Vivid Endeavors — Local services in Hoonah

No Binoculars, No Problem! This tour was an absolute highlight of our Alaska Cruise Visit. We were on Norwegian Bliss and visited the last week of August 2024. We booked this tour outside of the cruise ship which is ALWAYS anxiety provoking as you don't want to be left behind. have NO fear, Seth will get you back on time. We took a short walk to the green gondola, then a short walk to the pick up location. Seth was there on time to pick us up for a short drive down to the docks where he keeps his boat. The boat is perfect for a small group, there was one other couple and the 4 of us. Plenty of space with an on board head (bathroom). Seth had plenty of binoculars to share, snacks, coffee, hot chocolate and water on board. We saw a Bald Eagle immediately upon leaving the marina. Several up close Humpback sightings, binocular view of Coastal Brown Bears, a very up close encounter with Orcas, some lazy Sea Lions and of course many jumping Salmon. I believe the highlight were the Orcas, Seth and other Captains communicate with one another to enhance the experience for everyone, it made it possible to see so much more. The waters in the Bay were very calm, a bit more rough when we saw the Orcas, but completely worth it. Seth kept everyone safe and offered to change speed if anyone needed an easier ride. It seriously felt like you were being toured by your cousin, he is kind, courteous and absolutely loves Alaska! Easy to do, age range of travelers - 4 to 77 year old. Definitely bring a rain coat and dress in layers. The boat has an indoor cabin with great viewing, but of course it is more fun to be out on the bow or stern for the best views. When we returned the lines for the Gondola were VERY long so we walked back. Very scenic trail - a bit up hill at times, but again doable with our group in about 15 minutes. No stroller needed. We are very appreciative to have found Seth and truly hope you give him a visit while on vacation to the beautiful Icy...

Vivid Endeavors – Excellent! Whilst doing a cruise in Alaska we decided to pre book a ‘whale watch’ experience and were recommended Vivid Endeavors. What a great recommendation! Picked up from Hoonah, we were met by Seth and transported to the harbour where his boat was moored. A great catamaran with room for six persons (there were only us and another couple) all under cover. Complimentary hot drinks or water were offered. Seth wasted no time after the safety briefing, and we were underway within 10 minutes, out of the harbour and across to a reported sighting of a bear on the opposite coastline. We then set off in search of whales out into the deep waters off Hoonah. Seth went to the usual areas he found seals, and en-route we were lucky to see a sea otter which posed for us the dived into the sea. Rounding a buoy we found four seals sunbathing on it! Seth took us in almost close enough to touch, obviously we didn’t but made for great pictures! The search for whales brought us back closer to shore where we were treated to a pod of Humpbacks hunting creating bubble nets then rising out of the sea mouths open before crashing back and diving to repeat this action. Seth steered the boat to follow them, even using an acoustic underwater microphone so we could hear their communication. We saw them hunt in this way about 8 times before they made their way out to deeper waters. We were treated to a commentary by Seth throughout who has fantastic knowledge of the waters and wildlife in the area. A first-class service that had us out with him for over four hours. Well worth looking up, and if we ever pass that way again, we will book onto one of Seth’s Vivid Endeavor trips for the experience...

We just returned from our Alaskan cruise where we did an excursion at every port. From a helicopter to the glaciers, to fishing, to whale watching, THIS excursion was our favorite!! Yes, this one even beat out the helicopter/glacier walk!! Seth made this excursion unforgettable!! We got up close and personal with the whales, otters, and sea lions! Before taking this excursion we assumed we would be hundreds of feet away from the animals and have to do most of our viewing through binoculars. Much to our delight, the wildlife decided to visit our boat at a much closer distance. At one point, there were whales and sea lions popping up all around us and we couldn’t keep up with what to look at! Seth was a great host - had hot drinks and snacks ready to go! His boat was perfect for viewing on the deck, but then warming up inside when needed! He was wonderful with our three children - even letting them take the wheel for a moment to feel like they were the “captain”. We really enjoyed every moment of this excursion and HIGHLY recommend it!!! Thank you for an unforgettable adventure, Vivid...