarantees whale sightings or your money back and often includes sightings of orcas, bears, and sea lions.
Bottom Line: Best suited for photo enthusiasts and travelers seeking a small, high-end experience.
8. Hoonah: Icy Strait Whale Watch with Drone Filmography
Number 8 is the Whale Watch with Drone Filmography. For $255, this tour combines marine wildlife viewing with the unique bonus of drone footage. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of humpback whales and orcas, plus stunning aerial videos directly from your captain and drone pilot. Reviewers love how this adds a special touch to their experience and appreciate being able to take home video memories.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a visual keepsake of their wildlife adventure along with traditional whale watching.
9. Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure
Number 9, Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure, offers peace of mind with guaranteed whale sightings. This 3-hour tour includes panoramic views from a comfortable small boat, with a focus on orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer reliability and a personalized experience with a maximum of 24 passengers. Many reviews mention the knowledgeable crew and the spectacular scenery.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking certainty in wildlife sightings without sacrificing comfort.
10. River Fishing and Bear Watching
Number 10 combines fishing with bear watching on a remote river trip. For $375, this four-hour adventure takes you through old logging roads into the wilderness, where wildlife such as brown bears, salmon, and eagles are common sights. Reviewers highlight the thrill of catching fish and the unforgettable opportunity to see bears in their natural habitat, making it ideal for active travelers wanting a true wilderness experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for fishing and wildlife lovers who don’t mind a bit of adventure off the beaten path.
11. 6 Passenger Whale Watching Adventure in Icy Strait from Hoonah AK
Number 11 offers a small-group experience with only six passengers, led by a captain with a knack for wildlife spotting. The 6 Passenger Whale Watching Adventure focuses on personalized wildlife spotting, including humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, and bears. Reviewers rave about the friendly captain and the ability to get up close to whales.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you value small groups and want a more relaxed, personalized adventure.
12. Halibut Fishing Charter
Number 12 is a Halibut Fishing Charter, where you can fish for your own halibut — a true Alaskan experience. For $440 per person, the trip lasts 3-5 hours and includes gear, snacks, and the chance to see whales, sea lions, and eagles. Reviewers mention catching ample fish and the knowledgeable captain making the trip worthwhile. It’s best suited for anglers or those looking to combine fishing with wildlife viewing.
Bottom Line: This is ideal for fishing enthusiasts wanting to keep their catch and enjoy wildlife along the way.
13. Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast
Number 13 offers a cultural and culinary experience with a Crab Feast & Village Tour. After learning about crabbing and foraging, you’ll enjoy a fresh crab meal at a scenic coastal home. The tour includes tooth carving, local storytelling, and a chance to see brown bears and other wildlife. It’s perfect for travelers interested in local culture and food.
Bottom Line: This tour provides a more personal, hands-on look at Alaskan life, combined with a memorable crab feast.
14. Hoonah: Whale Watching Cruise
Number 14 offers another solid Whale Watching Cruise, focusing on spotting humpbacks, seals, sea otters near Glacier Bay. It’s a straightforward, 3-hour trip that provides excellent wildlife sightings and scenic water views.
Bottom Line: A dependable choice for travelers seeking reliable whale sightings in a relaxed setting.
15. Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search
Number 15 is the Chichagof Island Brown Bear Search. During three hours, you explore the island’s bears’ habitat with a knowledgeable guide. Reviews note the brilliant wildlife spotting, especially the bears and spectacular scenery. It’s ideal for those wanting a wildlife-focused trip in a remote setting.
Bottom Line: Best for nature lovers eager to see brown bears in the wild with expert guidance.
16. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Number 16, this Shore Excursion offers a 3-hour whale-watching trip directly from the cruise port, with a focus on native Alaskan wildlife like whales, deer, and bears. It’s a convenient option for cruise passengers wanting a well-organized tour with snacks included and educational commentary.
Bottom Line: Great for time-strapped travelers who want a comprehensive wildlife experience close to port.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Hoonah
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you want the most reliable whale sightings, the Guaranteed Whale Watching is hard to beat — especially if whale sightings are your main goal. For a more personal experience, tours like Icy Strait Whale & Wildlife Endeavor or Small Group Tours offer fewer people and more tailored attention.
For those interested in wildlife photography or drone footage, the Drone Whale Watching and Drone Filmography Tours provide exceptional visuals. Budget-wise, kayaking and village tours tend to be more affordable, while fishing or longer excursions can be more costly but add unique experiences.
Remember to book early, especially during the peak season from May to September, as tours fill quickly.
Hoonah offers a wide variety of tours tailored to wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike. The whale watching tours are the highlight, with options ranging from straightforward excursions to more exclusive, personalized trips. If you’re after bears, eagles, or seals, the brown bear search or village tours add cultural richness and hands-on experiences.
Whether you pick a reliable, high-success whale tour or prefer a small-group, photo-focused adventure, you’ll find something to match your travel style. To make the most of your trip, consider your interests and budget carefully—and don’t forget to book early. Alaska’s wildlife is waiting!