Last updated on February 6th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Looking for Icy Strait Point reviews before your upcoming cruise?
Look no further! If you’re wondering if Icy Strait Point is worth visiting, I’ve got all the details on what to do and see right here.
And spoiler alert – Icy Strait Point is indeed worth visiting!
Iโll be honestโwhen we first arrived, Icy Point Strait struck me as a BS destination, a place they diverted our ship to visit after our originally-scheduled stop at Ketchikan was cancelled.
Icy Point Strait is the kind of place that looks like it pops up for the summer cruise season, then gets neatly packed away for the winter (which – as it turns out – it does). Icy Strait Point is only open when there is a ship in port.
To be fair, this port is a beautiful spot, with towering trees, mountains, and an expansive beach with clear, calm water. We only had a three-hour stop and almost didnโt even get off the boat, but it turned out to be a nice destination worth exploring.
If you are tempted to stay on the ship, donโt do it! Take Icy Strait Point for what it isโa small, rustic, scenic point designed to give you a tiny taste of the Alaskan wilderness.
Here is an honest review based on our personal experience and ideas for what to do in Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Port.
A Locally Owned Cruise Port
Located on Chichagof Island about 35 miles west of Juneau, Icy Strait Point is a small and rustic cruise port, packed with activities and some amazing views of the Alaskan wilderness. It may not be as well-known as some other Alaskan cruise ports, but it is a scenic spot with some amazing wildlife and a variety of things to do.
Icy Strait Point is the only cruise port in Alaska that is 100% privately owned and operated. It is run by the Alaska Huna Totem Corporation, and all profits directly go to support the people and town of Hoonah.
This means that the dollars you spend at Icy Strait Point support the native people who have called this region home for thousands of years!
Things to Do in Icy Strait Point Alaska
What to do in Icy Strait Point Alaska? Turns out, there are lots of options!
With over 30 shore excursions, a restored 1912 salmon cannery and museum, nature and hiking trails, a beach, and several restaurants and shops, you can easily spend a day at this pretty cruise port.
Fly down the world’s longest zipline, take a whale watching cruise, go fishing, search for Alaskan brown bears or go on a Jeep expedition through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island’s back roads.
It is recommended that you book all Icy Strait Point excursions and tours directly with your cruise line, but we have found that the prices are lower when you book on your own or wait until you arrive. However, this is risky as many excursions will sell out in advance.
Different cruises offer a number of excursions, so check with your cruise line to explore the options and prices! You can also find a list at icystraitpoint.com.
Our ship was only in port for a few hours in the evening, so many excursions were not available, which was a bit of a disappointment! But if you are at port for a good chunk of time, here are some top picks.
1. Icy Strait Point Zipline
Icy Strait Point is home to the world’s largest zipline, the ZipRider. The Icy Strait Point Zipline features six 5,330-foot ziplines dropping 1330 feet.
Take in the views on the bus ride to the top, then race to the bottom on the zip line at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, 300 feet above the forest!
The excursion begins with a narrated bus ride to the top of Hoonah Mountain. Keep a watch out for wildlife! Deer, eagles, and bears are occasionally seen.
Several overlooks offer spectacular vantage points of Hoonah, Port Frederick and Icy Strait. On clear days, you can even see Glacier Bay National Park in the distance!
2. Hoonah Cannery Museum
Icy Pointโs legacy lies in its long history as a salmon canning industry. The former fish processing center has now been transformed into a museum, shops and a restaurant.
We really enjoyed wandering around the museum on our recent visit to Icy Strait Point. The museum is completely free to enter, and offers a very interesting (and somewhat graphic!) look at how the cannery operated.
Youโll get to check out the machinery, nets, equipment, and other artifacts as informational displays on the history and culture of Hoonah, Alaska.
3. Take a Gondola Ride
We talked about the free Transporter gondola, but there are actually two different gondolas at Icy Strait Point!
One of the newest additions to Icy Strait Point is the Mountain Top Gondola. The new gondola (opened in 2022) ascends 1,600 feet up the mountain. The 54 gondola cabins each hold eight passengers, and everyone gets a window seat! They even accommodate wheelchairs.
The ride up takes approximately 45 minutes, and the views are magnificent. Once at the top you can hike around (unless closed due to bear sightings) or ride the zipline.
4. Guaranteed Whale Watching Tours
The whales are so plentiful near Icy Strait Point that they have guaranteed whale watching – meaning they guarantee you will see one! They even promise a 100% refund if a whale is not spotted on the trip.
Whale-watching cruises depart from the cruise port and travel through the bountiful waters of Icy Strait to the renowned Point Adolphus area, home to Alaskaโs largest summer population of humpback whales. Along the way, there is the possibility of spotting some of the regionโs other marine life, including orca (killer whales) and seals.
An onboard naturalist will narrate and talk about the biology and behavior of the diverse species that gather every summer to indulge in Alaska. Bring your binoculars if you have a pair!
5. Take a Nature Walk
A beautiful nature walk connects the Wilderness and Ocean Landings. Enjoy an easy forest walk and look for eagle nests above, check out native plants, and take in views of the rugged shore.
We took the Transporter one way, and then enjoyed the nature walk on the way back. It is just over a mile long and mostly flat. This is a really nice way to enjoy Alaskaโs beautiful natural setting without having to commit to a more strenuous hike.
If you do want to enjoy a more extensive Icy Strait Point hiking experience, there are 196 acres of hiking trails in the surrounding Tongass National Forest.
6. Tree Top Adventure Park & Ropes Course
Icy Strait Point offers a number of self-guided courses ranging in difficulty from very easy to challenging.
Courses include a wide variety of obstacles, from log bridges and climbing planks to a net and uneven circles. Throughout the course learn about the nature and environment with integrated quizzes and informative signs. Gloves and helmet are provided.
One cool thing to note: when you are riding the Transporter between Wilderness and Ocean Landings, you will actually go over the ropes course and be able to check it out!
7. Kayaking
Icy Strait Point has a Kayak Center and offers several kayak excursions.
Kayak through the protected waters of Port Frederick as you set off from the beach in a two-person wilderness kayak. You will paddle along the Hoonah waterfront where bald eagles are often seen. Humpback whales have also been known to feed along the very same route.
Tours are led by a safety-certified local guide. A motorized safety boat accompanies the tour but guests should be able to paddle through small waves against a moderate current.
8. Back Country Jeep & ATV Expeditions
Step into an Alaska experience as you navigate a Jeep or ATV through the unspoiled wilderness of Chichagof Island’s back roads. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and breathtaking scenery on this adventure.
Each tour lasts around two and a half hours and yes – you are able to drive your own vehicle!
Dining Options at Icy Point Strait
Icy Strait Point has a couple of eateries if you want to grab a quick bite and try amazingly fresh seafood.
The Crab House
Belly up to the Crab House for Alaskaโs best king, snow and Dungeness crab. When in season, our fresh Dungeness crab is caught in local waters and kept alive until cookedโyou really canโt get any fresher! The restaurant features seating inside as well as on the dock.
The Cookhouse Restaurant
The historic Cookhouse Restaurant has been feeding cannery visitors (and workers) for more than a century! Featuring a variety of delicious, casual fare, the Cookhouse is the perfect spot to refuel on the waterfront after taking a tour.
Popular dishes include Alaska halibut & chips, the Alaska salmon BLT, Alaska blue burgers, salmon chowder and reindeer chili and fries.
The Cookhouse Restaurant has a lovely waterfront deck with a fire pit, and a campfire out front.
Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant
Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant overlooks the beaches of Icy Strait. Their signature dish the Icy Strait Point Surf and Turf, which features house-made crab tater-tots and our Alaskan Blue Sliders, provides a rich mix of flavors which are sure to delight even the most discerning foodies.
Icy Strait Point Donuts
Okay, while not technically a restaurant, the donut stand at Icy Strait Point is worth a mention. This popular spot had a long line of people waiting to try the freshly baked, warm mini donuts. A yummy little treat while you are wandering around this Alaskan cruise port!
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at Icy Strait Point?
Designed to not interfere with the natural beauty and views of Icy Strait Point, there are two cruise ship docks at the port. They are located about a mile apart. The docks are named the Wilderness and Ocean Landings.
Depending on which one your cruise ship uses, you will either disembark right in the center of town or have to walk or take the free gondola. Both the docks and the gondolas – called the Transporter – are completely accessible.
The Transporter gondola connects the two cruise piers. This was a nice surprise and the ride was quick but very pleasant! In fact, I would recommend taking this free ride even if you don’t need it just to enjoy the views.
Icy Strait Point Cruise Port Map
To help you navigate the cruise port and its restaurants, shops and attractions, here is a map of the Icy Strait Point Alaska cruise port.
Final Thoughts: Is Icy Point Strait Worth Visiting?
If you are seeking a nature-centric Alaskan adventure during your cruise, Icy Strait is a great port of call to include on your itinerary!
However, I advise you find a cruise that has a stop at Icy Strait Point *in addition to* the Alaskan ports you want to see, not *instead of* (as happened to us when Ketchikan was replaced by Icy Point Strait just days before our cruise.)
Icy Strait Point is a lovely spot with an authentic cultural connection. But unless you spend money on port excursions, there is really not enough to do to fill a whole day.
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Linnea Derby says
We had a cruise stop at Icy Strait Point. Most of the activities were shutdown when we arrived at 5:30 pm. None of the restaurants were open. Disappointing.
admin says
Unfortunately that is the experience for many people, us included!
Anonymous says
My wife and I were also disappointed to have Icy Strait point as a replacement stop and for only 3 hours. However, it turned out to be one of our favorite stops when we discovered hundreds of Starfish on the beach. There were so many we had to be careful not to step on them.
Roberta Nelson says
The Adventure Park is closed and in major disrepair. I was just there, unless you want to spend a lot of money on tours or over priced food, this stop is a big yawn.
Jena says
Were you given the opportunity to walk around the native village of Hoonah?
Susan Thomas says
You can go there. It is about a mile and a half from the attractions.
David says
Been to Icy Strait Point and had a wonderful time. Rode the Zipline. What a ride ! Lunch at the cannery was delicious. Cannery tour was informative and watched as a couple native Alaskans worked on a totem pool. Love this port. Can’t wait to visit again next year!!
Susan Thomas says
This review is older. In May of this year (2022) they opened the Sky Glider, another gondola system similar to the free ride from Wilderness Landing to the Cannery area.it takes you from another station in Wilderness Landing up to the summit of the mountain. It is extremely steep in areas! Such cool views, especially seeing your cruise ship from above. Itโs great.
Alicia says
Iโm on a cruise ship and we left just 2 days ago. I was so pleased with whales and the food. The food was delicious. I did not do the zip lining. I chose to walk around on the beach. Iโm now heading back to San Francisco. Itโs been a wonderful 10 day cruise. (Carnival Miracle)
admin says
That is so great to hear! Enjoy the rest of your cruise! ๐
Anonymous says
Thank you for your wonderful review of Icy Strait Point and the map of the area.
admin says
So glad you found it helpful!
Sarah says
We will be in Icy Strait Point on a cruise in a few weeks. Do we need to book excursions from our cruise line or would you advise walking around and deciding while we’re there? We will be 2 adults, 3 kids (13, 11 and 7). Thanks
admin says
You can do either, but since Icy Strait Point is a very small port, I would recommend booking in advance with your cruise line if there is something you realllly want to do, because some excursions will sell out! But if you just want to wing it there is plenty to see once you’re there even without an excursion. Have fun! ๐
Jeanette says
Im going on a cruise in september, that has icy straight point as one of the destinations. Ive booked the ziprider and the whale and wildlife cruise. Im wondering if we are able to walk to the nearby Chichagof Island or are we not able to? how far is this chichagof island from the port. Im not sure if during mid september we will see bears or any wildlife on ground, this of course if ideal. Id like to hike and wonder around on our own and not with an excursion, it makes the trip just more personable and more enjoyable for us. Any help is great. thanks!