Best Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Excursions

Icy Strait Point offers authentic Alaskan excursions including whale watching, bear viewing at Pack Creek, zip-lining through rainforests, cultural experiences at the Tlingit village, fishing charters, kayaking adventures, and wildlife tours. Located near Hoonah, it’s Alaska’s largest privately-owned cruise destination, providing access to pristine wilderness, marine life encounters, and Native heritage attractions in a less-commercialized setting.

Quick Facts About Icy Strait Point

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

Why Icy Strait Point Stands Out

Unlike the more developed ports like Juneau or Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point delivers something increasingly rare on modern cruise itineraries: authenticity. The port facility itself was built from a restored salmon cannery, and profits from cruise operations go directly back to the Tlingit community. This means you’re not just visiting Alaska – you’re supporting the people who’ve lived here for thousands of years.

The location sits on Chichagof Island, which has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. More bears than people actually call this island home, which tells you something about how wild and preserved this area remains.

Top Excursions You Shouldn’t Miss

Whale Watching Adventures

The waters around Icy Strait Point rank among the best whale watching spots on the planet. Humpback whales feed here throughout the summer, and you’ll often see bubble-net feeding – a coordinated hunting technique where whales work together to trap fish. Here’s what makes it special:

• Point Adolphus, just offshore, is called the “Serengeti of whale watching” by marine biologists
• You might spot orcas, especially in early season
• Sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises and sea otters are practically guaranteed
• Local Tlingit guides share traditional stories about the relationship between their people and whales

Pro tip: Book the smaller boat tours rather than the large catamarans. You’ll get closer to the action and have better photo opportunities. The ride might be bumpier but it’s worth it.

The ZipRider Experience

The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point holds the record as the longest zipline in the world at 5,330 feet. You’ll drop 1,300 vertical feet at speeds reaching 60 mph while soaring over rainforest canopy. It’s not for the faint of heart but the views of the cruise ships below and the surrounding wilderness are spectacular.

What they don’t tell you in the brochures: there’s a significant hike uphill to reach the launch platform, and you’ll need to carry your weight plus momentum on landing. Weight restrictions apply (between 60-275 pounds), and anyone with back or neck issues should reconsider.

Bear Viewing and Wildlife Tours

Multiple wildlife excursions at Icy Strait Point offer chances to see brown bears in their natural habitat. The excursions typically involve small boats to remote viewing areas where bears feed on salmon or forage along the beaches.

Important distinctions between tours:

• Pack Creek requires a Forest Service permit and books far in advance – it’s expensive but offers the most intimate bear viewing
• Standard bear search tours don’t guarantee bears but your chances are excellent during salmon runs
• Some tours focus on coastal areas while others explore inland streams
• Weather significantly impacts bear visibility – they’re less active in heavy rain

Cultural Experiences at the Tlingit Village

The reconstructed tribal house and cultural center at the port showcases authentic Tlingit traditions. You can watch master carvers at work, see traditional dance performances, and learn about clan systems and totemic art.

The demonstrations aren’t staged tourist shows – these are community members sharing their living culture. The carvers working on totem poles are often working on actual commissioned pieces for local families.

Fishing Charters

The fishing around Icy Strait Point is phenomenal. Halibut can exceed 100 pounds, and salmon runs bring all five Pacific species through these waters. Charter options range from half-day bottom fishing to full-day combination trips.

Reality check on fishing excursions: processing your catch costs extra, and shipping frozen fish home adds significant expense. Many ships won’t allow you to bring unprocessed fish aboard. Ask about vacuum-sealing and shipping options before you book.

Kayaking Adventures

Paddling the protected waters near Icy Strait Point puts you at eye level with seals, otters, and occasionally whales. The rainforest shoreline and quiet coves offer a different perspective than the larger boat tours.

Best for intermediate kayakers – the conditions can change quickly and you’ll be paddling in cold water. Dress warmly even in summer because you will get wet.

Booking Your Excursions: Ship vs Independent

This decision matters more at Icy Strait Point than at many other ports. Here’s the honest breakdown of choosing between ship excursions and independent tour operators:

Ship-Booked Excursions

• Guaranteed return (ship won’t leave without you)
• Usually more expensive, sometimes significantly
• Larger groups mean less personalized experience
• Convenient booking through your cruise line

Independent Operators

• Better prices and often smaller group sizes
• More flexible timing and customization
• You’re responsible for getting back on time
• Direct support of local businesses

For comprehensive guidance, check out this Alaska shore excursions booking guide and learn more about booking your cruise excursions effectively.

Icy Strait Point’s layout makes independent booking less risky than at some ports – everything is relatively close and transportation is straightforward. The tender schedule is clearly posted, and local operators are very aware of ship departure times.

