Icy Strait Point offers authentic Alaska experiences including the world’s longest zipline, wildlife watching for whales and bears, cultural demonstrations at the Tlingit heritage center, fishing excursions, nature trails through temperate rainforest, kayaking adventures, and visits to historic Hoonah. The destination provides both thrilling activities and opportunities to learn about native Alaskan culture and pristine wilderness.
Quick Facts About Icy Strait Point
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chichagof Island, Alaska (Hoonah) |
| Port Type | Native-owned, converted from salmon cannery |
| Walking Distance to Town | 1 mile to Hoonah (free shuttle available) |
| Signature Attraction | ZipRider – 5,330 feet long, 1,330 foot descent |
| Best Wildlife Season | May through September for whales |
| Rain Probability | High (pack waterproof layers) |
| ATM Available | Yes, at the port complex |
Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what to expect at each destination?
The ZipRider Experience That Breaks Records
The ZipRider zipline at Icy Strait Point holds the world record for longest zipline, and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. You’ll reach speeds up to 65 mph while descending through the rainforest canopy with views that stretch across the Inside Passage.
Here’s what they don’t tell you in the brochures: wear pants, not shorts. The harness situation gets uncomfortable quickly if you’re not dressed appropriately. Also, you can’t bring phones or cameras on the ride itself, but they have professional photographers stationed along the route and GoPro rentals available.
ZipRider Insider Tips
- Book the earliest available time slot since fog can roll in by afternoon and reduce visibility
- Weight limits exist (60-275 pounds), so plan accordingly
- The whole experience takes about 90 minutes from check-in to finish
- You’ll ride in groups of 6, flying side-by-side with other riders
- There’s a moderately steep uphill walk to the launch platform
Wildlife Encounters Worth Waking Up For
The wildlife viewing opportunities at Icy Strait Point rival anywhere in Southeast Alaska. The waters surrounding Chichagof Island host one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales during feeding season, and the island itself has more brown bears per square mile than almost anywhere on Earth.
Whale watching tours typically last 2-3 hours and operate in smaller boats than what you’d find at busier ports like Juneau. This means you’re getting genuine wildlife viewing rather than playing bumper boats with twelve other tour operators. The local guides know which feeding areas are most active and can read whale behavior to position you for the best views.
Best Wildlife Excursions
- Whale Watching by Boat: Nearly guaranteed sightings during summer months, with humpbacks bubble-net feeding as the main attraction
- Bear Viewing at Game Creek: Float plane or boat access to remote viewing areas where brown bears fish for salmon
- Sea Otter and Marine Life Tour: Smaller, more intimate boat trips focusing on nearshore wildlife including seals, porpoises, and bald eagles
- Wilderness Trail Walks: Self-guided or led hikes through temperate rainforest with chances to spot deer, eagles, and occasionally bears from safe distances
Pro tip: If you’re torn between a whale watching tour here versus another port, choose Icy Strait Point. The whale populations here are less habituated to boats, which means more natural behavior including breaching and tail slapping.
Experiencing Authentic Tlingit Culture
The entire port of Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, representing the Huna Tlingit people. This isn’t a recreated “cultural village” built for tourists. You’re visiting a working community that has occupied this area for thousands of years.
The Tlingit heritage and cultural demonstrations happen throughout the day at the heritage center, which occupies the restored cannery buildings. Watch master carvers work on totem poles, see traditional dance performances, and learn about the complex clan system that still governs Tlingit society.
Cultural Activities Not to Miss
- Totem Carving Demonstrations: Watch artists use traditional and modern tools to create clan totems
- Native Dance Performances: Authentic regalia and songs passed down through generations
- Storytelling Sessions: Elders share oral histories about Raven, Eagle, and other important figures
- Traditional Food Tasting: Sample smoked salmon prepared using centuries-old techniques
- Gift Shop with Genuine Art: Purchase directly from local artists rather than mass-produced imports
A word about photography: Always ask permission before photographing people in traditional dress. Some ceremonial items and performances have restrictions, and respecting those boundaries is part of being a good visitor.
Exploring Hoonah and Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Most cruise passengers never make it to Hoonah proper, which is a shame. The free shuttle runs every 20 minutes and takes you to Alaska’s largest Tlingit village. It’s not a polished tourist destination, and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting.
What to Do in Hoonah
- Visit the small museum showcasing local history and the 1944 earthquake that destroyed the original village
- Stop at Hometown Cafe for genuine local cuisine (try the halibut fish and chips)
- Walk the quiet streets and see how real Alaskans live in a remote island community
- Check out the tribal house and additional totem poles around town
- Browse the tiny grocery store for snacks and Alaska-made products
Fishing, Kayaking, and Active Adventures
If you want to actually do something rather than just observe, Icy Strait Point offers plenty of hands-on activities.
Active Excursion Options
- Guided Fishing Charters: Half-day trips for salmon and halibut with knowledgeable local captains who actually want you to catch fish
- Sea Kayaking: Paddle protected waters with opportunities to see marine life at eye level
- ATV/UTV Tours: Ride logging roads and trails through the rainforest to remote viewpoints
- Mountain Bike Rentals: Explore the trail system independently at your own pace
- Rainforest Nature Walks: Guided or self-guided hikes ranging from easy boardwalks to moderate forest trails
The kayaking here deserves special mention because the waters are generally calmer than other Alaska ports, making it suitable for beginners. You’re paddling in the same areas where Tlingit people have harvested seafood for millennia, which adds a meaningful dimension to the experience.
Practical Considerations and What to Know Before You Go
Icy Strait Point is more rustic than mega-ports like Ketchikan or Skagway. That’s part of its charm but also requires some planning.
Important Logistics
- Weather: Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear. It probably will rain at some point during your visit
- Dining Options: Limited to the port area restaurants (The Cookhouse, Landing Zone Bistro) unless you shuttle to Hoonah
- Internet: Spotty and slow. Don’t count on uploading photos or video calling
- Shopping: Smaller selection than other ports but higher quality Native art and crafts
- Mobility Concerns: The port itself is accessible, but many excursions involve uneven terrain, boat boarding, or walking
- Time in Port: Most ships spend 8-10 hours here, which is enough for 2-3 activities
Bonus Tips That Make a Difference
- The free museum inside the restored cannery buildings is actually fascinating and takes about 30 minutes to explore properly
- Cell service works for most carriers at the port but disappears quickly once you’re on excursions
- The “wilderness beach walk” is genuinely beautiful and completely free – just follow the path south from the port
- If it’s raining heavily, the zip line still operates but whale watching tours may be less comfortable
- Local berry picking is phenomenal in late summer – ask permission from your guides before harvesting
- The port provides free coffee all day at the guest services desk
- Excursion pricing here is generally 10-20% less expensive than comparable activities at other Alaska ports
- Book excursions through your cruise line if you want departure guarantees, but booking directly with operators saves money and supports local businesses
- The combination tickets (zip line plus another activity) offer the best value
- Binoculars are worth their weight in gold for wildlife viewing – the ship will be far away and whales don’t always surface close to boats
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I do both the ZipRider and a whale watching tour in one port day?
Yes, this is the most popular combination and totally doable with most cruise schedules. Book the whale watching tour for early morning (around 8 AM) and the zip line for early afternoon. This gives you buffer time and takes advantage of calmer morning waters for the boat trip.
Is Icy Strait Point suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. The ZipRider has age and weight restrictions (you must be at least 60 pounds), but the cultural center, museum, beach walks, and wildlife viewing work great for all ages. The port area is stroller-friendly, though many excursions are not.
How does Icy Strait Point compare to other Alaska cruise ports?
It’s smaller, more authentic, and less commercialized than Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway. You won’t find jewelry stores or t-shirt shops at every turn. Instead, you get genuine cultural experiences and outstanding natural beauty with fewer crowds competing for the same experiences.
What happens if my excursion runs late and the ship is leaving?
If you book through the cruise line, the ship will wait. If you book independently, you’re responsible for getting back on time. The port is small enough that most excursions return with plenty of buffer time, but always confirm return times with your operator.
Are there any free activities worth doing at Icy Strait Point?
Yes, several. The cultural performances and demonstrations at the heritage center are included with port admission, the cannery museum is free, and the wilderness beach trail offers stunning views without costing anything. You can easily spend 2-3 hours enjoying free activities.
What should I buy at Icy Strait Point?
Focus on authentic Native art including carved silver jewelry, button blankets, prints by local artists, and hand-carved items. The quality here is exceptional and you’re buying directly from or very close to the source. Smoked salmon is also excellent and properly packaged for travel.
Is the walking distance from ship to activities manageable?
Everything at the port complex is within a 5-minute walk from where ships dock. Getting to Hoonah requires the free shuttle (about 5 minutes). Most excursions pick you up right at the port or a very short walk away.
Personal Experience
We stepped off the ship at Icy Strait Point expecting another typical cruise port, but this place felt completely different. Instead of crowded shops and chain restaurants, we found ourselves surrounded by towering Sitka spruce trees and the genuine warmth of the Huna Tlingit community. The cultural center near the dock became our first stop, where a local guide shared stories about traditional fishing practices and showed us intricate totem pole carvings that actually meant something to the families who created them. You can tell when a place is authentic versus put on for tourists, and this definitely fell into the first category.
The real highlight came when we booked the wildlife cruise in the morning and saved the zip line for afternoon. Smart move, since the water is calmest early and we spotted three humpback whales feeding just offshore, plus a whole raft of sea otters floating on their backs. The zip line through the rainforest canopy honestly took my breath away – not just from the speed, but from gliding silently over that lush green forest with glimpses of the ocean between the trees. If you’re planning a visit, grab the combo tickets when you book your excursions online before the cruise. They sell out fast, and you’ll save about 15% compared to booking separately. Just wear layers because the weather changes quickly, and bring binoculars if you have them.