Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! Get behind the wheel of an ATV, race down a thrilling zip line, check out historical reenactments, hop on a husky-drawn sled, ride in an old-time streetcar . Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Yes! Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. The full cancellation policy can be found here. In years past, I used to call out Icy Strait Point as the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park; this year, my research showed that the major cruise companies seem to be visiting Glacier Bay as part of their itineraries and there are no excursions that take you into the park anymore. Perfect for small groups. 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. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Typically a short-sleeve and long-sleeve mid layer and a waterproof jacket, long pants and sturdy shoes you dont mind getting wet. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . 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. Another view of tower 5. Overview. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. 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. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. I agree that the activities are for older children. This Alaskan cruise port town has so much to offer. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. Typically, I recommend halibut fishing charters in Seward, but if your itinerary doesnt allow that, heres an alternative. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Our group said to each other, "we should come back in ten years and see if it looks the same". We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! Posted November 23, 2021. This allows for a great crew to guest ratio, ensuring your experience is personal. That said, its not exactly unique to encounter these kinds of excursions, so it doesnt rank particularly high on my personal list of the best Icy Strait Point cruise excursions. 2. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. I recommend getting in touch with your cruise company to see how they can help. On August 28, on its 80th visit to Icy Strait, . https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. Relax and spend a few hours away from the crowds while on this fishing expedition. Departs From No snow but you get to watch and touch them. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. There are a few great reasons! 2022, Action/Adventure, Rated PG-13. If you walk the 1.5 mile route to Hoonah on the paved sidewalk honoring veterans, you can see the petroglyph, walk along the water, and explore an old cemetery en route. What to expect when you get there - Amy will meet up with you at your pre-arranged meeting point (we were off a cruise ship, so Icy Straight Point excursion hub for us). Date of experience: September 2017. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. Yes, there is an excellent exhibit on the fishery and canning industry. That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. 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. Often two ships split the day with one in the AM and one in the PM which works since the days are long in the summer. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. Here is my my last stop in ISP, September 2018: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83835. Youve finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise youve been dreaming of whether its been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. Paste as plain text instead, We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. Image Courtesy: Cunard Line. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Itll be hard to keep your eyes on the trail with all the epic scenery around you! Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. 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. Home port: Seattle. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! 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). 25422881. Point Adolphus, a one-hour boat ride away from Icy Strait Point, is the prime site to catch a view of humpback whales. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. A 5 out of 5 score represents top of the line luxury. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. I am going on Quantum of the Seas out of Seattle in May 2022 to Alaska and BC. 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. Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. Breathe in the 1,000-acre greenspace of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. This area is known as 'Bear Island' because it has the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. I have heard that whale watching excursions book on the ship are on very big boats that hold a lot of people. On arrival at the Hoonah Harbor, it's All aboard! and youre off for the waters of Icy Straits and the ultimate whale watching experience. The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. 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. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. Reserve your dining now. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! I wasn't in charge of the booking, so I can't recommend a specific company to use but a quick search on TripAdvisor will give you lots of options. 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'] ? " Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. 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. Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tours; Cruise Lines. July 10, 2007. Look for jewellery made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects and warm winter fashions. Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. Climb onboard a wheeled training cart and relax as your team of Alaskan huskies take you on a 1.5-mile journey through the rainforest! View All Results. Enjoy a hot beverage before returning to your ship or exploring the cannery and nature trail at Icy Strait Point. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. The nature trailis pretty short. Agreed! Visit the Tlingit carvers and walk about to appreciate the totem poles in town. Don't worry we will definitely be back to Alaska (just after Hawaii and Europe according to my wife LOL). Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. Your email address will not be published. The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. TO BOOK A TOUR AT ICY STRAIT POINT PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR CRUISE LINE. Your previous content has been restored. Juneau's Premier Whale Watching! Yes is does have substantial tourist oriented shopping, and the main attraction the Ziprider. Your email address will not be published. There will be no shortage of fish in the cool, clear streams we'll take you on this trip. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? 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. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! 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. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, youll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. This May 13 cruise has a long stay in ISP, something absent on most itineraries. