Icy Strait Point, AK Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Icy Strait Point, a unique Alaskan cruise port offering an authentic wilderness experience steeped in rich Native Tlingit culture.
Major cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises regularly dock at this privately owned destination on Chichagof Island.
Visitors flock here to enjoy pristine natural landscapes, world-class wildlife viewing, and thrill-seeking excursions in a remarkably unspoiled setting.
In This Guide
- Key Icy Strait Point Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Icy Strait Point Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Icy Strait Point Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in AK
- Monthly Pricing
Key Icy Strait Point Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
Adrenaline seekers should not miss the ZipRider, one of the longest zip lines in the world that drops passengers 1,300 feet over a mile-long cable.
Nature enthusiasts can book a boat tour to Point Adolphus, famous for having one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in Alaska.
History lovers can explore the restored 1912 Icy Strait Point Cannery Museum to learn about local salmon fishing history and Native Tlingit heritage.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
The traditional Native Tlingit village of Hoonah is located just 1.5 miles away and offers a glimpse into authentic local life, reachable via a scenic 30-minute walk or short shuttle ride.
Guided trips to the Spasski River Valley provide incredible opportunities for brown bear viewing, located about a 30-minute drive from the dock area.
Water excursions also venture toward the entrance of Glacier Bay National Park, renowned for breathtaking coastal scenery and marine wildlife.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Port Location
Ships dock at either the Adventure Dock or the Wilderness Dock, both located right along the shoreline near the main attraction complex.
The two docks are connected by the high-speed Transporter gondola, making movement between port facilities effortless.
The port area is fully developed with restaurants, authentic shops, and tour departure points right at the pier, eliminating the need to travel far for dining or activities.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Local Currency
The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).
Credit cards are widely accepted at all official port venues, restaurants, and retail shops.
ATMs are available within the main cannery complex, though exchanging foreign currency on site is limited, so bringing US cash is recommended for small tips or purchases in town.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Safety Considerations
Icy Strait Point is an exceptionally safe, private destination designed specifically for cruise visitors.
Because Chichagof Island has one of the highest populations of brown bears per square mile, passengers venturing beyond paved areas should stay on designated trails or join guided excursions.
Independent exploration within the port complex and along the paved coastal walking path is very safe and accessible for all fitness levels.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Weather & Climate
During the Alaska cruise season from May through September, temperatures typically range from 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C).
The region sits within a temperate rainforest, meaning rain showers and cool coastal breezes are common throughout the summer months.
Passengers should pack waterproof rain gear, sturdy walking shoes, and warm clothing layers to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Getting Around
Getting around the port area is easy using the complimentary Transporter gondola line connecting the two docking piers.
Travelers wanting to visit the town can take a shuttle or enjoy a leisurely walk along a paved waterfront trail.
To explore deeper into the wilderness, passengers can board Bear Viewing Excursions or hop on Whale Watching Boat Tours departing directly from the excursion hubs at the port.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Shopping
Shopping is concentrated in the restored 1912 cannery building, which houses several local retail shops and boutiques.
Popular items include authentic Native Tlingit carvings, Silver Hand certified Native artwork, local salmon products, and Alaskan berry preserves.
Prices are fixed across all stores, and duty-free shopping is not available at this port.
Last updated on October 26, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of Whales
Board a 14-passenger vessel for a tour in Icy Strait where humpback whale sightings are guaranteed on every trip. Your personal guide, Captain Josh, uses his energy and creative ways to show you wildlife like sea lions, otters, and orcas. This is the one truly drone-integrated whale watching tour, providing unique views and videos of wildlife that you get to take home.
Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour
Enjoy a unique experience on a whale watching boat specifically designed for a maximum of 13 guests, ensuring plenty of room for everyone. Your experienced, local captain shares deep knowledge of the area’s wildlife and lots of good stories. With a tour length that allows plenty of time to relax, this company has been sharing the beauty of the area with guests for over 25 years.
Hoonah Whale Tours in Icy Strait
Join a family-owned company for a small-group tour of up to 14 passengers in the wildlife-rich waters of Icy Strait. During the 3 to 3.5-hour trip, you will have the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and more, with a guaranteed whale sighting or your money back. Travel in comfort on a catamaran with a walk-around deck, heated cabin, and an onboard restroom, with snacks and beverages provided.
Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise - Near Icy Strait Point
Join a 3-hour, small-group whale watching and wildlife sightseeing tour from Hoonah. Travel in a custom-built vessel with a heated cabin and restroom for your comfort. From May through September, humpback whales arrive in large numbers to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait.
"Catch of the day" Whale-watching, Icy strait point, Hoonah
Enjoy a more personalized whale watching experience that specializes in small groups of just 6 to 16 passengers. This focus on fewer guests allows for a more intimate and less crowded tour. For your convenience, pickup and drop-off are provided from just outside the cruise ship facility.
Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure
Take a 3-hour, small-group tour where every seat is a window seat for a maximum of 24 guests. This tour guarantees whale sightings in the world-renowned waters of Icy Strait and Point Adolphus, home to humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions. The specially designed boat protects you from the elements while providing an up-close feel, and a worry-free return to your ship is guaranteed.
Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Embark on a premier whale watching tour at Icy Strait for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. This tour will not just offer whales but also the possibility of seeing other wildlife. Keep an eye out for bears, deer, and a variety of coastal ducks and geese.
Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search
Explore Chichagof Island on a 3-hour, small-group, land-based tour into the vast Alaskan wilderness. The vast majority of the island is pure, uninhabited wilderness teeming with wildlife. Chichagof Island is known for having the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth.
Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!
Embark on a memorable four-hour shore tour ashore to search for bears near Hoonah. This excursion offers you the chance to see brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer, and other wildlife up close. Experience the natural, picturesque beauty of the last frontier in its natural setting.
Visiting Icy Strait Point Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Icy Strait Point Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
No ships scheduled in port today.
Other Cruise Ports in AK
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Icy Strait Point
On average cruises that visit Icy Strait Point are moderately expensive compared to other itineraries. Sailings visiting Icy Strait Point during the the peak season of summer are significantly more expensive than the the low season of fall. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Icy Strait Point.