Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

The unusual part of this Hoonah whale watch is not just finding humpbacks. Captain Josh sends up a professional drone while you watch from the boat, giving you a second view of whales, calves, orcas, and the water around them. The aerial footage turns a brief surface sighting into a keepsake you can watch later.

I like the 14-passenger boat, which keeps the group small and gives you a better chance at an open view than a large excursion vessel. I also like the practical extras: pickup, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and drone footage on a USB drive are included. The main caution is weather. Fog can limit visibility and may prevent drone flights, so this is best booked with realistic expectations about wild animals and coastal conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• The drone adds a rare overhead view: You may see the full whale moving through the water, not just a back or tail at the surface.
• Captain Josh leads the trip: His commentary covers the wildlife and the surroundings, with Jamie serving as first mate on some departures.
• Fourteen passengers is the maximum: The small boat allows viewing from both the front and back, plus an indoor area.
• Humpbacks are the main target: The operator reports a 100 percent success rate finding humpback whales, though the exact behavior and number of animals cannot be promised.
• The tour lasts about three hours: It begins and ends near Icy Strait Point, with pickup into Hoonah included.
• Weather can change the experience: Fog has limited some trips, and rough weather may lead to cancellation, a new date, or a full refund.

Why the drone changes a standard whale watch

A normal whale watch asks you to keep your eyes on the water and hope you are looking in the right place when a whale surfaces. This trip adds another layer. You may watch a mother and calf from the boat, then later see overhead footage showing how they moved through the bay.

That matters because humpback whales spend far more time below the surface than above it. From the boat, you might catch a blow, a back, a tail, or a breach. From above, the footage can show the shape of the entire animal and its position in relation to the boat, the waves, and other whales.

The drone is used during the tour, not as a replacement for the boat experience. You still hear Captain Josh explain what you are seeing, watch the water in real time, and feel the excitement of a whale surfacing nearby. The aerial video is an added record of the encounter.

The footage is supplied on a USB drive, one per group. Some departures have also sent the material directly to iPhones. If the video matters to you, bring a phone or storage plan that can receive files, and clarify the delivery method when you check in.

Setting out across Icy Strait from Hoonah

The trip begins at Icy Strait Point, a cruise-port area just outside Hoonah. You meet the driver at the Excursions Hub, where an orange sign identifies Alaska Whale and Drone Tours. From there, the company takes you into town and toward the boat.

Your exact walk depends on where your cruise ship docks. From the Adventure Dock, walk through the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center, exit through door number 2, and follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The walk takes about six to eight minutes.

From the Wilderness Dock, you can walk for about 25 minutes or take the Transporter Gondola, which takes about three minutes. After riding to the Adventure Center, follow the signs to the Excursions Hub. Build in extra time, especially if you are not a fast walker.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves on time, and a late arrival could mean missing the trip. Cruise passengers should also compare the tour schedule with the ship’s port hours rather than assuming there will be plenty of spare time.

A small boat with room to move

The vessel carries no more than 14 passengers. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a large ship-sponsored whale-watching boat.

You can view wildlife from the front or back of the boat, and the design includes both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. That gives you a way to warm up, get out of wind, or keep watching when the weather turns unpleasant. It also reduces the problem of blocked views caused by a crowd gathered on one side.

The small-group setup does not guarantee that every person will have perfect conditions every second. Wildlife may appear on one side, and everyone may shift at once. Still, a group of 14 is much easier to manage than a boat carrying hundreds of people.

Wear layers. The trip takes place on open water, and conditions can feel colder than they do on shore. A waterproof outer layer is sensible, even if the day begins clear. Bring a camera if you like, but do not spend the whole trip looking through it. The drone footage takes some pressure off getting every image yourself.

What you may see in three hours

Humpback whales are the main reason for booking. The operator reports finding them on every tour, and Captain Josh is credited with spotting whales quickly and positioning the boat for good views. Possible behaviors include blows, surfacing, tail movements, breaching, and bubble-net feeding.

Bubble-net feeding is particularly memorable. A group of humpbacks works together to gather fish, sometimes creating a circle of bubbles before rising through the water. It is a natural event, so nobody can promise it on a particular departure, but I would consider it a bonus worth hoping for.

The wider list of wildlife includes orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles. Sightings vary. One trip might produce several kinds of marine life, while another may focus almost entirely on whales.

Some departures have produced dramatic numbers, including reports of multiple humpbacks, orcas, otters, seals, sea lions, and bears. Those sightings show what Icy Strait can offer, not what you should treat as a fixed itinerary. You are going out to search for wild animals, not visiting a wildlife park.

Captain Josh’s role on the water

Captain Josh is both the owner and captain, and his commentary is a central part of the experience. He explains what you are seeing and uses his familiarity with Icy Strait to search for wildlife.

