Icy Strait Point, Alaska (Port Guide)

Explore one of Alaska’s most authentic cruise ports, minutes from Hoonah — Alaska’s largest Tlingit village. Hoonah, meaning “village by the cliff,” has been home to the Huna Tlingit for thousands of years. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Co. built a cannery one mile north of town; within five years it produced a record 152,505 cases of one‑pound salmon cans — the largest pack in Alaska at the time. Today, roughly 750 residents preserve a strong Native heritage amid vast wilderness, prolific marine life, and some of the world’s highest densities of brown bears.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Quick facts and logistics

• Docking: Most ships dock at Icy Strait Point’s piers (no tender required). Two hubs — Wilderness Landing and Adventure Landing — are connected by walkways and on-site transportation.
• Getting around:
• Walking paths and boardwalks connect the Historic Cannery area, shops, eateries, and attractions.
• A transport gondola and shuttles operate between the landings; a paid scenic gondola rises to mountaintop viewpoints.
• Hoonah is about 1.5 miles away; a local shuttle typically runs to town, or you can walk the coastal path.
• Time in port: Varies by itinerary; check your ship’s arrival/departure and all-aboard times.
• Language and currency: English; U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Wildlife: Peak whale activity at nearby Point Adolphus in summer; Chichagof Island is renowned for brown bear sightings.

Points of interest

• Outdoor Adventures
• An outdoors enthusiast’s paradise: ATV/UTV riding, whale watching, bear searches, hiking, kayaking, ziplining, and more.
• Arts & Culture
• Don’t miss the Heritage Center Theater for interactive performances sharing Southeast Alaska’s Tlingit heritage through song, dance, and storytelling.
• Hoonah
• An authentic Alaska Native village established when advancing glaciers displaced the Tlingit from ancestral lands. Expect few paved roads and no stoplights — it’s Alaska at its most genuine.
• Whale Watching
• Point Adolphus ranks among Alaska’s premier whale-watching sites. In summer, orcas, humpbacks, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals gather to feed in nutrient-rich waters.
• Bear Search
• The Alaska coastal brown (grizzly) bear thrives on Chichagof Island. When salmon runs and berry seasons peak, viewing platforms such as at the Spasski River can offer excellent sightings.
• Glacier Bay National Park
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing 3.3 million acres of glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and fjords — part of the world’s largest internationally protected area.
• Alaska Cuisine
• Savor wild salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Some experiences share local fishing lore and invite you to grill the day’s catch.
• ZipRider*
• Launch 1,300 feet above sea level on a 5,330‑foot descent that can reach up to 60 mph on the world’s largest ZipRider. *Trademark

Shore excursions (Princess)

Already booked your cruise? Reserve excursions in Manage Booking

Special child pricing: Children 12 and younger may save up to 50% on select excursions.

• Easy Hoonah: Scenic Drive & Tribal Connections
• Average rating: 3.0/5 (36)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $89.95

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• Easy Hoonah: Scenic Drive & Tribal Connections (Wheelchair Accessible)

• Average rating: Not yet rated
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy; Wheelchair Accessible
• From $89.95

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• SkyPeak Gondola

• Average rating: 3.9/5 (273)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Activity level: Easy
• From $54.95

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• SkyPeak Gondola & Mountaintop Forest Excursion

• Average rating: 4.0/5 (223)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $109.95

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• Seafood Feast & Tribal Connections

• Average rating: 3.2/5 (33)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $149.95

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• Seafood Feast & Tribal Connections (Wheelchair Accessible)

• Average rating: 1.0/5 (1)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Activity level: Easy; Wheelchair Accessible
• From $149.95

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• Local Connections: Cooking in Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen with Alaskan Chef

• Average rating: 3.7/5 (20)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $129.95

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• Local Connections: Cooking in Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen with Alaskan Chef (Wheelchair Accessible)

• Average rating: Not yet rated
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy; Wheelchair Accessible
• From $129.95

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• ZipRider Adventure & SkyPeak Gondola

• Average rating: 4.7/5 (141)
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $199.95

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• Wilderness Hike

• Average rating: 4.1/5 (33)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $109.95

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• Back Country Jeep Adventure

• Average rating: 3.9/5 (76)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $199.95

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• U T V Expedition

• Average rating: 3.6/5 (23)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $239.95

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• Halibut Fishing

• Average rating: 4.7/5 (6)
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $459.95

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• Whales & Wildlife Cruise

• Average rating: 4.7/5 (417)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $209.95

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• Whale Watching & Seafood Feast

• Average rating: 4.5/5 (60)
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Activity level: Easy
• From $299.95

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• Best of Icy Strait Point: Whales, Wildlife & Brown Bear Search

• Average rating: 4.4/5 (72)
• Duration: 5.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $339.95

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• Ocean Raft Adventure

• Average rating: 4.9/5 (16)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $194.95

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• Icy Strait Kayak Adventure

• Average rating: 3.8/5 (21)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Strenuous
• From $149.95

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• Remote Wildlife & Brown Bear Search

• Average rating: 3.7/5 (95)
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Activity level: Moderate
• From $144.95
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Notes: - Duration, pricing, availability, and accessibility are subject to change and may vary by sailing date. - Wheelchair accessibility varies by tour; review details when booking.

On-site amenities

• Historic Cannery museum exhibits
• Local artisan shops and galleries
• Restaurants and casual seafood venues
• Restrooms and seating areas
• Nature trails, beaches, and viewing decks

Planning tips

• What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, hat/gloves, and a camera or binoculars. Consider insect repellent for forested areas.
• Wildlife etiquette: Keep a safe distance, follow guide instructions, and never feed animals.
• Timing: Wildlife viewing (whales, bears, eagles) is best in summer; shore excursions can sell out — book early in Manage Booking.
• Accessibility: Boardwalks and gondolas accommodate many mobility needs; select tours offer wheelchair-accessible options.

FAQs

• Do ships tender at Icy Strait Point?

• Most ships dock directly at one of the piers; tendering is generally not required.

• How far is Hoonah from the cruise docks?

• About 1.5 miles. A local shuttle typically operates, and there is a scenic coastal walk.

• Where can I see whales?

• Point Adolphus is a premier whale-watching area in summer. Dedicated whale-watching excursions increase your chances of sightings.

• Can I see brown bears?

• Chichagof Island has one of the world’s highest brown bear densities. Guided bear search tours visit likely habitats and viewing platforms.

• What’s the difference between the gondolas?

• A transport gondola connects the main landings at Icy Strait Point, while the SkyPeak Gondola is a paid scenic ride to mountaintop viewpoints and trail access.

• Is the ZipRider suitable for everyone?

• The ZipRider is a high-speed, high-altitude adventure with rider requirements. Check the tour’s specific guidelines in Manage Booking before purchasing.

Ready to plan your day ashore? Explore itineraries and secure your spot on popular tours: - View cruises with Icy Strait Point, Alaska - Already booked? Reserve excursions in Manage Booking