Icy Strait Point ZipRider is one of Alaska’s most thrilling cruise excursions, featuring a zipline that descends 1,300 feet over rainforest terrain. Located near Hoonah, it offers speeds up to 60 mph across six parallel lines. The experience includes panoramic views of the Inside Passage and surrounding wilderness, making it a popular shore excursion choice.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 5,495 feet (over a mile) |
| Vertical Drop | 1,300 feet |
| Maximum Speed | Up to 60 mph |
| Ride Duration | Approximately 90 seconds |
| Parallel Lines | 6 (great for groups) |
| Minimum Weight | 60 pounds |
| Maximum Weight | 275 pounds |
| Minimum Age | No specific age limit (weight-based) |
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What Makes the ZipRider Special
The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point isn’t just another zipline. When it was built, it claimed the title of world’s longest zipline, and while other locations have since competed for that crown, this ride remains one of the most spectacular. The combination of distance, elevation drop and pristine Alaskan setting creates something genuinely memorable.
The zipline launches from the top of a mountain that was once a crucial lookout point during World War II. You’ll ride a gondola up to the launch platform, which gives you time to soak in the scenery and maybe calm those pre-flight jitters. The six parallel cables mean you can ride alongside friends or family members, though you’ll probably be too busy screaming with joy to chat much during the actual descent.
Booking and Timing Strategies
Here’s where cruise veterans get smart. The ZipRider is hands-down one of the most popular shore excursions in Alaska, which means it sells out quickly. You have two booking options: through your cruise line or directly through Icy Strait Point. Booking through the cruise line costs more but guarantees the ship won’t leave without you if there’s a delay. Direct booking typically saves money and may offer more time flexibility.
The excursion typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours total, including transportation from the dock, the gondola ride up, safety briefing and the actual zip. If your ship docks early, snag a morning slot before the crowds hit. Late afternoon slots can be beautiful too, especially on long summer days when the light gets golden.
What to Wear and Bring
This isn’t a casual stroll through the ship’s promenade. Here’s what works:
- Closed-toe shoes are mandatory – Sneakers or hiking boots work perfectly. Leave those cute sandals in your cabin.
- Layers matter – The temperature at elevation runs cooler than at sea level. A light fleece or windbreaker handles the chill.
- Secure your belongings – Anything in your pockets will try to escape at 60 mph. They provide lockers for loose items.
- Skip the jewelry – Earrings and necklaces can get tangled in the harness or simply disappear into the forest below.
- Glasses wearers take note – Bring a strap or leave them behind. Contact lenses work better for this adventure.
Safety Considerations
The ZipRider operates with serious safety protocols. Trained guides check every harness connection twice, and the braking system is automatic. You don’t need to do anything except enjoy the ride. The weight restrictions exist for genuine safety reasons related to the cable engineering and braking mechanics.
Physical requirements are surprisingly minimal. You need to be able to sit in the harness comfortably and lift your legs slightly during landing. People with back problems, recent surgeries or pregnancy should skip this one. Heart conditions also warrant caution given the adrenaline rush involved.
Beyond the Zipline
Icy Strait Point offers way more than just the ZipRider. The port itself is owned by the local Huna Totem Corporation and employs mostly Tlingit people from Hoonah. This makes it one of the few Native-owned cruise destinations anywhere. After your zip, you’ll have time to explore activities at Icy Strait Point including a cultural center, forest trails and even a bear-viewing area.
The family-friendly options at Icy Strait Point include a beach area and the world’s largest museum-quality collection of Alaska Native artifacts on display at the Huna Tribal House. If you’re traveling with kids who don’t meet the weight requirement for the zipline, they’ll find plenty to do.
Comparing Alaska Shore Excursions
How does the ZipRider stack up against other popular Alaska adventures? If you enjoy this kind of adrenaline rush, you might also love the zipline adventures available at other Alaska ports. Each port has its personality and signature experiences.
The best shore excursions in Ketchikan lean heavily toward fishing and floatplane adventures. Meanwhile, Juneau’s top shore excursions feature glacier exploration and whale watching. The ZipRider stands out because it combines natural beauty with pure adrenaline in a way few other excursions manage.
Bonus Tips
- The gondola ride up takes about 20 minutes – Use this time to mentally prepare and enjoy views most tourists never see from ground level.
- Professional photographers capture your ride – Photos and videos are available for purchase after. They’re pricey but often worth it since you can’t bring your own camera.
- Bathroom strategy matters – Use facilities before heading up the mountain. The summit facilities are basic at best.
- Motion sickness rarely occurs – Unlike boat excursions, the zipline doesn’t trigger seasickness. The ride is smooth despite the speed.
- Weather cancellations happen – High winds or lightning shut down operations. Book early in your cruise if you have multiple Alaska ports as backup options.
- The landing is gentler than expected – The automatic brake system slows you gradually. You won’t slam into anything dramatic.
- Group discounts exist for direct bookings – If you’re traveling with several people, call ahead to ask about group rates.
- Cruise ship guarantees matter – If missing your ship terrifies you, book through the cruise line. They coordinate timing and provide contingency plans.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Alaska weather is famously unpredictable. The ZipRider operates rain or shine in most conditions, but genuine storms shut it down. Light rain actually makes the experience more dramatic as you fly through mist and clouds. Pack a rain jacket because even sunny mornings can turn drizzly.
Summer months (May through September) offer the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures, though “warm” in Alaska means 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Early and late season cruisers encounter fewer crowds but also greater weather variability. The forest looks stunning in every season, from spring’s fresh greens to late summer’s berry-laden bushes.
Local Connection
Hoonah is Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, and the development of Icy Strait Point brought significant employment to this remote community. The staff you’ll meet are often local residents who genuinely love sharing their backyard with visitors. Many guides tell stories about the area’s history and wildlife during the gondola ride up.
The revenue from cruise tourism supports local services and cultural preservation efforts. When you spend money at Icy Strait Point, more of it stays in the community compared to many cruise ports where outside corporations dominate.
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I ride tandem with my child?
No, each rider goes down independently on their own cable. However, with six parallel lines, family members can ride simultaneously and share the experience together.
What happens if I panic at the top?
The staff encounters nervous riders constantly and handles it professionally. You can back out without penalty, though most people who feel nervous end up loving the ride once they commit. The guides talk you through everything and wait until you’re ready.
Is the zipline safe for seniors?
Age itself isn’t a restriction. Many seniors ride successfully. The key factors are mobility (getting into the harness and landing position) and overall health. If you can walk moderate distances and sit comfortably in a harness, age shouldn’t stop you.
How far in advance should I book?
For cruise line bookings, reserve as soon as your booking window opens (often 90-120 days before sailing). Direct bookings can happen closer to your date, but popular summer sailings still sell out weeks ahead.
What if I exceed the weight limit?
The 275-pound maximum is strictly enforced for safety and equipment reasons. There’s no workaround. Alternative activities at the port include cultural tours, nature walks and wildlife viewing that don’t have weight restrictions.
Can I bring a GoPro or action camera?
Policies vary, but generally handheld devices aren’t allowed for safety reasons. Some people have success with helmet or chest-mounted GoPros if securely attached. Check current policies when booking.
Do they weigh you at check-in?
You’ll be asked your weight, and if there’s any question about meeting requirements, they may verify. This isn’t meant to embarrass anyone but to ensure everyone’s safety on the equipment.
What wildlife might I see from the zipline?
Eagles are common, and occasionally people spot bears in the forest below. Whales sometimes appear in the distant waters. The speed of descent means you won’t see fine details, but the overall wilderness panorama is breathtaking.
Personal Experience
When our cruise ship docked at Icy Strait Point, I knew the ZipRider had to be on our list. There’s something wild about standing at the top of that mountain, looking down at a zipline that stretches over a mile through the Alaskan wilderness. The staff made sure everyone felt comfortable with the safety gear, and honestly, their relaxed confidence helped calm my nerves. The moment I pushed off, any nervousness vanished instantly. Flying through the air at speeds hitting 60 mph, with the forest below and the ocean stretching out ahead, felt absolutely incredible. The whole ride lasted about 90 seconds, but it was the kind of 90 seconds that makes your heart race in the best possible way.
My biggest tip is to book this excursion as early as possible, either through your cruise line or directly with Icy Strait Point, because spots fill up fast. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and leave the flip-flops behind – closed-toe shoes are required. The temperature at the top can be cooler than down by the port, so bringing a light jacket is smart. And here’s something I didn’t expect: the views during the gondola ride up to the zipline launch point are stunning on their own. Don’t stress about bringing your phone or camera on the actual zip – they have photographers who capture the whole experience, and trust me, you’ll want both hands free to enjoy the ride.