Category: Icy Strait (Alaska)

WHALES, WILDLIFE, AND BEAR SEARCH

This approximately five-hour excursion combines a whale-watching cruise with a guided visit to the Spasski River Valley, known for its high density of coastal brown bears. Afterwards, you’ll make your way to bear-viewing platforms in a forest to try and spot some of these fascinating creatures.

Excursion Details

On this excursion of around five hours you’ll explore the wildlife-rich waters of Icy Strait and attempt to catch a glimpse of the area’s coastal brown bears further inland. To begin, there’s around 15 minutes to assemble at the dock before departing on a whale-watching cruise, lasting around two hours. The nutrient-rich waters here are known to attract humpback whales, who travel here to feed. This means that whale viewings are common, although please note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Your whale-watching vessel offers indoor seating if you want to stay warm, while those who want to view as much scenery as possible can head to outdoor viewing decks.

After returning to shore, disembarkation takes about 15 minutes, followed by a short transfer to your vehicle, although transfer times can vary and may take up to 30 minutes. It’s a narrated drive of 45 minutes or so through the Tlingit community of Hoonah and into the Spasski River Valley, a remote interior area recognised for its high concentration of coastal brown bears.

A guide will then escort you on a walk of around 730 metres, following forest trails and passing wetland terrain to reach viewing platforms above the Spasski River. Here, you’ll learn about coastal brown bear behaviour and habitat and the reasons that this area provides ideal feeding conditions. This means you’ll have a good chance of spotting a bear, but again, please note that sightings can’t be guaranteed. The guided walk and time on the viewing platforms lasts about 50 minutes in total.

The excursion concludes with a roughly 45-minute return drive to Icy Strait Point, followed by a short time to disembark the vehicle before rejoining your ship.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests wear layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring a rain jacket. Weather conditions can change rapidly in Southeast Alaska. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed.

Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. Food is not permitted on this tour. Guests must be able to walk approximately 800 yards on uneven terrain, boardwalks, and gravel, during the bear search portion of this tour

WHALE WATCHING and SEAFOOD FEAST

Catch a boat to an acclaimed whale-watching spot off Point Adolphus during an excursion of about three and a half hours. You’ll also enjoy a seafood meal on dry land, accompanied by views of the Alaskan scenery.

Excursion Details

Located at the northernmost tip of Chichagof Island in Alaska, Point Adolphus is not only a place of natural beauty, but also a renowned feeding ground for humpback whales. Lasting around three and a half hours, this excursion takes you out onto the water for a closer look at these gentle giants of the sea, as well as other marine creatures.

It takes about 15 minutes to board your whale-watching boat at the dock next to the ship, before embarking on a ride of approximately 45 minutes to various ocean locations, based on where the whales are feeding.

The nutrient-dense waters off Point Adolphus have everything humpback whales need, and you’ll have approximately 70 minutes on the boat to watch these magnificent mammals. Also keep a lookout for sea lions, seals, porpoises and other marine wildlife.

It then takes about 30 minutes to sail back to the dock and stroll to a tent for the seafood feast. You’ll have around 50 minutes to enjoy some delicious Alaskan cuisine while looking out over Port Frederick. After you’ve eaten, relax at the fire pit and toast some marshmallows before returning to the ship, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: This tour has a set menu, and dietary needs cannot be accommodated. Guests with seafood allergies should not participate in this tour. This tour can accommodate mobility devices with a minimum ground clearance of 3.5 inches and not exceeding 48 inches in length, 32 inches in width, and a combined weight of 600 lbs. Guests with mobility devices/requests need to let the Shore Excursion desk once onboard know as there is limited seating for accessible guests.There is a ramp to take guests from the pier to board the boat. The restrooms on the vessel are ADA accessible; however, they may not be ADA compliant due to their smaller size.

The upper deck of the vessel is not accessible. A section of the pathway to the Seafood Feast is on gravel and boardwalk. There is an accessible restroom at the Seafood Feast. Please note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed

WHALE and MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE

This approximately two-and-a-half-hour adventure is a chance to travel the waters around Point Adolphus in search of humpback whales and potentially other marine life, too. As you sail, you’ll learn about these incredible creatures from an onboard wildlife expert.
Excursion Details

Seeing whales in the wild and witnessing them simply enjoy their natural habitat is an invaluable experience, and never more so than when it happens in a setting as unique as Alaska. This whale-watching trip of around two and a half hours begins with 15 minutes or so to board your vessel at a dock near the ship. You’ll then sail for about 45 minutes to Point Adolphus or nearby spots, depending on where whale activity is taking place.

Point Adolphus and the surrounding areas around Icy Strait are known for attracting humpback whales, whose seasonal migrations are drawn by the waters and underwater channels of the region. Sailing in these waters with a knowledgeable crew presents an opportunity to observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife.

Humpback whales are usually black or grey and can reach lengths of about 15 metres, and their exceptionally long flippers are one of their most distinctive traits. These whales often feed in groups and are well known for their haunting “song”. You’ll be able to pick up other valuable information and learnings about humpbacks from a naturalist – an expert in the natural world – who will be sailing with you throughout the trip.

