Can you help. Or that its the largest in the world kind of like Alaska is the largest state? We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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!). Royal Caribbean Group. Along the rugged coastline, you can spot humpback whales, brown bears, otters, seals, eagles. Quantum of the Seas Cruise Excursions | ShoreTrips 1-888-751-7804 . Start here. And, we do offer discounts for groups of 4 or more on some of the tours! This 2.5-hour outdoor adventure is listed as moderate in terms of activity level. 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. 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. Everything was close together and easy. If on a boat tour you will have to walk approx 100 yards from the van to the boat. Lover of books and dessert. Thank you for sharing this. There are a few great reasons! View All Results. Some excursions include puppies that you get to hold. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? Availability: This tour is only available August-September. Fancies herself a bit of a . Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. 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. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. This is your chance to see brown bears, Sitka black tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural scenic beauty of the last frontier. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. 25422881. Onboard Experience - Royal Caribbean International 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. Icy Strait Point is a cruise destination located in the small Alaskan village of Hoonah. If you are interested in a less tourist like experience, you might like this. Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore. 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. Duration: Approximately 2 hours Minimum Age: 10 years old Restrictions: Guests must not weigh more than 250 pounds. All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. 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. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. 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. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2023 (One in Each Port!) Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Read more in my Privacy Policy. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. so we had a more personalized experience. Which of these Icy Strait Point excursions will you book? 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. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. 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 island is roughly 25 miles from the port town of Hoonah. 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. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour, Local Alaska Whale Watching with Bonus Drone Footage of Whales, Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching Charters through Icy Strat Alaska. Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. 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. The longest ZipRider in the United States, treetop obstacle courses, kayaking, and ATV tours are among some of the activities to help you feel truly alive while you cause heart palpitations in your . If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. What do you think? We promise to have you back to your ship on time. Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, and packed dirt surfaces, with inclines. If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. Duration: 2.25 hours Price: $145 per person View Details Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery 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. The areas we search near in Hoonah near Icy Strait Point and Point Adolphus are known Humpback whale feeding grounds. Sorry to hear that, John. We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. 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. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? 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. Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips Website Season:$180 per person3.5 hrs. Ports & Excursions | All-Inclusive Alaska Cruises | Alaska Cruise 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. Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. Search For Bears In Icy Strait Point On Your Alaskan Cruise Wildlife such as; eagles, seals, sea lions, Sitka black tail deer, whales, and even a bear on the beach are possible sightings. Departs From On arrival at the Hoonah Harbor, it's All aboard! and youre off for the waters of Icy Straits and the ultimate whale watching experience. Point Adolphus, a one-hour boat ride away from Icy Strait Point, is the prime site to catch a view of humpback whales. But the kayaking was well worth. Relax and spend a few hours away from the crowds while on this fishing expedition. Once outside of Door #2, follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. Pasted as rich text. Come experience the birds and nature of Chichagof Island, near Icy Strait Point! Hi Everyone! The full cancellation policy can be found here. 1. 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. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. If youve read any of my other lists of cruise excursions, you know that getting active is one of my personal travel priorities. All rights reserved. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Unless you are going to ride the Zip Line, save your money and just walk around the small tourist town. The nature trailis pretty short. 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. Icy Strait Point, Alaska Bike, Hike & Beach Excursion | Norwegian Glacier garden hours are 9:00 to 6:00 everyday our first tour is it 9:15 our last tour leaves at 4:00 p.m. Glacier Gardens rainforest adventure is a guided tour through the Tongass Forest on 18 passenger trams. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! Outdoor Adventures Elevate your adventure on the SkyGlider Mountaintop Gondola's high-speed, eight-person cars which whisk passengers to the top of Hoonah Mountain for Glacier Bay views and a host of nature activities. I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. 2. hrs Estimate Duration. 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. However each port offers adventures that are not typically found in the Caribbean. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. 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. Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! Typically, I recommend halibut fishing charters in Seward, but if your itinerary doesnt allow that, heres an alternative. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Ovation of the Seas in Alaska. On this excursion, youll sample some of the food Alaskans love to enjoy, learn from a local chef about how to filet and prepare fresh Alaskan seafood, and then try your hand at preparing some for yourself. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions - Celebrity Cruises Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven I'm stuck right now on the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise for $189 and the Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search for $255. We visited a couple of local shops and really liked the simplicity of Hoonah. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. The buildings that once was a cannery provided a very nice historical perspective of how it really use to be. And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. Visited from our cruise ship. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. 10 Best Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions & Tours in Alaska On August 28, on its 80th visit to Icy Strait, . Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. . Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. 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. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Icy Strait Point. 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. Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. 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'] ? " Add in the communication he has with other captains on the other boats, and it's a perfect whale finding system! 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. If you could share your itinerary, times in port and what you are interested in for each stop that mayprompt more responses. Princess fitness classes Archives Prof. Cruise See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. This is not a mass-market big bus tour. Royal Caribbean Quantum of The Seas Alaska Cruise - Icy Strait Point In fact, our captains, naturalists and guides live to love whales, so it pleases them to no end to leave you wide-eyed on whales! Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. For guests with mobility concerns, the following information will help you decide if you will be able to join our tours. 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 . The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. Icy Strait Point features the world's largest ZipRider, with six 5,330 ziplines dropping 1330. Valerie! The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. I force-ranked the excursions by uniqueness. 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 July 10, 2007. At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zip line in the world. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! You cannot paste images directly. Your email address will not be published. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay vs. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. He will take you to his favorite fishing areas for the best halibut and salmon fishing around. View All Results. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. You'll enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise through the waters of Icy Strait, where you are guaranteed to spot at least one whale. You can potentially also see bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and otters. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $280 per person View Details For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. 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). 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. After a short bus ride to the Spasski River Valley, you'll take a guided tour along a boardwalk and gravel path into a habitat that Alaskan brown bears are known to frequent. Icy Strait Point was a nice place to spend a few hours. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. Expand Your Vacation. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. His knowledge of area waters is unsurpassed and his desire to share it with you is second to none! This is the real Alaska! Our guide, a college student from DC, pandered so to the Tlingit culture it was embarrassing. We had our two grandsons with us, ages 10 & 12. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . 2022, Action/Adventure, Rated PG-13. You won't find a better place to experience an outdoor adventure and get a sense of what a . 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 . When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. 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. Want to know more? While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. 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 ). Magnificent! Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Our group said to each other, "we should come back in ten years and see if it looks the same". Find Unforgettable in Breathtaking Alaska | Royal Caribbeans All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Icy Strait Point Stream Fishing | Alaska Shore Excursions As one of the best places in the world to see whales, and a darn good spot to view bears, Icy Strait/Hoonah is among Alaska's most beloved destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. I wasn't in charge of the booking, so I can't recommend a specific company to use but a quick search on TripAdvisor will give you lots of options. 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. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. 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. Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). He know how to find the whales! We decided to switch from Jayleen's Alaska in Juneau to another small boat tour group that I heard good things about, Glacier Wind Charters in Icy Strait Point. TO BOOK A TOUR AT ICY STRAIT POINT PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR CRUISE LINE. To book a tour please reach out to your cruise line for availability! Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! We rarely cancel on our guests as the weather is typically pretty stable. Now lets dive into each one! $605. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. View below tower 6. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. 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. RSSC-Regent, Royal Caribbean International. In both Juneau and Skagway there are excursions that go to a sled dog facility. 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. Date of experience: September 2017. 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. Icy Strait Point is located in the town of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. Find Shore Tours to Book Select your cruise ship and we'll display only the tours that work with your schedule in each port. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. Enjoy a fun small-group experience on this Icy Strait whale watching tour, limited to 18 passengers per tour. 25422881. 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'] ? " Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. I am concerned if I have saeveral days between catching fish and returning to my home, the fish may not be so goog. 335 Harbor Dr Hoonah In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. 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. Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. 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. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native owned-and-operated, with all profits directly supporting the community of Hoonah, Alaskas largest Native Tlingit village. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. The Tlingit people have lived in Southeast Alaska for many centuries in what is now Glacier Bay National Park. So, when I see a good Alaska cruise excursion for fishing, I recommend it! Is there any activities for a 3 yo and 4 yo at Icy Point? I agree that the activities are for older children. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . We love the article! Posted November 23, 2021. The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. Juneau's Premier Whale Watching! And completely reliable. Your email address will not be published. We too the free shuttle back into the port area and walked through the old cannery, the museum and gift shops, which were all cool. Once inside the Adventure Center, walk through the building and exit through door number 2 this is clearly marked. 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. Things To Do In Icy Strait Point Alaska - TravelProGuide.net Best Icy Strait Point Excursions & Tours - Alaska Shore Excursions The 9 Best Sitka Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search 2023 - Hoonah - Viator 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? We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. Alaska Shore Tours Top-Rated Shore Excursions Icy Strait Point Whale Watching and Seafood Feast - Amanda's Cookin' A convenient meeting time and place. We want to share the breathtaking sights, the wildlife, and the amazing people of Hoonah Alaska with you. OHIO. 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