Glacier Wind Charters

Tara Weidner

2023-07

On June 12, 2023 we went on a whale watching excursion with Glacier Wind. Words cannot describe how much we enjoyed this trip. I always try to book excursions outside of the the cruise ship because I find that they are less expensive and way more personal. And this was definitely the case with the family owned and operated Glacier Wind. Mom picked us up at the port and drove us to the dock. Her son Casey was the Captain and Kyle scanned the horizon looking for whales. Initially, we did not see alot of whales, but after another captain communicated the location of a large pod, we were off. Once we arrived, we saw approximately 10-15 whales. I took so many spouting and tail pictures, but the highlight was when we saw the whales bubble net feeding. It was absolutely spectacular. Glacier Wind provided us with one of the most memorable days of our Alaska cruise.

Gina Boleng

2023-08

Glacier Wind Charters provided an amazing afternoon of whale watching for our family! Prior to booking with them, I emailed to confirm that our cruise ship arrival in Icy Strait Point would allow us to work with their tour times. The size of the boat was perfect for our family and one other family. Theresa, the mom of the family, picked us up at the excursion hub and took us to the boat dock in Hoonah. We were met by her two adult sons, Casey and Kyle. Casey and Kyle were wonderful tour guides and extremely knowledgeable. We saw many humpback whales during our tour as well as sea otters and sea lions. We had been watching a group of about five whales for quite some time, which was amazing. We were getting ready to head back to Hoonah and Casey was waiting for them to surface before we headed in. They happened to surface right next to our boat, which was an incredible experience! They were so close you could smell the unique scent of the water as they expelled it out their blowhole. The hot cocoa and chips were a nice treat to have on the boat as we headed back to shore. I would highly recommend booking Glacier Wind Charters. They are an experienced family business that has been spending their summers in Hoonah for many years.

Karen Dallavalle

2023-10

I have been asked multiple times what whale watching company in Icy Strait Point would I recommend. My answer is always the same: Glacier Wind Charters.Glacier Wind Charters is a client-focused, and well-run company owned and operated by Cpt. Shawn and his wife, Teresa McConnell. Upon meeting Teresa and Cpt. Shawn, you will immediately feel like you have known them for years. Both work very hard to ensure your whale watching experience is the best it can be.For our tour, we ventured out in search of whales and found them at a site under slightly foggy conditions. All of our past trips have been under sunny skies, so this was going to be a new experience for us. We must say, there was something very magical about suddenly hearing the blow of the whales and the sound of them emerging from the water and fog. During our tour, there were numerous whales encircling us enhancing the experience. At one point there were so many whales we did not know in which direction to look. This trip was one of a kind for us and will always be remembered as special.So far, we have taken eight whale watching trips with Glacier Wind Charters and have two more booked for 2024. Glacier Wind Charters is, and always will be, our choice for memorable whale watching experiences.

Trudy Wright

2023-07

If you’re going on an Alaska Cruise that stops at Icy Strait Point we urge you to book early for a whale watching tour with this family owned and run business!We were fortunate to have booked a whale watching tour with this business for our Icy Strait Point cruise ship port last week. We had gone on another whale watching tour in the previous port, a triple decker boat with so many people that it was difficult to take photos or sometimes to even see the whales.What a wonderful difference the Glacier Wind tour was! A fairly new, fast, yet very quiet smaller craft, eleven other passengers, a comfortable cabin and plenty of room outside to take pictures or just enjoy the whales while sipping great hot chocolate!Casey, our captain and a very personable and knowledgeable naturalist, aided by his brother Kyle scanning with binoculars took us to quite a few places where whales were active. They both answered questions and gave us a lot of information about the animals, other sea-life and birds in the area. Their mother Teresa expertly handled all of the excursion booking, was quick to respond to questions and was at the pickup site before meeting time. She drove us to the boat in their roomy new van and shared much information about the town of Hoonah the town they live in.We had never booked an excursion outside of the cruise line but after looking at their site and reading reviews on several sites we decided to book it. Casey was very observant of the time we needed to re-board and started back toward our ship, even stopping to let us see another whale, in plenty of time for us to stand in line to take the Transporter back to the wilderness port and re-board our ship with time to spare.

