Frequently Asked Questions

You can easily book online – payment in full is required. You can also call us.

“Call to book” usually means we need to have a minimum of four people booked to make that particular tour, and if your group is less than four, please contact us and let us know, and then we will contact you if others are interested. If we are completely booked, it will say “sold out” but we can always put you on a waitlist.

Absolutely, please contact us. There’s also the possibility that we can offer another tour that day.

We meet you at the port’s Excursion Hub and return you to the port in our van. It takes approximately five minutes to travel from the port to where you board the boat for your excursion.

Yes! They will be on your booking confirmation.

We will meet you at the excursion hub – a large outdoor meeting spot for guests where we will be waiting for you with a sign that says “Glacier Wind Charters”. Please be here 10 minutes prior to your tour time for an on time departure.

Your ship will be coming into either the OCEAN Landing or the WILDERNESS Landing.

If your ship docks at the Ocean Landing – walk to shore and through the Adventure Center (a big beautiful building) and exit through the clearly marked door #2. Follow the gravel path and look for an Excursion Hub sign that directs you to the right and continue walking that path to the Excursion Hub. From the ship to the Excursion Hub is about a 10 minute walk. If there are mobility issues, please contact us ahead of time for extra details.

If your ship docks at the Wilderness Landing – walk to shore and to the Transporter (a gondola) where you can experience a 5 minute ride to the main area of the port. After exiting the gondola look for the sign directing you to the Excursion Hub and follow the path and signs! From the gondola to the Excursion Hub, the walk may be about 5 minutes. If there are mobility issues, please contact us ahead of time for extra details.

After you meet us, we will drive you in our van to the harbor where you will board the boat. We provide return transport to the port after your tour.

It is best to dress in layers in preparation for a variety of conditions on the water. A tee-shirt base layer with a sweatshirt or polar fleece over that and a windproof/waterproof outer jacket should be sufficient for almost any type of weather we will encounter. It is also a good idea to have along a pair of gloves and a wool hat. The cabin is heated and affords you ample space to watch from inside the boat if the weather turns wetter than you care to endure out of doors. Tennis shoes or regular walking shoes are adequate footwear.

One of the biggest concerns visitors to Alaska have is how to prepare for the wide range of weather conditions they may encounter as they travel across our very large state. While some visit only a small region or single destination, others will cover as many as a thousand miles. Being prepared for whatever Mother Nature may throw at you can be a daunting task.

In the paragraphs below, we share suggestions based on a lifetime spent in Alaska and what we’ve learned from our guests over the previous 20 years.

Head:

Two hats are of primary importance if you spend time out in the elements. First, a fleece or wool cap that covers your ears, and second, a baseball cap or other hat with a brim. The stocking cap keeps you warm when you venture out on the days where exposure across the water, in open areas, or at higher elevations can result in temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below the temps in an urban setting. Having one of these tucked into your bag or pocket can mean the difference between blissful comfort and downright misery. A hat with a brim is invaluable when the sun is beating down on you while you hike the glaciers or when on the water, it is also extremely useful to keep the mist and rain from splattering your glasses or eyelashes while you trek, boat, or simply stand and enjoy your surroundings.

Shoulders:

While a good deal of body heat escapes through your head, even more can find its way out through your shoulders and upper body. For that reason a well-planned system of layers is desirable. Unless the weather forecast is for sunny and 70 with light winds and you will be doing a brewery tour, we suggest you start with a base layer of either long sleeved polypropylene or Merino wool. The poly is just fine and is a more affordable option. Merino wool is excellent but a fair sight more expensive.

A second layer, generally a long-sleeved cotton tee shirt is a fine choice. If it does happen to warm up beyond your wildest expectations, either of these two layers will be adequate to keep you comfortable. The long sleeves will also help you to keep your Alaska Tan.

If the weather is cool and dry, a layer of fleece, wind-block is preferred, can be worn over the bottom two layers.

If you are out in dry weather with wind, it is essential to have a layer that can block the wind from penetrating your dry layers to keep the chill out. The same layer that you choose to keep the wind at bay can also be relied upon to keep out the rain. The durability of your outer layer is of great importance. You can spend as little as five dollars and as much as 500 dollars on a shell. A cheap, simple plastic poncho will keep the rain off and some of the wind out but will leave you exposed around the waist, limit your mobility, and can be a source of annoyance to your fellow travelers when it whips up in their face. A plastic or rubberized raincoat is adequate for activities in which mobility is not a priority, for example standing on the deck of a whale watching boat or walking from a tour bus or car to the edge of the road to look over the scenic viewpoints. If you plan to exert yourself at all, a poly raincoat will keep your body heat and moisture in and after a time you will be wet under the raincoat.

If you’re walking and hiking, it is desirable to allow the heat and moisture (sweat) to escape while you are exerting yourself and then button up the shell when you need wind protection or during periods of heavy rain. For these activities it is suggested that you consider a product made from GoreTex or a similar breathable material that sheds water and blocks the wind. These products are more expensive but can make your time spent outdoors much more enjoyable. Many of these shells have zipper vents that allow extra heat to escape or air to enter the shell, affording you greater control over your comfort.

