One of the joys of visiting Southeast Alaska is the thrill of seeing animals in their natural habitats. Spotting a humpback whale and seeing a bear are both unique and memorable experiences that’ll stay with you for the rest of your life. But which one is right for you?
If you’re taking a cruise line vessel to Alaska, you might wonder about the quality of bear watching at Icy Strait Point, whether it is a good spot for whale watching, or how to choose between the Icy Strait Point whale watching and bear search tours.
A tour we think you'll love
Let’s dive into these exciting questions and uncover the best ways to experience the wild wonders of Icy Strait Point. Whether you’re dreaming of spotting majestic whales breaching or catching a glimpse of elusive coastal brown bears, we’ve got you covered!
Whale Watch vs. Bear Search – What To Expect On Each Tour
During our whale watching expedition, you’ll be seated on the boat most of the time. Enjoy watching whales, salmon, and other marine wildlife as they navigate the beautiful waters of Point Adolphus. You may also get to watch the whales bubble feeding, which is truly an awesome sight to behold.
This adventure includes roughly 2.5 hours on the water (plus roughly 15 minutes on each side for ground transportation), watching majestic sea creatures. You may also see brown bears here, too, as they often feed on fish in summer.
On our bear watching adventure, an experienced guide takes you around Chichagof Island to see coastal brown bears and other wildlife. Sitka black-tailed deer, elk, and bald eagles are commonly spotted during our tours.
Travel comfortably in a 15-passenger van during this three-hour tour to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, although the van will make several stops along the way for you to stretch your legs and take some pictures. Then, the tour continues as you search for more brown bears and other wildlife.
Of course, there are a few things both tours have in common. A friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced local guide, who knows both the lands of Chichagof Island and the nutrient-rich waters of Point Adolphus, accompanies every tour. You may also see brown bears on each tour, as they often feed on salmon near the water.
You’ll have an amazing time whether you choose to watch whales or look for bears. Over the years, your tour guide has conducted many tours, knowing how to keep things fun and where to find the best sightings of your chosen wildlife.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to explore the wild beauty of Icy Strait Point—secure your adventure now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Best Times For Whale Watching And Bear Searching
Another important consideration is the timing of your trip. It’ll be easier to see different types of local wildlife during different parts of the year, as migration patterns and other factors can make them more difficult to find during certain times of the year.
Coastal brown bears, for example, hibernate in the winter months and usually wake up between March and May. They’re often seen on Chichagof Island from May to September, but the best months are June and July, as this is the peak time for salmon to go on their spawning runs. Bears eating salmon are a common sighting in summers here.
Whales don’t hibernate, but they do migrate south for the winter. They generally come up in late spring and are best seen from May to September, before they begin their journeys back closer to the Equator to spawn.
The good news is both bear sightings and whale sightings are relatively common in Southeast Alaska during the peak tourism months, although it will be easier in the summer months of June, July, and August than in the shoulder months of May and September.
Combining Both Tours In One Day
Sometimes the best choice…is to choose both! If you can’t decide which one you’d prefer, you’ll easily have enough time to do both while you’re in Icy Strait Point. This applies to both independent travelers and cruise ship passengers.
Here’s a sample itinerary for a cruise passenger:
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6:00 AM – Your ship docks at Icy Strait Point. You take your time disembarking and either take a short walk to the Port of Icy Strait Excursions Hub or wait for the green shuttle to take you there, depending on the dock on which you land.
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7:30 AM – The Icy Bay Strait Wilderness and Brown Bear Search Tour begins, and you travel around the island with a knowledgeable local guide for an unforgettable experience seeing brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and other amazing wildlife.
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10:30 AM – The brown bear adventure tour ends, and you end up back at the Excursions Hub. You take a quick walk to 108 Cannery Road and board the boat for your Guaranteed Icy Strait Point Whale Watching adventure.
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10:45 AM – The boat departs, and you spend the next three hours watching whales, seabirds, seals, and other marine life feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Point Adolphus.
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1:45 PM – The ship returns, and you’re back at 108 Cannery Road. You can take the shuttle to Hoonah to visit the Shops by HTA and experience native culture in our Tlingit village, and then return to your cruise ship before your 3:30 PM departure.
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3:00 PM – You arrive at your ship, 30 minutes before Last Call and 90 minutes before the ship departs. You get ready for dinner and look back at all the pictures you took of the amazing wildlife during your excursions.
This is just a sample itinerary, of course. Tour times are scheduled to match daily cruise ship arrivals and departures for our cruise guests’ convenience. If your ship is in town for 8 or more hours, you’ll have enough time to fit in both excursions.
For shorter stays, we recommend taking your wildlife excursion first, before shopping, so you won’t have to carry around your gift shop purchases. Be cautious if purchasing snacks from the shops; their scents might attract brown bears during your tour.
Family-Friendly Adventures
One thing you won’t have to compare is the family friendliness of both activities, as both are perfect for guests of all ages.
Our bear search tour mainly takes place in a comfortable van, so you can relax knowing that children stay safely inside and adults with mobility concerns won’t have to worry about rough terrain. This means you get to focus on the thrill of spotting coastal brown bears and other incredible wildlife without any hassle or stress. It’s the perfect way for families and guests of all abilities to enjoy the wild beauty of Chichagof Island up close and personal!
During our whale watching tour, guests sit comfortably aboard the boat, witnessing whales and a vibrant spectrum of wildlife as they navigate the waters of Point Adolphus—a truly mesmerizing spectacle! Keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking breaches, playful sea lions, and the graceful dance of marine life that makes this area truly magical.
Public versions of the bear-watching adventure have a minimum age of 8. However, there is no minimum age requirement on private tours, which can be booked directly with us over the phone.
Tips For A Successful Tour
Before your adventure begins, prepare for all weather conditions. Hoonah is part of the Tongass National Forest (one of the largest rainforests in the world), which means it rains here between 160 and 250 days a year. Being ready for anything is essential, which is why we recommend dressing in layers.
Check the day’s weather report to get an idea of expected conditions, though keep in mind they aren’t always accurate. Also, remember to keep all food and flavored drinks wrapped away tightly while on land for bear safety, as they can be attracted to the scent.
Binoculars are recommended, but not required. Most of the wildlife you’ll see on both tours can easily be viewed with the naked eye, but binoculars will definitely give you a better view. Bring a camera to capture these memories and share them with friends and family back home!
Lastly, be patient and keep your eyes open — wildlife sightings are a matter of timing and luck, so staying alert and calm will greatly increase your chances of spotting coastal brown bears, humpback whales, and other amazing animals.
Making The Choice – Whale Watching Or Coastal Brown Bears
Both the whale watching adventure and brown bear search tour guarantee an incredible experience. If you still haven’t decided and you don’t have enough time for both, it really comes down to personal preference. Would you rather see land animals like bears or sea creatures like whales?
If your ship stays in port long enough, don’t miss the chance to experience both tours for the ultimate Hoonah adventure. Speaking of Hoonah, don’t miss the Shops by HTA right next to the Hoonah cruise dock. Discover a delightful selection of snacks, refreshing drinks, unique souvenirs, and heartfelt gifts—perfect mementos to treasure long after your unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
Whether choosing brown bears, whales, or both experiences, booking in advance is essential as spots are often limited. Reserve your spot today – tours fill up quickly during peak season!
