Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

The remarkable feature here is not simply finding whales. It is watching them from the boat, then seeing the same animals from above through a professional drone. Captain Josh takes up to 14 passengers into Icy Strait, where humpback whales, orcas, otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and sometimes bears may appear.

I like the small boat, which gives you a fair chance at an open view instead of a crowd around the rail. I also like that the drone handles some of the filming, letting you watch the water instead of staring at your phone. The main caution is weather: fog can cut visibility sharply, and the drone may not be usable in poor conditions.

Key points before you book

• Drone footage adds a rare second view: Watch whales from the boat, then receive overhead video on a USB drive, with phone delivery sometimes available.
• Fourteen passengers is the maximum: The compact group makes it easier to move between indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
• Captain Josh leads the trip: His commentary covers the animals and surroundings, while first mate Jamie may assist on board.
• Icy Strait is the main stage: Humpback whales are the focus, but sightings have included orcas, sea otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, bears, cubs, and eagles.
• The excursion lasts about three hours: Pickup, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are advertised as included, though bringing your own water and snack is sensible.
• Plan your walk from the ship: The meeting point is at the Excursion Hub, not directly at the ship gangway.

Why the drone changes a Hoonah whale watch

A standard whale watch asks you to follow a fin, splash, or blow from the waterline. That can be thrilling, but it can also be hard to understand what the whale is doing between sightings. The drone adds context by showing the full animal moving through the water and the space around it.

You might watch a mother and calf from the boat, then later see their pattern from above. A pod of orcas can look very different from the air, as can a group of humpbacks feeding together. The overhead footage is not a replacement for being on the water. It works best as a second chapter to the same encounter.

The operator says the drone is deployed during the tour without taking attention away from the wildlife. That is an important distinction. You still watch the real animals in front of you, with Captain Josh positioning the boat and explaining what you are seeing. The video becomes a souvenir and a way to notice details you missed in the moment.

The footage is supplied on a USB drive, one per group. Some departures have also received the files directly on phones, including iPhones. If the drone footage is the main reason you are booking, ask ahead about the current delivery method and bring a phone or storage option that can handle video.

Captain Josh and the small-boat advantage

Captain Josh is the company owner, captain, and principal guide. His role matters because a small wildlife trip depends on more than driving to a marked spot. The captain has to watch the water, read the conditions, explain animal behavior, and position the boat without turning the outing into a rushed chase.

His commentary is one of the strongest parts of the trip. He has been praised for spotting whales before passengers do and for knowing where to search in Icy Strait. The operator claims a 100 percent success rate for finding humpback whales, though no wildlife sighting can be fully controlled by a schedule or promise.

The boat holds a maximum of 14 people. That is a major difference from large ship excursions, especially when something appears on one side of the boat. You can shift between the front and back viewing areas, and the boat has an enclosed interior as well as outdoor spaces.

The small size does not guarantee perfect viewing for every person at every second. A sudden whale sighting can still draw everyone to one side. But fewer people means less crowding, fewer blocked views, and more room to listen to the guide. It also gives the outing a more personal feel than a boat carrying hundreds.

First mate Jamie has also been part of the crew. Together, the pair provide the practical support that helps the tour run smoothly while Josh concentrates on navigation and wildlife.

What the three-hour outing is likely to feel like

The trip begins at Icy Strait Point, followed by transport into town and out toward Icy Strait. The exact wildlife route changes with conditions and sightings, so you should not expect a fixed list of stops. This is a search for animals in their natural surroundings, not a set performance.

The first major goal is usually humpback whales. You may see blows, backs, tails, breaching, or groups feeding together. Several outings have included bubble-net feeding, one of the most dramatic behaviors you can hope to see. When whales work together to concentrate food, the surface can suddenly erupt with bodies, spray, and open mouths.

Orcas are another possible highlight. They may be seen moving in pods, sometimes alongside other marine life. The operator also searches for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, and coastal brown bears. Eagles have appeared as well.

Bear sightings are less predictable than whale sightings, and you should not book this as a dedicated bear trip. The same applies to any individual species beyond humpbacks. I would treat the additional wildlife as a welcome bonus, not a promise.

The boat’s layout lets you move indoors if the ride becomes cold or wet, then step back outside when an animal appears. In Alaska, bring layers even if the weather looks mild at the dock. The tour is outdoors for much of its time, and the combination of wind, spray, and motion can make the water feel colder than town.

The wildlife you may see in Icy Strait

Humpback whales are the main reason to choose this excursion. They are large enough to see from a distance, but their behavior changes by the minute. A calm back or blow is still worth watching, while a breach or feeding event can become the memory that defines the day.

The drone makes otters and seals easier to understand, too. From the boat, you may see small heads or bodies on the surface. From above, a group can become a clear pattern in the water. Sea lions are larger and noisier, but sightings still depend on where animals are gathered that day.

Several trips have produced a broad mix of wildlife in a single outing: humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, sea otters, seals, sea lions, bears, and eagles. One especially full day included nine humpbacks and six orcas. That is an example of what Icy Strait can deliver, not a guaranteed itinerary.

