Hoonah

Whale watching and wildlife experiences dominate Hoonah’s 24 tours, with fishing trips and shore excursions rounding out the selection. Half of all tours are priced between $200 and $400 per person, and only 8% fall below $100. The median price across all options is $219, but this is pulled up by private tours that charge per vehicle.

The best-reviewed tours consistently offer small group sizes, knowledgeable local guides, and time spent at the main wildlife sites. Among the top-rated, whale watching cruises from $169 to $237 per person stand out, while tours below $100 are rare and often shorter or less comprehensive.

Hoonah’s catalogue is compact, with just 24 experiences, but most focus on whale watching, wildlife viewing, or fishing. There are no options under $60, and only two tours are under $100. The majority—58%—cost over $200 per person, and two private fishing adventures exceed $1,000. The median price is $219, but this figure is inflated by private tours priced per vehicle.

Tour categories can mix products: for example, 'Bus Tours' includes both private van tours and larger group excursions, so median prices may not reflect what you see in individual listings. Half of all tours offer free cancellation, which is standard here rather than a standout feature.

Quality varies: 21% of tours are rated below 4 stars, and the lowest-rated with 10+ reviews are all in the private and luxury, half-day, and shore excursion categories. However, the top-rated whale watching and fishing tours consistently receive 4.8 stars or higher and hundreds of reviews.

Whale watching is the main draw, with multiple tours between $169 and $237 per person. These typically include three hours on the water, snacks, and a knowledgeable local guide. The best value comes from tours that spend the full duration at the wildlife sites, include transportation, and limit group sizes. For example, the Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise and the 14 Passenger Whale Watching Tour both offer three hours on the water with nearly perfect ratings and no critical reviews below 4 stars.

Fishing trips are among the most expensive, ranging from $301 to $1,807 per person. The higher-priced options often include all gear and private transportation, but require you to purchase a fishing license separately. The best-reviewed fishing tours, like River Fishing and Bear Watching, receive only 5-star ratings, but expect to pay at least $376 per person.

Bear search and nature tours are less reliable. The Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search is the cheapest at $123 per person, but nearly a quarter of its reviews are 3 stars or lower. Complaints focus on long periods spent driving with little wildlife seen, brief stops at crowded sites, and a sense that the experience does not justify the price. Some reviewers also mention poor communication and missed pickups.

Among the whale watching options, the lowest-rated tours tend to involve third-party operators or larger groups, with complaints about overpricing, being placed on a different boat than advertised, or last-minute cancellations. For the best experience, look for tours with consistently high ratings, clear inclusions, and small group sizes. Food-focused tours like the Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offer a different value, with a full meal and cultural stops included for $147 per person and no reviews below 4 stars.

Most tours confirm bookings instantly—17 out of 24—so last-minute reservations are usually possible. However, several high-rated whale watching and specialty wildlife tours are marked as likely to sell out, and reviews mention missed spots due to late booking.

If you want a specific tour or time, especially during peak cruise days, booking ahead is advised. Cancellations and last-minute changes do occur, so check the refund policy before booking.

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