All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. 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. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. It's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips 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. 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. 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. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? No snow but you get to watch and touch them. Very small place with lovely scenery but limited activities. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Depending on the season, catch the bears coming out of hibernation and looking for food; or later on in the season when the bears are mating and eating grasses on the tidal flats. (One of my past favorites was a flightseeing tour!) If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. Royal Caribbean Group. Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Welcome to Hoonah, AK. Explore our Alaska cruises today! If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, then the ZipRider is for you. 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. Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. Icy Strait Point, sometimes called Hoonah after the native people who live in this area and run the cruise port, is one popular stop on Alaska cruises but it can be hard to decipher the marketing language to know which excursions will be worth your time and money. TO BOOK A TOUR AT ICY STRAIT POINT PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR CRUISE LINE. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. The Best Alaska Shore Excursions | Holland America Line 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. Unfortunately, the biggest ships have a tendency to scare off a lot of the wildlife you hope to see. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. Wildlife & Bear Search | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point . 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. This is the real Alaska! Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. AK 99829, Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours in Icy Straits, The Best Time To Visit Alaska - Various Seasons Of The North, 7 Things You Shouldnt Miss During Your Icy Strait Point Tours, Why the Icy Strait Point Gondola is a Must-Ride for Tourists. Enjoy a fun small-group experience on this Icy Strait whale watching tour, limited to 18 passengers per tour. On this 2- to 3-hour excursion, youll board a helicopter, cruise up to the top of the mountain, unload your bikes, and ride back down. Join us for the best show in town, a 3-hour whale watching excursion (includes transportation time and approx 2.5 hours on the water) which begins when you board the bus that departs from the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub, just a short 5-minute walk from your cruise ship. Cunard Unveils Winter 2025 Cruises, Plus World Voyage Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . This is truly an experience for the books, and cameras. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. All rights reserved. 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. Watch the eagles in the nest right across from the school. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. Valerie! Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. 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. Fancies herself a bit of a . Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. 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. Typically a short-sleeve and long-sleeve mid layer and a waterproof jacket, long pants and sturdy shoes you dont mind getting wet. Paste as plain text instead, Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Balcony Stateroom. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Continue on from the post above for some pictures from it and more in the area. You cannot paste images directly. This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour, Local Alaska Whale Watching with Bonus Drone Footage of Whales, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching Charters through Icy Strat Alaska. 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. Take in the views on the bus ride to the top, then race to the bottom on the zip line at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, 300 feet above the forest! This is not a mass-market big bus tour. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded. Cruises to Icy Strait Point, Alaska - Celebrity Cruises Duration: 2.25 hours Price: $145 per person View Details Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery Thank you for sharing this. Don't worry we will definitely be back to Alaska (just after Hawaii and Europe according to my wife LOL). 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Combo assemblies on tower 5. We disembarked from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas a little after 1:00 pm on a go. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. This allows for a great crew to guest ratio, ensuring your experience is personal. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. 5 Breathtaking Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions | Icy Strait Point We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. The gondola and zip line are just outside this building. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. 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. We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. FAQ What are the best tours in Icy Strait Point? Board the Gondola for a 4 minute ride through the forest toward the Adventure Center. 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. Carnival Dive-In Movies March 2023 Prof. Cruise Read more in my Privacy Policy. 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. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. 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. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). 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. We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. Best Icy Strait Point Tours & Excursions: 1. Stream Fishing 6. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in Juneau 2023 - Viator We can guarantee you will be back to board your ship in plenty of time. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. With a concentration in cruising. But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. Tok River Outfitters (Hoonah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. This is your chance to see brown bears, Sitka black tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural scenic beauty of the last frontier. Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2023 (One in Each Port!) Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search 2023 - Hoonah - Viator Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. 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! Reserve your dining now. It is totally safe! Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. Enhance your Quantum of the Seas cruise with a unique shore excursion from ShoreTrips. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! 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. 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. Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, with inclines. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. Icy Strait Birding Tours - Tripadvisor Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . A convenient meeting time and place. Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? I loved this port for that very reason. Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. 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. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale 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'] ? " Or, in the unlikely event you dont sight a whale, well refund you $100. Everything was close together and easy. It can get chilly and rainy in our temperate rain forest, although summertime often sees our coastal city enjoy mild temperatures. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! 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. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. They had a blast doing things there. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. Apr 1, 2014. I mean, you can zip-line in many ports around the world, so is it any surprise that theres an epic zip-lining experience in Alaska? Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Great Value. 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. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit through door number 2 this is clearly marked. We have guests that book up to a year in advance as our tours typically sell out well before their departure date. 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. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. 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. If youve read any of my other lists of cruise excursions, you know that getting active is one of my personal travel priorities. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. The nature trailis pretty short. Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. 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. Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Icy Strait Point offers some of the best opportunities for whale watching on your Alaskan cruise, so don't miss the Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise here! Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! For guests with mobility concerns, the following information will help you decide if you will be able to join our tours. If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. 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. The only thing you can count on in Hoonah, and the area near Icy Strait Point is that you cant count on the weather. 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. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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 . (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Visit the Tlingit carvers and walk about to appreciate the totem poles in town. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. The bottom part of the profile is nearly flat. Or that its the largest in the world kind of like Alaska is the largest state? 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! Cruises to Icy Strait Point, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises - More time on the water! 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. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Active Adventures | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point Best Icy Strait Point Excursions & Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. They offer innovative dishes and use nothing but the freshest local ingredients. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. 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. Magnificent! #1. Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Seabourn. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. 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. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. 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. They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. Will I make the __:__ tour? Unfortunately, this excursion isnt offered by as many cruise companies as others above it on the list so it ended up falling a few spots on my list for 2023. Do you have any experience with either excursion? Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. . Perfect for small groups. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with . An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? Good to know. So, when I see a good Alaska cruise excursion for fishing, I recommend it! Icy Strait Point ??? - Shore Excursions - Royal Caribbean Blog I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. 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. amazing ships, destinations and onboard offerings.. Icy Strait Point Stream Fishing | Alaska Shore Excursions Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! 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. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. 13 Alaskan Cruise Excursions That Are Worth The Money Icy Strait Point, Alaska ATV Expedition Excursion - Norwegian Cruise Line Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. Whale Watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point - Royal Caribbean Blog Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Whale Watching 2. Can you help. 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. 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. A bunch of towers on this lift feature combination assemblies on . IMO your best bet is to hike the short nature trails and take the cable car up the mountain for more hiking and scenic views. 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.