Important Information: Due to the Whale and Marine Mammals Protection Act, boats may only stay with a group of whales for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time, and not approach whales within 100 yards.

This tour can accommodate mobility devices with minimum ground clearance of 3.5 inches, and not exceeding 48 inches in length, 32 inches in width, and a combined weight of 600 lbs. Guests with mobility devices/requests need to let the Shore Excursion desk once onboard know as there is limited seating for accessible guests. There is a ramp to take guests from the pier to the boat. The restrooms onboard the vessel are ADA accessible, however, they may not be ADA compliant due to the smaller size. The upper deck of the vessel is not accessible. Please inform the Shore Excursions Desk in advance if you utilize a mobility device

SPASSKI RIVER VALLEY WILDLIFE AND BEAR SEARCH

On this approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion, you’ll venture deep into the wilderness of Chichagof Island to search for coastal brown bears. A guided walk along forest paths offers the chance to learn more about local flora and fauna as you look out for bears and any other wildlife that might be present.

Excursion Details

Your adventure through Alaska, lasting around two and a half hours, starts with a brief walk to your vehicle, followed by a roughly 45-minute narrated drive through the Tlingit community of Hoonah. Your destination is the remote Spasski River Valley, a prime area for spotting coastal brown bears, since Chichagof Island boasts one of the highest concentrations of these animals in the world. The region is also home to an array of other wildlife, both in the skies and on the ground.

Your bear-spotting quest begins with a guided walk of around one hour, leading you along forest paths and boardwalks to three viewing platforms beside the Spasski River. From these spots, patient observation can result in viewings of bears roaming through the woodland or even fishing for salmon in the water – but please note that sightings of bears and any other wildlife can never be guaranteed.

Whether you spot a bear or simply witness signs of their presence, this journey provides a rare opportunity to follow the paths of these wonderful animals and have a closer look at their world. The excursion then concludes with a drive of about 35 minutes back to Icy Strait Point.

Important Information: Guests must be able to walk on uneven terrain without assistance for approximately 0.5 miles. No food is permitted on this tour. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests dress in layers. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

HOONAH SIGHTSEEING & TRIBAL CONNECTIONS

Discover the coastal city of Hoonah, home to the Huna Tlingit, the Indigenous people of southeast Alaska, on an approximately 90-minute excursion that includes a sightseeing drive. You’ll visit the Heritage Center Native Theater, where performers share their history through song and storytelling.

Excursion Details

Lasting around 90 minutes, this cultural exploration of Hoonah, a coastal Tlingit community on Chichagof Island’s northeastern side, begins with a short walk to your vehicle. This is followed by a roughly 50-minute panoramic drive, including photo stops. On the journey, your guide will explain how the local Huna Tlingit used to live near what is now called Glacier Bay, but were forced to relocate south by advancing glaciers more than 200 years ago.

You’ll also learn about the feats of local fishermen and the community’s resilience after a devastating fire in 1944 destroyed much of the town, which was rebuilt with federal assistance.

After the sightseeing drive you’ll return to Icy Strait Point, meeting at the Heritage Center Native Theater, where you’ll experience a Cultural Performance presented by Huna Tlingit members. Through live storytelling, narration, and traditional regalia, the community brings ancestral legends to life, an authentic and immersive expression of their living heritage. You’ll have around 30 minutes to watch the show, including the opportunity to meet performers and take photos afterwards. Following this, the excursion concludes. Guest can return walking to the ship at their leisure.

Important Information: Tour order may vary. Guests may be required to walk on uneven terrain and gravel. Guests will be getting on and off the bus at several stops throughout this tour. No photos or videos during the Tribal Performance

MOUNTAINTOP FOREST EXCURSION

This roughly two-hour adventure combines a cable car ascent to a mountain summit and a guided safari driving tour through forest landscapes. You’ll enjoy memorable views and learn about the region’s ecology and Tlingit heritage before a return ride on the cable car.

Excursion Details

On this approximately two-hour mountaintop excursion, you’ll begin with a quick check-in at the Icy Strait Point base before boarding the Sky Peak Gondola, an aerial cable car that carries you more than 488 metres to the summit in a short time. Soak up far-reaching panoramic views as you glide to the top.

Upon reaching the summit, a brief walk leads to an open-air safari bus for an approximately hour-long, 10-kilometre roundtrip drive through thick forest. The route winds past Sitka spruce, colourful wildflowers and a tranquil mountain lake. Along the way, your guide will bring the landscape to life, explaining the ecological importance of the forest and the enduring relationship that the Indigenous Tlingit people have with this land.

Bring your camera to capture memorable views of Spasski River Valley, the snow-capped mountains around Port Frederick and Hoonah below. After the drive through the wilderness the excursion ends and, you are free to explore the mountain top and descend at your leisure.

Important Information: It is recommended that guests dress in layers

WORLD’S LARGEST ZIPRIDER

Travel up and down an Alaskan mountain using two very different forms of transport – gondola and zip-line – in this exciting excursion, lasting around 90 minutes. To kick things off, a gondola will whisk you up 488 metres, letting you soak up sky-high views before descending on the world’s longest ZipRider.
Excursion Details

Enjoy high-altitude vistas and high-speed thrills during this excursion of approximately 90 minutes, taking place amongst the Alaskan wilderness. Begin by checking in at the departure point over 20 minutes or so, during which you’ll sign a waiver and be weighed in advance of your zip-line adventure later on.

