Add in the communication he has with other captains on the other boats, and it's a perfect whale finding system! The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. Typically a short-sleeve and long-sleeve mid layer and a waterproof jacket, long pants and sturdy shoes you dont mind getting wet. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. The gondola and zip line are just outside this building. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. Located about 35 miles west of Juneau, this area offers some great nature and adventure opportunities as well as rich Tlingit heritage. 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. We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. In addition to your wildlife search, depart directly from Icy Strait Point on your safe, stable, covered, and comfortable whale-watching vessel and travel through the bountiful waters of Icy Strait to the renowned Point Adolphus area, home to Alaska's largest summer population of humpback whales. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Seabourn. We currently offer excursions for saltwater fishing, whale watching and marine nature tours in the waters of Icy Strait, long renowned for it's abundance of marine wildlife and excellent . https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. With a concentration in cruising. The home of Icy Strait Point Excursions. Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. We love the article! Norwegian Communications Center. Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. Good to know. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. 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. Along the way, most guides stop to take you on short hikes for even better views. Sorry to hear that, John. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. Head out to Icy Strait Point, to explore the beach, shop, or hike the beautiful trails. 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. Imagine eating delectable halibut harvested directly from the waters of Icy Strait. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. 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. 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. Want to know more? This gondola was build alongside a second cruise ship pier as part of a major expansion to Icy Strait Point. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. 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. This is the real Alaska! We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. 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. On this cruise excursion, a local guide will take you out to spot dozens of species of perching birds, seabirds, ducks, gulls, and bald eagles. Just off the dock where our Princess ship landed, is the ski lift- type red gondola to the zipline, the free green gondola to the bar of the zipline and cannery. We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. I am concerned if I have saeveral days between catching fish and returning to my home, the fish may not be so goog. Can you help. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. 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 . Upload or insert images from URL. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Your email address will not be published. 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. In May I spent an amazing week with Princess Cruise Lines aboard the Island Princess. We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. 2. hrs Estimate Duration. 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. Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. 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. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. 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. 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. This Alaskan cruise port town has so much to offer. I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded. Hi Everyone! Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. Everything was close together and easy. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. 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. 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! Watch the eagles in the nest right across from the school. - Ovation only at Icy Straight Point and Sitka, - Juneau has 5 ships, port load - 11970 guests, - Skagway has 3 ships, port load - 6830 guests. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. 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. 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. If you want to venture over to the wild side, go on a guided nature hike through nearby rainforests or hop into an ATV and explore the backroads of Chichagof Island. The ticket agent for the sky glider was the one that advised us about the hike. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. Our experiences focus on the heart of Alaska. In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. Good Value. Yes! This Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search small group tour will give you a flexible, up-close experience that . Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. I have heard that whale watching excursions book on the ship are on very big boats that hold a lot of people. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. It is totally safe! . Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, youll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. 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. On this 3.5-hour charter, youll board a locally-operated boat and head out onto the waters of Icy Strait. . If you want to venture over to the wild side, go on a guided nature hike through nearby rainforests or hop into an ATV and explore the backroads of Chichagof Island. If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. Hoonah 5. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. The boat was much smaller than the typical whale watching boats (6 people!) A convenient meeting time and place. View below tower 6. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! 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. In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. 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. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. You can post now and register later. Here's our itinerary: Vancouver, British Columbia| Sail Away 5 PM, Icy Strait Point, Alaska Arrive 9 AM | Depart 8 PM, Sitka, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 6 PM, Juneau, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 9 PM, Skagway, Alaska Arrive7 AM | Depart 8:30 PM. 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. Hoonay is the first stop of our cruise. 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. 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 . A 5 out of 5 score represents top of the line luxury. , If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Apr 1, 2014. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. 1-888-751-7804 . 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. 1. Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. 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. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect . This is not a mass-market big bus tour. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! While you are here, you can even take a tour aboard a traditional hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe! Display as a link instead, Just don't forget to bring your cameras, binoculars, and waterproof apparel! So, when I see a good Alaska cruise excursion for fishing, I recommend it! 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. Lover of books and dessert. The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. I know they've built up the port area a little bit, but glad to see it still has its charm. Please dont worry; well know if your ship is delayed. Our stops are Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria,BC. They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. I agree that the activities are for older children. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . 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. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. From their connection to nature to their tribal dance, the spirit of their people is something to behold. Paste as plain text instead, Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Don't Lose Your Reservation! Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. This is a 90-minute excursion that includes an obstacle course dubbed the Adventure Park, made up of a log bridge, climbing planks, fishermens net, and more. 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. Enjoy a fun small-group experience on this Icy Strait whale watching tour, limited to 18 passengers per tour. But I feel confident that this list is both impartial but also informed by my expert advice. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. If you could share your itinerary, times in port and what you are interested in for each stop that mayprompt more responses. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. Sorry, I dont know the specific tour company; the goal of this post is to help people book their cruise excursions through the cruise company. Overview. We disembarked from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas a little after 1:00 pm on a go. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. Only Seabourn offers this one. We had our two grandsons with us, ages 10 & 12. We did the Spasski River Wildlife and Bear tour. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . On August 28, on its 80th visit to Icy Strait, . View Health & Safety requirements. Thanks for the info and the pics, very nice. We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! 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. 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! When comparing all of the Alaska cruise excursions in Icy Strait Point, theres one that stands out as truly special: the Hoonah Sightseeing and Tribal Dance offering that almost every cruise company provides. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? 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. 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. If you do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. In the unlikely event we do cancel the tour, we will provide you with a full refund. 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. Best Icy Strait Point Tours & Excursions: 1. Response from Host, Sep 2022. Board the Gondola for a 4 minute ride through the forest toward the Adventure 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! To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. See the "real" Alaska on this nature tour that takes you up close to bears, eagles and other fascinating wildlife. 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? As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down.
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