. Our wilderness tour will take you to Chichagof Island, where the population of brown bears per square mile is the highest of any place on Earth. Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. On August 28, on its 80th visit to Icy Strait, . To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Port: An Honest Review AK 99829, Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours in Icy Straits, The Best Time To Visit Alaska - Various Seasons Of The North, 7 Things You Shouldnt Miss During Your Icy Strait Point Tours, Why the Icy Strait Point Gondola is a Must-Ride for Tourists. 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. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. Read more in my Privacy Policy. 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's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. 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. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. Now lets dive into each one! On this 2- to 3-hour excursion, youll board a helicopter, cruise up to the top of the mountain, unload your bikes, and ride back down. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. 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. 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. Icy Strait Point, Alaska Bike, Hike & Beach Excursion | Norwegian Your previous content has been restored. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! What really makes this tour unique is the Drone imagery. The nature trailis pretty short. Find Matching Tours Adventure Glacier Tours Private Tours Sightseeing Train Excursions Unique to Skagway Adventure Flightseeing Glacier Tours Whale Watching Unique to Juneau Adventure Cultural & Historical Flightseeing We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! Let us show you an untouched Alaskan wilderness. Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. Ships Deck Plans . 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. Magnificent! Upload or insert images from URL. View pods of orcas effortlessly gliding under the waves, on rare occasions, see humpback calfs playing with their mothers, on rare occasions, the amazing phenomenon of "bubble-net" feeding by groups of humpbacks is seen. This May 13 cruise has a long stay in ISP, something absent on most itineraries. View All Results. Things To Do In Hoonah / Icy Strait. Have you seen my other Alaska cruise resources? We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. The 9 Best Sitka Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. Generally speaking, Carnival will be the least expensive and Disney will be the most expensive, with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian at the lower end and Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Cunard at the upper end. When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. Go to site . Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? RSSC-Regent, Royal Caribbean International. This is the real Alaska! 10 Best Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions & Tours in Alaska That's about it for things to do except for the very awesome gondola to the top of the mountain and the zipline down. Required fields are marked *. Take A Ride On The Longest Zipline In Alaska At Icy Strait Point Get ready for your fill of bears, deer, bald eagles, and more on this exciting wildlife search! As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. Learn about the area's other wildlife from your informative guide and about the native Tlingit population. 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. Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier 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. He will take you to his favorite fishing areas for the best halibut and salmon fishing around. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. 1-888-751-7804 . 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. 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. In May I spent an amazing week with Princess Cruise Lines aboard the Island Princess. Lower lift line. Posted December 26, 2021. family just booked Alaskan cruise Quantum May 30, 2022 going to Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes, Juneau, Victoria BC. This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. - More time on the water! While you are here, you can even take a tour aboard a traditional hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe! 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. 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. I mean, you can zip-line in many ports around the world, so is it any surprise that theres an epic zip-lining experience in Alaska? I am concerned if I have saeveral days between catching fish and returning to my home, the fish may not be so goog. Icy Strait Birding Tours - Tripadvisor Alaska Shore Excursions - Quantum of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Blog The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. 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. Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. Bear sightings are also more frequent during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Add in the communication he has with other captains on the other boats, and it's a perfect whale finding system! 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. $1,510. The home of Icy Strait Point Excursions. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. 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. 1. My wife does want to do an excursion with sled dogs but we don't know if we should do that in Juneau or Skagway. 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 ). The gondola and zip line are just outside this building. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. Whale Watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point - Royal Caribbean Blog Good Value. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51846. 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. 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 . That said, its not exactly unique to encounter these kinds of excursions, so it doesnt rank particularly high on my personal list of the best Icy Strait Point cruise excursions. Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. Depending on the season, catch the bears coming out of hibernation and looking for food; or later on in the season when the bears are mating and eating grasses on the tidal flats. Long time listener and I know this has been covered a million times, just not so much recently. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! We chose to book Whales, Wildlife, and Brown Bear Search when it was on sale last weekend! Hi Everyone! A CareCart is available to people who cannot make the 300 yard walk from the cruise ship dock to the excursions hub where we meet you. As a souvenir, youll get recipe cards so you can try to prepare these meals once you return home. Included with the all-day gondola pass is a visit to a traditional ceremonial hall to see a Tribal Dance, hosted by the family of Johan Hinchman. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? 2. Ocean Stateroom. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. Excursions - Princess Cruises Description (Courtesy of IMDb ): "After surviving the destruction of Isla Nubla, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing took in young Maisie Lockwood. 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. Agreed! Why You'll Love Icy Strait Point Or Sitka On Your Cruise to Alaska What do you think? Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Home port: Seattle. I agree that the activities are for older children. A bunch of towers on this lift feature combination assemblies on . Take a Whale Watching Cruise. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. Get ready for fjords, majestic mountains, vast forests, potential animal sightings, and an experience you will never forget! Wildlife & Bear Search | Icy Strait Point - Icy Strait Point We booked "Glacier Winds" for the Whale watching on a small (6 person) boat in Icy Point for our 2020 trip. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. 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 Shore Excursions & Port Tours | ShoreTrips Perfect for small groups. Your Kayak experience will take you into the peaceful waters of Port Frederick. About Prof. Cruise. Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions - Celebrity Cruises Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. We meet guests at the Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. 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. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Onboard Experience - Royal Caribbean International 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. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? And best of all: the proceeds of this excursion support the Juneau Audubon Society, so your excursion costs are funneled back into supporting the bird populations you get to enjoy. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. An Alaskan, family owned small business, inspired by nature. Everything was close together and easy. For the best wildlife viewing, check out our small group Icy Strait Point shore excursions. Start here. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit through door number 2 this is clearly marked. Step into an Alaska experience as you navigate your Jeep or ATV through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island's back roads. However having a tough time booking things. We visited a couple of local shops and really liked the simplicity of Hoonah. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. In years past, I used to call out Icy Strait Point as the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park; this year, my research showed that the major cruise companies seem to be visiting Glacier Bay as part of their itineraries and there are no excursions that take you into the park anymore. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. We only have 4 port days! Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Hearty and rich, Alaska cuisine is made to hit the spot. Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. Pasted as rich text. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. Pine trees as tall as skyscrapers, humpback whales, eagles, wild salmon, black bears and more, form the harmonious . (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. 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. While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. Great Value. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Overview. Board the Gondola for a 4 minute ride through the forest toward the Adventure Center. Clear editor. 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. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Another major cost factor is the type of stateroom you prefer. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. 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. 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. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Yes! Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. Date of experience: September 2017. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. Wildlife is one of the main draws for visitors who want to cruise in Alaska. In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. 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. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! We did the Spasski River Wildlife and Bear tour. Nicolas LaBarre 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. Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. Display as a link instead, Approaching the lattice tower. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. 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! 25422881. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Norwegian Communications Center. Only Seabourn offers this one. 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. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. 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. But I feel confident that this list is both impartial but also informed by my expert advice. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips