What is the difference between the boats?

• Our Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure is on our smaller 22-passenger vessel. This boat is 41 feet long and 12 feet wide with a low to the water profile design; it has extra-large windows allowing unrestricted viewing while getting up close to wildlife. We do consider ourselves one of the smaller boats – not like the 150-passenger boat offered by the cruise line. These boats take 18-24 passengers.
• Our Guaranteed Whales! Spacious Catamaran. Is our newer and larger 49-passenger vessel. This catamaran is 48 feet long and 17.5 feet wide. It has four different options for viewing; nearly floor to ceiling windows in the heated indoor cabin, an outdoor forward deck, a covered outdoor rear deck, and an outside upper deck offering a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Alaska wildlife. This vessel is perfect for families with little ones, large groups, and photographers.
• Exclusive Whale Watching is the smallest vessel we offer. It is a 26-foot Hewescraft, built specifically for whale watching in extreme comfort. This tour will take you away from the crowds and out to see the spectacular wildlife Alaska has to offer. There is an outdoor back deck for unobstructed wildlife viewing, as well as windows inside the cabin. We take only six passengers at a time and if that is still too many, we offer private charters as well.

Which boat is the best?

That is entirely up to what experiences you are looking for. If you would like a lot of different indoor and outdoor viewing options, the Spacious Catamaran is definitely for you. If a very private experience is more your style, Exclusive Whale Watching is the way to go. If a lower to the water, eye level view, and smaller group experience is what you are looking for, the Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure is the perfect option. However, no matter what boat you book, you are going to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, all of our vessels maintain a bathroom which is a typical marine “head”, meaning small in size and not as comfortable as a land-based bathroom, as would be expected on a boat. We implement strong measures on cleaning and disinfecting to ensure your health and safety.

Is it heated, protected from rain, is there an inside to the boat?

Yes, the boats are heated and fully enclosed so that guests can escape the elements if so desired.  However, Alaska weather is unpredictable, so we advise all of our guests to bring warm clothing – jackets, mittens and hats. Once the captain stops the boat to observe whales, guests may go outside on the bow or the stern.

What type of whales and wildlife will be seen?

Southeast Alaska has an abundance of wildlife to experience, and our Captain does their best to provide our guests the opportunity to see not only the majestic humpback whale, but orcas, Stellar sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, sea otters, eagles, and the occasional Alaska brown bear.

How long is the trip?

The trip is approximately 3 hours from pick-up at Icy Strait Point to drop off. Our transfer times are very short with up to 2 and a half hours spent on the water experiencing the beauty of southeast Alaska.

Is your boat wheelchair accessible?

Though we cannot accommodate a wheelchair on board for safety reasons, we have accommodated many guests with mobility issues. We can stow a foldable wheelchair on the back deck, so it is available immediately after the tour. Or it can be stowed on the dock waiting for you when you get back. Guests must be able to physically walk into the boat on their own power but with Captain assist and be able to sit up in their seat unassisted.

What happens if the ship gets in late? Or cancels the port?

We understand that you have no control over when the ship arrives and departs.  Should your ship get in late, we will do our best to accommodate any of our scheduled guests either via a shortened tour, or a refund.  If your ship decides to stay later due to getting in late then all tours get pushed back a bit and we can still offer the full tour. If your ship cancels its port call, we will provide a 100% refund.

Is the morning or the afternoon better for whale watching?

The beauty of having one of Alaska’s largest resident whale populations feeding in the waters of Icy Strait is that they are typically on display all day, morning and afternoon.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for a two (2) week notice on any cancellations so that we may open these spots to others. A 50% cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made within two (2) weeks of tour departure date. No refunds will be given for “no-shows” or last-minute cancellations within 48 hours of tour departure date.  If your ship cannot make it due to mechanical problems or any other reason, a 100% refund will be provided.

Will I get seasick? How rough does it get?

We usually don’t encounter heavy swells or the type of seas that tend to cause seasickness. With our sturdier boats you often don’t feel the waves. However, the wind can pick up on occasion even on the inside passage and the water can get choppy. So, if you are prone to motion sickness then we highly recommend taking seasickness meds 1 hour before the tour. No need to worry about drowsiness, the excitement of the whales will keep you awake!

Where do we go to meet up?

Icy Strait Point has two arrival docks. Depending on what ship you are on you may either arrive at the Adventure Landing or at the Wilderness Landing.

If arriving at the Adventure Landing, proceed up the dock to the Adventure Center. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit door number 2, which is clearly marked. Follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you will meet our crew with a sign that says Icy Strait Whale Adventures.

If arriving at the Wilderness Landing, take the Green Transporter which is FREE! Once you get off, turn left, look for the Excursion Hub sign with an arrow and follow the signs and arrows to the Excursion Hub.

We ask that all guests arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time.

What is the price? Any discounts?

The price varies per vessel.  Discounts are provided for groups larger than 6. Please call us at 1-907-723-7447 to inquire about private charters. 

How do we book a tour through you?

The best way to book and to see real-time availability is to log onto Icystraitwhaleadventures.com. Click on the green “Explore My Adventure” button then click on the red “Book Now” button. You will then be shown the available dates from which you can choose. The rest is pretty easy from there but if you prefer to book over the phone just call 1 907-723-7447 or email info@icystraitwhaleadventures.com.