Whales regularly cruise by just offshore and Chichagoff Island has the highest density of brown bears (grizzly) of anywhere in Alaska. When you arrive at the port, just check in with a Hoonah Travel Adventures representative at the Icy Strait Point Excursion Hub. Overview. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska if you know which excursions to choose, that is. Our Local Guides Provide an Intimate and Authentic Experience. 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. With that in mind, prepare for the worst and hope for the best! See the amazing humpback whales that call the waters of Icy Strait Point their home. Sorry to hear that, John. 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. Hike red cedar forest trails, relax beachside, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or view the Brockton Point totem poles. If wild and cruise line food is not your thing, there are delicious restaurants in the area. 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. It is totally safe! Established in the early 1960s, Tok River Outfitters, now a second generation Alaskan business, is still owned and operated by the original founder's family. 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. more, Cultural Tours 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours Historical & Heritage Tours Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. Yaakw Kahidi Cultural Center Check out our list of the the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for more ideas! {{card.portName}}, Onboard 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. Most meals spotlight local fish or caribou, and Dungeness crab when its in season. We ensure your safety aboard our boats and tour vans. Ovation of the Seas in Alaska. Lower lift line. Zip-lining is so in right now! Look for jewellery made from fine gold nuggets, handcrafted objects and warm winter fashions. This is not a mass-market big bus tour. The ticket agent for the sky glider was the one that advised us about the hike. And completely reliable. Discover the frontier town of Icy Strait surrounded by nature in its unspoiled glory. 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. We keep our groups small, so we can take you off the beaten path, where the locals go. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions Ive previously shared. Chichagoff Island is home to more brown bears than humans, its a place where eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen just offshore. However there is so much more. Since the arrival of cruise ship travelers, the Huna Totem Corporation has restored a former salmon cannery to support tourism in the area. 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. So long as you select a tour that ends 1 hour before your ship's departure you will be fine. Icy Strait Point, Alaska While Celebrity Cruises doesn't sail directly to Glacier Bay, there are flightseeing excursions available from Icy Strait Point . First and foremost, Icy Strait Point is truly surrounded by unspoiled Alaska wilderness. If you have questions or comments, let me know below or join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community! Take a 4-hour shore excursion from Hoonah to Icy Strait in search of bears. Visited from our cruise ship. It was one of the stops that sold me on this May 13 cruise since it's absent on Royal's Seattle based cruises. Most stuff is sold out on our cruise and some of the adventures you talked about are not even listed. Seeing whales on your tour is guaranteed. 6: It's an adventure seeker's paradise. 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. Given how many cruise companies offer a number of interesting and unique shore excursions in Icy Strait Point, it was hard to choose which ones to recommend. 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. 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! We aren't super adrenaline junkies but can handle some adventure. In this post, I promote travel to a national park that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Huna (Hoonah) Tlingit people. Tlingit Canoe Tour 4. 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. " + cards[0]['totalGroups'] + " Itineraries" : "" }}. 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. Royal Caribbean Group. All tours offered on the day you are in port work with your ship schedule. Expand Your Vacation. You can post now and register later. Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. so we had a more personalized experience. Can multiple families book a tour and be together? 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. The trail is a moderate 2-mile hike that includes panoramic views of Chichagof Island and the surrounding waterways. {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. The old cannery is now home to a museum, restaurants, and locally owned arts and crafts shops. Caribbean Europe Getaways (3-6 Days) Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal South America & Antarctica Tahiti & South Pacific World Cruises . 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. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. Also what is the machine behind the Icy Strait point sign? 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! If you could share your itinerary, times in port and what you are interested in for each stop that mayprompt more responses. 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. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. This gondola was build alongside a second cruise ship pier as part of a major expansion to Icy Strait Point. All rights reserved. Take a journey into this serene kayak adventure on Icy Strait for an unforgettable experience! Hi Everyone! Was thinking the adventure park and zipline would be fun but cant find it. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port thats big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. But the kayaking was well worth. Get ready for your fill of bears, deer, bald eagles, and more on this exciting wildlife search! Read on for the best Icy Strait Point excursions for your upcoming Alaska cruise. