Ear Mountain Charters tours: whale watching or fishing

Whales can turn a quiet morning electric. Ear Mountain Charters gives you a close look at the waters around Icy Strait Point from a small, six-person boat, and I like the heated cabin and onboard bathroom. I also like the chance to see several kinds of wildlife in one outing, including whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions.

The main drawback is simple: rain gear, food, and drinks are not provided. Alaska weather can shift quickly, so you need to arrive prepared, especially if you choose fishing and expect to spend several hours outside.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small boat, six-person maximum: The 32-foot North River offshore power boat gives you more room and a quieter setting than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Whale watching can be wonderfully varied: Recent verified feedback praised sightings of whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions.
• Fishing gear is included: You only need to buy the required $15 fishing license.
• Easy port pickup: Pickup begins 30 minutes after your ship arrives at Icy Strait Point, followed by a short drive to Hoonah.
• Comfort matters in Alaska: The boat has a heated cabin, seating for six, a bathroom, twin 250-horsepower motors, and a 25-horsepower kicker motor.
• Plan for wet weather: Rain gear, quick-dry clothes, closed-toe shoes, and personal snacks are your responsibility.

A Small Boat for Icy Strait’s Big Wildlife

Ear Mountain Charters runs whale-watching and fishing trips from Icy Strait Point, with all activity beginning and ending in this cruise-port area. The setting is one of the main reasons to consider the trip. You get mountain scenery, cold northern water, and the chance to watch wildlife in its natural environment rather than from a shoreline viewing platform.

The boat carries up to six people. That number matters. You can ask questions, move your attention quickly when wildlife appears, and hear the guide without competing with a crowd. A small group also makes the experience feel more personal, though the boat may feel more exposed in rough weather than a larger vessel.

The boat itself is a 32-foot North River offshore power boat. It has twin 250-horsepower engines and a 25-horsepower kicker motor, plus a heated cabin, bathroom, and seating for six. I would not treat those features as mere technical details. In Alaska, a warm place to sit and a toilet onboard can make a real difference.

The exact focus depends on what you book. A whale-watching trip centers on marine and land mammals, scenic cruising, and wildlife viewing. A fishing trip gives you a practical taste of Alaska fishing, with the necessary fishing gear supplied.

Leaving Icy Strait Point for Hoonah

Your pickup point is the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point. Pickup takes place 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port, so you should not wander off for breakfast or shopping and expect the van to find you. Give yourself enough time to leave the ship, locate the meeting area, and be ready when called.

If your ship docks at the Wilderness Dock, take the green gondola to the Adventure Center area. Once you arrive, turn left and follow the signs for the Excursion Hub and its pickup area.

If you dock 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 signs to the Excursion Hub pickup area.

The van ride to Hoonah is short, about one mile. That brief transfer is useful because Hoonah is where you board the boat. You do not need to arrange separate transportation, and the short drive gives the outing a clear beginning: port area first, local town next, then open water.

Hoonah also gives you a little flexibility at the end. You can return to Icy Strait Point with the group, or stay in town to look around and catch a shuttle back later. That option is helpful if you want to spend extra time in Hoonah instead of returning immediately to the cruise area.

Whale Watching Around Icy Strait Point

The whale-watching trip lasts about three and a half hours according to the published route, while the general tour range is three to six hours. Starting times can vary, so check the schedule for your date before planning the rest of your port day.

The main appeal is variety. The trip is not limited to one animal or one fixed viewing area. You may see whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, and other sea or land mammals. Recent verified feedback specifically praised sightings of whales, orcas, otters, and sea lions, which is an excellent mix for a single outing.

I like that the trip combines wildlife with scenery. Even when an animal is not immediately visible, you are still moving through an impressive northern setting. The water, mountains, and shoreline are part of the experience, not just the backdrop while you wait for a whale.

Keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife viewing is never a guaranteed performance, and the information provided does not promise a particular species or number of sightings. The strongest reason to book is the chance to see several kinds of marine life in a small boat, not a promise of one perfect whale-breach photograph.

Bring clothing that dries quickly and a proper rain shell. You can use the heated cabin if conditions turn cold, but you should still expect to spend at least some time outside if you want the best view. Closed-toe shoes are required, and sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and bare feet are not allowed.

Fishing With Gear Already on the Boat

Alaska fishing is the other main choice. The boat provides fishing gear, which removes one of the most awkward parts of planning a short port excursion. You do not need to pack rods or tackle from home.

You do need to buy a $15 day license. Bring a credit card and your fishing license, and make sure you have clothing that can get dirty. Quick-dry layers and closed-toe shoes make more sense here than anything delicate or difficult to clean.

The available information does not specify the fish species, catch limits, fishing method, or whether catches can be kept. I would contact the operator before booking if a particular fish, technique, or take-home arrangement is important to you.

The trip is best for someone who wants to try fishing in Alaska without arranging a full private charter. You get a small boat, provided equipment, and the scenery of Icy Strait. You should not book it expecting a guaranteed catch. Fishing is an activity, not a result.

The heated cabin and bathroom are useful on a fishing trip, when you may spend longer stretches waiting. The boat’s twin 250-horsepower motors also provide substantial power, while the smaller kicker motor supports slower movement when needed. Those features suggest a vessel set up for offshore use, though they do not remove the need to prepare for changing weather.

