Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska Cruise Port Guide & Information - Maps, Transportation, Attractions, & More
Icy Strait Point, Alaska is one of the most unique Alaska cruise ports on an Inside Passage cruise itinerary. Located near the small community of Hoonah, this privately developed cruise destination combines authentic Alaska Native culture, wildlife viewing, outdoor adventure, and scenic coastal views. Whether you are planning independent sightseeing or booking Alaska shore excursions, this Icy Strait Point cruise port guide covers everything you need to know before your ship arrives.
About Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is not a traditional urban cruise port. It is a privately operated cruise destination built around a historic salmon cannery that was once one of the largest in Alaska. After the cannery closed, the property was redeveloped by Alaska Native shareholders, primarily from the local Tlingit community. Today, the port is owned and operated by Alaska Natives, and it was designed to create sustainable tourism while supporting the nearby town of Hoonah.
The original cannery buildings have been restored and now house shops, restaurants, museums, and excursion check in areas. Interpretive displays share the history of commercial fishing in Southeast Alaska and the cultural heritage of the Tlingit people. This makes Icy Strait Point one of the few Alaska cruise ports where tourism revenue directly benefits the local Native community.
The closest town is Hoonah, located about one and a half miles from the cruise port. Hoonah is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska and offers visitors a chance to explore a genuine working community during their shore visit.
Download the full PDF Map of Icy Strait Point
Where is the Cruise Port Located in Icy Strait Point?
Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, along the scenic waters of the Inside Passage. It sits about 30 miles west of Juneau and is only accessible by boat or plane.
Cruise ships dock directly at the purpose built piers at Icy Strait Point, allowing passengers to step off the ship and walk straight into the restored cannery complex. Because this is a dedicated cruise port, everything from shore excursions to shopping and dining is concentrated within the developed waterfront area.
Unlike larger Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau or Ketchikan, there is no large downtown surrounding the docks. Instead, the cruise port itself is the main destination, with Hoonah located a short distance away.
Getting Around in Icy Strait Point
One of the advantages of visiting Icy Strait Point on an Alaska cruise is how compact and easy it is to navigate. The port was intentionally designed as a private cruise destination, so most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of the ship.
A complimentary or low cost shuttle typically runs between the cruise port and Hoonah throughout the day. The ride takes only a few minutes. Once in Hoonah, visitors can explore on foot. The town is small and walkable, with local businesses, scenic waterfront views, and a few cultural landmarks.
Taxis may be available during the cruise season, and many organized Alaska shore excursions include transportation. If you are booking wildlife tours, whale watching, or adventure excursions, transportation is provided from within the cruise center.
Icy Strait Point ZipRider and Sky Peak Gondola
© Icy Strait Point
Perhaps the most thrilling attraction at Icy Strait Point is the ZipRider, marketed as the world’s largest zipline of its kind. Riders travel from a mountain platform down toward the beach at high speeds while taking in sweeping views of forest, mountains, and ocean. This adrenaline-focused Alaska shore excursion is a major draw for cruise passengers looking for adventure in Icy Strait Point.
The Sky Peak Gondola provides a scenic alternative. The gondola lifts visitors up the mountainside for panoramic views of the Inside Passage and surrounding islands. At the top, you can enjoy walking trails, viewing platforms, and photo opportunities overlooking the cruise ships below as well as the many glaciers surrounding Chichagof Island. For many travelers, pairing the gondola with other Icy Strait Point excursions creates a full and active port day.
Bear and Wildlife Encounters
Icy Strait Point is well known for bear viewing and wildlife tours. The surrounding forests and shoreline are prime habitat for coastal brown bears, black bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black tailed deer.
Guided wildlife and bear search excursions take guests into remote areas by vehicle or boat, depending on the tour. Naturalist guides provide commentary about the local ecosystem and help spot wildlife in its natural environment. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, Icy Strait Point has built a strong reputation as one of the better Alaska cruise ports for bear viewing opportunities.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is another top activity in Icy Strait Point. The nutrient rich waters of the Inside Passage attract humpback whales during the Alaska cruise season, typically from late spring through early fall.
Small group whale watching tours depart from the dock area and head into nearby channels in search of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and porpoises. Many operators use smaller boats, which allow for a more personal experience compared to larger tour vessels in busier ports. For cruise passengers prioritizing marine wildlife, Icy Strait Point whale watching tours are often a highlight of the itinerary.
