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. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah Alaska Shore Excursions - Quantum of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Blog No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. Best Icy Strait Point Tours & Excursions: 1. Thank you for sharing this. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Sightings happen often, but as all things in Nature are not guaranteed. 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. Find 9 other excursion options on my guide to the best Skagway cruise excursions. The Tlingit community has invested a great deal of money, time, and energy to convert this historic fishing village into a respite for cruisers who wish to learn more about the Indigenous people, their land, and their fascinating culture. 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). Date of experience: September 2017. With a concentration in cruising. 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. Dry too. 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. We visited a couple of local shops and really liked the simplicity of Hoonah. Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. 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. Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. - More time on the water! Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Icy Strait Point website. View All Results. And don't forget the fishing. Cruises to Icy Strait Point, Alaska - Celebrity Cruises Be sure to take in the views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait on your way down. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . Whale watching and wildlife tours are among the most popular excursions in Icy Strait Point. 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. The buildings that once was a cannery provided a very nice historical perspective of how it really use to be. All rights reserved. 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. Home port: Seattle. Another view of tower 5. Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) (Look for them holding a Hoonah Travel Adventures sign.) The nature trailis pretty short. Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. Do you have any experience with either excursion? Excursions - Princess Cruises 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. Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Seabourn. . 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. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. We've analyzed this ship's atmosphere, facilities, activities, cabins, cuisine and service, based on ratings from U.S. News & World Report and other expert sources. 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. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? Whale Watching 2. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. View Details. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Want to know more? If you have questions about tours prior to booking, please email [emailprotected]. I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. 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. 2. I get a lot of questions about fishing in Alaska. Your link has been automatically embedded. In the unlikely event we do cancel the tour, we will provide you with a full refund. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. Icy Strait Point: Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search - See 1,321 traveler reviews, 1,105 candid photos, and great deals for Hoonah, AK, at Tripadvisor. Alaska Shore Tours Top-Rated Shore Excursions Hi Everyone! These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2023 (One in Each Port!) Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native owned-and-operated, with all profits directly supporting the community of Hoonah, Alaskas largest Native Tlingit village. Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. About Us | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. The home of Icy Strait Point Excursions. 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. Theres no guarantee, of course, but thats part of what makes the excursion an adventure! My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more, form the harmonious . Moreover, our small group tours are purposely smaller than those offered by the cruise ship, giving you a more intimate experience, at a better rate, while visiting Hoonah near Icy Strait Point. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . 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!). Onboard Experience - Royal Caribbean International Description (Courtesy of IMDb ): "After surviving the destruction of Isla Nubla, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing took in young Maisie Lockwood. Good to know. FAQ What are the best tours in Icy Strait Point? Display as a link instead, Overview. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. My wife and I used them and when we go back we'll use them again.. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. 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 Wilderness Dock, you will disembark and walk up to the Gondola. Find Unforgettable in Breathtaking Alaska | Royal Caribbeans We promise to have you back to your ship on time. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. Norwegian Communications Center. 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. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Yes is does have substantial tourist oriented shopping, and the main attraction the Ziprider. If you do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. 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. Least Favorite Port but Still Pretty Cool, Rainy and cold the day we visited, which changed our excursion plans from kayaking to walking from port to town. Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Southeast Alaska and Icy Strait in particular, is home to some of the best halibut and salmon fishing around. With that in mind, prepare for the worst and hope for the best! 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. As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. Sky Glider - Icy Strait Point, AK - Lift Blog But the kayaking was well worth. And completely reliable. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Response from Host, Sep 2022. I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. 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. About Prof. Cruise. 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. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Apr 1, 2014. We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. Best Ketchikan Excursions & Tours | Alaska Shore Excursions 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. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. Our experiences focus on the heart of Alaska. Great Value. Search For Bears In Icy Strait Point On Your Alaskan Cruise Not into drinking or eating seafood. 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. Among the huge number of excursions you can book in Juneau - and even on this list of nine - it's hard to choose the best one. Best Icy Strait Point Excursions & Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions Breathe in the 1,000-acre greenspace of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. 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. If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. Hopefullythis level of detail helps others make suggestions. The areas we search near in Hoonah near Icy Strait Point and Point Adolphus are known Humpback whale feeding grounds. Some excursions include puppies that you get to hold. Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. 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. Every summer, humpback whales come to Hoonah in huge numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters before migrating south again in the winter. The majority of us, when we think of Alaska, probably picture a big area covered in ice, frozen land, and maybe even caribou running free across the tundra. 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. A bunch of towers on this lift feature combination assemblies on . Active Adventures | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. 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. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. 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! 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. Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. This is not a mass-market big bus tour. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Don't Lose Your Reservation! 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. Notes: Guests must be able to walk without assistance. Icy Strait Shore Excursions & Port Tours | ShoreTrips Thanks for reading, Helen! Tok River Outfitters (Hoonah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. 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. But I feel confident that this list is both impartial but also informed by my expert advice. Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. Typically, I recommend halibut fishing charters in Seward, but if your itinerary doesnt allow that, heres an alternative. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. 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. There are even resident bald eagles that perch on the ships to fish. View All Results. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along Gastineau Channel, and into the Ship Creek Valley. 5 Breathtaking Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions | Icy Strait Point