What the 3 to 6 Hours Feel Like

The timing begins with pickup at Icy Strait Point, followed by the short van ride to Hoonah. After boarding, the boat heads out for the selected activity, with the whale-watching route listed at about three and a half hours.

A three-hour trip fits more comfortably into a cruise port schedule. A longer outing gives you more time on the water, but it also leaves less room for shopping, eating, or exploring Icy Strait Point afterward. Check your ship’s all-aboard time carefully and allow a generous buffer for the return.

At the end, the boat returns to the harbor. You can go back to Icy Strait Point, or stay in Hoonah and return later by shuttle. That flexibility is a useful feature, but you remain responsible for getting back to the ship on time if you choose to stay in town.

The six-person limit makes the trip more intimate, but it also means availability may be limited. If you are traveling with a larger party, your group may need more than one booking, and the supplied information does not promise that separate boats will travel together.

The Real Value of the $284 Price

At $284 per person, this is not a cheap port activity. The price makes more sense if you place value on a small group, a dedicated power boat, included fishing gear, a heated cabin, a bathroom, and several hours on the water.

For whale watching, you are paying for access to a small boat and a focused wildlife outing rather than a basic scenic ride. The chance to see whales, orcas, sea otters, and sea lions adds real value, especially if wildlife is a major reason you are visiting Alaska.

For fishing, the value depends on how much you want a guided Alaska experience without buying or carrying equipment. The included gear helps, but the $15 license is extra, as are any snacks or drinks you want beyond the supplied water.

I would compare this price with your own priorities. If you mainly want a quick view of the coastline, a less expensive port activity may be enough. If you want time on the water in a six-person group and the possibility of close wildlife viewing or hands-on fishing, the cost is easier to justify.

What to Pack for the Boat

The operator does not provide rain gear, food, or beverages other than water. That makes your packing list important, especially for a longer six-hour outing.

Bring:

• Rain gear
• Quick-dry clothing
• Clothes that can get dirty
• Closed-toe shoes
• Personal medication
• Passport or identification
• Credit card
• A fishing license if you choose fishing

You should dress in layers rather than relying on one heavy coat. The heated cabin gives you somewhere to warm up, but wet clothing can still make the trip uncomfortable. A waterproof outer layer is more useful than an umbrella, which is awkward on a boat.

The rules are strict in several practical ways. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, drugs, glass objects, weapons, sharp objects, and drinks in the vehicle are not allowed. Red wine is specifically prohibited, as are high heels, sandals, and open-toed shoes.

No food is supplied, so eat beforehand and ask about bringing suitable personal snacks if needed. The information confirms that only water is provided, but it does not spell out every food rule for the boat itself. If you have dietary or medical needs, contact the operator before departure.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this experience to you if you enjoy wildlife, small boats, and open-air scenery more than a polished, highly structured attraction. The group size is a strong fit for couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends.

Fishing is a good match if you want to try an Alaska activity and appreciate having equipment supplied. Whale watching is the better choice if your priority is seeing wildlife and enjoying the water without handling fishing gear.

This is less suitable for very young children. The activity is not suitable for children under four, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm the exact boarding arrangements if you use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns.

You also need to be comfortable with uncertain wildlife sightings and changing conditions. The small boat offers a better sense of the water, but it is not the same as staying inside a large vessel with wide indoor viewing areas.

Booking Advice and Flexible Plans

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your cruise schedule or port plans are still shifting.

English is the tour language. The activity is designed for a small group of no more than six people, and the operator is Ear Mountain Charters.

I would book early if you want a particular port-day time, especially because the boat has only six seats. Before paying, check the exact duration for your date, the fishing rules if applicable, and the return timing against your ship’s departure.

The excellent verified ratings support the strongest parts of the experience: the captain and guide service, the small boat, and the wildlife sightings. One recent five-star booking from Mexico praised an outing that included whales, orcas, otters, and sea lions. That is the kind of result that makes the whale-watching option especially appealing.

Should You Book Ear Mountain Charters?

Book this trip if you want a small-group Alaska experience with a real chance of seeing whales and other wildlife, or if fishing is high on your port-day list. The heated cabin, bathroom, included fishing gear, and six-person limit make the setup practical as well as scenic.

Think twice if you want guaranteed animal sightings, supplied rainwear, included meals, or a very inexpensive excursion. For me, the strongest case is the combination of varied wildlife and a small boat, provided you pack for rain and accept that nature sets the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the Ear Mountain Charters tour begin?

The tour begins at Icy Strait Point. Pickup takes place at the Excursion Hub, followed by a short van ride to Hoonah, where you board the boat.

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

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

How do I find the pickup area 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 to the pickup area.

How long does the tour last?

The general activity duration is three to six hours. The listed whale-watching route lasts about three and a half hours.

How many people can ride on the boat?

The boat has seating for six participants, and the activity is limited to a small group of six.

Is fishing gear included?

Yes. Fishing tours provide the required fishing gear. You must purchase a separate $15 day fishing license.

Are food and drinks provided?

Only water is provided. Rain gear, food, and other beverages are not included.

What should I wear?

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