Ear Mountain Charters tours: whale watching or fishing

The big draw here is the chance to see Alaska wildlife from a small, fast boat, not from a crowded viewing deck. From Icy Strait Point, you ride to Hoonah and head onto the waters around Icy Strait, where whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions may appear alongside spectacular scenery.

I like the six-person limit, which keeps the outing personal, and I like the boat itself: a heated cabin, bathroom, proper seating, and twin 250-horsepower motors. The main consideration is the price, $284 per person, plus the need to bring rain gear and, for fishing, buy a $15 license.

Key points at a glance

• Whale watching can include orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other marine and land mammals.
• Fishing trips include the required gear, but each angler must purchase a $15 day license.
• The 32-foot North River boat has a heated cabin, bathroom, and seating for six.
• The outing begins at Icy Strait Point and boards in Hoonah, only about a mile away.
• The small group size matters, especially when wildlife appears on one side of the boat.
• Bring waterproof clothing and shoes with closed toes, since rain gear is not supplied.

A Small Boat Out of Icy Strait Point

Ear Mountain Charters gives you two quite different ways to experience the waters around Hoonah. You can choose whale watching, with the goal of finding marine life and other wildlife, or fishing, where the focus shifts to the practical adventure of fishing in Alaska.

Both options begin and end at Icy Strait Point. The transfer is simple, but it is worth understanding before you book. You are picked up at the Excursion Hub about 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port, then driven roughly a mile to Hoonah. That short ride matters because Hoonah is where you board the boat.

The charter uses a 32-foot North River offshore power boat. It has twin 250-horsepower motors and a 25-horsepower kicker motor, along with a heated cabin, bathroom, and seating for six people. This is a useful setup in Southeast Alaska, where weather can turn wet and cool even when the day begins pleasantly.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and this is not a large sightseeing cruise. I see that as a benefit for wildlife viewing. With only six people aboard, you have a better chance of getting a clear view and hearing the guide without a loud crowd around you. The tradeoff is that the experience is more exposed to weather and boat movement than a big covered ship.

The Short Ride From Icy Strait Point to Hoonah

Your meeting point is the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point. If your ship docks at the Wilderness Dock, take the green gondola to the Adventure Center area. Turn left after getting off and follow the signs to the pickup area.

If your ship docks at the Adventure Dock, walk up the ramp into the Adventure Center. Exit through door number 2 at the end of the building, then follow the Excursion Hub signs. The instructions are specific, so give yourself time to find the correct area rather than rushing off the ship at the last minute.

Pickup takes place 30 minutes after the ship arrives in port. You then load into a van for the short drive to Hoonah. This transfer is not a sightseeing stop in itself, but it connects two useful parts of the experience: the cruise port at Icy Strait Point and the working community of Hoonah, where the charter boat is based.

At the end of the tour, you can return directly to Icy Strait Point or remain in Hoonah to look around. Shuttles are available for the trip back to Icy Strait Point. If your ship schedule is tight, I would choose the direct return and avoid adding extra timing pressure.

Whale Watching Around Icy Strait

The whale-watching option lasts about 3.5 hours according to the stated schedule, while the overall activity range is listed as 3 to 6 hours depending on the selected outing and availability. The main purpose is to search for whales and other marine life, but the viewing is not limited to one species.

The wildlife list includes whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and a variety of sea and land mammals. One verified booking produced sightings of whales, orcas, otters, and sea lions in a single outing. That is an unusually useful picture of what the trip can offer, though it should not be read as a promise that every trip will produce the same lineup.

This is wild-animal viewing, not a staged show. You may need patience, and sightings can depend on conditions. The small boat helps because the captain can take you out onto the water and search across a broad area, but no charter can control where animals appear or how long they remain visible.

I would choose this option if your main goal is to see Alaska wildlife rather than spend the day catching fish. It also suits people who want variety. A whale sighting may be the headline, but an orca, sea otter, or sea lion can make the trip just as memorable.

The surrounding scenery is part of the experience. You are not simply watching the water through a window. You are out among the coastal views of Southeast Alaska, with the chance to look in several directions as the boat moves between viewing areas.

What Fishing Adds to the Day

The fishing option offers a different kind of Alaska experience. You will get a practical sense of what fishing can be like in the region, with the boat and required fishing gear provided. You must purchase a $15 day license before fishing.

That license cost is small compared with the total tour price, but it is an important detail. Bring a credit card, and do not assume the charter price covers every fishing requirement. The information provided does not specify the target species, catch limits, cleaning service, or whether you can keep your catch, so ask about those points before booking if they are central to your decision.

Fishing trips can run from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the available departure. The longer option gives you more time on the water, while the shorter outing may be easier to fit around a cruise schedule. Since the exact fishing itinerary is not specified, check the available time when you reserve.

All necessary fishing gear is supplied. That makes the trip easier for cruise passengers who do not want to carry rods or tackle through a port day. You still need clothes that can get dirty, quick-dry clothing, closed-toe shoes, and rain gear.

Fishing is the better choice if the activity itself matters more to you than collecting wildlife sightings. It is also a good fit if you want a hands-on outing and do not mind that the day may be wet, chilly, or less predictable than a land excursion.

The Boat, Cabin, and Six-Person Limit

The North River boat is one of the strongest practical features of this charter. It is 32 feet long, powered by twin 250-horsepower motors, and supported by a 25-horsepower kicker motor. The setup is designed for offshore use rather than a slow harbor cruise.

You have access to a heated cabin, a bathroom, and seating for six. That cabin gives you a place to warm up, which can make a real difference in Alaska weather. It also provides some shelter during a wet stretch, though rain gear is still required because the experience takes place outside much of the time.

The six-person limit is worth emphasizing. A small group means less jockeying for position when wildlife appears and a quieter setting for instructions from the English-speaking guide. It also means the outing feels more like a private charter than a standard cruise excursion.

The small capacity can have a downside: spaces may be limited, especially when a cruise ship is in port. If you know you want to go, reserve early rather than treating this as a last-minute choice.

Weather, Clothing, and Comfort

Rain gear is not provided. Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers if you have them, along with quick-dry clothing. Cotton clothing can stay damp for a long time, so it is not the best choice for a wet boat ride.

Closed-toe shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, high heels, and bare feet are not allowed. Shoes should also be suitable for a boat and for conditions where the deck may be wet.

Bring personal medication, a passport or ID card, and a credit card. The provided information says no food or beverages are supplied other than water, so plan for the possibility that you will need to eat before or after the outing. Drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and alcohol, smoking, and vaping are prohibited.

The clothing rules are not fussy for the sake of being fussy. They protect you on a working boat and help keep the van and cabin clean. Wear clothes that can get dirty, especially for fishing.

Timing Around a Cruise Ship Call

The pickup time is set for 30 minutes after the ship arrives in port. That makes this a cruise-friendly activity, but you still need to follow the meeting instructions closely.

The tour returns to the harbor, then brings you back to Icy Strait Point. You may instead stay in Hoonah and explore before taking a shuttle back. I would only choose that option if your departure time leaves a comfortable cushion.

The stated cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your port schedule is still being finalized. Check the available starting time carefully because the activity can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.

Children under 2, under 3, and under 4 are each listed as unsuitable, along with babies under 1. The overlapping age restrictions are unclear, so families with young children should confirm the minimum age before paying.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain the exact boarding arrangement or whether every part of the transfer is accessible. If you use a wheelchair, ask for those details in advance.

Is $284 Per Person a Fair Price?

At $284 per person, this is not a bargain port shuttle. The value comes from the small group, the private-style boat, the heated cabin, the bathroom, and the chance to spend several hours on Alaska waters instead of looking at them from shore.

For whale watching, the price buys access to a focused wildlife outing with room for only six people. That is meaningful if you care about clear views and a quieter boat. The sighting of whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions on one outing shows the potential, but I would still book with realistic expectations because wildlife is never guaranteed.

For fishing, the price includes the boat and fishing gear, but not the $15 day license. You should also account for food and drinks, since only water is provided. The charter makes more financial sense if you already value a small-group fishing trip and would otherwise need to arrange equipment separately.

A large cruise excursion may cost less, but it will not offer the same six-person setting. A private charter can also make better use of your time because you are not carrying a large group from one viewing area to another.

Who Will Enjoy Ear Mountain Charters Most?

I would recommend the whale-watching option to people who want wildlife variety and dramatic coastal scenery. It works especially well for photographers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a crowded viewing platform.

The fishing option suits people who want to participate rather than simply watch. It is a better match for anglers and for visitors who see the act of fishing as the main Alaska memory, even if the catch is not the only measure of a good day.

This is less suitable for anyone who dislikes wet weather, boat movement, or changing plans around wildlife. It is also not a good fit if you need guaranteed sightings, supplied rain clothing, or a full meal during the trip.

The short transfer to Hoonah adds a useful local touch, but do not mistake the outing for a full town tour. Hoonah is mainly the boarding point, with the option to stay afterward and explore on your own.

Should You Book This Alaska Boat Tour?

Book Ear Mountain Charters if you want a small-group Alaska outing with a real boat, useful onboard shelter, and a choice between wildlife viewing and fishing. The strongest case is the six-person limit and the possibility of seeing several species, including whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions.

I would choose whale watching if wildlife is your priority, and fishing if you want gear provided and a hands-on day. Bring serious rain protection, allow enough time around your ship call, and budget the extra $15 license for fishing.

At $284, this is a considered purchase, not a casual add-on. For someone who values space, flexibility, and time on the water, it can be worth it. For someone seeking the cheapest port activity or a guaranteed animal encounter, I would choose another plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point. Pickup takes place about 30 minutes after the ship arrives in port.

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

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

How do I reach the pickup point 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.

How long does the experience last?

The available duration is listed as 3 to 6 hours. The whale-watching schedule lists approximately 3.5 hours.

What animals might I see on the whale-watching trip?

The trip can include whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other sea and land mammals. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

How many people can join the boat tour?

The boat has seating for six participants, making this a small-group experience.

Is fishing gear provided?

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

Is food provided?

No food or beverages are provided other than water. Bring appropriate plans for eating before or after the trip.

What should I wear?

Bring rain gear, quick-dry clothing, clothes that can get dirty, and closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and high heels are not allowed.