Port Guide: Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Welcome to Icy Strait Point, one of Alaska’s most authentic and locally owned cruise ports. Situated near the village of Hoonah, it offers incredible wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and untouched natural beauty. This is the place to come face-to-face with bears, whales, and bald eagles—or fly through the air on the world’s longest zipline.
📍 Quick Facts
🛳️ Location: Hoonah, Alaska (on Chichagof Island)
🌿 Owned by: The Huna Totem Corporation (Tlingit community-owned)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: June to August for peak whale watching
🐻 Known For: Wildlife sightings, cultural heritage, ziplining, eco-adventures
🎯 Top Attractions
🐋 Whale Watching Excursions
Icy Strait Point is one of the best places on the planet for seeing humpback whales in the wild. Most tours have a high success rate (some even offer guarantees), and you might also spot orcas, sea lions, and porpoises.
Image Suggestion #2: A humpback whale breaching near a tour boat.
🦅 Wildlife & Bear Watching
Chichagof Island has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Guided bear viewing tours take you deep into the forest with a naturalist, giving you a real shot at seeing these majestic animals.
🧭 Cruise Oracle Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens—you might see bears, deer, bald eagles, and even sea otters from the trails!
Image Suggestion #3: A bear in the wild or bald eagle perched on driftwood.
🎢 ZipRider – The World’s Longest Zipline
Take a thrilling ride on the Icy Strait Point ZipRider, stretching 5,330 feet with a 1,300-foot vertical drop. You’ll zoom down the mountain at speeds over 60 mph with sweeping views of forest, ocean, and the cruise ship far below.
Image Suggestion #4: A rider mid-zip with ocean and forest visible in the background.
🛶 Cultural & Nature Tours
Learn about the Tlingit heritage of Hoonah with a guided village tour or storytelling performance. Other popular activities include kayaking, forest hikes, and cooking demonstrations with Indigenous ingredients.
Image Suggestion #5: Local cultural dancers or totem poles in a forest setting.
🍽️ Where to Eat at Icy Strait Point
Although it’s a small port, there are some great local eateries near the dock and in Hoonah:
The Cookhouse Restaurant – Fresh-caught seafood, halibut & chips, and crab legs.
Crabby’s Crab Shack – Known for king crab and a killer view of the bay.
The Duck Point Smokehouse – Smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, chowder, and local beer.
🧭 Tip: Order early if you’re on a tight schedule—places get busy when ships are in!
Image Suggestion #6: A plate of Alaskan crab legs and beer with a view of the water.
🎒 Top Shore Excursions
Whale & Marine Mammal Cruise – High chance of spotting multiple species
Bear Search Adventure – Off-road transport deep into bear country
ZipRider – Book early as it sells out fast
Tribal Dance Show & Storytelling
Forest Walk & Coastal Nature Tour
Some tours depart right from the dock, others require a short walk or shuttle—check your booking info for details.
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Locally made Native art, carvings, and jewelry
Smoked salmon and gourmet treats
Branded Icy Strait Point clothing & accessories
Look for authentic pieces made by Tlingit artisans
🧳 What to Pack
Waterproof jacket (it can rain even in summer)
Insect repellent (especially for forest hikes)
Comfortable shoes with grip
Camera with zoom or binoculars
Small backpack for layering & souvenirs
💡 Final Cruise Oracle Tips
🐻 Keep your eyes peeled—wildlife is everywhere!
🧭 Arrive early if you’re planning to walk into Hoonah village (about 1.5 miles)
🎟️ Book ZipRider and wildlife excursions early—they fill up quickly
📸 Don’t forget to ask your tour guides about Tlingit stories and legends—they add a whole new layer to the experience