Whale watching near Icy Strait Point
Point Adolphus, just off Hoonah, is one of the most consistent humpback whale feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. Here's how an independent whale watching tour from the dock actually works.
That's why a small operator running out of Hoonah's own harbor, rather than a large cruise-line excursion boat, can guarantee a humpback sighting: the whales are feeding a short run from the dock, not somewhere the boat has to search for them.
Featured operator
Limited to just six guests (including babies on a lap), with a covered back deck to shield you from the weather. Humpback whales are guaranteed, and it's common to also see sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles along the way — with the occasional orca or bear sighting from the water.
What to expect
Boats leave from Hoonah's own harbor, about 1.4 miles from the Icy Strait Point dock, and head out into Icy Strait toward Point Adolphus, where humpbacks reliably feed through the summer.
Humpback whales are the guaranteed headline act. Sea otters, sea lions, harbor porpoise, and bald eagles are common along the way, with occasional orca pods and bears spotted from the water near shore.
A small 27-foot Safeboat with twin outboard engines and a covered back deck, capped at six guests, means a more personal, flexible trip than a large multi-deck tour vessel — the captain can position the boat for your view, not a crowd's.
The operator's dock is on the Hoonah side, about 1.4 miles from Icy Strait Point. See our walking and shuttle guide for exact timing if you're coming straight off the ship.
Humpback whales are present in Icy Strait through the cruise season, with numbers building as summer progresses and baitfish concentrate in the strait.
Quick answers
Whales of Xunaa guarantees a humpback whale sighting on its tours, thanks to the reliability of the Point Adolphus feeding grounds just off Hoonah. Other wildlife sightings vary by day.
Whales of Xunaa charges $205 per person plus local sales tax. Pricing can change season to season, so confirm current rates when you book.
From Hoonah's own harbor at 272 Marine Way, about 1.4 miles from the Icy Strait Point cruise dock — not from the port itself.
They're different in scale. Independent operators like Whales of Xunaa run small, six-guest boats out of Hoonah's harbor, while port-based excursions typically use larger vessels built for cruise-ship volume. See our full Icy Strait Point vs. Hoonah comparison.
Sea otters, sea lions, harbor porpoise, and bald eagles are common. Orcas and bears near the shoreline are seen occasionally.
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Whales are one piece of it. See the full guide to bears, food, culture, and free things to do in Hoonah. Booking on your own instead of through the ship? Read our guide to independent Icy Strait Point excursions.