It's a 3.5 hr whale watch tour. Typically a short-sleeve and long-sleeve mid layer and a waterproof jacket, long pants and sturdy shoes you dont mind getting wet. As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. Your email address will not be published. Once outside of Door #2, follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. However having a tough time booking things. If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. About Prof. Cruise. 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. I know they've built up the port area a little bit, but glad to see it still has its charm. We know where all the wilderness hotspots are. 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.. Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska. Enhance your Quantum of the Seas cruise with a unique shore excursion from ShoreTrips. Embrace the rich culture of the Tlingit while on one of their canoe tours. Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. Join us for the best show in town, a 3-hour whale watching excursion (includes transportation time and approx 2.5 hours on the water) which begins when you board the bus that departs from the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub, just a short 5-minute walk from your cruise ship. Since I already pointed out that Icy Strait Point is a unique cultural destination, what better way to experience it than on a cooking class excursion? I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. 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'] ? " Sorry to hear that, John. Any Royal Caribbean excursions (as opposed to private) you could highly recommend would be greatly appreciated. They had a blast doing things there. . Alaska-Sized Adventure With over 30 exciting tours, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, and even a beach! Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. See the "real" Alaska on this nature tour that takes you up close to bears, eagles and other fascinating wildlife. (It is semi-widely available and a good value though, as points in its favor.). Wildlife is one of the main draws for visitors who want to cruise in Alaska. While you are here, you can even take a tour aboard a traditional hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe! Only Seabourn offers this one. Love your blog. See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Good Value. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. Yes is does have substantial tourist oriented shopping, and the main attraction the Ziprider. Norwegian Communications Center. #1. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursion? They Rock! Lower lift line. Humpback whales visit Icy Strait Point every summer, beginning in May, and they stay around until September. Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. This is truly an experience for the books, and cameras. Availability: This tour is only available August-September. I agree that the activities are for older children. You might even catch them bubble net feeding! To see a bear up close and in the wild, no better then that. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, then the ZipRider is for you. Best Icy Strait Point Tours & Excursions: 1. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Can you help. We also have 3 waterfront restaurants with breathtaking views offering some of the freshest seafood you will ever eat. Some excursions include puppies that you get to hold. 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! See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. The buildings that once was a cannery provided a very nice historical perspective of how it really use to be. It's operated by a native corporation but the charter of ISP dictates only one ship at a time. 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. Another view of tower 5. It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. Whale Watching 2. Or that its the largest in the world kind of like Alaska is the largest state? 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 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. First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . They offer innovative dishes and use nothing but the freshest local ingredients. Sightings happen often, but as all things in Nature are not guaranteed. To increase your chances, you need to get off the big boat, get on two feet, and get out in the Alaska wild. However there is so much more. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. Good to know. Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. Great Value. You're in for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you fly above the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph. We are committed to keeping Alaska wild! We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! Skip the hassle of a rental car and admire views during the bus journey to the glacier. 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. Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? Does this also mean that THE Twangsterwill be on the May 13, 2019 sailing? Let us show you an untouched Alaskan wilderness. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. . (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. Photo credits: Icy Strait Point building (L) Moira Dunworth; Glacier Bay flightseeing (R) Joseph; salmon on grill Didriks; Tlingit tribal dance James Brooks; halibut fisherman Bryan Wilkins; all via Flickr. Despite it being last on the list, I personally love this excursion as it offers the opportunity to both get up in the air and burn off some of those ship calories youve been consuming (yes, they count!). $1,510. As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. 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. 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. Seeing whales on your tour is guaranteed. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. For example, you can enjoy humpback whale watching, bear searching, exploring the village of. Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! Excursions by boat or vehicle to the Spasski River provide opportunities to spot bald eagles, woodpeckers . 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. Duration: Approximately 2 hours Minimum Age: 10 years old Restrictions: Guests must not weigh more than 250 pounds. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). And don't worry, a safe, brake-activated landing awaits at Icy Strait Point. Imagine eating delectable halibut harvested directly from the waters of Icy Strait. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. 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. Get ready for fjords, majestic mountains, vast forests, potential animal sightings, and an experience you will never forget! 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. If your ship is docking at the Adventure Dock, after exiting your cruise ship, disembark and proceed up the ramp to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center. There are a few great reasons! Continue on from the post above for some pictures from it and more in the area. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. 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. This Alaskan wilderness and bear search tour is offered on Chichagof Island, a one-of-a-kind location with the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth. 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! All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Our group said to each other, "we should come back in ten years and see if it looks the same". You can post now and register later. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. 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. 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. As an established, local company with a Certificate of Excellence, we love nothing more than to enrich your experience while visiting the area of Icy Strait Point. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. (That means each excursion gets its own number, no ties), I gave each excursion a boost or deduction for being a good value based on the. Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. 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'] ? " Free shore excursions will allow you to explore the majestic natural wonders of The Icy Straight on an all-inclusive luxury cruise to Alaska. Alaska Shore Excursions, Cruises & Tours Wildlife & Outdoor Tours: Alaska Whale Watching Tours Drive old logging roads to a picnic spot. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale Perfect for small groups. 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. Another major cost factor is the type of stateroom you prefer. 