Kimberly Kamins

2023-05

Loved this company. Top-notch excursion company. We used them off Carnival Miracle last week in June 2022. The naturist on board was phenomenal. Our excursion was to get off Miracle as she was cruising through the Tracy Arm Fjord board this boat and they took us into the arm of two fjords. Saw so much wildlife with beautiful waterfalls. Highly highly recommend this excursion if if it's the only excursion you do on your cruise. My understanding is this company also does an 8-hour excursion to the fjords from Juneau. I think this one would be even more phenomenal.

Yvette Graham

2023-05

Glacier Wind Charters provided A-! Customer service and a whale of a good time. I cannot say enough about our experience. Teresa and Shawn exceeded our expectations. Booking the trip was so easy to do. They answered all of our questions quickly.We arrived by Carnival Cruise ship. Teresa picked us up at the dock with a smile and on time. The boat is located just minutes down the road. We boarded the boat with Shawn and we were off. In just a short time whales were just ahead of us bobbing and diving in the water. The small 7 person boat was perfect. We saw so many whales that I lost cost. One whale actually swam up beside the boat. Shawn was very knowledgeable about whales, the community, and Alaskan life. The time on the water flew by, we were having so much fun.Theresa meet us at the dock and returned us to the port.We highly recommend this watching experience. We have traveled extensively and been on 30+ cruises. This is one of the best excursions that we have been on.

Angela Dube-Robinson

2023-08

We had an amazing time whale watching in Alaska on June 28, 2023! I don't usually post reviews, but I had to brag about our great time! It was the highlight of our Alaskan cruise! I agree with all the other reviews posted. Teresa and Casey were wonderful hosts and guides. This was our first time whale watching and we were fortunate to see so many whales. I expected to see a few whales, but we saw many groups of whales swimming together. Casey knew just where to take the boat. If you are hesitant to book an excursion outside of the cruise line, don't be. This excursion is so much better than being on a large boat with lots of people. Glacier Wind Charters is a personal experience with a wonderful family. If I ever visit Alaska again, I would book another excursion with them.

Timothy Pellegrini

2023-11

Absolutely spectacular. This is a family run business and you can tell they are focused on your experience from start to finish. The team was extremely informative and gracious. We chased down opportunities to see lots of humpbacks and multiple pods of Orcas. Do yourself a favor and book an outing with them the next time you are in their neighborhood!!!!

Alan Lidgley

2023-05

Booked direct with this small family company for a whale watching trip in a small boat and so pleased that we did.We first booked this trip in 2020 and we all now what happened then and after rebooking in 2021 again cancelled we finally got to go on the trip in 2022.Captain Shawn his mate located a pod of about 10 killer whales including a big Alpha male and at least one calf and we spent a good hour watching these majestic animals swimming and relaxing on the surface. We then went off to find Humpback Whales which sadly did not want to put in much of an appearance so Captain Shawn asked if we would like to go back and watch the Killer Whales again which we all replied with a big YES.Back to the pod of Killers and this time we were lucky to be the only boat near this magnificent whales and were lucky when they turned and swam closer to the boat.Correspondence with Theresa was excellent and I would recommend this small family business as a MUST DO EXCURSION in Icy Stait Point as it is a lot more relaxed and friendly then being on a bigger boat. 5 STARS FROM ME.

