We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. 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? 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. 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 . Sorry, I dont know the specific tour company; the goal of this post is to help people book their cruise excursions through the cruise company. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. Please dont worry; well know if your ship is delayed. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. 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. 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. 25422881. On May 18th we came into port at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska. Is our tour still on? Come experience the birds and nature of Chichagof Island, near Icy Strait Point! Everything was close together and easy. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. Advancing glaciers forced them to relocate to modern-day Hoonah in 1754. There are a few great reasons! If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. I force-ranked the excursions by uniqueness. Im glad youre happy with it! I loved this port for that very reason. Has anyone booked the whale watching excursion in Icy Strait Point through the ship (Radiance of the Sea)? Surround yourself in the majestic wildlife of Icy Strait! To increase your chances, you need to get off the big boat, get on two feet, and get out in the Alaska wild. Look for jewelry made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects, and warm winter fashions. 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. 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. What to expect when you get there - Amy will meet up with you at your pre-arranged meeting point (we were off a cruise ship, so Icy Straight Point excursion hub for us). Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Icy Strait Point? Best of all, were able to offer more competitive rates than the cruise ships because you are booking locally. During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. 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. 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. Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. 5 Juneau, Alaska 99801. (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. No snow but you get to watch and touch them. We've analyzed this ship's atmosphere, facilities, activities, cabins, cuisine and service, based on ratings from U.S. News & World Report and other expert sources. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. We choose to make the short trip over to the actual town of Hoonah and truly enjoyed watching and speaking with two local men who were carving a totem pole. Sharing the types of adventures along with the budget you seek will help anyone who might respond with ideas. Your email address will not be published. Whale Watching 2. They have an indoor shopping mall, a salmon cannery museum and a restaurant all under one roof. 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. See our Icy Strait Point shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . 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. 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Hire a local guide to take you whale watching, fishing, or kayaking. The biggest halibut on record was caught inside Icy Strait! The next 2.5 to 3 hours, she'll drive you around to several good birding spots. Icy Strait Point 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, USA Open in Google Maps Confirmation will be received at time of booking Tour Time is Departure time. 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. Combo assemblies on tower 5. The full cancellation policy can be found here. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. Just don't forget to bring your cameras, binoculars, and waterproof apparel! The majority of us, when we think of Alaska, probably picture a big area covered in ice, frozen land, and maybe even caribou running free across the tundra. Icy Strait Point is a cruise destination located in the small Alaskan village of Hoonah. Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. Lover of books and dessert. Departs From Josh has captained in this area for many years and knows the area well! Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! In both Juneau and Skagway there are excursions that go to a sled dog facility. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. View All Results. Our tours have been providing exceptional customer service for over a decade now. There is also a Zip line, a ropes course, and gondolas to take you up the mountain for spectacular views of Icy Strait. Reserve your dining now. This one, which broadly incorporates a helicopter tour, glacier landing, and dog sledding depending on the tour operator and . 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. While there will be lots of touristy junk and jewelry stores in Juneau, those are absent in ISP and I like that. We offer the lowest rates in Hoonah! There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore. In May I spent an amazing week with Princess Cruise Lines aboard the Island Princess. 1-888-751-7804 . On this visitI did a whale watching excursion. In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. And completely reliable. On our cruise day, May 31, they have a 6 passenger boat at 8:00a followed by a 13 passenger boat at 8:45a. 2. The nature trailis pretty short. 2. hrs Estimate Duration. 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. Companies that book through the ships have to pay the ships very high fees to do that. The best tours in Icy Strait Point are: Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. Our Icy Strait shore tours give you the chance to get up close and personal with incredible wildlife. 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. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. 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. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Shore Excursions Departure Ports & Hotels Free Brochures Ships & Experience. I recommend getting in touch with your cruise company to see how they can help. Balcony Stateroom. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Thank you for sharing this. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51846. 1. The view is pretty nice but not warrant the ticket price. We meet guests at the Icy Strait Point Excursions Hub. 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! 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. This excursion is a gentle walking tour that lasts 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the wildlife you see. Lower lift line. You're in for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you fly above the treetops at speeds of up to 60 mph. Upon disembarking the Gondola, look for, and follow the signs to the Excursions Hub where you meet your Hoonah Travel Adventures Representative. 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. Look for jewellery made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects and warm winter fashions. Im grateful Johan allowed me to paint him in his regalia as the dance was incredibly inspiring and definitely worth the short walk through the shops. 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. 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. What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. Until then Alaska excursions do tend to run more pricey compared to Caribbean cruises. Drones are able to see below the water surface and broadcast live video back to the boat. https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/cruises/. I would like to know if the zodiac boats and whale watching boats travel in the same waters? But the kayaking was well worth. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! Yes! Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Take in the views on the bus ride to the top, then race to the bottom on the zip line at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, 300 feet above the forest! Departs From Along the rugged coastline, you can spot humpback whales, brown bears, otters, seals, eagles. 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. Welcome to Hoonah, AK. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-not-so-live-blog-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=8383. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. We are a quick 20 minute flight from Juneau, Alaska. 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. However there is so much more. If you want to see whales in Juneau, please check out Harv and Marvs. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, and Viking. 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. Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? I now know August is the peak of the rainy season. Hoonah 5. 