Knees:

For the lower half of your body you can get by with one to three layers.

If you’re strolling the shops along the cruise port on a sunny day, a pair of jeans or slacks will be adequate. If you plan to venture out on a day that is less than perfect weather, a base layer of polypropylene or Merino Wool worn under your jeans will keep you comfortable for those periods when you are out in the elements.

If wind and rain are in your forecast, a shell layer to match the jacket described above will suffice. If hiking and climbing where you will be on your knees scrabbling up a hill, a pair of rain pants with reinforced knee pads will save you finding replacements while on the trip. Also worth consideration is the fact that while a rainproof shell will keep your upper body dry, if you don’t wear the pants to go with it, most of the water shed will end up on your pants…

Toes:

Your choice of footwear is a very important consideration and can greatly impact your ability to enjoy your outdoor experience. If you will be hiking or walking off-road which covers a good deal of Alaska, a good pair of water resistant or waterproof hiking boots should be part of your gear. Again, the price of a pair of boots ranges from twenty dollars to five hundred dollars. Choose a pair that are comfortable for you, try them out for a while before you come. If your boots don’t fit well they will make your outdoor activities less enjoyable.

If your travels will be more urban than bush, you can get by with a good pair of tennis shoes in most places. While comfort is a primary consideration you should also look for a sole that offers good traction. You will be crossing surfaces that are wet. Metal walkways, wooden boardwalks, etc. all pose a significant slipping hazard if your shoes have a smooth sole.

For those planning on walking on the beach, into the swampy forest areas, or will do a lot of boating, a pair of rubber boots will be a necessity. Choose a pair commensurate with the amount of time you will spend in them. Extra-toughs are the pinnacle of comfort, traction, and durability and are worn by most every working Alaskan when conditions require them. There are many other more fashionable and less expensive choices, just make sure they fit with a good, thick pair of socks and aren’t so stiff that they are unpleasant to walk in.

While your footwear will protect your feet the elements and from slipping, your socks protect your feet from your footwear. A pair of thin nylon socks worn under a second pair of cotton or blended socks goes a long way to keeping your feet warm in all conditions and are an excellent preventative measure against blistering for those who will be walking a lot or hiking, perhaps for the first time in a while. Having extra socks at all times can greatly improve your outdoor experience should you go over your boots in water or work up a healthy sweat while hiking.

Many will have some or perhaps all of the above described items in their daily wear wardrobe, but for others, gearing up for a trip to Alaska will require a significant investment. For those who will lay out a good deal of their hard-earned money for their trip to Alaska, consider returning on a regular basis to get the most value out of your investment.

Snacks, such as individually packaged chips, and beverages – water and hot chocolate are available on board. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, especially those with dietary restrictions.

Our boats are state of the art catamarans with full walk-around decks, fully-equipped with all available safety gear, and a heated enclosed cabin with comfortable seating for all of our guests.

There is a clean restroom on board. We plan to take six guests out on our tours aboard Catabatic with Captain Shawn and up to thirteen guests aboard our brand new boat with Captain Casey.

We offer guests the opportunity to experience the whales and other wildlife from the decks of our catamarans. Many of the other “small boats” tours pilot vessels slightly larger than our catamarans, but they carry between 18 and 24 or 40 passengers. These boats have been designed primarily to maximize revenue not your whale watching experience.

We have designed our boats to maximize access to the whales and wildlife and provide the greatest comfort while traveling to and from the whale watching areas. This allows you to spread out and move freely around the full perimeter of the deck to enjoy the views, sights, and sounds free from excess noise, crowding, and most importantly other people blocking your view.

Our catamarans provide the most stable platform from which to view the wildlife while drifting and the smoothest most comfortable ride out and back on days when the water might be a little choppy.

Yes! If we don’t find a whale for you, we will refund your payment.

The humpback whales in Icy Strait have one primary focus for their time spent here – eating. That being said there really is no period during the day during which you can predict that the whales will be more active. They often take advantage of the slacking tides to rest for a period of time but most of the time we are out on the water we observe them feeding and enjoying some exercise between meals. We have been out at Pt. Adolphus in the late summer and have enjoyed the whales feeding and being amazingly active in the complete darkness of the middle of the night. They feed as often as they are able and rest and play a bit between meals.

There are usually multiple ships here and they have varying departure times. Please look at the tour’s ending time to verify it works with YOUR ship’s departure time. The all aboard time is 1/2 hour before ship’s departure time. Allow at least 1/2 hour after you’re returned to the port to get back to the ship.

The weather in Icy Strait varies widely during the summer months and may change significantly on any given day. You might expect at worst some winds and heavy rain while hoping for a sunny, clear 70 degree day. Typically we have rain showers mixed with some sunny breaks so being prepared for some moisture but also being ready to enjoy some sunshine is advised.

