Icy Strait: Premier Whale Watching with Guaranteed Sightings and Private Tour Option
5.0
29 Ratings
Experience premier whale watching in Icy Strait with guaranteed sightings and the option for a private tour. Enjoy a 4-hour excursion with over 3.25 hours on the water, a custom-built catamaran, and a refund guarantee for no whale sightings.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Icy Strait - Icy Strait is a legendary body of water that connects the protected inside waters of Southeast Alaska to the open Pacific Ocean. The nutrient rich waters of Southeast Alaska make it one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. During the summer months, these abundant fjords become the ideal home and feeding ground for a large population of Humpback Whales. Humpbacks travel to the area every year after their winter breeding season in the warmer waters of Hawaii and Mexico. After navigating over 3000 miles, we often see the same individual humpbacks return to Icy Strait year after year.

Humpbacks aren’t the only wildlife in the area. Our trips often encounter Sea Lions, Seals, Porpoise, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Coastal Brown Bears along the shoreline, & our favorite

  • the awe inspiring Orca better known as the Killer Whale.
  • Hoonah - On the day of your tour, we will meet you at your cruise ship port and then transport you through the town of Hoonah to the local harbor where our whale watching vessel is docked. Our van ride offers beautiful views of Port Frederick and the surrounding landscape. Occasionally we’ll even see wildlife (including Eagles) on our van ride to the vessel. After your time on the water, we will transport you back to your cruise ship docking area. The time spent in van between our vessel and your port is approximately 5 minutes.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • On-board restrooms
Additional Information

Our adventure lasts 4 hours in its entirety, with more than 3.25 hours spent on water! We’ve tailored our journey to be among the lengthiest whale watching excursions available in Icy Strait. The additional duration aids us in making plenty of stops without pressure. Our ship is restricted to a maximum of 6 passengers (be it a private or a mixed group) to ensure our visitors have a spacious, tranquil and intimate interaction with wildlife. On the day of the tour, we will collect you from your cruise port – Icy Strait Point, and drop you back there using our 12-seater van. You’ll explore the water onboard our custom-made Twin Vee Catamaran, featuring a warm enclosed cabin, a restroom, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and a 360-degree walk around viewing deck.

We promise to locate whales or you get a full refund.

IF YOU BOOK ALL 6 SPOTS - you and your group will be the only occupants of the craft; turning it into a Private Tour (with no extra charges).

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Shorangina
Jun 9, 2024
Didn’t get to go but service was amazing - Unfortunately, the night before our booked excursion there was an issue and the boat was not functional. Seth met us, as scheduled, at the excursion hub and explained that we would be unable to go out that day with him while he fixed his boat. However, he had taken it upon himself to find someone else to take us out that day in the same small group AND he dropped us off at that boat and met us when we were done. He was very concerned and upset that he may have ruined our vacation. Even if we couldn’t have gone out at all, that wouldn’t have happened. His concern for us and also the effort he made to still have us be able to go on a whale watch was amazing. He went way above and beyond. I’m sad we didn’t get to go with him but he still made it a memorable day for us. Thank you so much and I hope that he got some much needed sleep and all is now good with his boat. You won’t be disappointed if you book with Vivid Endeavors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnsf9104ul
Jun 1, 2024
A most amazing experience - Seth is a master at knowing where the whales are swimming and got us up close and personal with humpbacks in late May in Icy Straights off Hunnah. So over five different whales surface numerous times, and even had the unexpected treat of a full breach just 25 yards from our boat. On top of all that spotted bear on the shore, and sea-lions, otter and many proposes along the way. Well worth it and would seek out this tour when in Alaska. Thanks Seth. You rock!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michele_b
May 29, 2024
Book with Captain Seth! Highly recommend! - Captain Seth was super! The catamaran was in great shape, well stocked with goodies and a bathroom and the whale watching was hugely successful! We saw a brown bear, eagles, sea otters, humpbacks and orcas! He communicated well with other captains to find where the activity was for us to get great viewings and pictures! We created memories and was so pleased with the trip overall! Thank you Captain Seth! Continued success!
Review provided by Viator
Durindam2022
May 29, 2024
Concierge Service - Captain Seth is very accommodating and professional. We saw whales, sea lions, and a female bear on the beach. With a smaller boat you’ll get closer than the cruise excursion boats.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliedl2680ez
May 26, 2024
Fantastic Experience from start to finish - We booked our whale watching tour with Captain Seth as we wanted a smaller more personal trip than our cruise ship was offering , and it was the best decision we made ! We spent four hours on the water and saw bears , deer , sea otters , sea lions and lots and lots of whales ! Having the extra time on the water meant we could really explore and saw far more than we expected and would have done on a shorter tour and on a larger boat . Seth’s experience and passion for what he does is obvious and his genuine interest in explaining and finding the wild life was truly inspirational. The communication between us after booking was great and he picked us up right off our cruise ship and dropped us back off. Fabulous form start to finish and lovely to support a local Alaskan business . Book with Vivid , I promise you will not be disappointed
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberlyds7287am
May 24, 2024
Relaxing whale watching - Great experience. Seth was very accommodating with beverages and snacks. With limited seating, you're not packed. Plenty of time on the boat..a little over 3 hours. Saw whales, a bear, seals and mountains.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Max_h
May 24, 2024
Very Personable Experience - Seth was great! He went out of his way to make an enjoyable experience. Even stayed out longer as the whales were still active towards the end of our tour to ensure we saw every possible moment. Small group environment was perfect and there was great viewing from the entire craft. Well maintained craft as well... would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
John_s
May 21, 2024
Fantastic day! - Today’s adventure with Seth was fantastic! Our day of exploring was great fun, comfortable, and informative - seeing whales, brown bear, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and more. We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Naomi_r
May 20, 2024
Awesome trip! - Captain Seth was so hospitable, a great guide and full of knowledge. The highlight of our trip! We would highly recomend!
Review provided by Viator
John
May 17, 2024
Exceptional tour experience! - Today’s adventure with Seth was fantastic! Our day of exploring was great fun, comfortable, and informative - seeing whales, brown bear, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles and more. We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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