Hoonah

Whale watching dominates in Hoonah, with more than half the 23 tours focused on seeing humpbacks and orcas in Icy Strait. Fishing trips and bear search drives make up most of the rest, with a handful of food-focused and village tours. Prices are high: 78% of tours cost over $200 per person, and none are under $100.

Nearly 80% of tours are rated 4 stars or better, and the best-reviewed options consistently mention knowledgeable local guides, small groups, and close wildlife encounters. The most popular whale watching cruises and fishing trips all include gear and transportation, and many offer snacks or meals as part of the experience.

Hoonah’s 23 tours are almost entirely about wildlife: whale watching, bear searches, and fishing. Whale watching is the most common, with options ranging from small boats to larger group cruises. Fishing trips and bear tours fill out the rest, plus a few food and village experiences. Most people pay $200–$400 per person, with just 5 tours under $200 and only 2 over $1,000. About half allow free cancellation, but this is standard for the region.

Ratings are strong: 78% of tours are rated 4 stars or higher, and only 22% fall below that mark. The best-reviewed tours highlight small group sizes, guides who know the area well, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Whale watching cruises are especially well regarded, often selling out in advance.

A few tours disappoint, mostly among bear searches and some shore excursions. Complaints focus on long periods spent driving with few animal sightings, or on tours not matching the description. Still, most visitors leave positive reviews, especially for whale watching and fishing.

For wildlife, whale watching is the clear favorite. The best-rated cruises, like the Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise, include local guides, snacks, and all fees, and consistently deliver close-up views of humpbacks and orcas. Most whale tours last 2.5–3 hours and cost $225–$314 per person; the higher prices often reflect smaller groups or more experienced guides. Fishing trips, such as Icy Strait River Fishing & Wildlife Search, are more expensive ($400–$500) but include all gear and the chance to see bears along the riverbanks. Kayak tours ($180) are a good option for those seeking a quieter, hands-on experience, with guides praised for their knowledge and flexibility.

Bear tours are less predictable. Both the Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search ($164) and Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! ($382) receive mixed reviews, with several guests reporting long drives and few or no bear sightings. If seeing bears is a priority, fishing trips that include wildlife watching tend to get better feedback.

For food lovers, the Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast ($235) stands out: it includes a full crab meal, dessert, and a tour of local sites, and is among the highest-rated experiences in town.

Where disappointment happens, it’s most often with bear search drives and a few shore excursions. Reviews mention long periods in vans with little to see, or tours not matching what was promised—such as being placed on a larger boat than advertised or not receiving included snacks. Some guests on bear tours found the drives dull or overpriced for the wildlife actually seen. Whale watching and fishing tours, by contrast, rarely receive negative feedback.

Almost all tours confirm instantly—16 out of 23—so last-minute booking is possible for most. However, the most popular whale watching cruises and unique experiences like the crab feast are likely to sell out, especially in peak season. Booking a few weeks in advance is safest for these.

Bear tours and fishing trips have more availability but can fill up when cruise ships are in port. For the widest choice, book as soon as your travel dates are set.

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