The Call of the Wild

The Arctic has always been a place of raw beauty and harsh realities, a place where nature reigns supreme and humans are mere spectators. My journey to Icy Strait Point in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area was no different. As a former Arctic researcher, I have spent countless hours studying the impact of climate change on polar regions, but this trip was about experiencing the untamed wilderness firsthand. The allure of witnessing the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat was too strong to resist.

From the moment I spoke with Captain Colleen, I knew this adventure would be extraordinary. Her enthusiasm was infectious, even over the phone from thousands of miles away. Her background as a senior bridge officer on cruise ships and freighters around the demanding northwest coast assured me that I was in capable hands. Her knowledge of local wildlife was unparalleled, and her promise of guaranteed whale sightings was a tantalizing prospect.

The Dance of the Giants

The day of the excursion dawned crisp and clear, the kind of day that makes you feel alive. The boat, a brand-new purpose-built vessel with twin outboards, was a marvel of engineering. With a comfy cabin and a large outdoor cockpit, it was the perfect platform for our adventure. As we set out into the icy waters, the anticipation was palpable.

We didn’t have to wait long. Colleen guided us to the perfect spot, turned off the motors, and we waited in silence. The first whale surfaced with a whoosh, its massive body breaking the surface with grace and power. Then another, and another. In all, we must have seen thirty whales, their spouts shooting into the air, their arched backs glistening in the sunlight, their huge flukes disappearing into the depths. It was a dance of giants, a spectacle of nature’s grandeur that left us all in awe.

A Moment in Time

The three-hour tour stretched into five, a testament to the magic of the experience. As we returned to Hoonah, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Most of the tourists had disappeared, and the shops at Icy Strait Point were closing. We had just enough time for a bowl of crab bisque on the jetty before catching the last tender back to our ship.

As we sailed away, Colleen waved to us from her house on the beach, a fitting end to an unforgettable day. This adventure was a reminder of the raw beauty and power of the Arctic, a place where nature’s wonders are on full display. For those who seek the thrill of the wild, Icy Strait Point is a destination not to be missed. Whale Watching Adventure