There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. (One of my past favorites was a flightseeing tour!) The full cancellation policy can be found here. I get a lot of questions about fishing in Alaska. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. . Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. He will take you to his favorite fishing areas for the best halibut and salmon fishing around. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. As an established, local company with a Certificate of Excellence, we love nothing more than to enrich your experience while visiting the area of Icy Strait Point. https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! Thanks for reading, Helen! If your ship is docking at the Wilderness Dock, you will disembark and walk up to the Gondola. Here's our itinerary: Vancouver, British Columbia| Sail Away 5 PM, Icy Strait Point, Alaska Arrive 9 AM | Depart 8 PM, Sitka, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 6 PM, Juneau, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 9 PM, Skagway, Alaska Arrive7 AM | Depart 8:30 PM. There will be no shortage of fish in the cool, clear streams we'll take you on this trip. Seeing the humpback whales on our whale-watching tours or spying on the native bears of Chichagof Island will take your breath away. Apr 1, 2014. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. 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. We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. 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. Sorry to hear that, John. Itll be hard to keep your eyes on the trail with all the epic scenery around you! It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. 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. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! This is the real Alaska! This is not a mass-market big bus tour. A 5 out of 5 score represents top of the line luxury. If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. If you are interested in a less tourist like experience, you might like this. We booked "Glacier Winds" for the Whale watching on a small (6 person) boat in Icy Point for our 2020 trip. To increase your chances, you need to get off the big boat, get on two feet, and get out in the Alaska wild. Alaska-Sized Adventure Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. The boat was much smaller than the typical whale watching boats (6 people!) Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore. And best of all: the proceeds of this excursion support the Juneau Audubon Society, so your excursion costs are funneled back into supporting the bird populations you get to enjoy. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. Youll descend from an elevation of 1,330 feet back to sea level along those six zips at times you may be going as fast as 60 miles per hour and at heights of 300 feet above the ground! Would love the wildlife search! I know they've built up the port area a little bit, but glad to see it still has its charm. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. Be sure not to miss ShoreTrips' whale watching shore excursions, many of which include bear searching! Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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? Make a payment and confirm your reservation. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. While we love delivering stunning target birds like Varied Thrushes, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Bald Eagles, and Stellers Jays, we arent just about birds on this tour. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. Norwegian Communications Center. 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. I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. This cruise ship stop is not like all the others with hoards of jewelry stores. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. For a real Alaska speciality, head to the Cookhouse Restaurant and try the reindeer chilli or the Alaska Blue Burger, made with reindeer meat, blue cheese and merlot steak sauce. FAQ What are the best tours in Icy Strait Point? 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. 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. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? Nicolas LaBarre Notes: Guests must be able to walk without assistance. Clear editor. You soon will be where you can sight humpbacks, Orcas, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and seals, all attracted to the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay. Your email address will not be published. If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. Icy Strait Point website. Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. Upload or insert images from URL. Chichagof Island has been named "Bear Island" by National Geographic because it has the highest concentration of bears in the world at 1-2 brown bears per square mile, making it a great destination for bear watching from Icy Strait Point. 1. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. What if the weather is bad? Go to site . In Icy Strait Point, this new excursion which includes both biking and hiking before beachcombing does the trick. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. We bought the "unlimited ride" for $50 per person, to find out there was nothing to do at the top unless you are taking the zip line down. We are a family-run company based right here in Hoonah. 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. In Juneau I know of asled dog excursionincluded as part of a helicopter to a glacier type activity which makes it expensive but very good. 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. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? You cannot paste images directly. You can post now and register later. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. 25422881. Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native owned-and-operated, with all profits directly supporting the community of Hoonah, Alaskas largest Native Tlingit village. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, you'll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. 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. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. There are a few great reasons! I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. 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. Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. It's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. 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. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Ships Deck Plans . Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. Great Value. 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. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. Posted November 23, 2021. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. $605. 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. We'll supply everything you need, so there's nothing for you to worry about except for having fun and taking in nature at its best. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. The Icy Strait Point Zipline features six 5,330-foot ziplines dropping 1330 feet. 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I try to include a food tour in every one of the posts in this series; I believe food is one of the best ways to experience the culture of a place including Alaska. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. This is a small group tour that provides you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature! We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! Wildlife is one of the main draws for visitors who want to cruise in Alaska. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. If you book the Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour through Alaska Shore Excursions, you'll receive an e-mailed ticket along with detailed meeting directions as seen below: Be sure to print it out and bring it along with your other cruise documents. We care about our beautiful state and want to show it off in a genuine way while protecting and preserving the land and sea at the same time. Can you help. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. Icy Strait Point. 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. If your ship is docking at the Adventure Dock, after exiting your cruise ship, disembark and proceed up the ramp to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. Unless you are going to ride the Zip Line, save your money and just walk around the small tourist town. Southeast Alaska and Icy Strait in particular, is home to some of the best halibut and salmon fishing around. 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. There are even resident bald eagles that perch on the ships to fish. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. Find Matching Tours Adventure Glacier Tours Private Tours Sightseeing Train Excursions Unique to Skagway Adventure Flightseeing Glacier Tours Whale Watching Unique to Juneau Adventure Cultural & Historical Flightseeing Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. Fly down the world's largest ZipRider, whale-watch in the nutrient-rich waters of Port Frederick and Point Adolphus, search for the coastal brown bears that inhabit the area, and soar high above in a helicopter. The buildings that once was a cannery provided a very nice historical perspective of how it really use to be. We chose to book Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search when it was on sale last weekend! One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. {{card.portName}}, Onboard Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska. Hi Everyone! Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Some excursions include puppies that you get to hold. Humpback whales visit Icy Strait Point every summer, beginning in May, and they stay around until September. I am going on Quantum of the Seas out of Seattle in May 2022 to Alaska and BC. About Prof. Cruise. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Your previous content has been restored. Watch members of the Huna Tlingit Dancers troupe tell the story of their tribal heritage through song and dance at the Native Heritage Center Theater. 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. There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. 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'] ? " Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. The Tlingit people have lived in Southeast Alaska for many centuries in what is now Glacier Bay National Park. . Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Come experience the birds and nature of Chichagof Island, near Icy Strait Point! Icy Strait Point is the only private cruise ship destination in Alaska; we offer over 20 different shore excursions including ATVs, biking, kayaking, nature tours, the best whale watching in Alaska and the world's largest and highest zipline ride. They Rock! Our team personally tests every tour in a destination to select only the best shore excursions for your Quantum of the Seas cruise . 1. Now lets dive into each one! Have you seen my other Alaska cruise resources? As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . It can get chilly and rainy in our temperate rain forest, although summertime often sees our coastal city enjoy mild temperatures. 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. Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. Combo assemblies on tower 5. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit through door number 2 this is clearly marked. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. amazing ships, destinations and onboard offerings.. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. Yes, there is an excellent exhibit on the fishery and canning industry. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. I recommend getting in touch with your cruise company to see how they can help. When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details They have an indoor shopping mall, a salmon cannery museum and a restaurant all under one roof. Thanks for the info and the pics, very nice. This Alaska cruise excursion might not be for everyone, but if you love wildlife (and especially birding) this widely-offered excursion might be the one for you in Icy Strait Point. Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! 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. Do you have any experience with either excursion? The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. Another major cost factor is the type of stateroom you prefer. That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. $1,510. Don't worry we will definitely be back to Alaska (just after Hawaii and Europe according to my wife LOL). Not into drinking or eating seafood. 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 . Only Holland America offers this one. To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. Do you offer any discounts or promotions? , 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. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. Just don't forget to bring your cameras, binoculars, and waterproof apparel! 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. (This Icy Strait Point excursion is not for those who are faint of heart or afraid of heights!). This area is known as 'Bear Island' because it has the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. We booked the gondola and tram ride. 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. With that in mind, prepare for the worst and hope for the best! One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. . Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Everything was close together and easy. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. 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. Website Season:$180 per person3.5 hrs. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. We can guarantee you will be back to board your ship in plenty of time. Once outside of Door #2, follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. 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. Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. 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). Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Since I already pointed out that Icy Strait Point is a unique cultural destination, what better way to experience it than on a cooking class excursion? Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. View Health & Safety requirements. Yes! Norwegian Communications Center. You will experience seeing and hearing these amazing animals with your own eyes and ears, and then we take you to the next level with our displays onboard. Explore our Alaska cruises today! Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates Advanced Search Call Our Brand Specialists Now Learn More About Icy Strait Point, Alaska She'll load your group up into her van and pass out some binoculars and you'll be off. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. We currently offer excursions for saltwater fishing, whale watching and marine nature tours in the waters of Icy Strait, long renowned for it's abundance of marine wildlife and excellent . Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. I am concerned if I have saeveral days between catching fish and returning to my home, the fish may not be so goog. This allows for a great crew to guest ratio, ensuring your experience is personal. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. 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. 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. 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.