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? 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! In the unlikely event we do cancel the tour, we will provide you with a full refund. But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. Hoonah is just a stones throw from Icy Strait so no time is wasted getting to the fishing grounds and the hooks down! Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. Cunard rolled out the winter 2025 cruise schedules for its three ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, plus the new-build Queen Anne, set to debut . 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. 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. Head out to Icy Strait Point, to explore the beach, shop, or hike the beautiful trails. Icy Strait Point is home to the world's largest zipline, the ZipRider. July 10, 2007. The Cruise ship is telling us if we dont book with them we might get left behind. 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 Icy Strait Point Excursions and Tours Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. Look for jewellery made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects and warm winter fashions. , We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. 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 . We want your port call in Hoonah, and our Icy Strait Point excursions, to be the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! Icy Strait Point is the port for adventure. so we had a more personalized experience. What really makes this tour unique is the Drone imagery. 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. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. 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. Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Get ready for your fill of bears, deer, bald eagles, and more on this exciting wildlife search! Explore our Alaska cruises today! The gondola is fairly new (expensive investment) but the ride only lasted for about 5 minutes. We recommend layers of clothing, which are easy to don and easy to remove. What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. And, we do offer discounts for groups of 4 or more on some of the tours! Discover Alaska's Wildest Kitchen, a hands-on tasting session like no other and hosted by an Alaskan master wilderness chef. Your experienced guide will take you on an adventure to discover the secrets of Icy Strait and the vast history of the Tlingit Native population. Would have loved to have done the seated zip line but not at 170 USD for one ride! On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. T4. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. 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. Cruising in Alaska Should Be On Everyone's Bucket List, Alaska is a paradise for animal lovers. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! 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. Will I make the __:__ tour? 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. 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. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. Board the Gondola for a 4 minute ride through the forest toward the Adventure Center. 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!). Find 9 other excursion options on my guide to the best Skagway cruise excursions. View All Results. The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: We visited a couple of local shops and really liked the simplicity of Hoonah. 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. Notes: Guests must be able to walk without assistance. OHIO. I have heard that whale watching excursions book on the ship are on very big boats that hold a lot of people. We are located 7 miles from downtown Juneau independent travelers either come by taxi Uber or the city bus. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. 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. The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. Would love the wildlife search! This 2.5-hour outdoor adventure is listed as moderate in terms of activity level. Take in the beautiful Alaskan scenery and bring your camera to snap some photos of . Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. Norwegian Communications Center. Icy Strait is home to a wide array of wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, porpoise, and the majestic humpback whale. My wife and I used them and when we go back we'll use them again.. 1. 2022, Action/Adventure, Rated PG-13. 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. Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Icy Strait Point Excursions. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. The zipline is safe, and very fast and exhilarating! 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! If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. The island is roughly 25 miles from the port town of Hoonah. 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. What do you think? Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt! Royal Caribbean International ; RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska RCL excursions in Icy Strait Point Alaska. Can you purchase a whale tour when you arrive? 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 To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Do you offer any discounts or promotions? The only thing you can count on in Hoonah, and the area near Icy Strait Point is that you cant count on the weather. Another popular shore excursion in Icy Strait Point is to search for brown bears on Spasski River. We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. Magnificent! Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Just let us know and we will make sure everyone is together. In both Juneau and Skagway there are excursions that go to a sled dog facility. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? 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. We booked the gondola and tram ride. Make a payment and confirm your reservation. Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Owned by Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is located 35 miles west of Juneau in Hoonah, Alaska on the Chichagof Island. . Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and breathtaking scenery on this adventure. Your previous content has been restored. Even waking up to warm, sunny skies can turn cool and rainy. Journey from Icy Strait Point into the wilds of Chichagof Island as you explore the Spasski River Valley in search of local wildlife. Among the huge number of excursions you can book in Juneau - and even on this list of nine - it's hard to choose the best one. This is a 90-minute excursion that includes an obstacle course dubbed the Adventure Park, made up of a log bridge, climbing planks, fishermens net, and more. Take a Whale Watching Cruise. Combo assemblies on tower 5. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. We had our two grandsons with us, ages 10 & 12. Icy Strait Point was our first stop on our June 2022 Alaskan cruise. - More time on the water! I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. For a real Alaska specialty, head to the Cookhouse Restaurant and try the reindeer chili or the Alaska Blue Burger, made with reindeer meat, blue cheese and merlot steak sauce. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. This is the real Alaska! Overview. We did an independent whale watching tour in ISP and it was amazing. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Don't miss our unique shopping center, a free museum, walking trails, etc. Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore. 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. Alaska is full of epic hikes, and you might want to experience some of that for yourself on your Alaska cruise. Dry too. Icy Strait Point. This cruise ship stop is not like all the others with hoards of jewelry stores. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. Balcony Stateroom. With a concentration in cruising. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? 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. And completely reliable. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. She'll load your group up into her van and pass out some binoculars and you'll be off. {{card.portName}}, Onboard We are committed to providing guests with the best customer service in the industry! The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. 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. Wow, we will be cruising with a celebrity. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. 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.