Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. 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. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. If youve read any of my other lists of cruise excursions, you know that getting active is one of my personal travel priorities. Your email address will not be published. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect . 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. 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. This Alaska cruise excursion might not be for everyone, but if you love wildlife (and especially birding) this widely-offered excursion might be the one for you in Icy Strait Point. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. 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. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Typically, I recommend halibut fishing charters in Seward, but if your itinerary doesnt allow that, heres an alternative. 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. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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. 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. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. Skip the hassle of a rental car and admire views during the bus journey to the glacier. An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. Dry too. My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. Royal Caribbean Group. Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! You can potentially also see bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and otters. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. The Chichagof Island wilderness hike excursion is a good opportunity. $605. This cruise ship stop is not like all the others with hoards of jewelry stores. This Alaskan cruise port town has so much to offer. View below tower 6. 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. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Guests must be able to climb in and out of a 15 passenger van. 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. Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah Yes! I recommend getting in touch with your cruise company to see how they can help. Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. I am going on Quantum of the Seas out of Seattle in May 2022 to Alaska and BC. 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! We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. Humpback whales visit Icy Strait Point every summer, beginning in May, and they stay around until September. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. Agreed! Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. View Health & Safety requirements. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. Point Adolphus, a one-hour boat ride away from Icy Strait Point, is the prime site to catch a view of humpback whales. There will be no shortage of fish in the cool, clear streams we'll take you on this trip. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. Your previous content has been restored. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! 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'] ? " The island is roughly 25 miles from the port town of Hoonah. But I feel confident that this list is both impartial but also informed by my expert advice. I really like ISP. Very small place with lovely scenery but limited activities. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. 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. 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. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. 1. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? Find a Cruisetour Any Destination Any Month Any Departure Port Any Ship Any Ship Feature See if you qualify for exclusive rates Advanced Search Call Our Brand Specialists Now Learn More About Icy Strait Point, Alaska Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. I agree that the activities are for older children. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Norwegian Communications Center. Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! View All Results. Itll be hard to keep your eyes on the trail with all the epic scenery around you! 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. Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. . Bear sightings are also more frequent during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly. Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! 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. 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. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. 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 . We did the Spasski River Wildlife and Bear tour. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. A convenient meeting time and place. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. 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. Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. $1,510. This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. 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. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. 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. Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. Our small group experiences offer a unique and thrilling memory of the pristine natural beauty around Icy Strait, Alaska. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. My wife and I have booked an August 2012 southbound cruise from Seward to Vancouver on the RC Radiance of the Seas. Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. 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! I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. 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. Duration: Approximately 2 hours Minimum Age: 10 years old Restrictions: Guests must not weigh more than 250 pounds. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. 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. Thanks for reading, Helen! Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. The bottom part of the profile is nearly flat. #1. If youre struggling to choose between Icy Strait Point shore excursions, Im here to help. 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. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. 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 want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. 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! 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. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. 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. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! You might even catch them bubble net feeding! We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! . Yes is does have substantial tourist oriented shopping, and the main attraction the Ziprider. By We want to share the breathtaking sights, the wildlife, and the amazing people of Hoonah Alaska with you. Unfortunately, the biggest ships have a tendency to scare off a lot of the wildlife you hope to see. 2. hrs Estimate Duration. 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. Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. 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 As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. 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. Icy Strait Point. 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. However each port offers adventures that are not typically found in the Caribbean. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Yes! 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. Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. Make a payment and confirm your reservation. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. What do you think? 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). What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! 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. It is totally safe! Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Or, in the unlikely event you dont sight a whale, well refund you $100. Be sure to take in the views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait on your way down. However having a tough time booking things. When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. 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. As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details Just don't forget to bring your cameras, binoculars, and waterproof apparel! We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. For the best wildlife viewing, check out our small group Icy Strait Point shore excursions. 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. 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. Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale U.S. Honduras A 27-year-old woman has accused Royal Caribbean Cruises of being responsible for the death of her husband who was killed in a zip-lining accident on the Honduran island of Roatn.. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. We love the article! 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). Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum.