Frequently Asked Questions

Southeast Alaska is classified as a temperate rainforest. This means we have mild winters and cool temperate summers. There’s always a chance of encountering rain while you’re visiting SE Alaska, although usually only a light mist that you often forget is happening. For optimum comfort, especially on those extra rainy days, we recommend bringing a rain jacket and dressing in layers. The summertime temperatures are usually between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can feel significantly warmer than that on sunny days in June, July, & August.  Often times a sweater or even a tshirt is fine but having an extra layer nearby for colder days, wind, and rain is recommended.

Our vessel is a custom 32ft Twin Vee Catamaran. Catamaran’s are stable, smooth riding, and the ideal platform for watching marine wildlife in Southeast Alaska. Our vessel has an enclosed heated cabin with windows for panoramic viewing. In the cabin, we have a private marine head (bathroom) should you need to use the restroom while underway. Outside, we have a 360 degree walk-around viewing deck, ideal for photography. With our quiet motors and indoor/outdoor viewing areas you will often hear the wildlife in addition to seeing it.

*Although most guests never encounter seasickness on our vessel, we do recommend taking medication before we pick you up at the Excursions Hub if you are prone to motion sickness.

At various times throughout the summer Icy Strait becomes one of the few areas in the world where Humpbacks will gather in groups to engage in a cooperative feeding behavior known as Bubble Net Feeding. This is a truly incredible event that makes for great pictures and even better memories. We monitor reports and conditions closely to make sure we put you in the best position possible to see this behavior. We also encounter Orca/Killer Whales on many of our trips. Although we won’t see Orcas or Bubble Net Feeding every day as conditions and feeding habits change often, rest assured this will be our main priority if occurring that day.

We limit our boat to 6 passengers max (whether private or mixed) to provide our guests with an uncrowded, relaxed, and personalized experience.

We have a 2 passenger per trip minimum. If you book 1 seat and the vessel hasn’t booked 2 seats total by the day of your tour – we will reach out to you with options for rescheduling or converting to the minimum passenger requirement. In this situation, if you are unable to reschedule or convert, you will be refunded.

If your trip doesn’t see a whale, you will be refunded.

Bookings that are cancelled 30 days in advance of your tour date will be refunded. No refunds will be given for cancellations attempted by guests within 30 days of their tour date.

If your Cruise Ship is delayed or misses the port altogether – we will work with you to reschedule a new time if possible or give you a refund.

If we have unusually inclement weather on the day of your tour, we will still meet you at the Excursions Hub as planned and discuss modified cruising options. If we determine the trip is not possible due to weather, you will be refunded.

Guests must be capable of traversing a potentially steep ramp (depending on tide), stepping up/down from our van, and stepping up/down again to board the vessel.

If you have a wheelchair/walker/stroller or limited mobility – contact us before booking to further discuss details.