Tour Details
Private Premier Whale Watching
Built for speed and comfort, travel in a boat perfect for Alaskan sailing with spacious viewing decks and heated cabins, allowing you to stay warm and dry as you take in the wonder that the northernmost state has to offer.
Your private tour begins when as you are picked up at the Excursions Hub at Icy Strait Point, a privately-owned property of the Huna Totem Corporation located in Hoonah, Alaska. Make a scenic drive along Shaman Point to the Hoonah City Commercial Dock where your exclusive charter boat will be waiting. Along the way you may spot some of the local wildlife including Bald Eagles, Black tail Deer and more.
Take to the waters of this beautiful and natural place, board the boat and leave from Hoonah Harbor. While traveling along the shorelines, sightings of bears, deer, coastal ducks and geese, blue heron, puffin, swans, terns, cormorants and more are common.
In the water you may get a chance to spot humpback, orca, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and seals. Humpback whales come to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait every summer in huge numbers before migrating south again in the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May and stay through September.
Humpback whales are large baleen whales that can reach over 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 30-50 tons. They are perhaps most famous for their whale songs, thought to be used by males as a mating call. Humpbacks are amazingly active and typical whale sightings will include diving, blows, and flukes (tails). Lucky whale-watchers may get to see breaching, bubble-net feeding, a cooperative feeding method where a pod forms a circle and dives under the water. They then blow air to create a wall of bubbles that force krill and plankton to the surface where the whales can eat them. Observing humpbacks practice bubble-net feeding is a real treat and a truly thrilling experience.
Your custom designed boat is ideal to experience the wonder and beauty of this area's whale watching population. Return to the docks and transfer back to Icy Strait Point with plenty of time to board your ship or explore downtown Hoonah when your amazing and unforgettable day on the water is complete.
Please Note: The boats available for this tour accommodate groups of up to 18 and 30 guests maximum. Please take this information into consideration when booking.
Duration: 3 hours
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Benefits of Independent Tours
- Lower Prices than the Cruise Lines
- Smaller Tours, Higher Quality
- Money Back Guarantee
- Guaranteed Return to Ship
- 24 Hour Hotline
How to Book Shore Excursions
You can book these tours Online or Call. To buy online, visit our iCruise Shore Excursions website.
or Call 1-800-545-4988
Speak to a Shore Excursions expert for more information about this tour and other tours.
Reference: Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Solstice, Departing Tue, Jul 1, 2025
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More about this tour
Shore Excursion Size: Private
Shore Excursion Type: Eco, Nature
Shore Excursion Duration: 3
Shore Excursion Departs From: An approximately 5 to 25 minute walk from the cruise ship pier or cruise ship tender pier.
Activity Level: Easy
Food/Beverage Provided: Snack, Beverage
Recommended Dress: We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. It is recommended to dress in layers, appropriate for Alaska and for the changing temperatures you may encounter, and bring a portable raincoat.
Restrictions: Guests must be able to get in and out of all transportation. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.