Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales

A whale-watching trip with a live drone view changes the way you see Icy Strait. From the boat, you watch a humpback surface or a calf stay close to its mother. Later, the overhead footage shows the full animal moving through the water, often with the surrounding pod or coastline in view. It is a clever extra, not a replacement for being outside with the whales.

I like the small 14-passenger boat, which gives you a far better chance of finding an open viewing spot than a large ship excursion. I also like Captain Josh’s role as both owner and guide. He handles the boat, explains what you are seeing, and uses his local experience to search for whales and other wildlife.

The main consideration is the weather. Fog can limit visibility and may prevent the drone from flying, even when the crew still finds seals, otters, or whales. I would bring extra layers and my own water or snack, despite the tour’s stated inclusion of snacks and soft drinks.

Key points to know before booking

• The drone footage is the unusual extra: You watch wildlife from the boat, then receive overhead whale footage on a USB drive, one per group.
• The group is capped at 14 people: That means less crowding, easier viewing, and room to move between the indoor and outdoor areas.
• Captain Josh leads the trip: His commentary covers the animals, the area, and the search for whales.
• Icy Strait offers more than humpbacks: Possible sightings include orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, porpoises, coastal brown bears, and eagles.
• The boat leaves on time: Arrive 15 minutes early at the Excursions Hub, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship.
• The price reflects the personal format: At $249 per person for about three hours, you are paying for a small boat, an owner-led trip, and the added drone service rather than a basic large-group cruise.

Why the drone changes a three-hour whale watch

Most whale watches ask you to scan the water and wait for a blow, a fin, or a sudden breach. That can be thrilling, but it can also be hard to understand what the whale is doing below the surface.

Here, the crew adds a second view. While you watch from the boat, a professional filmography drone records the animals from above. The drone is used as an extra angle, so you can concentrate on the real-life sighting instead of trying to capture every moment with your phone.

That matters most when whales are traveling, feeding, or staying with young. From the boat, you may see a back rise and disappear. From above, you may later see the whale’s whole body, the path it took, and the way other animals moved nearby. Bubble-net feeding is another moment when an overhead view can help you understand the action.

The footage is supplied on a USB drive, one per group. Some participants have also received the files directly on a phone, but I would treat the USB drive as the standard takeaway. Bring a device or adapter if you plan to watch the clips during your cruise.

The drone is a strong reason to choose this trip, but it is not guaranteed to fly in every condition. Fog and poor weather can stop aerial filming. That is worth knowing before you pay a premium for the added feature.

Setting out from Hoonah into Icy Strait

The trip begins at Icy Strait Point, close to the cruise port facilities. You first check in at the Excursions Hub, where the driver carries an orange Alaska Whale and Drone Tours sign. From there, you are taken into town before setting out on the water.

The boat holds a maximum of 14 people. That is small enough to make a real difference. You can move between the front and back viewing areas, and you are less likely to spend the entire trip looking around someone’s shoulder.

The vessel has indoor and outdoor viewing spaces. That gives you a sensible choice in Alaska weather. Stay outside when the water is calm and wildlife is active, then step inside when the wind, rain, or fog makes the open deck uncomfortable.

I would wear layers, waterproof outer clothing, and shoes with a secure grip. The supplied information does not promise a heated cabin or a specific seating arrangement, so dress for time on the water rather than for a mild day at the port.

Captain Josh serves as owner, captain, and guide. First mate Jamie may also be aboard. The strongest part of the trip is the direct access to the person making the decisions. Instead of following a fixed script, the boat can adjust its search based on current sightings.

Searching for humpback whales and other wildlife

The stated focus is humpback whales, and the operator reports a 100 percent success rate for finding them on its tours. That is a strong claim, but you should still remember that a sighting is not the same as a close breach or a long feeding display.

The search itself is part of the experience. You may watch for a blow, a dark shape, or several boats gathered in the distance. Captain Josh’s commentary helps turn that waiting time into something useful, with explanations of the animals and the area around Icy Strait.

Humpbacks are not the only possible prize. The trip may also find orcas, coastal brown bears, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, porpoises, and eagles. Sightings vary by day and by weather. Some outings have included several kinds of marine life in one trip, while a foggy outing produced fewer clear views.

Sea otters can be especially entertaining because they are easy to miss from a distance and may appear in groups. Seals and sea lions offer a different kind of sighting, often close to the water’s surface or near shore. Orcas are less predictable, but seeing a pod would be a major bonus.

The captain’s job is not simply to point at animals. He must balance time, weather, fuel, boat traffic, and safe viewing distances. The best trips use that judgment to find wildlife without turning the outing into a rushed chase.

What the small boat gives you

The group limit is one of the best reasons to choose this excursion over a large cruise-ship whale watch. Fourteen people can spread out. You may watch from the bow, stern, or inside area, and you have a better chance of changing position when the action shifts.

That freedom is valuable when a whale surfaces on the opposite side of the boat. On a crowded vessel, you may need to stay in one place or fight for a clear view. Here, the format is closer to a private outing, even though it is still a shared tour.

The small boat also allows more direct contact with Captain Josh and Jamie. You can ask questions without shouting across a large deck. If you have a concern about the weather or timing, the crew is easier to reach.