That local guidance is useful in two ways. First, it saves you from guessing which distant shape is a whale. Second, it helps you understand animal behavior, so a quiet period on the water does not feel like wasted time.

Jamie may serve as first mate. The crew has also helped with practical matters, including answering timing questions before departure and working around changes to cruise schedules when possible. Still, you should treat your booked departure time as firm and arrive early.

The small boat allows a more direct interaction with the crew than a large excursion vessel. If you have questions, this is the kind of setting where you can ask them without trying to get the attention of a guide speaking to a packed deck.

The value of the $249 price

At $249 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in port. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the experience: a three-hour wildlife trip, a maximum of 14 passengers, pickup from Icy Strait Point, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and a USB drive of drone footage for each group.

The boat size is the main value. You are paying for access to a smaller operation rather than simply paying for transportation across the water. If you have previously been on a whale watch with a large crowd, the ability to use the front or back viewing areas can make the difference between a clear sighting and a view over someone else’s shoulder.

The footage adds value, too, especially if you are traveling with family or marking a special trip. You can enjoy the wildlife without constantly trying to capture it. One limitation is that the USB drive is supplied per group, not per person, so decide in advance who will keep it or how you will share the files.

A few details deserve confirmation at check-in. The tour information lists snacks and soda or pop as included, but one departure had no refreshments available. Bring a small personal supply if food and drinks matter to you.

Weather, fog, and the limits of wildlife watching

The biggest risk is not the boat or the guide. It is the weather.

Fog has affected some trips enough to limit whale sightings and stop the drone from flying. On one foggy outing, the boat still found seals, otters, sea lions, and a whale, but visibility remained poor for much of the three hours. In those conditions, the aerial footage may be limited or unavailable.

That is worth considering if the drone is your main reason for booking. The operator may share other footage when current conditions prevent a flight, but that is not the same as receiving fresh video from your own outing.

The company requires good weather and may cancel if conditions are poor. If it cancels, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded.

I appreciate the weather policy, but you should still understand the practical tradeoff. A tour may run in foggy conditions that are safe but not ideal for viewing. If a clear aerial video is essential, ask about the forecast and the operator’s plan before departure.

Who will enjoy this Hoonah excursion most

This trip suits you if you want a small boat, personal commentary, and a stronger chance of finding whales without joining a huge group. Families, couples, and friends who value good viewing positions should find the format appealing.

It is also a strong choice if you have already seen whales from a large boat and want something more personal. The combination of live viewing and aerial footage gives you two ways to remember the outing.

You should be comfortable with a three-hour search on open water. Wildlife can be spectacular, but the timing is not controlled. If you need a tightly scheduled activity with guaranteed close-up animal behavior, this is not the right kind of tour.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The provided information does not give specific accessibility details for the boat, so contact the operator directly if you have mobility concerns or need particular boarding assistance.

Practical planning for a cruise-port day

Book early if your schedule is fixed. The tour is commonly reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 163 days. That suggests limited small-boat capacity during popular cruise dates.

Take a screenshot of the meeting directions before leaving the ship. The Adventure Dock and Wilderness Dock routes are different, and the Excursion Hub is not necessarily beside your ship. Look for the orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign once you arrive.

Keep your schedule simple after the tour. The activity returns to its meeting point, but wildlife sightings and loading times can vary. The company leaves on time at the beginning, while the water portion may feel more flexible as the crew searches for animals.

Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are listed as included, but a personal bottle of water is still sensible. Bring layers, protect your phone, and leave room in your luggage for the USB drive.

Should you book Alaska Whales & Drones Tours?

I would book this tour if you want whale watching to be the main event during your Hoonah stop. The small boat, Captain Josh’s hands-on guiding, and the overhead video make it more distinctive than a basic wildlife cruise.

The strongest case is the combination of access and memory. You get a better chance at an unobstructed view on a 14-passenger vessel, then receive footage that shows the animals from a perspective you could not get from the deck.

I would hesitate only if your budget is tight, your schedule cannot tolerate weather uncertainty, or you are booking solely for guaranteed drone footage. Fog can restrict both visibility and filming, and wild animals never follow a timetable.

For most people who have set aside the money for one special activity in Hoonah, this is a well-targeted choice. Arrive early, dress for changing weather, and treat the drone as a valuable bonus rather than the only reason to go.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, near the Excursions Hub.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The vessel has a maximum capacity of 14 travelers.

Who leads the tour?

Company owner Captain Josh serves as captain and guide. Jamie may serve as first mate.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles.

Is drone footage included?

Yes. A USB drive with drone footage of the whales is included, with one drive provided per group.

Are snacks and drinks included?

The tour information lists snacks and soda or pop as included. One departure had no snacks or drinks available, so bringing a personal supply is sensible.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. The boat leaves on time.

Can I cancel for a 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 because the minimum number of participants is not met, you will be offered another date or a full refund.