Ear Mountain Charters tours: whale watching or fishing

Alaska’s icy waters can deliver a remarkable wildlife show. On a recent outing, sightings included whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions, all from a compact boat that can get you close to the action without carrying a large crowd. The setting around Icy Strait and Hoonah is just as memorable as the animals.

I like the six-person limit, which gives the trip a personal feel, and I like the 32-foot North River boat, with a heated cabin, bathroom, and twin 250-horsepower engines. The main consideration is weather: rain gear is not supplied, and the boat is exposed once you leave the cabin, so you need to arrive prepared.

Key points

• Whale watching can include orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other marine and land mammals.
• The small boat carries only six participants, giving you more room than a large cruise vessel.
• Fishing gear is provided, but each fishing participant must buy a $15 Alaska day license.
• Every tour begins and ends at Icy Strait Point, with a short van ride to Hoonah for boarding.
• The boat has a heated cabin and bathroom, useful in cool or wet Southeast Alaska weather.
• You can return to Icy Strait Point or remain in Hoonah to explore, then use the shuttle back.

A Small Boat Out of Icy Strait Point

Ear Mountain Charters offers two different ways to spend your time on Alaska’s water: whale watching or fishing. Both use the same 32-foot North River offshore power boat, a sturdy vessel with twin 250-horsepower motors and a 25-horsepower kicker motor.

The boat is set up for six participants. That number matters. You are not lost in a crowd, and the guide can explain what you are seeing or help with fishing gear without shouting across a packed deck. The tradeoff is simple: if the six available places sell out, there is no extra space on this departure.

You will find a heated cabin, seating, and a bathroom onboard. Those features are useful, not decorative. Southeast Alaska can be cool and wet even in summer, and a warm place to sit makes a long ride much easier. Still, do not treat the cabin as a substitute for proper clothing. You should bring rain gear, quick-dry clothes, and closed-toe shoes.

The boat’s size also gives the trip a more intimate character than a large whale-watching vessel. At the same time, the sea can feel active, and you should be comfortable with a boat-based outing. Children younger than the ages listed by the operator are not accepted, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

From the Excursion Hub to Hoonah Harbor

Your pickup point is the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point. Pickup begins 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port, so you should have enough time to leave the ship and make your way to the meeting area without rushing.

The route depends on where your ship docks. If you arrive at the Wilderness Dock, take the green gondola to the Adventure Center area. Once you get off, turn left and follow the signs for the Excursion Hub and pickup area.

If your ship uses the Adventure Dock, walk up the ramp into the Adventure Center and leave through door number 2 at the end of the building. Outside, follow the Excursion Hub signs to the pickup area.

A van then takes you to Hoonah, about a mile away. This is a short transfer, but it adds useful context. Icy Strait Point is the cruise port area, while Hoonah is the nearby town where you board the boat. The change from excursion hub to local harbor helps the trip feel less like a port-side activity and more like a small community outing.

The drive is not a sightseeing tour in itself, and it is brief. Its value is practical: it gets you to the correct harbor without asking you to arrange your own transport.

Whale Watching in the Waters Around Icy Strait

The whale-watching option focuses on marine and land mammals. You might see whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other wildlife. A recent trip produced sightings of all four of those headline animals, which gives you a good sense of the range possible on the water.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, so you should book this for the chance to search Alaska waters, not for a promised checklist. That said, the small group and dedicated boat make it easier to keep watch and respond when animals appear. Your guide can help identify what you are seeing and direct attention toward movement on the water or along the shore.

The scheduled whale-watching portion is listed at about 3.5 hours, while the overall activity can run from three to six hours depending on the chosen tour and timing. That is long enough to give the search real time rather than turning the outing into a quick harbor ride.

I like the balance of the trip. You get the excitement of looking for large animals, but you also have time to appreciate the scenery around Icy Strait. Alaska is not merely a backdrop here. The water, wooded shores, and open views are part of the experience, even during quiet stretches when no animal is in sight.

The possible drawback is that patience matters. A small boat cannot force wildlife to appear, and poor weather may affect visibility or comfort. Bring a camera if you wish, but keep your eyes ready for the moment something surfaces. A phone screen is a poor substitute for watching the water.

Alaska Fishing With Gear Supplied

The fishing option gives you a chance to experience what fishing in Alaska can be like without bringing a full set of equipment from home. Gear is provided, which keeps the packing list manageable and makes the activity more accessible to people who do not own fishing equipment.

You must purchase a $15 day license if you choose fishing. That cost is not included in the tour price, so plan for it before departure. You should also bring a credit card and your identification. The operator lists a passport or ID card among the items to carry.

Fishing may be the better choice if you want an active outing rather than a wildlife search. It also gives you a clear task during quieter stretches on the water. Still, conditions can vary, and the supplied information does not promise a particular catch or species. You should see it as an Alaska fishing experience, not a guaranteed result.

Wear clothes that can get dirty and choose closed-toe shoes. Quick-dry clothing is a smart choice, particularly when spray, rain, or handling fishing equipment is possible. You should also bring personal medication, since the operator does not list medication as something available onboard.

Food and drinks are not supplied apart from water. Eat before you leave or bring what is permitted for the outing, but note that drinks are not allowed in the vehicle and alcoholic drinks are not allowed. The rules also prohibit smoking and vaping in the vehicle and indoors.

