Icy Strait Point for Families on Alaska Cruises

Icy Strait Point is Alaska’s largest privately-owned cruise destination, offering families authentic Native Alaskan cultural experiences and wildlife viewing. Located near Hoonah, it features the world’s longest zipline, whale watching opportunities, bear viewing excursions, salmon bake dining, and heritage center exhibits showcasing Tlingit culture. The destination combines adventure activities with educational experiences in a natural wilderness setting.

Quick Facts About Icy Strait Point

Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what to expect at each destination?

Why Families Love Icy Strait Point

Unlike the busier ports of Juneau or Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point as a cruise destination feels refreshingly manageable for families. The converted cannery complex keeps everything compact, which means less time dragging tired kids between attractions and more time actually enjoying them.

The port is owned and operated by the Huna Tlingit people, so your visit directly supports the local Native community. This isn’t some corporate recreation of Alaska culture – it’s the real deal, and kids pick up on that authenticity immediately.

The ZipRider: More Than Just a Thrill Ride

The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point holds the world record for longest zipline, and watching your kids (or yourself) fly over old-growth forest at speeds up to 60 mph is genuinely unforgettable. But here’s what most families don’t realize until they’re there:

• Minimum age is 10 years old and riders must weigh between 60-275 pounds
• The ride lasts only about 90 seconds, but the views make it worth every second
• Book this early – it sells out fast and operates weather permitting
• Riders go in groups of six, so families can ride together (though you won’t be side-by-side)
• You’ll ride in a seated position, not Superman-style, which is less intimidating for nervous kids

The shuttle ride up to the launch platform takes about 20 minutes, giving everyone time to psych themselves up or back out gracefully. No shame in that game.

Wildlife Viewing That Actually Delivers

Icy Strait Point sits in one of the most productive marine ecosystems in Alaska. The waters here are rich with humpback whales from May through September, and unlike some ports where you need to book expensive excursions, you can often spot them right from the dock.

For wildlife viewing at Icy Strait Point, families have several options:

• Free whale watching deck: The cannery building has viewing decks where naturalists post up with spotting scopes and answer questions. Cost: zero dollars.
• Bear viewing excursions: These typically head to nearby Pack Creek or other brown bear habitats. Spring and summer offer the best viewing when bears are fishing for salmon.
• Ocean rafting tours: Smaller boats get you closer to wildlife, but they’re bumpy. Consider Dramamine for kids prone to seasickness.
• Bald eagles: They’re everywhere. Seriously, you’ll see more eagles here than pigeons in a city park.

Here’s an insider secret: the best whale watching often happens in the hour before your ship departs. Most passengers are back onboard or shopping, so the viewing areas are quieter and the whales seem to know it’s show time.

Cultural Experiences Worth Your Time

The Huna Tribal House and museum inside the old cannery building offers something most cruise port museums don’t – it’s run by people whose ancestors actually lived this history. The Tlingit culture exhibits include:

• Traditional regalia and ceremonial items with explanations from tribal members
• Hands-on activities where kids can try weaving or other crafts
• Storytelling sessions that bring legends to life
• Dance performances that aren’t cheesy tourist shows but actual cultural traditions

The gift shop features authentic Native-made items. Yes, they’re more expensive than mass-produced souvenirs, but you’re buying directly from artisans and supporting their families.

Food Situation: What to Know

The salmon bake is the main dining option, and it’s genuinely good. The wild salmon is locally caught and grilled over an open fire, served with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Vegetarian options exist but they’re limited.

• Portions are generous enough that younger kids can share
• Seating is first-come, first-served under a covered pavilion
• The meal takes about 45 minutes from ordering to finishing
• There’s also a small cafe with grab-and-go items and coffee that won’t destroy your taste buds

Pro tip: if your ship offers a shore excursion that includes the salmon bake, it’s often cheaper than paying separately, plus you get guaranteed seating.

Activities and Excursions for Different Ages

Planning activities at Icy Strait Point depends heavily on your kids’ ages and energy levels. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Best for Young Kids (Under 8)

• Tram rides through the forest with wildlife spotting
• Beach walks looking for sea glass and shells
• Cultural center hands-on activities
• Playground near the main area (small but well-maintained)
• Gentle nature walks with interpretive signs

Best for Tweens and Teens

• ZipRider (obviously)
• ATV or off-road vehicle tours
• Kayaking excursions
• Mountain bike rentals
• More challenging hiking trails

Multi-Generational Groups

• Whale watching from the deck (accessible for all mobility levels)
• Gondola ride up to the lodge for views without the hike
• Museum and cultural demonstrations
• Wildlife viewing boat tours with comfortable seating

For more ideas on keeping everyone happy, check out family-friendly shore excursions throughout Alaska.

Practical Tips That Make a Difference

Before you disembark for cruising with kids in Alaska, here are the things that actually matter:

• Weather changes fast: Bring rain jackets even if it looks sunny. The locals have a saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
• Layers are non-negotiable: A fleece or light puffy jacket works better than one heavy coat because kids can adjust as they warm up running around.
• Waterproof shoes: The dock and walkways can get wet. White sneakers will be brown sneakers by lunchtime.
• Sunscreen and bug spray: Yes, even in Alaska. The sun reflects off the water and those gorgeous forests have mosquitoes.
• Cash or card: Most vendors take credit cards but having some cash doesn’t hurt for tips or smaller artisan stalls.
• Binoculars: If you have them, bring them. You can also borrow some from the naturalists at the viewing deck.

What Not to Worry About

First-time visitors to Icy Strait Point often stress about things that turn out to be non-issues:

• Getting lost: The port area is small and well-signed. You’d have to try pretty hard to get disoriented.
• Missing the ship: The walk back to the dock takes 10-15 minutes maximum. The ship’s horn gives plenty of warning.
• Bathroom availability: Clean restrooms are located throughout the complex, including at the cultural center and near the dining area.
• Stroller accessibility: The main areas have paved or boardwalk paths. You can navigate with a stroller, though some excursions obviously won’t work.
• Language barriers: Everyone speaks English, though you’ll hear some Tlingit language in cultural presentations.

The Challenges Nobody Mentions

Let’s be honest about the downsides so you’re not blindsided:

• Limited port time: Most ships dock for 8-10 hours, which sounds like plenty until you realize how much there is to do. You’ll need to prioritize.
• Weather can shut things down: If it’s too windy or rainy, the ZipRider closes. Bears don’t always cooperate by appearing on schedule. Nature is unpredictable.
• Price adds up: The major excursions aren’t cheap. A family of four can easily spend several hundred dollars on activities beyond just walking around.
• Cell service is spotty: Don’t count on posting real-time updates to social media. Download maps or information before you arrive.
• Shopping is limited: If you’re hoping for extensive retail therapy, you’ll be disappointed. This port prioritizes experiences over shopping.

Bonus Tips From Seasoned Visitors

• The staff members wearing “Cultural Ambassador” badges are treasure troves of information and love talking to curious kids
• Free WiFi is available near the main building, but it’s slow – manage expectations
• The best photos happen at the viewing platforms overlooking the strait, especially late morning when the light is ideal
• If you skip organized excursions, you can still have an amazing day just exploring the free areas and watching for wildlife
• The nature trail behind the cultural center is an easy 20-minute loop that most tourists miss
• Ask at the information desk about ranger talks or special presentations happening that day
• The gondola to the mountaintop lodge offers incredible views and kids under 12 often ride at reduced rates
• Fishing off the dock isn’t technically allowed, but kids can watch local fishermen and often get impromptu lessons
• The historic cannery building itself is fascinating – look for interpretive signs explaining how it operated
• If whales breach close to shore, someone will ring a bell – listen for it

Common Questions and FAQ

Can we walk into town from the port?

Hoonah is about two miles from Icy Strait Point. Some families enjoy the walk along the road, but there’s not much to see in town itself. A taxi costs around $10 each way if you want to check it out, but most visitors find plenty to do at the port complex.

Is the ZipRider scary for kids who are nervous about heights?

The seated position and secure harness make it less intimidating than it looks. That said, if your child is genuinely terrified, don’t push it. Plenty of kids watch from the viewing area and have just as much fun cheering on braver souls. The staff won’t force anyone who changes their mind at the top.

Do we need to book excursions through our cruise line or can we book independently?

You can book directly through Icy Strait Point’s website, often at lower prices than cruise line markups. The only advantage to booking through your ship is the guarantee they’ll wait if your excursion runs late. Since everything is so close at this port, independent booking works well for most families.

What happens if it rains the whole time?

The cultural center, museum, dining areas, and covered walkways keep you mostly dry. Honestly, a little rain doesn’t stop much in Alaska – locals barely notice it. Just dress appropriately and embrace the adventure. Some of the best wildlife viewing happens in light rain when the crowds thin out.

Are there lockers or a place to store bags?

Small lockers are available near the main building for a few dollars. Most families leave non-essentials on the ship since you’re never far from the dock. Bring a small backpack with layers, snacks, and camera gear.

Can toddlers and babies enjoy Icy Strait Point?

Absolutely. The beaches, cultural center, and wildlife viewing work great for little ones. The salmon bake has high chairs. The main challenge is that exciting activities like the zipline have age restrictions, so parents of young kids should adjust expectations accordingly.

How crowded does it get?

Even when large ships dock, the port rarely feels overwhelming because activities spread people out naturally. The ZipRider and popular excursions can have waits, but the overall experience is more relaxed than ports like Skagway or Ketchikan on busy days.

Personal Experience

When our cruise ship docked at Icy Strait Point, I wasn’t sure what to expect with three kids in tow, but this place turned out to be exactly what we needed. The port itself is refreshingly low-key compared to busier Alaska stops, which meant the kids could actually explore without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. We started with the ZipRider – yes, even my cautious eight-year-old went for it – and watching them soar over the forest with those huge smiles made the whole trip worthwhile. The best part? Everything is close together, so no one complained about long walks between activities.

What really made our day special was the wildlife viewing. We grabbed spots on the whale watching deck at the cannery, and within twenty minutes, we spotted a humpback breaching with her calf. My youngest kept shouting “there’s another one!” every few minutes, and for once, I didn’t mind the noise. The staff members were fantastic about answering the kids’ endless questions, and they even helped us identify different birds along the shoreline. We also squeezed in some time at the museum where the kids learned about Tlingit culture through hands-on displays. My tip: bring layers and snacks, but don’t over-schedule. Some of our favorite moments happened when we just wandered around and let the kids lead the way to whatever caught their attention.