However having a tough time booking things. 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. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. 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. 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. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. $1,510. However, for those of you who are thinking about taking a vacation, The Icy Strait Point is the divider between mainland Alaska in the north and the Chichagof Island in the south. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. We receive a constant stream of updates on the cruise ships timetables. Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! All rights reserved. We bought the "unlimited ride" for $50 per person, to find out there was nothing to do at the top unless you are taking the zip line down. Along the way, most guides stop to take you on short hikes for even better views. 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. We rarely cancel on our guests as the weather is typically pretty stable. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. While in Icy Strait, we also give you the chance to enjoy some incredible and famous Icy Strait seafood. View below tower 6. 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. 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. He know how to find the whales! Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. Let us show you an untouched Alaskan wilderness. For critter enthusiasts, there is really no need to book a whale watching tour as youll be able to spot humpbacks, orcas, and harbor seals directly from your cruise ship, especially in the wee hours. We had our two grandsons with us, ages 10 & 12. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. Good to know. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. $605. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. 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. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. From the top of the mountain, it's just a short walk (400 meters) through a pristine stand of old-growth rainforest to the ZipRider tower. I'm a newbie to Cruise Critic. 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. Balcony Stateroom. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. 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. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, its easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? An Alaska cruise isn't complete without exhilarating shore excursions. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . Approaching the lattice tower. Apr 1, 2014. Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. 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. 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. I'm coming down with FOMO though because this is a big trip to only have 4 days on land and I want to do it justice. We didn't do the whale watch so can't help sorry, Icy Strait Point, Hoonah: Hours, Address, Icy Strait Point Reviews: 4/5, Icy Strait Point is one of the most authentic and unspoiled ports in an Alaska cruise itinerary. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. It's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. I really like ISP. 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 ). IMO your best bet is to hike the short nature trails and take the cable car up the mountain for more hiking and scenic views. If you walk the 1.5 mile route to Hoonah on the paved sidewalk honoring veterans, you can see the petroglyph, walk along the water, and explore an old cemetery en route. We promise to have you back to your ship on time. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. The Icy Strait Point Zipline features six 5,330-foot ziplines dropping 1330 feet. The only thing you can count on in Hoonah, and the area near Icy Strait Point is that you cant count on the weather. Humpback whales visit Icy Strait Point every summer, beginning in May, and they stay around until September. They've been living under the radar to protect Maisie, but she feels like a prisoner. Southeast Alaska and Icy Strait in particular, is home to some of the best halibut and salmon fishing around. . In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. 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. Youll be surrounded in one of the largest summer populations of humpback whales found in Alaska with Glacier Wind Charters small group tours. 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. What if the weather is bad? #1. As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. I put these Icy Strait Point cruise excursions in order based on what I know Alaska visitors will love. Yes! I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. 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. 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. Home port: Seattle. Whats more, we 100% guarantee whale sightings on every whale watching tour (from May to September). The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! Only Seabourn offers this one. If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Head out to Icy Strait Point, to explore the beach, shop, or hike the beautiful trails. Chichagof Island's Spasski River Valley is equally renowned for having one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears anywhere. We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. 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 . Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. (This Icy Strait Point excursion is not for those who are faint of heart or afraid of heights!). 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. This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. And completely reliable. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. Go to site . Lower lift line. Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. Icy Strait Point is home to an abundance of tours and excursions designed to help you experience what Alaska has to offer. 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. By Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. This area is known as 'Bear Island' because it has the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. If you do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. amazing ships, destinations and onboard offerings.. 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. Enjoy a fun small-group experience on this Icy Strait whale watching tour, limited to 18 passengers per tour. 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. I want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. Town is very small with nothing more than a few shore excursions to choose from. At ShoreTrips we are committed to enhancing your shore excursions with small, creative and personal day tours and adventures. If your ship is docking at the Wilderness Dock, you will disembark and walk up to the Gondola. With a concentration in cruising. Icy Strait Point, sometimes called Hoonah after the native people who live in this area and run the cruise port, is one popular stop on Alaska cruises but it can be hard to decipher the marketing language to know which excursions will be worth your time and money. Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. 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. My wife and I are going on the 11 night Ovation of the Seas sailing on May 13, 2019. https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans, its easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Another view of tower 5. Thanks for reading, Helen! This post was originally published in March 2020, and was updated most recently in November 2022 for the coming season. We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. Find 9 other excursion options on my guide to the best Skagway cruise excursions. Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. View Health & Safety requirements. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. You will be led by an expert birder and naturalist who will set the stage by sharing the human and geological history of the area. As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). 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. 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. Just let us know and we will make sure everyone is together. Explore our Alaska cruises today! Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. 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. Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. Continue on from the post above for some pictures from it and more in the area. We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! I really enjoyed reading about all the fun stuff to do on our crusie through alaska. We did an independent whale watching tour in ISP and it was amazing. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. 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 offers some of the best opportunities for whale watching on your Alaskan cruise, so don't miss the Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise here! Display as a link instead, Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. My wife and I used them and when we go back we'll use them again.. 2. hrs Estimate Duration. In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Point Adolphus, a one-hour boat ride away from Icy Strait Point, is the prime site to catch a view of humpback whales. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, like eagles, sea lions, seals, sea otters. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! Take a Whale Watching Cruise. Our fishing shore excursions are offered in Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. 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. Get ready for fjords, majestic mountains, vast forests, potential animal sightings, and an experience you will never forget! After a drive through (and out of) town, youll leave the crowds behind and head onto Alaska native-owned lands where youll disembark and start your wilderness hike. Seeing whales on your tour is guaranteed. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. As a company that has been in the business of offering small group shore excursions in the Icy Strait Point area for over a decade, our tour schedules are mindfully constructed around the cruise ships arrivals and departures! 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.
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