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. Expand Your Vacation. This excursion starts with a boat transfer from Sitka to the nearby Siginaka Islands; this cluster of islands is located north of town so you'll enjoy views of Sitka's waterfront and coast along the way. View below tower 6. Icy Strait Point website. For a real Alaska specialty, head to the Cookhouse Restaurant and try the reindeer chili or the Alaska Blue Burger, made with reindeer meat, blue cheese and merlot steak sauce. Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? Notes: Guests must be able to walk without assistance. Rides are unlimited and allow you to explore Icy Strait Point at your leisure. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. If you are interested in a less tourist like experience, you might like this. It can get chilly and rainy in our temperate rain forest, although summertime often sees our coastal city enjoy mild temperatures. A CareCart is available to people who cannot make the 300 yard walk from the cruise ship dock to the excursions hub where we meet you. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. Gratuities/Tips are never expected, but our crew work hard to make sure you have a great experience and a Thank you tip is always appreciated! However there is so much more. 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. It's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. We have guests that book up to a year in advance as our tours typically sell out well before their departure date. Stay as long as you choose to explore trails, check out wildlife, and go inside the visitor center, and then climb aboard a return bus . Our most popular tour is the Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour. Purchase your fishing license, put your line in, and hope for good fishermens luck! We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. The majority of us, when we think of Alaska, probably picture a big area covered in ice, frozen land, and maybe even caribou running free across the tundra. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. I loved this port for that very reason. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. Im grateful Johan allowed me to paint him in his regalia as the dance was incredibly inspiring and definitely worth the short walk through the shops. Description (Courtesy of IMDb ): "After surviving the destruction of Isla Nubla, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing took in young Maisie Lockwood. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. While you are here, you can even take a tour aboard a traditional hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe! Good Value. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) Lower lift line. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. Sitting 1330' above Icy Strait Point, you will descend just over a mile and travel at speeds in excess of 60 mph while soaring 300' above the tree-tops below. My wife and I have booked an August 2012 southbound cruise from Seward to Vancouver on the RC Radiance of the Seas. This Icy Strait Point excursion is a good value and widely offered, which is why it ranks so highly on my list for 2023 Alaska cruises. There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. They offer innovative dishes and use nothing but the freshest local ingredients. Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. 1. the Excursions Hub is a short 5 minute walk from where the ships dock or tender in to. Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. A convenient meeting time and place. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. Nicolas LaBarre Instead, use your day in port at Ice Strait Point or Hoonah to experience the unique slice of Alaskan life you can only find in this native-owned and operated purpose-built cruise port. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Hopefullythis level of detail helps others make suggestions. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Local knowledge is king, and having a fantastic team with a wealth of local expertise in our employ, gives us the confidence that well leave you happy and wanting to return! As one of the best places in the world to see whales, and a darn good spot to view bears, Icy Strait/Hoonah is among Alaska's most beloved destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. 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. Good to know. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. Icy Strait Point 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA Open in Google Maps Confirmation will be received at time of booking Tour Time is Departure time. We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. We want to share the breathtaking sights, the wildlife, and the amazing people of Hoonah Alaska with you. You're in for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you fly above the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph. Ships Deck Plans . To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. We do NOT have space to store wheelchairs or walkers on then van/bus or aboard the boat during your tour, even if they are the folding type. Fancies herself a bit of a . , Thanks for the info and the pics, very nice. 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. The Coastal Exploration by Zodiac excursion has you cruising along the coastlines of Port Frederick and Icy Strait, where you can search for humpback whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and brown bears. Despite it being last on the list, I personally love this excursion as it offers the opportunity to both get up in the air and burn off some of those ship calories youve been consuming (yes, they count!). Hoonay is the first stop of our cruise. Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. We booked "Glacier Winds" for the Whale watching on a small (6 person) boat in Icy Point for our 2020 trip. This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered on Chichagof Island, a one-of-a-kind location with the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. Would love the wildlife search! Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. #1. Among the huge number of excursions you can book in Juneau - and even on this list of nine - it's hard to choose the best one. 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! Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? 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. So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. We disembarked from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas a little after 1:00 pm on a go. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. amazing ships, destinations and onboard offerings.. We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Icy Strait Point is a cruise destination located in the small Alaskan village of Hoonah. Advancing glaciers forced them to relocate to modern-day Hoonah in 1754. We can guarantee you will be back to board your ship in plenty of time. On this cruise excursion, a local guide will take you out to spot dozens of species of perching birds, seabirds, ducks, gulls, and bald eagles. so we had a more personalized experience. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. 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. Posted December 26, 2021. family just booked Alaskan cruise Quantum May 30, 2022 going to Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Juneau, Victoria BC. $1,510. Cruising in Alaska Should Be On Everyone's Bucket List, Alaska is a paradise for animal lovers.