Private Whale Watching Excursions

Experience Alaska's Nature Away from the Crowds
Starting at $200 per Guest

Excursion Options

Choose your experience

Reserve by Seat

$ 200
/guest
  • Shared Experience
  • Shuttle service to/from Icy Strait Point
  • 3 Hour Excursion
  • Limited to 6 guests
  • Guaranteed to see whales or your money back!

Private Vessel Charter

$ 1,200
/excursion
  • Private Experience
  • Shuttle service to/from Icy Strait Point
  • 3 Hour Excursion
  • Limited to 6 guests
  • Guaranteed to see whales or your money back!

Guest Perspectives

“Watching whales with Captain Bryan and Jaromy was INCREDIBLE! They made the trip so fun and memorable. I wouldn't hesitate to go with them again.”
Alaska Sunset over the bay
Cassidy Judd
“These guys will go above and beyond to give you a great tour. Seriously, I wouldn't even waste your time searching for comparable tours, because I guarantee it won't compare to what you'll experience here. The reality is with most tour guides, you'll feel like you're forgotten about after you've booked the tour. "You get what you get" is the attitude of most tour companies. But these guys will make sure you have a great time because they care only about your experience. From start to finish, they will show up for you, guaranteed!”
Parker Hewes, DC
“I had an amazing experience with Bryan and Jaromy! From the moment we boarded, I could tell they were highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable about the local area and waters. They shared so many interesting things about the locals and the whales we saw. I would definitely go on another excursion with Hoonah Matata. 10/10 recommend!”
Josh Crook

Meet the Crew

Hi, I’m Captain Bryan—This is my wife Teresa and my son, Captain Jaromy. From 2017 to 2024, Teresa and I lived aboard our sailboat, Come What May, sailing more than 40,000 miles and exploring Southeast Alaska.

During our first voyage through the region, were completely captivated by the beauty and charm of Hoonah.

We eventually traded our sailboat for a cozy little cabin in this remote Alaskan town…

Why book a Hoonah Matata Experience?

FAQ

We recommend sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Also, bring a camera to capture the incredible moments.

Binoculars are optional, as we position you perfectly for close encounters. We’ll take care of the rest to ensure a seamless, unforgettable experience.

Weather in Hoonah in the summer can vary from 45 degrees and rainy to 75 degrees and sunny. We recommend dressing in warm, layered clothing to stay comfortable, as conditions can change on the water.

A waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves are great for added warmth. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are also ideal.

We’ll take care of everything else—you just bring your sense of adventure.

Our excursions take place in waters where whales are present every single day, and we’ve proudly never had to issue a refund.

We are so confident we will find whales together that if we don’t see whales, we’ll give you a 100%, full refund! 

Our excursions are designed for calm, enjoyable experiences, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking Dramamine or Bonine. If you’ve been sea sick before, you may consider bringing some cinnarizine as it is more effective. If you know you get sea-sick, try taking the medication the day before you join us and again on the morning of your excursion.  

The waters we operate in tend to be very calm so very few of our passengers get sea sick on our tours. 

We’re located in a small costal town called Hoonah, in Southeast Alaska, just moments from Icy Strait Point. We pick up our clients at Icy Strait Point, drive 3 minutes to the marina and drop you back off when the tour is over.

If your ship is docked at the Adventure Dock, proceed ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Once inside, walk through the building and exit through door number “2”, which is clearly marked above the door. From there, follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub. The total walking time is approximately 6-8 minutes, so please allow extra time if you prefer a slower pace. We kindly ask that you check in for your tour 15 minutes early, as we depart on time.

If your ship is docked at the Wilderness Dock, walk all the way up the dock and turn right. Board the FREE Green Transporter Gondola, which takes about 4 minutes. After exiting the gondola, turn left and follow the signs along the gravel path to the Excursion Hub, which is just a 3-minute walk.

Additional contact information will be sent to you after your booking is finalized.

We offer an intimate, personalized experience with tours limited to just six guests. This means no crowds—just you, the open water, and the incredible wildlife.

Our small group size allows us to venture deeper into nature, offering closer encounters, quieter moments, and a connection to the whales and their environment that larger tours simply can’t match.

Yes, our vessel has a marine “Head” on board. 

Guests may cancel their experience up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. In the event that your cruise ship is unable to dock or we must cancel due to weather, you will also receive a 100% refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled experience are non-refundable

Explore Southeast Alaska & Icy Strait Point

Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Southeast Alaska.

Limited to just six guests, this intimate, three-hour whale watching experience offers unparalleled access to humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and more.

Glide through calm waters with a skilled naturalist guide aboard a luxurious vessel, surrounded by untouched fjords and thriving wildlife.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

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