Owned and operated by the Huna Tlingit people, Icy Strait Point delivers some of Alaska's most authentic wildlife encounters — brown bears patrol the rainforest, humpbacks breach offshore, and a 5,495-foot zipline drops you through it all.
Icy Strait Point has two dedicated cruise docks, so most ships tie up directly — no tendering required.
Getting Ashore at Icy Strait Point
1
Disembark at your assigned pierShips dock at either Wilderness Landing (north) or Ocean Landing (south). Both have immediate access to shops, restaurants, and tour desks.
2
Use the free Transporter GondolaA complimentary green gondola runs between the two piers through the rainforest — a scenic 4-minute ride. Use it to reach excursion staging areas at either end.
3
Walk or shuttle to HoonahA paved 1.5-mile path connects Icy Strait Point to Hoonah village (~30 min walk). Shuttle buses run regularly for ~$5 each way. Hoonah has local shops, Icy Strait Brewing, the Yaakw Kahidi cultural dance house, and carving sheds where Tlingit artists work on totems.
💡 Pro move: All-day ship return times are strictly enforced — build in buffer if you walk to Hoonah independently.
Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line
Icy Strait Point operates two purpose-built cruise piers, ending the need for tendering at this formerly anchor-only destination.
Cruise Line
Typical Berth / Arrival
Dock or Tender
Most major cruise lines (Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, etc.)
Icy Strait Point excursions split between adrenaline (zipline, ATVs, kayaking) and unforgettable wildlife (brown bears, humpback whales) — book bear tours and whale watches early; they sell out.
Wildlife
Brown Bear Search — Spasski River Valley
Chichagof Island has one of the highest brown bear densities per square mile in the world. Guided tours head to the Spasski River Valley with designated viewing platforms for safe, close encounters — especially rewarding during salmon season (July–September).
The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point stretches 5,495 feet with a 1,330-foot vertical drop, topping 60 mph through old-growth rainforest canopy. Start with a 7-minute Skyglider Gondola ride to the summit for sweeping views over Glacier Bay.
The waters off Point Adolphus are among Alaska's best for humpback whale sightings (May–September). Zodiac and catamaran tours regularly spot humpbacks, orcas, Steller sea lions, and sea otters on the same outing.
Walk or shuttle 1.5 miles to Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Visit the Yaakw Kahidi cultural dance house, see Tlingit carvers at work on totems in the village carving sheds, watch live cultural performances, and browse locally made crafts.
⏱ 2-3 hrs🚶 Self-guided or guided🎭 Cultural performances
Paddle through the calm, glacier-carved waters of Port Frederick Bay with a guided kayak tour. Wildlife regulars include bald eagles, harbor seals, and the occasional whale spouting close by.
Explore old Tongass National Forest logging roads by Arctic Cat ATV or GPS-equipped Jeep. Tours reach viewpoints and stream crossings not accessible on foot — good option if bear tours are sold out.
Walking options at Icy Strait Point are limited but scenic — the pier-to-pier forest path and the Hoonah village stroll are the practical choices.
Pier Trail — Wilderness Landing to Ocean Landing
0.5 miles · Easy · 15 min one-way
A flat, paved half-mile rainforest path connects the two cruise piers through Tongass old-growth. Look for eagles overhead and interpretive signs about Tlingit culture. A relaxed way to orient yourself without booking a tour.
A paved walking path runs from the port complex to the heart of Hoonah village. Pass local homes, a small harbor, and arrive at the Huna Tribal House, local shops, and Icy Strait Brewing. Shuttle back if your feet tire.
Climate normals for Chichagof Island (Icy Strait Point), 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
35°F / 2°C
30°F / -1°C
19
8:35 AM
3:47 PM
Feb
34°F / 1°C
27°F / -3°C
15
7:32 AM
5:00 PM
Mar
38°F / 3°C
30°F / -1°C
16
7:16 AM
7:05 PM
Apr
45°F / 7°C
35°F / 2°C
17
5:49 AM
8:15 PM
May
54°F / 12°C
43°F / 6°C
14
4:36 AM
9:21 PM
Jun
58°F / 14°C
49°F / 9°C
17
3:57 AM
10:07 PM
Jul
62°F / 17°C
53°F / 12°C
16
4:22 AM
9:51 PM
Aug
62°F / 17°C
54°F / 12°C
18
5:26 AM
8:44 PM
Sep
56°F / 13°C
48°F / 9°C
19
6:32 AM
7:19 PM
Oct
48°F / 9°C
41°F / 5°C
19
7:38 AM
5:55 PM
Nov
39°F / 4°C
34°F / 1°C
20
7:50 AM
3:41 PM
Dec
36°F / 2°C
30°F / -1°C
20
8:43 AM
3:10 PM
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Insider Tips
🐻
Book bear tours early. The brown bear valley tours are the port's most popular excursion and routinely sell out weeks in advance — reserve before you sail.
🌧
Dress for Southeast Alaska rain. Waterproof layers are essential year-round; even sunny mornings can turn wet. Rubber-soled footwear helps on forest trails.
🚡
Use the free gondola. The Transporter Gondola between the two piers is complimentary and a joy in itself — beats backtracking on foot.
🍺
Walk to Hoonah for a local feel. The village 1.5 miles away is the real deal — try Icy Strait Brewing or The Fisherman's Daughter for a meal away from the port complex crowds.
💳
USD only; cards widely accepted at Icy Strait Point. Hoonah has limited ATM access — carry some cash for the village.
⏰
Don't cut the all-aboard close. The walk back from Hoonah takes 30 minutes — factor that in before lingering over a second beer.
Getting Around
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
🚗 Ride-share: ❌ Not available — use taxisNo Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare services operate in Hoonah or at Icy Strait Point. The area is a small, remote community.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus
🚌 Shuttle to Hoonah
$10 round trip
A shuttle bus runs continuously between Icy Strait Point and downtown Hoonah (~1.5 miles away), every ~25 minutes. Tickets purchased at the kiosk at the cannery area; one-way tickets are not sold.
🚖 Taxi
$7–$10
Local taxis can make the short ~3-minute ride to Hoonah, but they are not readily available and may require pre-arrangement through your ship or accommodation.
🚡 Free Transporter Gondola (in-port)
Free
A free green gondola connects the two main port zones — Ocean Landing and Wilderness Landing — within Icy Strait Point itself.
🚠 Sky Glider Gondola (Hoonah Mountain)
$49.95 (unlimited rides)
The red Sky Glider gondola takes visitors up Hoonah Mountain for panoramic views. A 360 Tram Tour operates from the mountaintop.
🚶 Walk to Hoonah
Free
A scenic paved path connects Icy Strait Point to downtown Hoonah — about 1–1.5 miles, taking 30–40 minutes each way.
Cruises Calling Here
Upcoming cruises that call at Chichagof Island (Icy Strait Point), Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Safari Endeavour
UnCruise Adventures
Juneau → Sitka
⚓ Calls 05 Aug 20267 nights9 portsDeparts 2026-08-01
View itinerary · 6 ports
7 days, one-way from Juneau to Sitka
01 AugJuneau, Alaska
03 AugGlacier Bay, Alaska
04 AugIcy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska
05 AugChichagof Island, Alaska, Elfin Cove-Pelican
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.
