Whale Watching Tours
Icy Strait near Hoonah Alaska
Explore Alaska by Sea
Catch of the Day offers a 3-hour whale watching experience through the pristine waters of Icy Strait. Every tour is designed for comfort, excitement, and incredible wildlife viewing in a small-group setting.
Small Groups, Big Views
We keep our tour groups small so every guest enjoys unobstructed views and personal guidance from Captain Dennis and Captain Bill. You’ll have plenty of room to move around, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded.
Our Vessels
Our Coast Guard-approved vessels, Storm Breaker and Straight Shooter, are fast, reliable, and heated for your comfort. You’ll stay warm and dry inside the cabin, while still having plenty of deck space for photos and panoramic views. Safety is always our top priority, and every trip is equipped with life vests and emergency gear to ensure a secure and enjoyable adventure.
Storm Breaker
This Coast Guard-approved vessel can carry up to 16 people. The hull design of our vessel is a catamaran. This design gives the vessel more stability and a smoother ride with less rock ‘n roll than a monohull vessel. This stability allows for less motion sickness and better photographing.
Straight Shooter
Our whale-watching tours on the Straight Shooter are personal and intimate; this Coast Guar-approved vessel carries up to 6 people. The hull design of our vessel is a trimaran. This design gives the vessel more stability and a smoother ride with less rock ‘n roll than a monohull vessel. This stability allows for less motion sickness and better photographing.
A Cruise-Friendly Adventure
All of our tours are scheduled to coincide with cruise ship arrivals at Icy Strait Point. Hoonah Harbor is just a short shuttle ride from the cruise docks, and we guarantee a timely return for all cruise passengers.
3-hour whale watching tour*
Heated cabin and comfortable seating
Knowledgable local guides
Small group sizes
Coast Guard–approved safety gear
Scenic views of Icy Strait
A Cruise-Friendly Adventure
⚠ IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE YOUR CRUISE
There is no cell service or Wi-Fi in the port. To avoid missing your tour, screenshot and if possible print these directions before boarding your ship. If you arrive without them, you may not be able to locate the pickup point, and we cannot delay departure.
Pickup Instructions
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Be at the pickup location 30 minutes before your scheduled tour.
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Allow enough time to walk from your ship once you arrive in port.
Walking Times
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Docked at Ocean Landing → approx. 10–15 min walk.
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Docked at Wilderness Dock → ride the free green gondola to the main port area + 10 min walk.
How to Find Us
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Walk to the Shuttle Bus Roundabout.
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Exit between the Visitor Information Booth and the red Security Shack.
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Our driver will be just outside the exit holding a white “Catch of the Day” sign.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales return to the waters of Southeast Alaska every summer to feed and play. On your tour, you may witness breathtaking moments like breaching, tail-slapping, and bubble-net feeding.
Captain Dennis and his crew know these waters better than anyone, allowing them to locate whales safely and responsibly. We always maintain a respectful distance that lets guests experience the whales’ natural behavior without disturbing them. Each encounter is different, and that’s what makes every trip so special.
Spot Other Marine Life
Our tours often include sightings of sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles. On special days, you may even see orcas moving through the strait. Every trip offers something new to discover.
While whales are the stars of the show, our tours often feature other wildlife, too. You might see sea lions basking on the rocks, otters floating through the kelp, porpoises racing alongside the boat, or bald eagles soaring overhead. On calm days, you may even spot orcas moving through the strait.
Every tour is a new opportunity to see something incredible and learn about the diverse marine life that calls Southeast Alaska home.
