Youll be surrounded in one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska with Glacier Wind Charters small group tours. 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. Imagine eating delectable halibut harvested directly from the waters of Icy Strait. While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. 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. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. However there is so much more. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. Sightings happen often, but as all things in Nature are not guaranteed. Hoonay is the first stop of our cruise. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. . 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. Is our tour still on? Photo credits: Icy Strait Point building (L) Moira Dunworth; Glacier Bay flightseeing (R) Joseph; salmon on grill Didriks; Tlingit tribal dance James Brooks; halibut fisherman Bryan Wilkins; all via Flickr. 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. 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. You can potentially also see bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and otters. This post was originally published in March 2020, and was updated most recently in November 2022 for the coming season. View All Results. Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. 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! 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. Icy Strait Point was a nice place to spend a few hours. Image Courtesy: Cunard Line. Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details By pem309, . 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. Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. 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! {{card.portName}}, Onboard 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. Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter. However each port offers adventures that are not typically found in the Caribbean. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? 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. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. I know they've built up the port area a little bit, but glad to see it still has its charm. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. 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. To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. I spent three summers working for one of the major cruise companies, and during that time I had to make recommendations for excursions for thousands of Alaska cruisers. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and breathtaking scenery on this adventure. At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zip line in the world. 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. 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. Journey from Icy Strait Point into the wilds of Chichagof Island as you explore the Spasski River Valley in search of local wildlife. Icy Strait Point. 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. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. There are a few great reasons! View below tower 6. Overview. 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. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. Combo assemblies on tower 5. 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). How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Lower lift line. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51846. Love your blog. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. 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? What if the weather is bad? With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. She'll load your group up into her van and pass out some binoculars and you'll be off. Norwegian Communications Center. This is the real Alaska! But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. 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. It is totally safe! (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. 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. 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!). The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. 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. It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. Unless you are going to ride the Zip Line, save your money and just walk around the small tourist town. Another major cost factor is the type of stateroom you prefer. A convenient meeting time and place. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. I agree that the activities are for older children. Cruising in Alaska Should Be On Everyone's Bucket List, Alaska is a paradise for animal lovers. Norwegian Communications Center. From land to sea to sky, envelop yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska, and get close (but not too close) and personal with the wildlife, and the locals! See the "real" Alaska on this nature tour that takes you up close to bears, eagles and other fascinating wildlife. So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. Visit the Tlingit carvers and walk about to appreciate the totem poles in town. Thanks for reading, Helen! I am concerned if I have saeveral days between catching fish and returning to my home, the fish may not be so goog. The bottom part of the profile is nearly flat. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. Read more in my Privacy Policy. We are constantly evaluating ourselves, innovating, and improving to ensure that every customer gets an amazing experience from the first contact to the last touch. From the top of the mountain, it's just a short walk (400 meters) through a pristine stand of old-growth rainforest to the ZipRider tower. 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. 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. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! 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. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. Date of experience: September 2017. 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! So, when I see a good Alaska cruise excursion for fishing, I recommend it! Continue on from the post above for some pictures from it and more in the area. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . What do you think? " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. Find 9 other excursion options on my guide to the best Skagway cruise excursions. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. 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. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. Clear editor. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. Join us on a whale watching tour to see the enormous humpback whales. You won't find a better place to experience an outdoor adventure and get a sense of what a . Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Its always an honor to share the backyard beauty in our mist-shrouded rainforest and our coastal city, steeped in history and Native Southeast Alaska culture alike. Whether you are looking for a scenic kayaking, adventurous or eating and drinking shore excursion, there's no better site to book your shore tour with than Shore Excursions Group. 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. The ticket agent for the sky glider was the one that advised us about the hike. (Look for them holding a Hoonah Travel Adventures sign.) The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: Upload or insert images from URL. Or, in the unlikely event you dont sight a whale, well refund you $100. Very small place with lovely scenery but limited activities. With a concentration in cruising. 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. Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Beautiful overview with a 1- mile hiking trail loop at the top that required groups of at least 10 and a guide with a gun die to bear activity. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. Finally, I added up the metrics to come up with a final score. 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. Do you offer any discounts or promotions? Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Unfortunately, the biggest ships have a tendency to scare off a lot of the wildlife you hope to see. Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. 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 aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. , I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. We chose to book Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search when it was on sale last weekend! 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. We meet guests at the Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Here's our itinerary: 11 NIGHT ALASKA GLACIERS CRUISE Vancouver , British Columbia | Sail Away 5 PM Sea Day Sea Day Icy Strait Point , Alaska Arrive 9 AM | Depart 8 PM Sitka , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 6 PM Cruising Hubbard Glacier , Alaska Juneau , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 9 PM Skagway , Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 8:30 PM You might even catch them bubble net feeding! March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. If you could share your itinerary, times in port and what you are interested in for each stop that mayprompt more responses. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. Your link has been automatically embedded. Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. All rights reserved. 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 is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. 2022, Action/Adventure, Rated PG-13. Icy Strait Point is located in the town of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. I would like to know if the zodiac boats and whale watching boats travel in the same waters? Along the way, most guides stop to take you on short hikes for even better views. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Not only that, our sturdy fleet of boats in conjunction with our experienced captains at the helm, and guides at the wheel of the vans, are more than capable of coping with the conditions. $605. You will have to walk up and/or down a potentially steep ramp depending on the tide to access the floats where the boat will be. Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. 2. 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). View Health & Safety requirements. 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. Apr 1, 2014. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). Departs From Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. For the best wildlife viewing, check out our small group Icy Strait Point shore excursions. 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 . No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. 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. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Only Holland America offers this one. Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. You can post now and register later. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. Children as young as 6 years old can ride the zipline, and guests must be between the weight of 75 pounds and 275 pounds to enjoy this adventure. Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. 1. The areas we search near in Hoonah near Icy Strait Point and Point Adolphus are known Humpback whale feeding grounds. #1. While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. They Rock! No snow but you get to watch and touch them. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. Take a Whale Watching Cruise. If you would like to exchange one tour for a different one, you must create a new reservation for the new tour and send us an email to cancel the other tour. View All Results. Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community, https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/, Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search, I went through all of the Icy Strait Point excursions and chose the ones I think are worth doing (the V factor ). Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. Older males fight each other for dominance and mating rights with the females, who at times are not receptive and force the male to give chase. Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. We did an independent whale watching tour in ISP and it was amazing. Approaching the lattice tower. Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. I want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? Yes! Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? This Alaskan cruise port town has so much to offer. Start here. With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Rides are unlimited and allow you to explore Icy Strait Point at your leisure. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. Good Value. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. 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. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. 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. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. 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. 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! The Tlingit tribe has called this area home for centuries, and they love to share their native culture. Departs From 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. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Things To Do In Hoonah / Icy Strait. Our stops are Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria,BC. Posted November 23, 2021. I really like ISP. In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. This gondola was build alongside a second cruise ship pier as part of a major expansion to Icy Strait Point. Pedal a mountain bike along a nature trail to an old-growth rainforest, where you will enjoy a leisurely hike to a wonderfully picturesque beach. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! Our most popular tour is the Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour. 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. (One of my past favorites was a flightseeing tour!) Go to site .
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