Called Kootznoowoo — 'Fortress of the Bears' — by the Tlingit people, Admiralty Island has one of the highest brown bear densities on Earth — roughly one bear per square mile, the highest in North America. Small expedition ships anchor off Angoon, the island's only village, for a rare day of wilderness and living Tlingit culture.
Expedition ships anchor in Kootznahoo Inlet and ferry passengers to Angoon's dock by tender or Zodiac.
💡 Pro move: Admiralty Island is not on mainstream cruise itineraries. Only small expedition ships (typically under 200 passengers) call here. Large cruise ships do not stop — excursions to Pack Creek from Juneau are a separate floatplane trip.
There is no cruise terminal — expedition ships anchor off Angoon and bring passengers ashore by tender.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition cruise lines (UnCruise, Lindblad, etc.) | Anchorage off Angoon, Kootznahoo Inlet📍 | Tendered |
| Small charter/adventure vessels | Angoon small boat harbor📍 | Docked |
Admiralty Island is all wilderness and wildlife — expect bear viewing, kayaking, old-growth forest hikes, and Tlingit cultural encounters.
One of Alaska's premier bear-viewing experiences: coastal brown bears feed on the tidal flats and fish for salmon at Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary on Seymour Canal. A floatplane or boat gets you there; permits are limited, especially July–August.
Find Pack Creek bear viewing tours →A 2.5-mile round-trip trail through old-growth Sitka spruce and hemlock forest north of Angoon, ending at sweeping views of Chatham Strait. In summer, humpback whales are regularly spotted from the overlook.
Find guided hiking tours →Angoon is the launching point for the legendary 32-mile Cross Admiralty Canoe Route, linking seven mountain lakes via trails and portages. Shorter kayak paddles in Kootznahoo Inlet and Mitchell Bay are suitable for cruise day visitors.
Find kayaking tours →Angoon is a living Tlingit community. Stroll through the village to see the hand-painted fronts of tribal community houses, learn about the 1882 US Navy bombardment, and meet residents who maintain traditional fishing and subsistence practices.
Find cultural tours in Angoon →Expedition ship operators run their own Zodiac or skiff tours around the island's bays and inlets, scanning for brown bears on shorelines, bald eagles in the canopy, Sitka black-tailed deer, sea otters, and humpback whales.
Find wildlife cruise tours →Angoon is a small, flat village — easy to wander on foot — and the Danger Point Trail is the standout hike for views and wildlife.
A relaxed walk through the village from the dock, passing the tribal community houses with their distinctive painted fronts, the local store, and out to the beach for views across Kootznahoo Inlet.
Head north from Angoon on the Danger Point Trail through dense old-growth forest. The trail ends at a bluff with dramatic views over Chatham Strait — keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales and bald eagles.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Admiralty Island, Southeast Alaska, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F / 2°C | 29°F / -2°C | 20 | 8:28 AM | 3:48 PM |
| Feb | 35°F / 2°C | 25°F / -4°C | 16 | 7:27 AM | 4:58 PM |
| Mar | 40°F / 4°C | 29°F / -2°C | 17 | 7:12 AM | 7:02 PM |
| Apr | 47°F / 8°C | 35°F / 2°C | 19 | 5:47 AM | 8:10 PM |
| May | 57°F / 14°C | 43°F / 6°C | 14 | 4:36 AM | 9:14 PM |
| Jun | 60°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | 16 | 3:59 AM | 9:58 PM |
| Jul | 64°F / 18°C | 53°F / 12°C | 15 | 4:24 AM | 9:43 PM |
| Aug | 63°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 18 | 5:25 AM | 8:38 PM |
| Sep | 57°F / 14°C | 47°F / 8°C | 19 | 6:30 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Oct | 49°F / 9°C | 40°F / 4°C | 19 | 7:33 AM | 5:52 PM |
| Nov | 40°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 21 | 7:43 AM | 3:41 PM |
| Dec | 36°F / 2°C | 29°F / -2°C | 21 | 8:35 AM | 3:12 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Angoon Taxi is the only local taxi service, offering rides within the village and transfers from the ferry dock (~3 miles from town) and seaplane bases. Contact: (907) 957-7569 or angoontaxi.com.
Angoon village itself is small and walkable. Most community facilities, the dock, and the shore are accessible on foot once in town.
The signature experience: floatplane from Juneau to Pack Creek on Admiralty Island for guided brown bear viewing. Prices include transport, guide, and permits. Age/weight restrictions apply.
State ferry connects Angoon to Juneau and other Southeast Alaska communities. The ferry dock is about 3 miles from the village center; local taxi can bridge the gap.
Upcoming cruises that call at Admiralty Island, Southeast Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.