Go to site . For the best wildlife viewing, check out our small group Icy Strait Point shore excursions. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. Southeast Alaska and Icy Strait in particular, is home to some of the best halibut and salmon fishing around. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and breathtaking scenery on this adventure. The full cancellation policy can be found here. This 2.5-hour outdoor adventure is listed as moderate in terms of activity level. Don't Lose Your Reservation! Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. The boat was much smaller than the typical whale watching boats (6 people!) The area near Icy Strait Point, with its proximity to Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay, is home to one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska and the whale watching is second to none. Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. We've analyzed this ship's atmosphere, facilities, activities, cabins, cuisine and service, based on ratings from U.S. News & World Report and other expert sources. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Or that its the largest in the world kind of like Alaska is the largest state? Lower lift line. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. On this 2- to 3-hour excursion, youll board a helicopter, cruise up to the top of the mountain, unload your bikes, and ride back down. Sorry to hear that, John. Heres how I calculated the scores: Based on all that, heres my list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions: While not everyone will agree with this list and it wasnt the original list I wrote back for the 2020 season (ha!). Your email address will not be published. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along Gastineau Channel, and into the Ship Creek Valley. Bear sightings are also more frequent during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly. Yes! We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. We didn't do the whale watch so can't help sorry, Icy Strait Point, Hoonah: Hours, Address, Icy Strait Point Reviews: 4/5, Icy Strait Point is one of the most authentic and unspoiled ports in an Alaska cruise itinerary. You will be led by an expert birder and naturalist who will set the stage by sharing the human and geological history of the area. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. She'll load your group up into her van and pass out some binoculars and you'll be off. Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. While biking and hiking in Alaskas temperate rainforest is certainly cool, hands down the best part is exploring the beach in this trio of experiences; keep your eyes peeled for sea urchin shells and animal prints, which are commonly found on the beaches of Southeast Alaska. Want to know more? Would love the wildlife search! How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. View Details. A CareCart is available to people who cannot make the 300 yard walk from the cruise ship dock to the excursions hub where we meet you. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. For critter enthusiasts, there is really no need to book a whale watching tour as youll be able to spot humpbacks, orcas, and harbor seals directly from your cruise ship, especially in the wee hours. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. Youve finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise youve been dreaming of whether its been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Given how many cruise companies offer a number of interesting and unique shore excursions in Icy Strait Point, it was hard to choose which ones to recommend. On this cruise excursion, a local guide will take you out to spot dozens of species of perching birds, seabirds, ducks, gulls, and bald eagles. We meet guests at the Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. Often two ships split the day with one in the AM and one in the PM which works since the days are long in the summer. The Tlingit community has invested a great deal of money, time, and energy to convert this historic fishing village into a respite for cruisers who wish to learn more about the Indigenous people, their land, and their fascinating culture. Typically a short-sleeve and long-sleeve mid layer and a waterproof jacket, long pants and sturdy shoes you dont mind getting wet. Can you help. We visited a couple of local shops and really liked the simplicity of Hoonah. Unfortunately, this excursion isnt offered by as many cruise companies as others above it on the list so it ended up falling a few spots on my list for 2023. Ships Deck Plans . See the "real" Alaska on this nature tour that takes you up close to bears, eagles and other fascinating wildlife. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Response from Host, Sep 2022. From land to sea to sky, envelop yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska, and get close (but not too close) and personal with the wildlife, and the locals! The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: As a souvenir, youll get recipe cards so you can try to prepare these meals once you return home. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? Icy Strait Point Excursions and Tours Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. If you love the idea of stretching your legs a bit more than you can on the boat, this is a great excursion it only ranks low on the list because of few companies (okay, one) offering it in 2023. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. You can potentially also see bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and otters. The only thing you can count on in Hoonah, and the area near Icy Strait Point is that you cant count on the weather. While this cruise excursion isnt totally unique you can see bears elsewhere in Alaska its a good chance to guarantee that experience at a good value. They have an indoor shopping mall, a salmon cannery museum and a restaurant all under one roof. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zip line in the world. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. {{card.portName}}, Onboard Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. Instead, use your day in port at Ice Strait Point or Hoonah to experience the unique slice of Alaskan life you can only find in this native-owned and operated purpose-built cruise port. You can post now and register later. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, it's easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, youll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. On arrival at the Hoonah Harbor, it's All aboard! and youre off for the waters of Icy Straits and the ultimate whale watching experience. We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. Explore our Alaska cruises today! Display as a link instead, FAQ What are the best tours in Icy Strait Point? To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. (That means each excursion gets its own number, no ties), I gave each excursion a boost or deduction for being a good value based on the. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? Or, in the unlikely event you dont sight a whale, well refund you $100. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. To increase your chances, you need to get off the big boat, get on two feet, and get out in the Alaska wild. My husband and I were excited to take the sky glider up to the top so we could do the Alice Lake trail 1.5 mile hike to hidden lake. If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. Date of experience: September 2017. That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. Currently booked for shore excursions, I have Yukon Adventure & White Pass . Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. Icy Strait Point was a nice place to spend a few hours. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. A convenient meeting time and place. Pasted as rich text. He know how to find the whales! Once outside of Door #2, follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. Icy Strait Point: Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search - See 1,321 traveler reviews, 1,105 candid photos, and great deals for Hoonah, AK, at Tripadvisor. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. Icy Strait Point is a cruise destination located in the small Alaskan village of Hoonah. Youll descend from an elevation of 1,330 feet back to sea level along those six zips at times you may be going as fast as 60 miles per hour and at heights of 300 feet above the ground! T4. And best of all: the proceeds of this excursion support the Juneau Audubon Society, so your excursion costs are funneled back into supporting the bird populations you get to enjoy. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, its easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. 25422881. Good to know. They had a blast doing things there. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Favorites. This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered on Chichagof Island, a one-of-a-kind location with the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Get ready for your fill of bears, deer, bald eagles, and more on this exciting wildlife search! And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Your experienced guide will take you on an adventure to discover the secrets of Icy Strait and the vast history of the Tlingit Native population. By pem309, . Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. We love the article! There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. Upload or insert images from URL. Home port: Seattle. Whale Watching 2. Approaching the lattice tower. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more, form the harmonious . Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Finally, I added up the metrics to come up with a final score. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! Duration: 2.25 hours Price: $145 per person View Details Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery Balcony Stateroom. I get a lot of questions about fishing in Alaska. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Join us on a whale watching tour to see the enormous humpback whales. We are constantly evaluating ourselves, innovating, and improving to ensure that every customer gets an amazing experience from the first contact to the last touch. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Paste as plain text instead, Our group said to each other, "we should come back in ten years and see if it looks the same". CHECK SHORE EXCURSIONS IN Icy Strait Point, Alaska, *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Alaska Icy Strait Point Tribe Local Performance, Cuisine Dungeness Crab, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, One of the Many Historic Cannery Buildings, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, View All{{ cards[0] && cards[0]['totalGroups'] ? " Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Please dont worry; well know if your ship is delayed. His knowledge of area waters is unsurpassed and his desire to share it with you is second to none! Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates Advanced Search Call Our Brand Specialists Now Learn More About Icy Strait Point, Alaska Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter. Expand Your Vacation. Theres no guarantee, of course, but thats part of what makes the excursion an adventure! Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. View All Alaska Cruise Lines; . Seeing the humpback whales on our whale-watching tours or spying on the native bears of Chichagof Island will take your breath away. You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. #1. Depending on the season, catch the bears coming out of hibernation and looking for food; or later on in the season when the bears are mating and eating grasses on the tidal flats. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. Our experiences focus on the heart of Alaska. Brave the ZipRider, the worlds longest zip line, and enjoy amazing views of the forest as you race from a mountain peak at 60 miles per hour. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! We care about our beautiful state and want to show it off in a genuine way while protecting and preserving the land and sea at the same time. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. Board the Gondola for a 4 minute ride through the forest toward the Adventure Center. For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? Watch members of the Huna Tlingit Dancers troupe tell the story of their tribal heritage through song and dance at the Native Heritage Center Theater. March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. Five stars arent enough to describe this wonderful production filled with colorful regalia, genuine ritual, deep spirituality, and a sense of humor and play (Raven was a trickster, after all). Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . Step into an Alaska experience as you navigate your Jeep or ATV through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island's back roads. In fact, our captains, naturalists and guides live to love whales, so it pleases them to no end to leave you wide-eyed on whales! Overview. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. Come experience the birds and nature of Chichagof Island, near Icy Strait Point! Your previous content has been restored. Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community, https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/, Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, I went through all of the Icy Strait Point excursions and chose the ones I think are worth doing (the V factor ). . Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, it's easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. I'm coming down with FOMO though because this is a big trip to only have 4 days on land and I want to do it justice. I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . Point Adolphus, in particular, is world-famous for its concentration of humpback whales and is located about 5 miles from the southern side of Icy Strait. I really like ISP. After a drive through (and out of) town, youll leave the crowds behind and head onto Alaska native-owned lands where youll disembark and start your wilderness hike. We decided to switch from Jayleen's Alaska in Juneau to another small boat tour group that I heard good things about, Glacier Wind Charters in Icy Strait Point. We are a family-run company based right here in Hoonah. This Icy Strait Point excursion is a good value and widely offered, which is why it ranks so highly on my list for 2023 Alaska cruises. Cruising in Alaska Should Be On Everyone's Bucket List, Alaska is a paradise for animal lovers. This is your chance to see brown bears, Sitka black tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural scenic beauty of the last frontier. Pedal a mountain bike along a nature trail to an old-growth rainforest, where you will enjoy a leisurely hike to a wonderfully picturesque beach. Only Holland America offers this one. This May 13 cruise has a long stay in ISP, something absent on most itineraries. Apr 1, 2014. Icy Strait Point is owned by the Hoonah Tlingit tribe, so this is a chance to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals who are hosting you on their land. Hi Everyone! View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. I would like to know if the zodiac boats and whale watching boats travel in the same waters? Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. 2. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Im grateful Johan allowed me to paint him in his regalia as the dance was incredibly inspiring and definitely worth the short walk through the shops. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! This excursion doesnt have the same wow factor as flightseeing or adrenaline-inducing zip-lining, its by far the most culturally immersive experience you can have in Icy Strait Point and possibly on your whole Alaska trip. 1. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. Whale watching and wildlife tours are among the most popular excursions in Icy Strait Point. If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. The Icy Strait Point Zipline features six 5,330-foot ziplines dropping 1330 feet. I spent three summers working for one of the major cruise companies, and during that time I had to make recommendations for excursions for thousands of Alaska cruisers. As one of the best places in the world to see whales, and a darn good spot to view bears, Icy Strait/Hoonah is among Alaska's most beloved destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. This area is known as 'Bear Island' because it has the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. . While we love delivering stunning target birds like Varied Thrushes, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Bald Eagles, and Stellers Jays, we arent just about birds on this tour. We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. I loved this port for that very reason. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Perfect for small groups. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. 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Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. With a concentration in cruising. From there, you can board a fixed-wing plane and soar over the massive national park, where you'll witness glaciers and animals from a first-class viewpoint from up above. Would have loved to have done the seated zip line but not at 170 USD for one ride! My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. That said, its not exactly unique to encounter these kinds of excursions, so it doesnt rank particularly high on my personal list of the best Icy Strait Point cruise excursions. On this 3.5-hour charter, youll board a locally-operated boat and head out onto the waters of Icy Strait. And completely reliable. Great Value. We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Duration: Approximately 2 hours Minimum Age: 10 years old Restrictions: Guests must not weigh more than 250 pounds. If your ship is docking at the Adventure Dock, after exiting your cruise ship, disembark and proceed up the ramp to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. All rights reserved. To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! Since I already pointed out that Icy Strait Point is a unique cultural destination, what better way to experience it than on a cooking class excursion? Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. Among the huge number of excursions you can book in Juneau - and even on this list of nine - it's hard to choose the best one. We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? In the unlikely event we do cancel the tour, we will provide you with a full refund. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Brave the ZipRider, the worlds longest zip line, and enjoy amazing views of the forest as you race from a mountain peak at 60 miles per hour. We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. Take a Whale Watching Cruise. Good Value. Things To Do In Hoonah / Icy Strait. Very small place with lovely scenery but limited activities. Required fields are marked *. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. Will I make the __:__ tour? Yes! Unfortunately, the biggest ships have a tendency to scare off a lot of the wildlife you hope to see. Icy Strait Point 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA Open in Google Maps Confirmation will be received at time of booking Tour Time is Departure time. Despite it being last on the list, I personally love this excursion as it offers the opportunity to both get up in the air and burn off some of those ship calories youve been consuming (yes, they count!). We only have 4 port days! Join us for the best show in town, a 3-hour whale watching excursion (includes transportation time and approx 2.5 hours on the water) which begins when you board the bus that departs from the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub, just a short 5-minute walk from your cruise ship. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. Get ready for fjords, majestic mountains, vast forests, potential animal sightings, and an experience you will never forget! Enhance your Quantum of the Seas cruise with a unique shore excursion from ShoreTrips. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife.