Hoonah Whale Tours was recommended by another local company that did not have availability on the day we were scheduled to visit Icy Strait Point via cruise ship. From booking to pick up to the actual excursion, this is an excellent tour operator! Joardan and Maraiya are in their second year of business doing whale tours, so they don't yet have many reviews on TripAdvisor, but don't let that deter you. They are professional and well-organized, and you will get a personalized experience: far better than a larger, cruise company-organized tour. Joardan has roots in Hoonah and grew up on those waters; that's the kind of person you want taking you on a tour in such a unique place.
Maraiya handled the booking: I first made contact via email, and we finalized the booking over the phone. Fast and easy! She was so nice and easy to work with. She sent instructions for where to meet her on the day of the tour, which were easy to follow and spot on.
She collected the small group for our morning tour (max 6 guests per trip!!) and drove us to Hoonah, where Joardan was waiting with Thor Too. The catamaran was new and nice and there was no sea sickness!
We had a rainy, overcast day, but the whales put on a fantastic show - we all had an amazing time! Joardan was constantly scanning for sea life, while also keeping us safe and respecting other boats and of course, the whales. We may have been lucky that day, but we saw far more critters than I expected to.
Maraiya's homemade blueberry muffins were a fabulous treat!
I initially wasn't sure what to do at Icy Strait Point, and almost didn't plan anything because I didn't want to be part of a huge, commercialized tour, but I'm so glad I found out there are tour operators like this. Hoonah Whale Tours did a wonderful job, and all I can say is, book with them, and get your reservation in as quickly as you can!