Then climb aboard the Sky Peak Gondola and travel up Hoonah Mountain the simple way, enjoying the smooth, approximately 20-minute ride and the views as you ascend to around 488 metres above sea level. The gondola drops you at the top of the mountain, where you’ll be able to take in more far-reaching views as you set off on a walk of 20 minutes or so. Your destination is a staging area, where you’ll prepare for your journey on the world’s longest ZipRider, measuring about 1.6 kilometres.

Over 15 minutes or so you’ll be given a safety briefing before another approximately 15 minutes is allocated for fitting your harness, launching and the ride itself, which usually lasts between one minute and 90 seconds. As you zoom down towards ground level, you’ll pass over thick, green Alaskan forest and will be able to gaze out across the ocean, making it easy to appreciate the fact you’ll be about 402 metres in the air at the highest point. The ZipRider can also reach speeds of up to 104 kilometres-per-hour, making for a memorable experience. After the zipline, the tour concludes and guest can return to the ship at their leisure, the landing area is walking distance back to the ship.

Important Information: The minimum weight to participate is 75 lbs., maximum weight is 275 lbs. This tour is not available for guests with back or neck injuries, or pregnant women. The walk from the Sky Peak Gondola to the ZipRider is approximately ¼ mile downhill on gravel. Guests must have the ability to hold onto the ride straps and hold their legs out straight when launching and landing.

Lockers are available for guests to store their belongings. Cameras must be tethered. It is recommended that guests dress in layers and bring cash for any additional purchases. Open-toe shoes are not permitted

UTV EXPEDITION

Drive a sturdy utility task vehicle (UTV) through the Alaskan wilderness on this excursion of around two and a half hours. You’ll be navigating the varied landscapes of Chichagof Island, with plenty of nature to see and photo stops to capture the experience.

Excursion Details

This approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion puts you in the driving seat for a unique off-road journey. Before the action begins, however, you’ll board your transfer bus and sit back to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of around 30 minutes through Hoonah. The city is home to Alaska’s largest Tlingit community, who settled in the area during the mid-18th century after relocating south to avoid advancing glaciers, in the region now known as Glacier Bay.

The sightseeing tour ends at the pickup point for your two-person UTV, where you’ll spend 15 minutes or so receiving a safety orientation talk and signing a waiver. You’ll then climb aboard the vehicle and set off on your self-drive trip, lasting approximately 75 minutes.

To help keep you on track you’ll follow a guide on their own vehicle, meaning you can simply enjoy the journey. Your rugged UTV is equipped to deal with the different kinds of terrain you’ll be encountering, both on- and off-road. Soak up mountains, valleys, views over the Gulf of Alaska and other impressive natural sights. There’ll be photo stops at various lookout points along the way, allowing you to snap pictures of the dramatic Alaskan scenery.

Your drive ends back at the UTV pickup point, where you’ll return your trusty vehicle before the transfer back to Icy Strait Point, lasting about 30 minutes.

Important Information: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Each UTV fits 2 guests. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate, and at least 16 years old to drive the UTV with a valid driver’s license. It is recommended that guests wear warm clothes. This tour is not available for guests who have back or neck injuries or are pregnant

BACK COUNTRY JEEP ADVENTURE

Take the wheel on this approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion as you drive a Jeep on Chichagof Island’s remote roads and pass through varied Alaskan landscapes. During the trip you’ll be able to hear more about the area via a one-way radio in your vehicle.

Excursion Details

This excursion of around two and a half hours puts you in the driver’s seat of a Jeep as you explore Chichagof Island, beginning with an approximately 20-minute orientation and safety briefing to get you prepared.

You’ll be navigating a Jeep into the Alaskan wilderness while following your guide, who will communicate with you via one-way radio and provide stories and local insights throughout the journey. At one of several stops, you’ll also have the chance to switch drivers.

Created by timber harvesting that began decades ago, many miles of roads now wind through the dense forest of this region, offering access to a rarely seen side of the island long after the logging ended.

Your journey begins with a roughly 15-minute drive through the Tlingit community of Hoonah, followed by approximately 35 minutes spent heading south to a viewing spot at Burnt Point, which overlooks the picturesque inlet of Port Frederick.

From there, it’s a drive of about 35 minutes through nature-rich areas where you may spot some local wildlife, although please note that sightings can’t be guaranteed. The return drive back to Icy Strait Point then lasts 45 minutes or so.

Important Information: Drivers must be at least 25 years old and are required to show a valid driver’s license. All drivers will be required to sign a liability/insurance waiver. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each jeep seats a maximum of four guests.

If your party is smaller than 4, you may be required to share the vehicle with other guests. If you wish to have your own jeep, you will be required to pay for its full capacity of 4 guests. Please inquire with the shore excursions desk onboard should this be the case so that the remaining spaces can be charged to your onboard account. Tour timing may vary depending on the time of year, road conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed