One of Alaska's newest cruise destinations, Klawock sits on Prince of Wales Island where an Indigenous-owned floating pier welcomes small ships to a world of authentic totem poles, old-growth rainforest, and world-class sportfishing — with no jewelry chains in sight.
You dock directly at the Klawock Indigenous Port on Klawock Island — a purpose-built eco-friendly terminal opened in 2024 and owned by Alaska Native corporations.
💡 Pro move: Port Klawock is a single-berth facility. If your ship is here, you're the only one — expect zero queues for shuttles or at attractions.
Port Klawock opened in May 2024 as an Indigenous-owned floating pier facility on Klawock Island, purpose-built for small-to-mid-sized expedition and luxury vessels.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Oceania, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas | Port Klawock floating pier, Klawock Island📍 | Docked |
| Expedition/small ships | Port Klawock floating pier, Klawock Island📍 | Docked |
From totem-pole cultural tours to halibut charters and rainforest hikes, Klawock offers authentic Alaskan experiences without the cruise-port markup — many highlights are free or DIY-friendly.
Twenty-one beautifully restored Tlingit totem poles stand on a hillside overlooking Klawock harbor — replicated from 19th-century originals from the village of Tuxekan. One of the largest authentic collections in Alaska, and free to visit.
Find Klawock cultural tours →Near the Totem Park, master Tlingit carvers work on totems and canoes in an open shed. When the doors are open, visitors are welcome to watch, ask questions, and see living cultural practice up close.
Book a guided cultural tour →Just outside of town, the Klawock River Salmon Hatchery is a top spot to watch thousands of salmon fighting upstream (best July–August). Bald eagles and black bears are frequently seen along the river banks.
Find wildlife tour operators →Prince of Wales Island is legendary for halibut and salmon. Local charter boats depart from near the port for half-day or full-day trips. Book early — 2026 season charters fill up months in advance.
Find fishing charters Klawock →Guided water tours around the sheltered islands of Klawock Harbor offer excellent chances to spot sea otters, harbor seals, humpback whales, and marine birds in the Tongass rainforest setting.
Find kayak tours Prince of Wales Island →The free shuttle reaches Craig (~7 miles), a slightly larger neighboring town with a working harbor, local cafes, and a genuine Southeast Alaska fishing-village feel — a solid complement to Klawock's cultural highlights.
Explore Craig Alaska →The bridge walk from the pier to Klawock town is easy and scenic; the Totem Park itself rewards a slow stroll.
Walk from the Port Klawock terminal across the bridge onto Prince of Wales Island and uphill to the Totem Park. Flat road with some stretches lacking sidewalks — comfortable in rain gear.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the Totem Park, walk down to the Klawock Carving Shed where Tlingit artists work on poles and canoes, then back through downtown Klawock past the small harbor.
Climate normals for Klawock, Prince of Wales Island, 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 | 41°F / 5°C | 34°F / 1°C | 22 | 8:10 AM | 3:53 PM |
| Feb | 39°F / 4°C | 31°F / -1°C | 17 | 7:15 AM | 4:58 PM |
| Mar | 43°F / 6°C | 33°F / 1°C | 20 | 7:06 AM | 6:56 PM |
| Apr | 48°F / 9°C | 37°F / 3°C | 21 | 5:46 AM | 7:58 PM |
| May | 55°F / 13°C | 44°F / 7°C | 15 | 4:41 AM | 8:57 PM |
| Jun | 58°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 18 | 4:09 AM | 9:37 PM |
| Jul | 62°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 17 | 4:31 AM | 9:24 PM |
| Aug | 62°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 18 | 5:26 AM | 8:25 PM |
| Sep | 59°F / 15°C | 49°F / 9°C | 20 | 6:25 AM | 7:07 PM |
| Oct | 51°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 | 7:24 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Nov | 44°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C | 22 | 7:28 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Dec | 39°F / 4°C | 32°F / 0°C | 21 | 8:15 AM | 3:19 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.
Complimentary shuttle runs every ~20 minutes from the Klawock Island terminal to Klawock town (Totem Park, local mall) and the neighboring town of Craig. Available to all cruise passengers throughout the day.
Klawock Totem Taxi offers local taxi and tour service on Prince of Wales Island. Useful for flexibility beyond the shuttle route or for custom pickups.
The Klawock Island terminal area and totem park are walkable. The small-town atmosphere makes on-foot exploration easy near the pier.
Car rentals may be available for exploring Prince of Wales Island's remote roads and scenery. Inquire locally — options are limited on the island.
Upcoming cruises that call at Klawock, Prince of Wales Island, 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.