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along Gastineau Channel, and into the Ship Creek Valley. But young toddlers have to just walk and look around. Every trip is an adventure in this lush rainforest where Brown Bears outnumber humans. After you successfully conquer that, youll hook into the first of six zip lines. If your ship doesnt make it to port for any reason, we will refund you in full without incurring any administration fees or penalties. Hoonah 5. 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. Beyond the cannery is the pick up for tours and the ( today free) shuttle to the local village of Hoonah. Stay as long as you choose to explore trails, check out wildlife, and go inside the visitor center, and then climb aboard a return bus . Only Seabourn offers this one. The bicycle is designed specifically for rugged terrain, so you can maximize the experience with the least amount of effort. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the best Icy Strait Point and Hoonah cruise excursions. Go to site . During season 2016, the port handled 78 ship calls and ~160,000 cruise tourists. Foodie cruisers, this ones for you! In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built the first cannery in the area, and it has become quite a tourist attraction since then. 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. 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. Is there a whale and bear watching tour combo? There are even resident bald eagles that perch on the ships to fish. Another view of tower 5. 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). Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaskas largest Tlingit village. As you pedal along, the views will be spectacular . 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. What tour co offers the cooking tour you mentioned. 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!). Paste as plain text instead, You might even catch them bubble net feeding! Things To Do In Hoonah / Icy Strait. Everything was close together and easy. Do you have any experience with either excursion? You will then get to see how the birds, fish, mammals, plants, forests, rivers, and climate all weave together to create this lush, vibrant ecosystem! Approaching the lattice tower. Icy Strait Point is home to a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum. Secure easy and reliable transportation to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau with the Blue Bus Glacier Express. Our fishing tour is led by a locally raised Tlingit native. Be sure not to miss ShoreTrips' whale watching shore excursions, many of which include bear searching! Royal Caribbean International; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; CAPTAIN'S CLUB. These gentle giants of the sea spend their summers right here in the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait. To learn more about the people who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human. 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. . Image Courtesy: Cunard Line. Fancies herself a bit of a . We just rode the Dragon's Breath zipline in November so we aren't leaning towards the zipline. Visit the Tlingit carvers and walk about to appreciate the totem poles in town. Norwegian Communications Center. Alaska's not the only ultimate destination on the eastern Pacific. They offer innovative dishes and use nothing but the freshest local ingredients. 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. Whale Watching 2. 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 do have the fortune to hook a halibut, the boat company will ship it home to you. 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. 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 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The only thing you can count on in Hoonah, and the area near Icy Strait Point is that you cant count on the weather. Then walk along the Seawall, with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. There may be 3rd party options you can explore directly. On this tour, you'll have the chance to spot humpbacks and orcas in the beautiful Alaskan waters. The Crab House, The Cookhouse, and Duck Point Smokehouse are excellent dining options. Bear Viewing on Chicagof Island 3. My husband and I are booked for a cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean August 4th through the 12th. The restored cannery turned museum shop offers fine jewelry, warm fashions, canned sockeye salmon, and plenty more. 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. I want to get the most out of Alaska but excursions over $400 per person are out of the picture. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure youre craving, youll find it in Icy Strait Point. AK 99829, Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours in Icy Straits, The Best Time To Visit Alaska - Various Seasons Of The North, 7 Things You Shouldnt Miss During Your Icy Strait Point Tours, Why the Icy Strait Point Gondola is a Must-Ride for Tourists. 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. March 6, 2019 in Shore Excursions. You'll enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise through the waters of Icy Strait, where you are guaranteed to spot at least one whale. 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. In that sense it's easy to get to because it's only a few miles from the ship. In the unlikely event we do cancel the tour, we will provide you with a full refund. 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. When Maisie goes missing, Owen and Claire set out to find her, and eventually . 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. Icy Strait Point website. I hope you properly set expectations very low or else you may very well be disappointed. Relax and spend a few hours away from the crowds while on this fishing expedition. Whale Watching in Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska. 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. We did an independent whale watching tour in ISP and it was amazing. From their connection to nature to their tribal dance, the spirit of their people is something to behold. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. This cruise ship stop is not like all the others with hoards of jewelry stores. Nestled among those trinket shops you will find authentic local art, jewelry, and even hand-carved headdresses such as the one Johan is wearing here. Clear editor. RSSC-Regent, Royal Caribbean International. Get ready for a stream fishing adventure in pristine wilderness that will stay with you for the rest of your life. My ship gets in at __:__. Dining on sale - Exclusive Dining Offer. Please dont worry; well know if your ship is delayed. Favorites. The Tlingit people have lived in Southeast Alaska for many centuries in what is now Glacier Bay National Park. Located in southeast Alaska and along the coast, Icy Strait Point gives you a peek inside the beautiful and diverse Alaskan wildlife. Good Value. ISP is small and I would have no issues with straying from an RCL excursion at this port. We have guests that book up to a year in advance as our tours typically sell out well before their departure date. Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that's big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. 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. @alaskatravel, Small cruise ship stop with good scenery but limited and expensive activities. Our Icy Strait Point shore excursions are run by local guides who are eager to show you the real Alaskan Wilderness. Youll be provided with binoculars and other gear you might need. Instead, use your day in port at Ice Strait Point or Hoonah to experience the unique slice of Alaskan life you can only find in this native-owned and operated purpose-built cruise port. 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 ). There is a high demand for the CareCart which often presents you with a delay to meeting at the prescribed time. As I mentioned, Skagway is a destination for history lovers - so it's no surprise that a history tour tops the list. I can't comment on that since we did not choose it for our ziplining experience. Our tour times are built around your ship schedule. Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent, and Royal Caribbean. That said, its the one I would do in Icy Strait Point, so take that as an extra point in its favor. Pasted as rich text. Dive into Native Alaska culture at a tribal dance show or pay a visit to Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. Step into an Alaska experience as you navigate your Jeep or ATV through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island's back roads. At first I was tempted to just walk the nature trail in port, visit the cannery museum, get souvenirs and walk into Hoonah. The full cancellation policy can be found here. 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. 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. We also invite you to learn about one of Icy Strait's native peoples, the Huna Tlingit, and the town of Hoonah. Unfortunately, only one cruise company offers it which handicapped it in the rankings for 2023. 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. In Icy Strait Point, this new excursion which includes both biking and hiking before beachcombing does the trick. We walked a wide hilly 15- min trail from the dock to the cannery area. {{card.shipName}} of the Seas, We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. Ships Deck Plans . So I decided to use that knowledge to come up with a list of the best Icy Strait Point excursions. 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. 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. Many outdoor enthusiasts come to Alaska for fishing, and Hoonah won't disappoint. One of our favorite FAQs: The cruise industry wants ALL of your money so they try and scare you with that line. We have been operating and improving our small group tours for over a decade. 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. 1-888-751-7804 . Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore. We before they even had a pier and it was so different from the other ports. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. How is the Halibut shipped home for oyu. We are on the same sailing and I checked the port loads for each stop. 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. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/5211-alaska-recap-celebrity-millennium-june-2017/&do=findComment&comment=51846. 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. The Tlingit community has invested a great deal of money, time, and energy to convert this historic fishing village into a respite for cruisers who wish to learn more about the Indigenous people, their land, and their fascinating culture. 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. Consequently, we will automatically adjust your schedule and factor in any delays against the timing of your tour. 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. 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. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Icy Strait Point. Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tours; Cruise Lines. Join local maritime hero Captain Billy, a locally raised Tlingit of Hoonah, Alaska on this unforgettable fishing adventure. Call 1-866-999-6590 today to speak to a booking agent! Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. 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! Description (Courtesy of IMDb ): "After surviving the destruction of Isla Nubla, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing took in young Maisie Lockwood. We were left doubting her sincerity and actually had the best interaction with the armed woman, accompanying us for protection, who lives in Hoonah. 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. jessica hahn sam kinison relationship,
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