What You’ll Find at the Port

The port facility includes:

• The restored cannery building with museum exhibits about fishing history
• Several restaurants serving local seafood (the crab is incredible)
• Gift shops with authentic Native artwork alongside typical souvenirs
• A small brewery featuring Alaskan beers
• The cannery museum with free admission
• Scenic overlooks and beach access

Unlike larger ports, there’s no town within walking distance. Hoonah itself is about two miles away, and while you can taxi there, it’s a small working community without major tourist infrastructure. Most visitors spend their time either on excursions or exploring the port area itself.

Bonus Tips That Make a Difference

• Download whale identification guides before you arrive – cell service is spotty and you’ll want to know if you’re seeing a humpback, orca, or minke whale
• The smoked salmon from the cannery store makes an excellent gift and is TSA-approved in carry-on luggage (vacuum-sealed)
• Weather changes fast – bring layers even if it’s sunny when you leave the ship
• The free museum in the old cannery is actually fascinating if you have 30 minutes to spare
• Wildflowers peak in late June and early July, making coastal walks especially photogenic
• If your ship tenders, the first and last boats are usually less crowded
• Birders should bring binoculars – bald eagles are everywhere, and you might spot rare species
• The local beer at the brewery includes ingredients foraged from the surrounding forest
• ATM availability is limited, so bring cash if you’re buying from local vendors
• Rechargeable hand warmers are clutch for whale watching tours

Weather and What to Wear

Southeast Alaska’s climate is temperate rainforest, which is a polite way of saying it rains frequently. Summer temperatures range from the low 50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. The key to comfort is layering:

• Waterproof outer shell (not just water-resistant)
• Warm mid-layer like fleece
• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Waterproof hiking boots with good traction
• Hat and gloves (seriously, even in summer)
• Sunglasses for the boat (glare off water is intense)

The locals have a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” They’re not wrong.

Timing Your Visit

Each part of the cruise season offers different advantages:

May and early June: Fewer crowds, possibility of seeing orcas, wildflowers beginning to bloom, but cooler temperatures and more rain

Mid-June through July: Peak whale activity, warmest weather, longest daylight hours, but most crowded

August and September: Salmon runs attract bears to streams, fall colors beginning, fewer mosquitoes, but more variable weather

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need to book excursions in advance or can I book at the port?

Popular excursions like whale watching and the ZipRider sell out weeks in advance, especially for ships carrying 2,000+ passengers. The small local operators have limited capacity. Book early for your first-choice activities, though you might find last-minute availability for less popular time slots.

How much time do I need at the port if I’m not doing an excursion?

You can thoroughly explore the port facility, museum, shops, and beach area in about 2-3 hours. It’s a relaxing stop if you want a break from intense excursions, but there isn’t enough to fill a full day without leaving the immediate port area.

Are the wildlife sightings really guaranteed?

No wildlife sighting is truly guaranteed despite marketing language. That said, whale sightings during summer months have success rates above 90%. Bear viewing depends heavily on salmon runs, time of season, and weather. Sea otters and seals are nearly certain. Reputable operators will be honest about realistic expectations.

Is Icy Strait Point accessible for guests with mobility limitations?

The port facility itself is accessible with paved pathways and ramps. However, many excursions involve boats with steep stairs, uneven terrain, or extended standing. Whale watching tours on larger vessels are most accessible. Contact tour operators directly about specific needs – some can accommodate wheelchairs while others cannot.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Icy Strait Point?

Not during cruise season. The aurora borealis requires dark skies, and Southeast Alaska has nearly 24-hour daylight during summer months when cruises visit. Northern lights viewing happens in winter when cruise ships don’t operate here.

What’s the Internet and cell phone situation?

Cell coverage is limited and spotty. AT&T and Verizon have some coverage near the port but don’t count on it working reliably. The port offers WiFi but it’s slow when ships are in. Plan to be mostly disconnected – it’s actually refreshing.

Personal Experience

When our cruise docked at Icy Strait Point, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this place turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. We decided to book the whale watching tour, and wow – watching humpback whales breach right in front of us was absolutely incredible. The guides were locals who grew up in the area, and they shared stories about the Tlingit culture and pointed out all the wildlife we might have missed on our own. We spotted sea otters floating on their backs and even caught a glimpse of a bear on the shoreline. The scenery alone was worth the trip, with those misty mountains rising straight out of the water.

My husband was tempted by the zipline – apparently it’s the longest in the world – but we opted for the more relaxed bear search and wildlife tour instead. Some folks from our ship did the zipline and came back completely exhilarated, so that’s definitely on my list for next time. What I loved most about Icy Strait Point is how authentic it feels compared to some of the busier ports. It’s not overrun with tourist shops, and you really get a sense of being in wild Alaska. We grabbed some smoked salmon from the local cannery before heading back to the ship, and it was hands-down the best salmon we’ve ever tasted. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and genuine Alaskan culture, this stop delivers.