Exploring Hoonah
© Visit Hoonah
A visit to Hoonah offers a different perspective than the purpose built cruise port. As the largest Tlingit community in Alaska, Hoonah has deep cultural roots and a strong connection to fishing and its related industries.
Visitors can walk along the waterfront, browse small local shops, and visit community landmarks. The pace is slower than at major cruise ports, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience everyday life in rural Southeast Alaska. Exploring Hoonah during your Icy Strait Point port day adds cultural depth to your Alaska cruise experience.
Shopping in Icy Strait Point
Shopping at Icy Strait Point is centered inside the restored cannery buildings, where a large shopping plaza offers a wide variety of Alaska souvenirs and gifts. Visitors can browse handcrafted art, apparel, keepsakes, and locally inspired products.
Some items are made right in Hoonah by local artists who carve, bead, and paint traditional Alaska Native art. Other products come from across Alaska. Specialty shops throughout the port also focus on Native art, outdoor gear, and expedition themed merchandise. Because the port is compact, it is easy to explore multiple shops without straying far from the cruise dock.
Food and Dining in Icy Strait Point and Hoonah
Icy Strait Point offers several dining options within the cruise port area, including casual seafood spots, quick service counters, and sit down restaurants. Many menus highlight Alaska seafood such as salmon, halibut, and crab. Dining areas are conveniently located near the docks, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your shore excursion.
If you take the shuttle into Hoonah, a popular local and crew favorite is The Fisherman's Daughter. This welcoming restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you can enjoy berry waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and hearty favorites like biscuits and gravy. At lunch and dinner, the set menu includes pub classics, local seafood specialties like salmon tacos or a rockfish sandwich, as well as burgers and wraps. They also offer rotating specials and late night bites, making it a tasty local option during your visit to Hoonah.
Things to Do in Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point offers a focused mix of wildlife tours, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences for Alaska cruise passengers. The ZipRider is one of the most popular attractions, sending riders from the mountaintop down toward the beach with wide views of the Inside Passage. The Sky Peak Gondola provides a scenic ride to the summit, where visitors can enjoy viewing platforms and short walking trails.
Whale watching tours depart steps from the cruise dock and search for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and porpoises in the surrounding waters. Bear and wildlife search excursions travel into remote areas to look for coastal brown bears, black bears, and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
ATV tours explore forest trails outside the port, while guided visits to Hoonah highlight Tlingit culture, local history, and community life. Whether you want adventure, wildlife, or cultural insight, Icy Strait Point offers shore excursions for every Alaska cruise itinerary.
Click here to view shore excursions available in Icy Strait Point.
Whale Watching Adventure
This 3 hour whale watching tour departs just steps from the Icy Strait Point cruise dock and searches for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. The nutrient rich waters around Chichagof Island offer some of the best whale watching opportunities in Southeast Alaska.
ZipRider Experience
The ZipRider is one of the largest ziplines in the world, sending riders from the mountaintop down toward the beach at speeds up to 60 mph. Located a short walk from the port, this high speed ride combines Alaska adventure with sweeping views of forest, mountains, and ocean.
ATV Adventure
This guided ATV tour takes you beyond the cruise port into the rugged backcountry surrounding Icy Strait Point. Ride through forest trails and varied terrain while taking in scenic views and the chance to spot local wildlife.
Hoonah Sightseeing & Cultural Tour
Discover the town of Hoonah on a guided cultural tour that highlights Tlingit history, local traditions, and everyday life in Alaska’s largest Tlingit village. Visits may include artisan shops, storytelling, and scenic stops around the waterfront community.
Bear Search Expedition
Travel into remote areas near Icy Strait Point in search of coastal brown bears and other native wildlife. Led by experienced guides, this 3 hour excursion focuses on spotting bears in their natural habitat while learning about the local ecosystem.
Conclusion
Icy Strait Point, Alaska offers a different kind of Alaska cruise port experience. Built around a historic cannery and owned by Alaska Natives, it blends cultural heritage with wildlife viewing, whale watching, zipline adventure, and scenic beauty.
With its compact layout, easy access to Hoonah, and a wide range of Alaska shore excursions, Icy Strait Point is both convenient and authentic. Whether you are soaring on the ZipRider, searching for bears, heading out on a whale watching tour, or simply enjoying fresh Alaska seafood, this Inside Passage cruise port delivers a memorable and well rounded port day.
