Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Icy Strait cruise pier area!
English-speaking certified local guides!
Exclusive small group!
Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy whale watching in a very unique way!
Live drone footage of whales!
You will meet your guide and transportation near your Icy Strait cruise pier and head to the small boat dock located near the native village of Hoonah, Alaska. Here, you will board your custom-built boat designed for seeing whales close up in their natural setting. This is a small group excursion, so there will be plenty of room for everyone to have a good view.
Once everyone is on board, your captain will head out towards the popular areas where there have been whale sightings for that particular day. Most frequently you will be able to see the majestic humpbacks who often visit the clear waters of Hoonah.
Upon arriving at the area where the humpbacks are playing, entertaining, and putting on a show for their visitors, be sure to have your camera ready as there will be plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos and videos of these incredible animals.
Although some humpbacks spend all year here, most migrate here in the summer months to the gorge of the endless supply of food, before migrating to Hawaii or Mexico where they mate or give birth.
Even though you will get plenty of viewing time from the boat, your captain will add to that viewing by putting the drone up, so you can see the whales from BOTH perspectives! You will be able to see some incredible footage, this approach creates an absolutely minimal impact on these animals. You will have incredible views of them in their most natural and undisturbed state.
Please note: that weather conditions will determine if the captain will be able to fly the drone.
You may witness whales tail lobbing (slapping their tail or fin on the water's surface), bubble net feeding, where they surround their meal with a curtain of air bubbles and scoop it up at the surface, or the amazing power of a breach, where this massive mammal shoots out of the water as if it weighs nothing, corkscrews in the air like a ballerina, before canon-balling back into the water, creating a thundering sound as it hits the water. Scientists don't really know why they do most of these behaviors - whether it is an attempt to shed barnacles or parasites on their skin, showing off and having fun; but no matter what, you will never forget seeing any of them.
If the captain receives information of other sightings of wildlife in the vicinity, such as Orcas, or more Humpbacks, he will also move on to those other spots, to provide as many chances as possible to see these beautiful creatures.
At the end of your incredible excursion, your transportation will be waiting to take you back to your Icy Strait cruise pier.
What is included?
Roundtrip transportation from your Icy Strait Cruise ship terminal.
English-speaking certified local guides!
Exclusive small group (only 14 participants maximum!)
Unique Whale Watching with Drone Footage experience in Icy Strait!
Beverages and granola bars during the excursion! (sodas included)
Restroom on board!
Excursion Notes
Excursion prices shown include all taxes and fees.
Guests must be able to step on/off the whale-watching boat.
We recommend wearing layers with the top layer being waterproof.
Please wear sensible walking/hiking shoes that may get wet.
USB drive with the captured footage during the excursion formatted to either PC or Mac available to purchase (Approximate cost is $25.00)
We suggest you have cash on hand for excursion staff gratuities, and extra purchases such as the USB drive with the captured footage during the excursion.
Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if requirements are not met.
Where we meet
For this Icy Strait Whale Watching with Live Drone Whales Footage Excursion, you will meet your local shore excursion guide just outside your Icy Strait cruise pier shoreside. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
Excursion Restrictions
This excursion is not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on parent's laps
This excursion will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Guest prone to motion sickness should not take this excursion
Excursion FAQ
Will they cancel the Icy Strait Whale Watching with Live Drone Whales Footage Excursion if it is raining?
The Icy Strait Whale Watching Excursion operates rain or shine, within safety guidelines. The local shore excursion operator will decide at the time of departure, to postpone or cancel the excursion.
Where do the whales go in the winter?
Humpback whales go to Hawaii and Mexico where they live off their added weight from their summer eating, mate, and give birth. Their behavior is much different in Alaska than it is when they migrate to the south.
Is the Whale sightings guaranteed?
The excursion does not guarantee whale sightings; however, there is a 100% success rate at finding them.
Is it possible to purchase the footage captured by the drone?
Yes, a USB drive with the captured footage during the excursion is available to purchase, the approximate cost is $25.00.
Will there be restrooms during the excursion?
Yes, the boat has a small restroom onboard.
Do I need to take my passport with me on the Icy Strait Whale Watching with Live Drone Whales Footage Excursion to show with my Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket?
No, it is not necessary to take along your passport or driver's license unless noted by your cruise line or listed in the Restrictions or Notes tab for the excursion. Your local operator has your booking noted. Please arrive with a printed copy of your eticket or digital copy if applicable.
Cancellation
For the Icy Strait Whale Watching with Live Drone Whales Footage Excursion, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 24 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.
For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:
Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
Your ship skips/misses the port.
Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
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Icy Strait Whale Watching with Live Drone Whales Footage Excursion Experiences