Why the Six-Person Limit Matters

A six-person group is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. You have a better chance of getting a clear view from the boat, and the guide can answer questions without turning the trip into a formal presentation for dozens of people.

Small groups also help on fishing trips, where equipment and movement need room. On a whale trip, you can shift your attention quickly when the guide spots something. The atmosphere should feel more like a shared boat outing than a ride on a large sightseeing platform.

There is one practical side to the small size: you need to reserve early if your port day is fixed. The activity offers reserve-now, pay-later booking, so you can hold a place without paying immediately. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, which gives you some protection if your plans change.

The guide language is English. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm that the vessel setup suits your needs before booking, especially if you need specific boarding assistance.

Staying Dry, Warm, and Comfortable

The operator does not provide rain gear. This is the most important packing warning. Bring a waterproof outer layer, waterproof trousers if you have them, and clothing that dries quickly. A cotton sweatshirt that gets wet can become uncomfortable fast.

Closed-toe shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, high heels, and bare feet are not allowed. The footwear rule makes sense on a working power boat, where you need secure footing and protection for your toes.

The boat has a heated cabin, but you should not assume you will sit inside for the entire trip. Wildlife viewing depends on being able to look outside, and fishing takes place on the boat rather than from a sheltered lounge. Dress in layers so you can adjust as conditions change.

You should also bring your ID, credit card, personal medication, and, for fishing, your license. Do not bring weapons, sharp objects, glass items, pets other than assistance dogs, or alcohol. Smoking and vaping are prohibited, and intoxication is not permitted.

The operator also bans climbing, swimming, and diving. These are working safety rules, not minor technicalities. Follow instructions around the boat and keep loose behavior to a minimum.

The Return to Icy Strait Point

After the boat portion, you return to Hoonah harbor by boat and then head back toward Icy Strait Point. If you want to return directly to the port area, the operator will take you to the drop-off point.

You can also stay in Hoonah to explore. That flexibility is useful if you want a little time in town rather than going straight back to the cruise area. Shuttles are available from Hoonah to Icy Strait Point, so you are not forced to remain on the charter’s return transfer if you prefer to look around.

The trip begins and ends at Icy Strait Point, but the Hoonah stop gives you another option at the end. I would choose the direct return if your ship has a tight schedule. I would consider staying in town only if I had plenty of time before all-aboard and had confirmed the shuttle timing.

The operator does not give a detailed schedule for time in Hoonah, so you should treat the town stop as optional rather than a separate guided visit. The guided part is the boat experience and the transfer to and from the harbor.

Is $284 Per Person a Fair Price?

At $284 per person, this is not a budget shore excursion. The price makes more sense if you value a small group, a private-feeling boat, and the chance to spend several hours on Alaska water rather than taking a short port activity.

You are paying for the boat, captain and guide service, transport between Icy Strait Point and Hoonah, and, on fishing trips, the use of fishing gear. The heated cabin and bathroom add comfort that you may appreciate if conditions turn wet or cold.

The strongest value comes from the six-person limit. A large vessel may cost less per person, but it will not offer the same amount of space or the same direct access to the guide. If seeing whales and other animals is your main goal, the small boat format is a meaningful advantage.

The value is less certain if you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a guaranteed fishing catch. Nature controls the result. You are buying time, access, and a capable boat in a notable part of Alaska, not a fixed performance.

Who Should Book This Charter?

I would recommend this for adults, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers small groups to large ship excursions. It suits you especially well if you want a real boat outing, can handle several hours outdoors, and enjoy the possibility of seeing more than one type of animal.

Whale watching is the natural pick if you want scenery and wildlife. The possibility of seeing whales, orcas, otters, and sea lions gives the trip strong appeal, especially for photographers and anyone visiting Alaska for the first time.

Fishing suits you better if you want to participate rather than simply watch. The included gear removes one common barrier, although you still need to pay for the $15 day license and accept that the result is not guaranteed.

I would think twice if you dislike wet weather, need a highly predictable schedule, or want a tour with meals included. There is only water onboard, rain gear is your responsibility, and the length may range from three to six hours.

Should You Book Ear Mountain Charters?

Book this tour if you want a small, focused Alaska outing from Icy Strait Point and you are willing to let weather and wildlife shape the day. The chance to see whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions from a six-person boat is compelling, and the heated cabin makes the trip more comfortable than a bare-bones boat ride.

Choose whale watching for wildlife and scenery. Choose fishing for a hands-on activity with gear supplied. In either case, pack rain gear, wear proper shoes, allow enough time around your ship’s schedule, and remember that the $284 price buys access to Alaska’s waters, not a guaranteed animal sighting or catch.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point.

How do I reach the Excursion Hub from the Wilderness Dock?

Take the green gondola to the Adventure Center area, then turn left and follow the signs to the Excursion Hub pickup area.

How do I reach the Excursion Hub from the Adventure Dock?

Walk up the ramp into the Adventure Center and exit through door number 2 at the end of the building. Follow the Excursion Hub signs outside.

When is pickup?

Pickup times begin 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port.

Where do I board the boat?

You take a short van ride from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah, about one mile away, where you board the boat.

How many people can join the tour?

The small-group boat is limited to six participants.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is provided on fishing tours, but each fishing participant must purchase a $15 day license.

Is food provided?

No. Food and beverages are not provided, apart from water.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking.