Boat Tours in Hoonah, Alaska

Located in Hoonah, Alaska, Icy Strait Point is a unique destination wholly owned and operated by Alaska Natives, specifically the Huna Tlingit people. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, the site was once a thriving salmon cannery and has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that honors tradition while welcoming visitors from around the world. This connection to the land and sea, combined with a commitment to preserving and sharing Native culture, sets Icy Strait Point apart as a place where history and modern adventure coexist. Visitors to Icy Strait Point can choose from over 30 diverse excursions that showcase the natural beauty and cultural depth of the region. Activities range from the thrilling experience of riding the world’s largest ZipRider to wildlife cruises featuring expert naturalists, backcountry jeep tours, and cultural shows at the Heritage Center. The offerings cater to a wide range of interests and abilities, including accessible forest excursions and guided wildlife searches. Each tour is led by local guides who provide insightful commentary, ensuring that guests not only enjoy Alaska’s wilderness but also gain a deeper understanding of the community and its enduring traditions.

Alaska Shore Excursions connects cruise passengers and independent travelers with top-rated Alaska tours at wholesale prices, allowing guests to book directly rather than through cruise lines. Serving major ports including Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait, Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier, the company offers a wide range of experiences—from helicopter glacier landings and dog sledding to whale watching, railroad journeys, fishing charters, and wildlife adventures. With an easy booking process tailored to cruise itineraries, travelers can select their ship, sailing date, and port to find perfectly timed excursions. Known for benefits like free cancellation, a return-to-ship guarantee, secure payments, and a best price guarantee, Alaska Shore Excursions focuses on convenience and value without sacrificing quality. Backed by a team of Alaska tour experts and responsive phone and chat support, they help visitors maximize their time in port with carefully vetted, highly rated adventures across the state’s most iconic destinations.

The Local Guy Charters and Whale Watching is an Alaskan Native–owned and family-operated charter company offering personalized fishing charters, whale watching, sightseeing tours, and water taxi services in Juneau, Alaska. As a proud member of the Juneau Charter Boat Operators Association, they focus on small, private adventures limited to six guests, ensuring every trip remains intimate, comfortable, and tailored exclusively to your group—never combining parties. Their mission is simple: deliver a safe, memorable Alaskan experience where everyone gets the best seat and the best view. Setting themselves apart, The Local Guy Charters operates the only charter boat in Juneau equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer system designed to eliminate up to 95% of boat roll, reducing fatigue, anxiety, and seasickness for a smoother ride on the water. With customizable itineraries built around your schedule and budget, plus military, law enforcement, and local discounts available, they invite you to experience Southeast Alaska “The Local Guy’s Way” — a private, high-quality adventure crafted to be the trip of a lifetime.

Located in Hoonah, Alaska, this whale watching operation offers expert-guided excursions through the nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait, a renowned ecosystem in Southeast Alaska. With over a decade of experience, Captain Seth, a licensed 100 Ton USCG Master Captain, leads small group tours limited to six guests, ensuring an intimate and uncrowded wildlife viewing experience. The company’s custom 32-foot Twin Vee Catamaran features an enclosed heated cabin, restroom facilities, and a 360-degree walk-around deck, providing comfort and excellent vantage points regardless of weather conditions. The tours focus on the abundant marine life of the region, including returning Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, Seals, and Bald Eagles. The excursions last approximately three hours and forty-five minutes, including transportation from local cruise ship ports to the harbor. Guests can choose between individual seats or private charters for up to six people, with a guarantee of whale sightings or a full refund. The tours prioritize opportunities to witness unique behaviors such as cooperative Bubble Net Feeding by Humpbacks and frequent Orca encounters. Designed for travelers seeking a relaxed yet immersive wildlife adventure, the experience combines expert knowledge, stable and quiet vessel operation, and access to one of the world’s most productive marine habitats.

NatVenture Tours is a women-owned, locally operated guiding company based in Southeast Alaska, specializing in active river fishing and wildlife excursions. Founded in 2015 by Natalie, a bilingual guide with a background in Environmental Science and licenses as a pilot and captain, the business offers personalized, off-the-beaten-path adventures. With locations in Gustavus and Hoonah, Alaska, NatVenture Tours stands out for its intimate small group and private tours that provide a genuine local experience, avoiding the typical tourist routes. The company is highly rated on TripAdvisor and is known for its knowledgeable guides and family-like customer care. The tours cater to cruise ship passengers visiting Hoonah as well as independent travelers in Gustavus, a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Offerings include fly fishing, spin fishing, kayaking, packrafting, and bear watching, with a focus on world-class fishing and wildlife viewing. Guests can expect immersive outdoor experiences such as hiking along rivers to catch salmon and spotting brown bears in their natural habitat. The company emphasizes personalized service and expert guidance, ensuring each trip is memorable and tailored to the interests of its guests.

Icy Strait Whale Adventures is a locally owned and operated tour company based in Hoonah, Alaska, offering an authentic experience deeply rooted in the heritage of the Tlingit people. With over 61 years of combined experience, the company provides guided whale watching excursions through the rich waters of Icy Strait, a prime habitat for humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Their custom-built vessels, designed for comfort and optimal viewing, accommodate groups ranging from intimate parties of 24 to larger groups of up to 35 passengers on a spacious catamaran. What sets this operation apart is its strong connection to the local community and culture, with many guides and crew members being descendants of the Hoonah Tlingit, who share stories of their history and traditions throughout the journey. The company offers two main tours: a Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure for smaller groups and a Guaranteed Whale Cruise aboard a 35-passenger catamaran for larger parties. Both excursions last approximately two and a half hours and provide opportunities to observe humpback whales engaging in behaviors like bubble-net feeding, as well as sightings of orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other wildlife. Guests travel through scenic waters from Hoonah to Point Adolphus near Glacier Bay National Park, enjoying not only wildlife viewing but also the cultural narratives shared by knowledgeable captains and crew. The tours are suitable for all ages and emphasize safety, comfort, and an immersive experience that highlights the natural beauty and living culture of Southeast Alaska.

Located in Hoonah, Alaska, this premier whale watching tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the region’s rich marine life. With extensive experience navigating the waters of Southeast Alaska, the company provides guests with knowledgeable guides who share insights about local wildlife and ecosystems. The tours stand out for their commitment to small group sizes, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. Utilizing well-maintained vessels equipped for comfort and safety, the operation emphasizes both adventure and education in a pristine natural setting. The whale watching excursions focus on spotting humpback whales, orcas, and other marine species native to the area. Designed for nature enthusiasts and families alike, the tours include expert narration and ample viewing opportunities from the boat’s deck. Guests can expect a blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and informative commentary that highlights the behaviors and habitats of the animals observed. This experience is ideal for those seeking an immersive and authentic Alaskan wildlife adventure in a scenic coastal environment.