Bruce McQuillen

2023-05

If your cruise stops in Icy Strait Point, Glacier Wind Charters is who you want to use for a whale watch tour. They have smaller boats than what you might book elsewhere giving you a more personalized experience. After booking, Teresa was great about communication and pickup at the transportation hub. Casey, her son, was our boat captain and knew exactly where to take us to see the whales. We had a great tour and saw plenty of whales, several pretty close up along the shore as they were bubble net feeding. The pictures can do no justice to what we actually experienced. I highly recommend this great family owned business for your tour!I urge anyone who has had a great experience with Glacier Wind Charters to please report the one star review by “G Shaffer” to Google as off topic. The family owned business is the nicest set of people out there. The fact that they didn’t say hi to him was likely because they didn’t hear him, I can’t think of any other reason. Really can’t imagine them being rude anyone. Regardless, his review has no relevance to actually having been in a tour with these great people. Read all the 5 star reviews, they are 100% accurate. To report, click on the 3 dots to the right of “G Shaffer”.

Ron Smith

2023-05

An excellent family operated company! Teresa and Casey are the best!!! Casey as the Captain of the ship is so knowledgeable it is an adventure in itself. The endeavor to locate whales was paramount to them as we were also led to many other species (And WATERFALLS!) of animals during our trip. The Whales we saw were amazing, we had never been so close or seen so many.The customer-service was excellent as was our entire whale watching excursion. We will be back!KUDOS!

V

2023-05

Found this tour company after watching some vloggers that had taken a tour with them, and the tour did not disappoint! After a short walk from the cruise dock through the visitor center, we were greeted by Teresa who drove us to the dock to get on the boat. Our captain, Shawn was very friendly and told us a lot about the area. When we were there there weren't too many whales out and about but we did see a few and also saw sea lions and porpoises, and a couple of bald eagles. I was lucky enough to be on the 6 guest boat and it was really nice not to be surrounded by too many people. There were also refreshments which was a nice touch. Overall I highly recommend this company for tours if you are in Hoonah.

madi elwell

2023-10

Amazing experience! The company is family-owned and so cute. The boat captain and deckhand were super knowledgeable and entertaining and we saw an unbelievable amount of whales.

Alisha Bovill

2023-08

This was our first stop on our Alaskan cruise and I’m so happy I did my research and followed the recommendations of so many others and booked with Glacier Wind Charters for our whale watching excursion. From my very first email with Teresa, I knew we were in great hands. Teresa was so accommodating and kind, she just makes you feel like you’re friends before you even leave home!Once we arrives at the excursion hub, Teresa met the group and drove us on a short drive to the dock where we met her sons Captain Casey and first mate Kyle. The boat was beautiful and comfortable for our group of 13. It was so nice to have a small group where everyone got a chance to have great views of the multiple humpbacks we saw!We were lucky to see sooooo many whales! But at one point a mom and her calf popped up right next to us and we were all shocked. They safely gave them more space and allowed us to take some photos, as we we left we saw another whale just playing around in the water, it put on quite a show! As we were heading back, I was lucky to spot a whale breaching in the distance. I wasn’t camera ready but my goodness, it just made the day!If we are able to head back to Alaska, we are booking with them in a heartbeat!

Patti Margarita

2023-07

A highlight of our vacation! Wonderful family owned and operated business. Extremely knowledgeable and great information. Small group and comfortable ride! I would book it twice next time to go out longer because it was so wonderful! I highly recommend this tour to everyone!!

BigMo Robinson

2023-10

This is our second time booking with Glacier Winds. This time we brought my elderly Dad and Mom. Once again the experience was exceptional and we saw whales from the moment we left the Dock.We even got some good looks at bears. My wife and I decided to walk back to the boat and they even texted me to let me know my Dad and Mom had made it back to the main area by the boat. This is a great family run business and if you go with a cruise tour you are not maximizing your experience in Hoonah

Kevin Kelly

2023-11

One can't possibly get a better shore excursion than Shawn, Teresa, and their son provide. We've gone out with them 4 times, and we look forward to our next. They have smaller boats (one for about 8 and one slightly bigger, but less than 30, I think). They seem to go out early, before the cruiseship has come in, so they KNOW where the wild life is. And because they use small boats, they can get as close as you SAFELY can.Last time, their son (a recent ocean biology graduate) took us out to an un-popular island. He dropped the microphone in the water, so we could listen to the whale's song. Then he taught us to watch the seabirds. When they dove down, they were preying on small fish that were being driven up to the surface......by a great humpback. Soon, a giant jaw pierced the surface. Water flowed out, trapping the small life in his enormous mouth. Bubble-feeding - check one off the bucket list.Such wonderful people to be with. Don't go to Icy Strait Point without going out with them on their boat. You'll have an unforgettable experience (like we have had - every time).

