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.
💡 Pro move: All-day ship return times are strictly enforced — build in buffer if you walk to Hoonah independently.
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.) | Wilderness Landing or Ocean Landing, Icy Strait Point📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition vessels (if both piers occupied) | Icy Strait Point anchorage📍 | Tendered |
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.
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).
Find bear viewing tours →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.
Book ZipRider tickets →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.
Find whale watching tours →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.
Find Tlingit culture tours →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.
Find kayaking tours →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.
Find ATV and Jeep tours →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.
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.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →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.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 19 |
| Feb | 34°F / 1°C | 27°F / -3°C | 15 |
| Mar | 38°F / 3°C | 30°F / -1°C | 16 |
| Apr | 45°F / 7°C | 35°F / 2°C | 17 |
| May | 54°F / 12°C | 43°F / 6°C | 14 |
| Jun | 58°F / 14°C | 49°F / 9°C | 17 |
| Jul | 62°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 16 |
| Aug | 62°F / 17°C | 54°F / 12°C | 18 |
| Sep | 56°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 19 |
| Oct | 48°F / 9°C | 41°F / 5°C | 19 |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 34°F / 1°C | 20 |
| Dec | 36°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 20 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
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.
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.