The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with . We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. This is not a mass-market big bus tour. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. Nicolas LaBarre Good to know. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. This is your chance to set sail and travel the scenic shorelines of Icy Strait Point keeping watch for bears, deer, blue herons, puffins and more. 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. Some excursions include puppies that you get to hold. 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! Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. This is truly an experience for the books, and cameras. 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 . As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . From there, you can board a fixed-wing plane and soar over the massive national park, where you'll witness glaciers and animals from a first-class viewpoint from up above. In both Juneau and Skagway there are excursions that go to a sled dog facility. Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale 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. Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. The area near Icy Strait Point, with its proximity to Point Adolphus and Glacier Bay, is home to one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska and the whale watching is second to none. 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. The gondola and zip line are just outside this building. I force-ranked the excursions by uniqueness. Seeing the humpback whales on our whale-watching tours or spying on the native bears of Chichagof Island will take your breath away. We are a quick 20 minute flight from Juneau, Alaska. Typically, I recommend halibut fishing charters in Seward, but if your itinerary doesnt allow that, heres an alternative. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, 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. 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. Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. 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 . Explore our Alaska cruises today! so we had a more personalized experience. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Thank you for sharing this. Southeast Alaska and Icy Strait in particular, is home to some of the best halibut and salmon fishing around. They Rock! Very small place with lovely scenery but limited activities. This May 13 cruise has a long stay in ISP, something absent on most itineraries. When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? To book a tour please reach out to your cruise line for availability! Icy Strait Point Zip Rider Review - Eat Sleep Cruise Join us on a whale watching tour to see the enormous humpback whales. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. 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. Response from Host, Sep 2022. 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. Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Seabourn. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. 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! 2022, Action/Adventure, Rated PG-13. Notes: Guests must be able to walk without assistance. The areas we search near in Hoonah near Icy Strait Point and Point Adolphus are known Humpback whale feeding grounds. We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. We did the Spasski River Wildlife and Bear tour. Icy Strait Point is located in the town of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. She'll load your group up into her van and pass out some binoculars and you'll be off. 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. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. I really like ISP. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Do you have any experience with either excursion? Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! This is the real Alaska! Be sure to take in the views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait on your way down. It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Purchase your fishing license, put your line in, and hope for good fishermens luck! Ships Deck Plans . While this cruise excursion isnt totally unique you can see bears elsewhere in Alaska its a good chance to guarantee that experience at a good value. Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. Wildlife is one of the main draws for visitors who want to cruise in Alaska. After a drive through (and out of) town, youll leave the crowds behind and head onto Alaska native-owned lands where youll disembark and start your wilderness hike. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. Can you purchase a whale tour when you arrive? Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. As a souvenir, youll get recipe cards so you can try to prepare these meals once you return home. 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. . 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. Find Unforgettable in Breathtaking Alaska | Royal Caribbeans Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. Read more in my Privacy Policy. 1. Favorites. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? Carnival Dive-In Movies March 2023 Prof. Cruise And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska - Royal Caribbean Skip the hassle of a rental car and admire views during the bus journey to the glacier. Only Seabourn offers this one. FAQ - Icy Strait Point Home port: Seattle. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. 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. 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. Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded. My wife does want to do an excursion with sled dogs but we don't know if we should do that in Juneau or Skagway. We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. 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. 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. 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. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. 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. We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! Cunard Unveils Winter 2025 Cruises, Plus World Voyage Icy Strait Point | Your Alaskan Experience Whale Watching 2. 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. 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. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2023 (One in Each Port!) {{card.portName}}, Onboard 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. 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. From their connection to nature to their tribal dance, the spirit of their people is something to behold. Heres how I calculated the scores: Based on all that, heres my list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions: While not everyone will agree with this list and it wasnt the original list I wrote back for the 2020 season (ha!). Point Adolphus, in particular, is world-famous for its concentration of humpback whales and is located about 5 miles from the southern side of Icy Strait. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Yes is does have substantial tourist oriented shopping, and the main attraction the Ziprider. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. And completely reliable. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. 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. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. We are so excited about it and are beginni. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. 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. Royal Caribbean Group. Visiting in September of 2023. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. 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. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. By pem309, . If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Take a Whale Watching Cruise. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. I loved this port for that very reason. Zip-lining is so in right now! We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. 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. I agree that the activities are for older children. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect . Or that its the largest in the world kind of like Alaska is the largest state? Can multiple families book a tour and be together? Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. Icy Strait Point features the world's largest ZipRider, with six 5,330 ziplines dropping 1330. This is a small group tour that provides you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature! If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. 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'] ? " Keep your eyes open for wildlife and breathtaking scenery on this adventure. 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. Best Icy Strait Point Excursions & Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. 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. Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! Add in the communication he has with other captains on the other boats, and it's a perfect whale finding system! These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. , See the "real" Alaska on this nature tour that takes you up close to bears, eagles and other fascinating wildlife. Not into drinking or eating seafood. Enjoy a fun small-group experience on this Icy Strait whale watching tour, limited to 18 passengers per tour. Alaska-Sized Adventure 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. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. We can guarantee you will be back to board your ship in plenty of time. 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!). We booked the gondola and tram ride. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. 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. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. Ocean Stateroom. amazing ships, destinations and onboard offerings.. Overview. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours 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. Juneau's Premier Whale Watching! This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. 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. Norwegian Communications Center. 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. We have guests that book up to a year in advance as our tours typically sell out well before their departure date. Advancing glaciers forced them to relocate to modern-day Hoonah in 1754. 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! If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. 25422881. It is totally safe! Norwegian Communications Center. Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . Icy Strait Point is a new cruise port option with new dock, new facilities, and great signage for the limited options here in the land of the Hoonah Tlingit people. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . For guests with mobility concerns, the following information will help you decide if you will be able to join our tours. We disembarked from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas a little after 1:00 pm on a go. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. No snow but you get to watch and touch them. 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. Hopefullythis level of detail helps others make suggestions. Sorry to hear that, John. Onboard Experience - Royal Caribbean International Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. Along the rugged coastline, you can spot humpback whales, brown bears, otters, seals, eagles.