Angela DeVoss

2023-08

Our whale watching tour with Kasey and his mom, Teresa, was one of the highlights of our Alaskan cruise. So glad we booked this on our own and didn’t book the Royal Caribbean excursion. We got to know our crew and others on our 12 guest tour. So much fun. We saw much more than whales! Sea lions, seals, otters, porpoises and more!

Ellen

2023-10

I highly recommend Glacier Winds Charter. The family that owns and operates this business are fantastic. Casey was amazing and it was his last one for the season. 8 minutes out and we saw our first whale. They were very knowledgable..the hot cocoa was a special touch especially on the cold and rainy day we went. I will book them again when I go back.Also, did he ever picked on the other captain that lost the Orcas and the Humpbacks?

Mike C

2023-10

Sometimes when you see all 5 star reviews for a business or product you have to question the validity of those reviews. That is not the case with Glacier Wind Charters. If you have a cruise stop in Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) I would highly reccomend booking a trip with this tour operator. Everything about the experience was top notch from the email communication leading up to the tour date to the pick up an shuttle ride and obviously the wildlife tour itself. The size of the boat is a huge plus in my opinion as you can easily talk with the captain and crew and not fight for space to view whales.Dont hesitate to book a tour and I am confident you will be among us who have left 5 star reviews. Thanks to Casey and Jonathan for helping to create such a memorable experience!

Bonnie Upright

2023-10

We had an INCREDIBLE experience in August 2023 with Sean and Glacier Wind. Two types of orcas, humpbacks, otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles - you name it, we probably saw it!Highly recommend booking Glacier Wind if docking at Icy Strait - the process from booking to pick-up at the meeting point to boarding to whale watching to our return to the village - it was all SEAMLESS. If we ever get the chance to come back, you can bet we'll book again!

Jamie Barnes

2023-07

Fantastic whale watching tour. We saw an Orca plus a family of humpback whales. Captain Casey was very knowledgeable about the local marine life. They picked us up at the excursion center in Icy Straight Point and took us to the dock in Hoonah. Very comfortable van for the short trip. The boat was also very nice. Their boats had view all the way around the boat on the same level. The others that we saw pulling up to the cruise ship dock looked like you had to go up on a 2nd level for outside viewing options. Bathroom onboard plus some light snacks and hot chocolate. Highly recommended!!

Victor Lam

2023-08

This was one of the best excursions we've ever booked and this is our second time to Alaska. You can not beat the McConnells with Glacier Wind Charters. Teresa is the first person you meet and she was wonderful one of the sweetest person I've met. She took us on a short journey from the cruise terminal's excursion hub to the pier where we boarded the Apogee. There we met her son Kyle and Casey, both the sweetest gentlemen in the business where Casey captained the catamaran. They took us to see Orcas and Humpback. Both were on the lookout for whales and as we were leaving one location after seeing orcas captain Casey made a 180 after spotting some movement in the water and we headed back where we spotted an orca pod hunting a porpoise where the porpoise did not have a chance. Captain Casey is very respectful of the whales as we are in their natural habitat. The McConnells are Alaskan natives specifically to Hoonah and they are very familiar with the area. We have been on multiple whale watching excursions in the past but this is takes the cake. Upon returning to the cruise ship and hearing other guests talk about their whale watching it did not compare to the Glacier Wind Charters. We recommended Glacier Wind Charters to everyone we spoke on the cruise who also went whale watching with other excursion companies. This was a much personable excursion compared to the others we've been on. I highly recommend the Glacier Wind Charter and I will be booking them again on my next visit and it is a great way to support family businesses.

Claudia Doyle

2023-05

So much more than expected!!! Shawn did an amazing job narrating our trip and teaching us about so many different sea animals. We saw a pod of whales, sea otter's swimming and harbor seals sun bathing on lighted buoy's. We hung out observing them for couple of hours. We learned a lot that day and we're mesmerized by the trip. Glad we took a chance. Worth every penny. We will definitely be back!!! Shawn and his wife Teresa were so friendly , it made me want to move there. I highly recommend Glacier Wind Charters.

Jim Estes

2023-09

Everyone we dealt with was incredibly nice, informative, and did a great job. Boat was newer and very clean. We saw 12-15 whales and they dropped a mic in so we could hear the whales too. Recommended a great place for lunch and then even gave us a ride back.

Bruce Hogarth

2023-08

My wife and I joined 2 other couples July 18 for a wonderful whale watching excursion by Glacier Wind Charters on a great 6 passenger boat - fully enclosed with very comfy seating but also with plenty of outside space both forward and aft. All of us had clear unobstructed views of each viewing event. GREAT family run operation and we saw several orcas, sea lions and humpback whales. They most definitely provide great value for the cost of the outing. Most definitely recommend them to anyone visiting Hoonah / Icy Strait Point.

Robert Radke

2023-05

This excursion was fantastic. It was easy to book on line and if you have any questions, the owners were quick to respond with the answers. We arrived on a Carnival ship and it was an easy walk to the point where Theresa picked us up. It was a short drive to the boat. The boat was new, clean, and comfortable. For your comfort the boat had a restroom and the owners provided complementary water and snacks. The tour was small, only 13 people. Casey, the owner's son, was our tour director and after a short time we where observing the pods of whales. He was very knowledgeable and shared with us a great deal of information regarding all the wild life we saw on the excursion and about life in Alaska. The time passed quickly and before we knew it we were heading back to shore. At the end Theresa drove us back to the boat. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this company and excursion.

Melissa Manion

2023-08

Spent an absolutely fabulous morning on the water with Shawn. We were on a small, well maintained boat with six other people. Shawn, having grown up in the area, shared not only his knowledge of wildlife, but also provided us with information about life in Hoonah. As a retired teacher, he is skilled in presenting information in a manner which is not just informational but is also engaging.We saw otters, porpoises, sea lions, a mama bear and her cubs on the shoreline and of course, whales. We were so excited that we were able to witness one breach!Having done several whale watching excursions over our lifetimes this was one of the best and was so much better than the cruise ship excursions with large numbers of people. If we find ourselves back in Hoonah, we won’t hesitate to sail with them again.

denise Bradfield

2023-07

Book it ! Do not hesitate the BEST excursion I have ever been on. I went on a whale watch with this company 4 years ago and it was fabulous so naturally when I went back to Alaska I booked another one with them and brought my family of 5 with me. Eventhough it wasn't orca season Casey and Kyle made sure that we were awed by the humpbacks. They allowed so much time to spend with these gentle giants. We saw so many tails and even had one slapping it's fin at us ! U could hear them blowing and one of them came within 50 yards of our boat. I get chills just thinking about it. We also saw seals and sea otters. On way back Kyle spotted from soooo far away a brown bear and her 2 cubs! They allowed us to use their binoculars so everyone could see. They were I formative and could tell they really love their job. It's a family owned and operated business. Theresa (the mom) picks u up and u either go with her so s or on another boat with her husband Shawn. My whole family said this was their favorite excursion. Thank you Shawn Theresa Casey a Kyle.

Scott Ethington

2023-07

We loved our whale-watching excursion June 22! Crew was friendly and enthusiastic, and found surprisingly many whales for us. Will definitely go again if we're ever back at Icy Strait Point!