You should bring your camera, extra batteries perhaps, and a pair of binoculars if you have them along on the trip. We have several pair of loaner binoculars for our guests including a pair of image-stabilized binoculars to compensate for the motion of the boat. If you have rain gear for your trip we suggest you bring it with you but we also have extras.

Most ships arrive a bit earlier than their scheduled arrival time. If you are ready to get off the ship at the time your itinerary says you’ll arrive, and our tour meets 1/2 hour or later than that, you should be fine.

If you’re using the Ocean Landing Dock you can be at the Excursions Hub (where we meet) in about 15 minutes, walking at a normal pace.

If you are arriving at the Wilderness Landing Dock, plan on about 30 minutes to get to our meeting location, just in case there’s a wait/line for the Transporter. (All details about how to get to the Excursions Hub are explained under the question about specific meeting instructions.)

There are maps and signs located all around the property and people to ask for help if there is any confusion (cell service is very unreliable!) We do ask everyone to be at our meeting location 10 minutes before their tour time, for an on time departure.

If there are mobility issues and walking is difficult please see the mobility issues answer in the list of FAQ.

If the weather is stormy, and the waters are unsafe, we will meet you at the port at our regularly scheduled meeting time and discuss your options for the day with you and the others on your excursion. If adequate whales are not available in a calmer location, we may have to cancel the tour and refund your payment.

We adhere strictly to the National Marine Fisheries Service whale watching guidelines which require us to maintain a 100 yard spacing from the whales when we are approaching the whales or maneuvering in the whale watching areas. Once we have stopped moving and begin to drift and enjoy the whales they frequently will approach the boat at a much closer distance. It is very likely that several times during the trip you will find yourself very close to one or more humpback whales and will get some excellent photos.

We follow the shoreline closely on the way out and back from the prime whale watching areas. Doing so gives us a great opportunity to find a bear somewhere along the shore during the trip. While it is not a certainty on every trip, we see bears on about 50% of our tours, sometimes we are able to get close to them in the boat and other times we see them briefly from a distance.

Becoming seasick is an extremely remote possibility. The number of people who have become motion sick is less than five (over 25 seasons and thousands of guests.) The waters are generally calm during the summer months and on the days when the wind and tide do make the water choppy, the motion of the boat is not of the kind that induces motion sickness. The catamaran is exceptionally stable both at rest and when moving. If you are concerned at all about this, the best course of action is to take a tablet of a medication called BONINE or non-drowsy DRAMAMINE, the night before or an hour before your tour and you should be protected from motion sickness during the day.

Yes! Absolutely the best.

If your ship is late arriving in port, we wait for you before starting our tour. There have been very few late arrivals and when the ships have arrived late, they have generally stayed extra time to allow you the expected time in port. If you are on the second scheduled tour of the day, we try to contact you to adjust the tour starting time.

We follow the shoreline closely on the way out and back from the whale watching areas as much as possible to look for bears. Once out to the whale watching areas we venture as far off-shore as necessary to provide the best whale watching possible for the day. While moving around with the whales we may be as far as three miles away from the shoreline but we will be within sight of land in all directions at all times.

The harbor, from which our tours depart, is about a mile from the Excursion Hub where we meet you for the tours. It is a five-minute drive to reach the harbor or city dock. If you opt to walk into town to meet us for a late-morning or afternoon tour or if you choose to walk back to the port after a morning tour it is a very scenic, 30 minutes or so walk along a paved sidewalk.

Participating in our tours requires a significant amount of walking.

From the ship to our meeting location, the Excursion Hub, if you are docking at the Ocean Landing – it’s almost 500 yards, and part of it is up a potentially steep ramp. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a van. To board our boat, guests will have to walk from the van approximately 150 yards across a pier and down a ramp, and then also up the ramp after the tour. The ramp can be quite steep (depending on the tide.) We don’t have room in the van or on the boat for any type of scooter or wheelchair. They can be left at the Excursion Hub.

A CareCart (a golf cart type vehicle that takes about 8 people of time) can help guests that are docked at the OCEAN Landing dock get from the ship’s dock right to our meeting location (the Excursion Hub) but there is often a high demand for this, and there can be quite a wait at times.

A CareCart can be used to get from the WILDERNESS Landing Dock to the Transporter, a 200 yard walk, but again, there is often a wait for this service. Then there is a 5 minute walk (at a normal pace) from the Transporter to the Excursion Hub, there’s no CareCart service for that last portion.

If you need to cancel your tour, we ask that you give us at least 30 days’ notice. With 30 days’ notice your payment will be refunded. If within 30 days of your tour the number in your group becomes fewer than on your original reservation, that payment amount will not be refunded unless we are able to fill those spaces with other guests.

If, on the day of your trip, the weather and/or water conditions are unusually inclement and the whale watching will not be of the quality we expect, we will still plan to meet you, discuss the options for the trip, and a full refund will be made if you decide not to go on the boat that day.

If your ship cancels its stop in Icy Strait Point, a full refund will be given.