The most useful mindset is to enjoy the search itself. Captain Josh may change direction when another sighting is reported or when he spots activity ahead. You are not traveling from one named attraction to another. You are reading a living stretch of water.

The value of $249 for three hours

At $249 per person, this is not a budget shore excursion. It costs more than a large group boat in many ports. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a three-hour trip, a maximum of 14 passengers, pickup, snacks, soft drinks, the captain’s commentary, and drone footage for your group.

The small group is the central value. You are paying for more than a seat. You are paying for a better chance to move around, see over fewer heads, ask questions, and receive direct attention from the crew. The drone footage adds a souvenir that most standard whale watches do not provide.

The value is strongest if the trip is a major goal of your port day. If you only want a quick glimpse of wildlife and are happy with a larger boat, the extra cost may be difficult to justify. If you care about whale behavior, personal guidance, and useful video afterward, the price is easier to defend.

There is also a practical opportunity cost. Icy Strait Point has limited time-sensitive activities compared with larger Alaska ports, so a whale watch can be a good use of your day there. If your cruise schedule gives you only a short window, confirm that the tour departure and return fit comfortably around the ship’s all-aboard time.

Snacks and soda are listed as included. Because one recent departure had no refreshments available, I would carry your own water and a small snack anyway. That is easy insurance for a three-hour boat trip.

Getting from your ship to the Excursion Hub

The meeting point is Icy Strait Point, at 108 Cannery Road in Hoonah. You must arrive 15 minutes before departure because the boat leaves on time.

If your ship uses the Adventure Dock, walk ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Go through the building and exit through door number 2. Follow the signs on the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The walk takes about six to eight minutes, with extra time needed if you walk slowly or are managing children.

If your ship uses the Wilderness Dock, the walk is about 25 minutes. You can also take the Transporter Gondola, which takes about three minutes to the Adventure Center. From there, follow the signs to the Excursion Hub.

Look for the driver holding an orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign. The driver brings you into town for the tour. Do not assume the ship gangway itself is the meeting point, and do not leave the ship late expecting the boat to wait.

A useful port-day tip is to study the route before disembarking. The dock assignment affects your walking time, and waiting for a shuttle can add confusion. The meeting directions are clear once you know which dock you are using.

Weather, fog, and the limits of wildlife watching

The strongest caution is visibility. Fog has affected some departures badly enough that only a few whales, seals, and otters could be seen. In those conditions, the crew may continue searching, but the experience can become three hours of limited views.

Fog also affects the drone. Poor weather may prevent a launch or limit the footage to water and waves. If you are booking mainly for aerial video, understand that weather can remove the feature you care about most.

The cancellation policy offers a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of passengers is not met. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

That policy protects you when the company makes the call to cancel. It does not guarantee clear skies on a trip that still operates. If you have a tight cruise schedule, weather-related decisions can be frustrating, so keep expectations realistic.

The crew appears to work hard to find alternative wildlife in poor conditions, but no captain can remove fog or create whales on demand. If the forecast is rough, bring warm layers and decide in advance how much uncertainty you can accept.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour if you want a small-group wildlife outing and the drone footage genuinely appeals to you. It suits couples, families, and friends who would rather have a focused three-hour trip than a large, formal excursion.

It is also a good fit if you have already done a conventional whale watch and want something different. The overhead perspective gives familiar wildlife a new dimension, especially when whales are feeding or traveling with calves.

Families should appreciate the variety. A child who loses interest in waiting for a whale may become engaged by otters, sea lions, bears, or the drone video afterward. Still, the trip requires patience. Wildlife does not appear on a fixed schedule, and the boat may spend time searching.

This is less suitable if you dislike cold, moving boats, uncertain weather, or long periods of watching open water. It is also not the right choice if you want a guaranteed close approach to a specific species.

Most people can participate, and the tour is offered in English. The boat has indoor and outdoor viewing, but the supplied information does not describe specialized accessibility equipment, so contact the operator directly if you have mobility concerns.

Should you book Alaska Whale Watching with Drone Viewing?

I would book it if whale watching is high on your Alaska list and you want the day to feel personal rather than mass-market. Captain Josh’s local guidance, the 14-passenger boat, and the extra aerial footage make this more than a basic ride out of port.

The decision is less clear if $249 feels steep for a three-hour activity or if poor weather would ruin the day for you. In that case, check the forecast, confirm the refreshment and video arrangements, and understand the cancellation deadline before paying.

For most cruise passengers with enough time in Hoonah, this is a strong use of a port day. Bring layers, arrive early, carry water, and keep your camera ready, but let the drone handle some of the filming. The best part is still the moment a whale rises beside the boat.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 14 passengers.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles. Humpback whales are the main focus.

Is drone footage included?

Yes. A USB drive with whale drone footage is included, with one drive provided per group. Some departures have also delivered footage directly to phones.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point after following the directions from your ship’s dock. Look for a driver holding an orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or an insufficient minimum group, you will be offered another option or a full refund.