Cruise port · United States · Alaska
Icy Strait Point cruise port guide
Icy Strait Point is a cruise destination near the Tlingit village of Hoonah on Chichagof Island, owned by the local Native corporation and built around a restored 1912 salmon cannery. Ships dock at piers right at the site, and the draws are excellent humpback whale watching, one of the world's longest ziplines, bear-searching tours and Tlingit cultural performances.
- Whale watching
- Ziplining
- Bear viewing
- Native culture
Photo: Joseph, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Alaska
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English. Tlingit words appear on signs and in performances.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are widely accepted.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 35–64°F through the year
About Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point feels very different from Alaska's busy town ports. Instead of downtown shops and crowds, you'll find forest trails, a restored cannery with a small museum, a beachfront and wilderness all around. Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska, is a short walk or shuttle away.
The waters of Icy Strait and nearby Point Adolphus are some of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales, and whale-watching tours here are popular. Other options include the ZipRider zipline, which drops from the top of a mountain toward the shore, tours to look for brown bears on Chichagof Island and Tlingit dance and storytelling performances.
It's ideal for wildlife lovers, families and those who want a quieter, nature-focused day. If you prefer historic towns, shopping or museums, other Alaska ports offer more.
Where cruise ships dock in Icy Strait Point
Ships dock at piers at Icy Strait Point itself, so there's usually no tendering, although on some days a ship may anchor and tender. From the pier, the cannery, shops, restaurants and beach are a short walk away. Hoonah is about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) along a waterfront road, reachable on foot or by shuttle. Whale-watching boats, bear tours and the ZipRider leave from the site, so transfers are short. Everything is compact, so you can enjoy a full excursion and still have time to explore.
Best things to do in Icy Strait Point on a cruise
- 1
Whale watching in Icy Strait
wildlife
Humpback whales feed in the area through the summer, and sightings are frequent; orcas, sea lions and porpoises are also common. Boats leave right from the site, so you spend more time on the water and less time in transit.
- 2
ZipRider zipline
adventure
One of the longest ziplines in the world, the ZipRider launches riders from high on a mountain down toward the shore at high speed, with views over Icy Strait. Riders sit in harness seats side by side. Reservations are recommended.
- 3
Bear-searching tour
wildlife
Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. Guided tours drive or walk to viewing areas in search of bears and other wildlife, though sightings are never guaranteed.
- 4
Tlingit cultural performance
culture
Local Huna Tlingit performers share traditional dances, songs and stories in a theater at the site, offering insight into the community's heritage and connection to the land.
- 5
Restored cannery and museum
history
The 1912 salmon cannery has been restored with a small museum explaining the region's fishing history, along with shops selling local crafts and food.
- 6
Halibut and salmon fishing
adventure
Sportfishing charters head into Icy Strait for halibut and, in season, salmon, with whales often surfacing nearby. Operators can usually clean, freeze and ship your catch home for a fee, so ask before you book.
- 7
Hoonah village walk
culture
A walk or shuttle ride to Hoonah offers a look at everyday life in a Tlingit community, with a harbor, totem carvings and small local businesses.
Icy Strait Point weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 352 | 352 | 394 | 468 | 5513 | 6016 | 6418 | 6418 | 5814 | 499 | 394 | 362 |
| Low °F (°C) | 29-1 | 28-2 | 310 | 383 | 447 | 5010 | 5412 | 5513 | 4910 | 426 | 341 | 31-1 |
| Rain in (mm) | 9.6245 | 6.6167 | 5.5139 | 5.7145 | 5.7144 | 5.4136 | 6.5166 | 8.5215 | 10.1256 | 11.3287 | 9.1232 | 9.2234 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
What to eat and drink in Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point's restaurants serve fresh local seafood, including Dungeness crab, halibut and salmon, often prepared simply. Try fish and chips, crab legs or salmon chowder with a view of the water. Many visitors also enjoy fry bread and local smoked salmon.
Tips for your port day
- Book whale-watching or ZipRider tours early; spaces sell out on busy days.
- Dress in layers with a waterproof jacket; the weather changes quickly.
- Wear sturdy shoes for forest trails and boat decks.
- Bring binoculars for whales, eagles and bears.
- Take time to walk to Hoonah if you want to see a real Alaska village beyond the cruise site.
Cruise lines that visit Icy Strait Point
Often on the same itinerary
Icy Strait Point cruise FAQs
What is Icy Strait Point?
It's a cruise destination near Hoonah, Alaska, owned by the local Huna Tlingit Native corporation and built around a restored 1912 salmon cannery.
Is Icy Strait Point a tender port?
Usually not. Most ships dock at piers at the site, though on some days a ship may anchor and tender passengers ashore.
Can you see whales at Icy Strait Point?
Yes. The waters of Icy Strait and Point Adolphus are among the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales in summer.
How long is the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point?
It's more than a mile long and among the longest ziplines in the world, descending from a mountaintop to near the shore.
How far is Hoonah from Icy Strait Point?
About 1.5 miles. You can walk along the waterfront road or take a shuttle.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.