Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Guide: Whales, Bears & Best Excursions

There are some cruise ports you visit for a few hours and barely remember later. Then there are places like Icy Strait Point, where the scenery stays with you long after the cruise is over.

Tucked along Alaska’s rugged Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point feels very different from many other cruise ports. It’s quieter. More personal. More connected to the place itself. And that’s because this isn’t just a tourist destination built for cruise ships. It’s owned and operated by the local Native Alaskan Hoonah Totem Corporation, with tourism helping support the nearby community of Hoonah, one of the largest Tlingit communities in Alaska.

That connection to local culture is part of what makes this port feel so special.

A Cruise Port With Real History

Long before cruise ships arrived, this area was home to the historic Hoonah Packing Company cannery. Back in the early 1900s, the cannery was one of the economic lifelines of the region, processing salmon pulled from the rich Alaskan waters surrounding Chichagof Island.

Today, many of the original buildings still remain, beautifully restored into museums, shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. Walking through the old cannery area genuinely feels like stepping into Alaska’s past. You can still see original equipment, historic displays, and reminders of the generations who worked here.

Unlike some cruise destinations that can feel overly commercialized, Icy Strait Point still feels rooted in the community around it. Many of the shops are locally owned, and excursions often include local guides sharing stories about life in Southeast Alaska.The nearby town of Hoonah is only about a five-minute drive away, or around a 30-minute walk if you enjoy stretching your legs. Honestly, even the walk itself is beautiful.

The views along the shoreline are incredible, and wildlife sightings are surprisingly common. On one visit, we watched humpback whales bubble-net feeding right from shore while walking toward town.

In Alaska, moments like that somehow start to feel normal.

Incredible things to do

Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point

If there’s one excursion people should seriously consider booking here, it’s whale watching.The waters near Point Adolphus are some of the richest feeding grounds for humpback whales in Alaska, and this area has developed a reputation for having some of the most reliable whale sightings anywhere in the state.

And when people say reliable, they really mean it. Some local operators proudly note they’ve had whale sightings on every tour since 2004.

From the moment the boat leaves the harbor, you’re already in prime wildlife territory. Depending on the day, you may see:

One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels.

Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.

Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.

And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.

If you’re doing a wildlife excursion here, definitely bring binoculars! Alaska wildlife often appears at a distance first, and good binoculars make a huge difference.

Even if you’ve been whale watching before, Alaska feels different. The scenery alone is breathtaking, with dense forest, misty mountains, and calm water surrounding you in every direction.

One important tip: book whale watching early if it’s something you want to do. These excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak Alaska season.

The ZipRider: Not for the Faint of Heart

For travelers wanting something more adventurous, the ZipRider has become one of Icy Strait Point’s biggest attractions. And honestly, just looking at it from below is enough to make some people rethink their life choices.

Stretching more than 5,300 feet with a vertical drop of over 1,300 feet, it’s one of the largest zip rides in North America. Riders soar high above the forest canopy with sweeping views over the ocean below.E

ven people who normally avoid thrill rides sometimes end up loving this one because the scenery is just so spectacular.

Bear Watching in the Wild

One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels. And a bear watching excursion is the safest way to see bears in the wild.

Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.

Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.

And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.

And, remember your binoculars!

Fishing Excurions

Fishing in Icy Strait Point is as authentic as it gets—these waters are rich with salmon, halibut, and rockfish, drawing both locals and visitors into one of Alaska’s most time-honored traditions.

Halibut can be caught all season year long. Silver salmon (soho), pink (humpy) and keta (chum) may be caught beginning the first of July through September.  

Stream fishing excursions are also available.

If you are stream fishing, Icy Strait Point participates in a catch-and-release only program. If you are halibut fishing, you may keep the fish. You will have to pay to have your fish processed and shipped home to you, as you will not be allowed to take the fish back on your cruise ship.

One of the Best Food Stops on an Alaska Cruise

Incredible Restaurants

If you get hungry while onshore and want some fresh seafood....you are in luck! There are several places to get food, both at the port and in Hoonah.

Ever had halibut pizza? Stop in at Duck Point Smokehouse (steps away from the cruise ship dock and Zipline ride) and let me know what you think! You can also try their signature dish, the Icy Strait Point Surf and Turf, which features house-made crab tater-tots.  

The Crab House on the pier has fresh king, snow and Dungeness crab. When in season, the Dungeness crab is caught in local waters and kept alive until cooked...you really can’t get any fresher than that! Their Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary should not be missed! It's packed with crab meat and garnished with a snow crab leg and also comes with celery, shrimp, olives, lime and beach asparagus. YUM!

The historic Cookhouse Restaurant has been feeding cannery visitors (and workers) for more than a century! Be sure to try their Alaska halibut fish & chips. The fish is purchased fresh from the local dock. Another great option are the Alaska Salmon BLT Sliders, featuring Alaska sockeye salmon cakes.

Not a fan of seafood? Try the Alaska Blue Burgers....made with reindeer meat! Other favorites include salmon chowder, reindeer chili and fries.

Local Brewery

Alaska is known for its standout craft beer scene, and Hoonah holds its own. Icy Strait Brewing Company tucked inside Misty Bay Lodge at the corner of Front and Hill Street, is the perfect stop to sample locally brewed beers. They are known for their award winning Cannery Red Ale. Pair a tasting with smoked Alaskan specialties, and if you’re hungry, their full food menu makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

Crab Feast

You can also experience an authentic local crab feast with freshly caught shellfish that you’ll first see in the fishing boat. You will learn about crabbing and choose your crab. Your local hosts will then take you and a small group on a tour of Hoonah and Icy Strait Village with totem carving and foraging forest visits. The grand finale is a hand-cooked crab feast at a coastal home with ocean views.Enjoy a local Alaskan crab feast at a scenic Hoonah beach houseLearn about crab fishing, foraging, and what it’s like to live in a remote areaSee Tlingit locals carve a totem pole from logsExperience a more personal tour with a small group and local guideBook your Alaska crab feast here - Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast

Rainforest Trails & Slower Moments

Not every Alaska excursion needs to involve adrenaline or boats. Some of my favorite moments in Icy Strait Point have simply been walking.

The area is surrounded by temperate rainforest filled with towering spruce and hemlock trees, moss-covered forest floors, shoreline trails, and quiet beaches. There are several easy walking paths near the port where you can simply wander at your own pace.

And honestly, Alaska rewards slowing down. Sometimes the best wildlife sightings happen when you least expect them.

The Cannery Experience

Walking through the old cannery feels like stepping back in time. Inside, you’ll find original equipment, interpretive displays, and demonstrations that highlight the importance of salmon to both the economy and Tlingit culture.

Beyond history, the space now hosts locally owned shops and eateries, ensuring that what you buy and experience directly benefits the community—a rarity in cruise tourism.

Why Icy Strait Point Feels Different

What makes Icy Strait Point stand out isn’t just the scenery, though the scenery is incredible. It’s the feeling that this place still belongs to the people who live there.

Tourism here supports the local community. The history feels preserved rather than recreated. And many of the experiences are rooted in real culture, not just performances designed for visitors.

That authenticity is rare.You can absolutely come here for whale watching, ziplining, crab feasts, and wildlife. But I think what many people remember most is simply how Alaska feels here.

Quiet, wild, welcoming, and deeply connected to the land around it.

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