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. With a concentration in cruising. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. That being said, if you call and book you will save the 6% fee the booking platform we use charges. I agree that the activities are for older children. Just off the dock where our Princess ship landed, is the ski lift- type red gondola to the zipline, the free green gondola to the bar of the zipline and cannery. 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. Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. Be sure to take in the views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait on your way down. 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. You will enjoy an hour of flightseeing over this massive wilderness area outside of Ketchikan, accompanied by your expert pilot guide. Visiting in September of 2023. Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. The ticket agent for the sky glider was the one that advised us about the hike. And, we do offer discounts for groups of 4 or more on some of the tours! Icy Strait Point is owned by the Hoonah Tlingit tribe, so this is a chance to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals who are hosting you on their land. And don't forget the fishing. 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. Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.) Top Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Meet a Local Favorite, Freddy, the Humpback Whale For guests with mobility concerns, the following information will help you decide if you will be able to join our tours. My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. 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. Hawaii shore excursionmight be just the ticket. Our most popular tour is the Icy Strait Point Premier Whale Watching Tour. The Tlingit tribe has called this area home for centuries, and they love to share their native culture. If you are longing to see bears while you are here, then we've got you covered. The Coastal Exploration by Zodiac excursion has you cruising along the coastlines of Port Frederick and Icy Strait, where you can search for humpback whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and brown bears. 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. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. 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. Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. I've already enjoyed reading the boards and have already learned so much that is very helpful. - More time on the water! Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. Not a hard slog by any means, but the dampness and persistent rain made it less enjoyable than hoped. I get a lot of questions about fishing in Alaska. Here's our itinerary: Vancouver, British Columbia| Sail Away 5 PM, Icy Strait Point, Alaska Arrive 9 AM | Depart 8 PM, Sitka, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 6 PM, Juneau, Alaska Arrive 7 AM | Depart 9 PM, Skagway, Alaska Arrive7 AM | Depart 8:30 PM. Breathe in the 1,000-acre greenspace of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Please Note: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($25). - Ovation only at Icy Straight Point and Sitka, - Juneau has 5 ships, port load - 11970 guests, - Skagway has 3 ships, port load - 6830 guests. When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. Youll find plenty of authentic Alaska gifts just a quick stroll from the dock at the historic Cannery Shops. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. Icy Strait Point is located in the town of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. 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. 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. 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. 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. Who Offers This Icy Strait Point Shore Excursion? I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. Along the way, most guides stop to take you on short hikes for even better views. 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. 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. If our guests missed their ships we would not be in business. Longest Zip Line, Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. Expect guaranteed whale sightings in these nutrient-rich waters during the summer. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489, Please email us at [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. 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. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? Is it safe to book with a local company that does not work with the cruise ships? If you are interested in a less tourist like experience, you might like this. 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. Enjoy the serenity that can only be had while quietly gliding across the waters near Icy Strait Point enjoying the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Be ready to paddle about 7 miles total. Icy Strait Point website. Located in Alaska's largest Native Tlingit village of Hoonah (about 35 miles west of Juneau), Icy Strait Point features 20+ exciting tours, a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, restaurants, 100% Alaskan-owned retail shops, and even a beach! After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. 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. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. . All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. so we had a more personalized experience. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver. Only Holland America offers this one. {{card.portName}}, Onboard Favorites. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. We are so excited about it and are beginni. tips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions, The Best Icy Strait Point Cruise Excursions, 2. Finally, I added up the metrics to come up with a final score. We are a family-run company based right here in Hoonah. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Learn about the area's other wildlife from your informative guide and about the native Tlingit population. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. This Alaskan cruise port town has so much to offer. This is the most popular year in Alaska ever, so it doesnt surprise me that things are sold out. Do you have any experience with either excursion? 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 ). On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. View All Results. What do you think? Local knowledge is king, and having a fantastic team with a wealth of local expertise in our employ, gives us the confidence that well leave you happy and wanting to return! Alaska-Sized Adventure There will be no shortage of fish in the cool, clear streams we'll take you on this trip. 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. 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 . I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Agreed! From land to sea to sky, envelop yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska, and get close (but not too close) and personal with the wildlife, and the locals! 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 Journey from Icy Strait Point into the wilds of Chichagof Island as you explore the Spasski River Valley in search of local wildlife. This whale watching tour is personalized, as it takes out a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! 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 Will definitely take rain gear. Unfortunately, the biggest ships have a tendency to scare off a lot of the wildlife you hope to see. Humpback whales visit Icy Strait Point every summer, beginning in May, and they stay around until September. 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!). OHIO. Hoonay tram ride - an expensive waste of time! View below tower 6. Disney, Holland America, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Seabourn. As tours can be enhanced or spoiled by the guide, we were unlucky. Availability: This tour is only available August-September. 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. Your previous content has been restored. 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. Upload or insert images from URL. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. This post was originally published in March 2020, and was updated most recently in November 2022 for the coming season. There are even resident bald eagles that perch on the ships to fish. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . Surrounded by towering rainforest and set against the backdrop of mist-shrouded mountains, guests can truly immerse themselves in our wilderness environment.

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