Whale Watching: Icy Strait / Hoonah

Day 5 (Wednesday): Whales, Totems, and the Heart of Hoonah

Today’s adventures brought us to Icy Strait Point, nestled near the small native village of Hoonah, Alaska.

We started with a 2.5-hour whale watching tour with Icy Strait Whale Adventures, cruising through rich Alaskan waters aboard a 49-passenger catamaran. The experience was nothing short of magical. We spotted several humpback whales, watched playful sea otters bob on the waves, and even caught glimpses of puffins skimming the surface— a rare sighting.

After the cruise, we wandered into the town of Hoonah, where the cultural heartbeat of this Tlingit community was on full display. We had the privilege of watching—and chatting with—two local artists carving traditional totem poles from fresh cedar. The scent of the wood, the sound of their tools, and the stories they shared made it a memorable experience.

From ocean giants to cultural richness, today offered something unforgettable. Alaska just keeps getting better. 🐋🌲🎨

Today’s adventure— We dock in Juneau where our family will embark on a 4-hour Jeep excursion on our own through the town and woods of Juneau, and we’re coming into port now. 😊Baca selengkapnya