Hoonah’s Icy Strait offers a truly captivating whale watching experience, where visitors can witness the majestic grace of humpback whales and the power of orca in their natural habitat. Accompanied by a skilled captain and drone pilot, this 3-hour excursion immerses guests in the heart of Alaska’s coastal wilderness, capturing breathtaking aerial footage that brings the whales’ movements to life. With a maximum of 14 passengers, round-trip transportation, and complimentary snacks, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure – one that showcases the wonders of this remarkable ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary experience, this whale watch with drone filmography is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This 3-hour whale and wildlife watching excursion in Icy Strait offers sightings of humpback whales, orca, sea lions, and bald eagles.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, snacks, and soft drinks, as well as a USB containing drone footage of the marine life.
- The tour accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers on a private boat, providing an intimate and immersive experience.
- The drone footage captured by the pilot offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the whales and other wildlife in motion.
- The tour consistently receives positive reviews from customers for its successful spotting of diverse marine life and the lasting memories created.
Tour Overview
This 3-hour whale and wildlife watching excursion by private boat accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers as they cruise through the Icy Strait in search of humpback whales, orca, sea lions, and more.
The captain and drone pilot provide a bonus of film footage of the whales encountered during the tour. Passengers will be awestruck by the incredible drone views of the diverse wildlife, including the majestic humpback whales.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise ship dock, snack bars and soft drinks on board, and a USB of the drone footage to take home.
This immersive experience allows visitors to witness the sights and sounds of the whales and create lasting memories through the provided pictures and videos.
Highlights
Witnessing the sight and sounds of the majestic humpback whales is an awe-inspiring highlight of this excursion. The incredible drone views captured by the captain and pilot offer a unique perspective, leaving passengers truly mesmerized by the diverse wildlife of the Icy Strait. From the graceful dives and powerful breaches of the whales to the playful antics of the sea lions, the drone footage provides an unparalleled glimpse into the natural wonders of this region. Passengers can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation as they take home these stunning visuals that will keep the memory fresh for a lifetime.
| Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale Sightings | Incredible Drone Footage |
| Orca Encounters | Diverse Wildlife Viewing |
| Seal and Otter Observations | Unforgettable Experiences |
| Bald Eagle Flyovers | Lifetime Memories |
| Bear Sightings on Shore | Breathtaking Scenery |
Inclusions
The 3-hour whale and wildlife watching excursion includes round-trip transportation from the cruise ship dock, as well as snack bars and soft drinks to enjoy on board.
Passengers will receive a USB containing the stunning drone footage captured by the captain and pilot, allowing them to relive the awe-inspiring moments again and again. This added bonus ensures guests can savor the incredible sights of humpback whales, orca, and other marine life long after the tour has ended.
From the convenience of pickup and dropoff to the unforgettable drone views, the inclusions on this excursion are designed to deliver an exceptional and memorable experience for all who embark on this Icy Strait adventure.
Meeting Point
Cruise ship passengers can easily access the Excursion Hub by following the well-marked signs from either the Adventure Dock or the Wilderness Dock. Those docked at the Adventure Dock can simply proceed to the Adventure Center, while guests from the Wilderness Dock have the convenient option of walking (a 25-minute stroll) or taking the quick 3-minute Transporter Gondola ride to reach the centralized meeting point.
| Meeting Point Options | Time |
|---|---|
| Walk from Wilderness Dock | 25 minutes |
| Transporter Gondola from Wilderness Dock | 3 minutes |
| Proceed to Adventure Center from Adventure Dock | – |
| Follow signs to Excursion Hub | – |
The Excursion Hub provides a seamless and accessible starting point for this breathtaking whale watching adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from the moment guests arrive.
Whale and Wildlife Sightings
Humpback whales breach the glistening waters, showcasing their sheer size and power as they launch their massive bodies into the air.
Orca patrol the strait, their dorsal fins cutting through the waves with a sense of majestic grace.
Sea lions bask on the rocky outcroppings, occasionally diving beneath the surface in pursuit of their next meal.
Nature’s spectacle unfolds before the awestruck eyes of the whale watch participants, a true feast for the senses.
The passengers are spellbound as they witness the incredible diversity of wildlife in the Icy Strait. From the graceful movements of the humpbacks to the playful antics of the otters, every moment is a captivating display of the region’s vibrant ecosystem.
Drone Footage
But the true highlight of the excursion comes from the drone footage captured by the skilled pilot. Swooping overhead, the drone provides a breathtaking aerial perspective, giving passengers an unparalleled view of the whales and other marine life as they move gracefully through the icy waters.
From the towering silhouettes of the humpbacks breaching the surface to the playful antics of the sea lions, the drone footage immerses the audience in the beauty and wonder of the Icy Strait. The crisp, high-definition images and smooth, cinematic movements of the drone capture the awe-inspiring scale and majesty of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Excursion Duration
During the 3-hour duration of the whale watching excursion, passengers have ample time to spot an abundance of marine wildlife within the Icy Strait. Cruising through the serene waterways, they’re treated to intimate encounters with humpback whales, orca, sea lions, and more as the experienced captain navigates the private boat to the prime viewing locations. The 3-hour timeframe allows guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and marvel at the majestic creatures breaching the surface. With a team of passionate naturalists on board, guests gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the delicate ecosystem. The following table highlights the awe-inspiring moments that can unfold during this unforgettable 3-hour adventure:
| Sightings | Duration | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Humpback Whales | Up to 20 minutes | Awestruck |
| Orca | 15-30 minutes | Exhilarated |
| Sea Lions | 10-15 minutes | Captivated |
| Eagles | 5-10 minutes | Inspired |
Customer Reviews
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews attest to the excursion’s consistent success in spotting a diverse array of marine life, including humpback whales, orca, sea lions, and more.
Reviewers are in awe of the incredible drone footage captured during the tours, which provides a unique bird’s-eye view of the whales and other creatures.
Many praise the sheer excitement of witnessing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, their senses heightened by the powerful sounds and movements of the whales.
Customers consistently highlight how the experience has created memories that will last a lifetime, with the provided USB footage serving as a treasured keepsake to relive the adventure again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat is wheelchair accessible, with ample space and assistance available for guests with mobility needs. The captain and crew are committed to ensuring all passengers can comfortably enjoy the whale-watching experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board. However, the tour company provides a selection of complimentary snacks and soft drinks to enjoy during the excursion, creating a convenient and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
You don’t need to bring any special equipment. The tour provides everything you’ll need, including snacks, drinks, and even a USB of drone footage captured during the excursion – all you need to bring is your excitement for an unforgettable whale-watching experience.
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
The tour has no age limit, welcoming guests of all ages. Children under 4 can join for free, providing a memorable wildlife experience for the whole family. The boat’s max capacity of 14 passengers ensures an intimate and personalized tour.
Can I Purchase Photos or Videos After the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase photos and videos captured during the tour. The boat’s captain and drone pilot provide a USB drive with the day’s footage, allowing you to take home incredible memories of your whale watching adventure.
Recap
Enjoy the captivating world of Alaska’s coastal wilderness on this unforgettable whale and wildlife watching excursion. Witness the majestic humpback whales and orca in their natural habitat, while capturing breathtaking aerial footage with the skilled drone pilot.
With a small group of 14 or fewer, round-trip transportation, and complimentary snacks, this 3-hour adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Icy Strait and create lasting memories.