There are tradeoffs. A 14-passenger vessel has less space than a large excursion boat, and the ride may feel more exposed in rough conditions. The details provided do not state whether the boat has a restroom, so plan accordingly before departure.

The compact format suits couples, families, and small groups who care about clear views and personal attention. It is less ideal if you strongly prefer a broad, stable ship with extensive indoor facilities.

The value of $249 for about three hours

At $249 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend port time. The price makes more sense when you separate the pieces: a three-hour wildlife trip, pickup, a maximum of 14 passengers, guide commentary, snacks, soft drinks, and the drone footage.

A large group trip may cost less per person, but it can also mean more waiting, more blocked views, and less contact with the guide. You are paying here for the small group and the second camera angle. If those two features matter to you, the price is easier to justify.

The footage also has practical value. It lets you enjoy the whale sighting without keeping your phone raised the whole time. Good whale photographs are difficult, especially in changing light and moving water. A professionally operated drone can record views that are simply impossible from deck level.

Still, you should not book this solely for a guaranteed dramatic breach. Wildlife remains unpredictable. The operator’s strong record for finding humpbacks is encouraging, but the number of whales, the length of each sighting, and the visibility depend on the day.

For a cruise port with limited time, the small-group format can be a better use of money than booking a larger, more crowded excursion. I would consider it good value for anyone who sees the drone footage as part of the main attraction, not just a free souvenir.

Port timing and finding the meeting point

The meeting instructions deserve careful attention. You must arrive 15 minutes before departure because the boat leaves on time. A late arrival can affect everyone on a small group trip.

If your ship uses the Adventure Dock, go ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Walk through the building, exit through door number 2, and follow the gravel path to the Excursions Hub. The walk takes about six to eight minutes, so allow more time if you walk slowly.

If your ship uses the Wilderness Dock, the walk to the Adventure Center takes about 25 minutes. You can also take the Transporter Gondola, which takes about three minutes, then follow the signs to the Excursions Hub.

Once there, look for the driver holding an orange sign marked Alaska Whale and Drone Tours. The activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

This is one situation where arriving early pays off. Port transportation can be confusing, and waiting for a shuttle may take longer than expected. Check your ship’s dock assignment before the morning of the tour.

Snacks, drinks, and what to pack

Snacks and soft drinks are listed as included. Even so, one recent account found no snacks or drinks available and was glad to have brought personal supplies. I would pack a small backup snack and a refillable water bottle if permitted.

Bring warm layers, rain protection, gloves if you feel the cold easily, and a hat that will not blow away. You will want to spend time outside when wildlife appears, even if the day starts mild.

A phone is useful for the normal boat-level views, but do not feel pressured to record every sighting. The drone footage is designed to preserve some of what you see from above. A USB drive is included for each group.

The activity is offered in English, and most people can participate. It is near public transportation, though the port walking directions are the key practical detail for cruise passengers.

Weather, cancellations, and the honest downside

Weather can shape the entire outing. Fog may reduce visibility, make whales hard to see, and prevent the drone from flying. One foggy trip still produced seals, otters, and some whales, but the aerial part was limited.

The crew may work hard to find other wildlife when conditions are poor. That effort is useful, but it cannot replace clear water and open skies. If the drone is your main reason for booking, keep this risk in mind.

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

This policy gives you some protection, but it does not guarantee that a marginal weather day will be canceled. If the boat operates, the trip may go ahead in fog or reduced visibility. I would contact the company before departure if the forecast looks especially poor.

Who should book this Icy Strait excursion

I would choose this trip if you want a small boat, direct guide commentary, and a useful record of what you see. It is especially well suited to families and couples who dislike large excursion crowds.

It also works well for repeat whale watchers. The drone provides a fresh angle, and sightings can include far more than humpbacks. Several species in one outing can make the three hours feel full.

Photographers may like the chance to watch without constantly framing a shot. The drone footage removes some pressure, though it does not promise still photographs. If you want your own images, bring a phone or camera as well.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility on uneven paths, need specific onboard facilities, or strongly dislike being on a small boat in rough weather. The provided details say most people can participate, but they do not give a full accessibility description.

Should you book it?

I would book Alaska Whales and Drones Tours if the $249 price fits your budget and you want more than a standard whale watch. The strongest reasons are the 14-person boat, Captain Josh’s hands-on guiding, and the overhead footage that shows whales in their full setting.

Go in expecting wildlife, not a staged performance. You may see humpbacks, orcas, otters, seals, sea lions, bears, porpoises, or eagles, but the mix changes with conditions. Bring layers, arrive early, carry a backup snack, and accept that fog may limit the drone.

For many cruise passengers, this is a smart way to spend time in Hoonah. The small group and lasting video souvenir give the trip a personal feel that a large ship excursion may not match.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $249 per person.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Cruise passengers check in at the Excursions Hub.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

Who guides the experience?

Company owner Captain Josh leads the trip, and first mate Jamie may also assist.

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. One USB drive with drone footage of the whales is included for each group.

Are food and drinks included?

Snacks and soft drinks are listed as included. Bringing a personal backup snack and water is still sensible.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Fog may also prevent the drone from flying during an otherwise operating tour.