Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. Have you seen my other Alaska cruise resources? Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Zip-lining is so in right now! As a tourist, you have a lot to do at Icy Strait, thanks to Alaskas rich history, wildlife, and native, The Icy Strait Point in Alaska is a hub for tourists because of the various activities that they can be a part of during their tours. From their connection to nature to their tribal dance, the spirit of their people is something to behold. 25422881. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Outdoor Adventures Elevate your adventure on the SkyGlider Mountaintop Gondola's high-speed, eight-person cars which whisk passengers to the top of Hoonah Mountain for Glacier Bay views and a host of nature activities. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Photo credits: Icy Strait Point building (L) Moira Dunworth; Glacier Bay flightseeing (R) Joseph; salmon on grill Didriks; Tlingit tribal dance James Brooks; halibut fisherman Bryan Wilkins; all via Flickr. Display as a link instead, Hoonah 5. Duration: Approximately 2 hours Minimum Age: 10 years old Restrictions: Guests must not weigh more than 250 pounds. Generally speaking, Carnival will be the least expensive and Disney will be the most expensive, with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian at the lower end and Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Cunard at the upper end. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. Nestled among those trinket shops you will find authentic local art, jewelry, and even hand-carved headdresses such as the one Johan is wearing here. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. If you are interested in a less tourist like experience, you might like this. View All Results. 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. 25422881. If you want to venture over to the wild side, go on a guided nature hike through nearby rainforests or hop into an ATV and explore the backroads of Chichagof Island. We chose to book Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search when it was on sale last weekend! This is a 90-minute excursion that includes an obstacle course dubbed the Adventure Park, made up of a log bridge, climbing planks, fishermens net, and more. Norwegian Communications Center. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. Posted November 23, 2021. Our dedicated staff (85% of which call Hoonah home) is committed to providing a one-of-a-kind experience for every guest that is infused with our local Native culture and hospitality. As a company that has been in the business of offering small group shore excursions in the Icy Strait Point area for over a decade, our tour schedules are mindfully constructed around the cruise ships arrivals and departures! Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! To book a tour please reach out to your cruise line for availability! Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . This salmon cannery was shut down in the 1970s and now is clean and remodeled with a free museum, beautiful gift shops and a display of the salmon processing equipment. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Our wilderness tour will take you to Chichagof Island, where the population of brown bears per square mile is the highest of any place on Earth. Pasted as rich text. Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? And completely reliable. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. . Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. But I feel confident that this list is both impartial but also informed by my expert advice. 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. Established in the early 1960s, Tok River Outfitters, now a second generation Alaskan business, is still owned and operated by the original founder's family. 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. In addition to your wildlife search, depart directly from Icy Strait Point on your safe, stable, covered, and comfortable whale-watching vessel and travel through the bountiful waters of Icy Strait to the renowned Point Adolphus area, home to Alaska's largest summer population of humpback whales. They offer innovative dishes and use nothing but the freshest local ingredients. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. All rights reserved. Relax and spend a few hours away from the crowds while on this fishing expedition. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. 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! Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. You will then get to see how the birds, fish, mammals, plants, forests, rivers, and climate all weave together to create this lush, vibrant ecosystem! 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. The nature trailis pretty short. The areas we search near in Hoonah near Icy Strait Point and Point Adolphus are known Humpback whale feeding grounds. This May 13 cruise has a long stay in ISP, something absent on most itineraries. so we had a more personalized experience. The Tlingit tribe has called this area home for centuries, and they love to share their native culture. 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. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. We booked "Glacier Winds" for the Whale watching on a small (6 person) boat in Icy Point for our 2020 trip. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. I really enjoyed reading about all the fun stuff to do on our crusie through alaska. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. 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? 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. 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. With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! On this excursion, youll sample some of the food Alaskans love to enjoy, learn from a local chef about how to filet and prepare fresh Alaskan seafood, and then try your hand at preparing some for yourself. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Ovation of the Seas in Alaska. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. Our team personally tests every tour in a destination to select only the best shore excursions for your Quantum of the Seas cruise . Bear sightings are also more frequent during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly. 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. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. 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. My eBook, Alaskas Best Cruise Excursions, will help you wade through all the excursions in each port to make the best choice for each stop on your Alaska cruise itinerary. You're in for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you fly above the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph. Located in Alaska's largest Native Tlingit village of Hoonah (about 35 miles west of Juneau), Icy Strait Point features 20+ exciting tours, a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, restaurants, 100% Alaskan-owned retail shops, and even a beach! 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. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. While that doesnt necessarily factor into the way this list is ranked, it means I always include 1-2 Alaska cruise excursions that are more active for those who are physically able. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Another view of tower 5. Would love the wildlife search! March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. Go to site . Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? And don't forget the fishing. Perfect for small groups. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. 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. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Things To Do In Hoonah / Icy Strait. Sorry, I dont know the specific tour company; the goal of this post is to help people book their cruise excursions through the cruise company. - Ovation only at Icy Straight Point and Sitka, - Juneau has 5 ships, port load - 11970 guests, - Skagway has 3 ships, port load - 6830 guests. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with . We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. - More time on the water! However having a tough time booking things. Reserve your dining now. Your previous content has been restored. We too the free shuttle back into the port area and walked through the old cannery, the museum and gift shops, which were all cool. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. July 10, 2007. I want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Indulge in fresh seafood and native veggies like beach asparagus and seaweed to fuel up for stops in Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Skagway, Seward, and of course the marvelous Hubbard Glacier. Can you purchase a whale tour when you arrive? . Purchase your fishing license, put your line in, and hope for good fishermens luck! Cunard rolled out the winter 2025 cruise schedules for its three ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, plus the new-build Queen Anne, set to debut . Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Only Holland America offers this one. Your email address will not be published. Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. We are so excited about it and are beginni. Paste as plain text instead, Don't Lose Your Reservation! Ships Deck Plans . You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. Yes! Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . We shape and time all of our tours and excursions around the cruise ships schedules relieving you of any stress before you dock into port. Favorites. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Explore our Alaska cruises today! Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver. Not only that, our sturdy fleet of boats in conjunction with our experienced captains at the helm, and guides at the wheel of the vans, are more than capable of coping with the conditions. 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'] ? " They Rock! I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! However, for those of you who are thinking about taking a vacation, The Icy Strait Point is the divider between mainland Alaska in the north and the Chichagof Island in the south. Along the rugged coastline, you can spot humpback whales, brown bears, otters, seals, eagles. Required fields are marked *. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Yes! We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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. Wind along back roads in search of wildlife, including bald eagles, brown bears, and Sitka black-tailed deer, and enjoy spectacular views of the natural beauty that surrounds you along the way. Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. Want to know more? Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. Duration: 2.25 hours Price: $145 per person View Details Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery Overview. 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). Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. On this visitI did a whale watching excursion. I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. 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. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along Gastineau Channel, and into the Ship Creek Valley. But the kayaking was well worth. Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. Moreover, our small group tours are purposely smaller than those offered by the cruise ship, giving you a more intimate experience, at a better rate, while visiting Hoonah near Icy Strait Point. They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter.