Icy Strait Point is not trying to be a big-city Alaska port, and that is the appeal. The day is built around a small set of strong choices: fly down the ZipRider, head into Chatham Strait for whales, stay close for Tlingit cultural programming, or walk into Hoonah for a quieter look at a historic fishing town. It is a port where overplanning can backfire. Pick the experience that matches your reason for sailing Alaska, then give it enough space to land.
The setting does a lot of the work here: rainforest, beach, calm water, and the lived-in presence of Hoonah nearby. Adventure travelers will gravitate to the zip line, ATV roads, or kayaking. Wildlife-focused passengers should put whale watching at the top. If you want context rather than adrenaline, the Chilkoot Cultural Center and the Hoonah Village Walk make the stop feel less like a photo grab and more like a place. The best Icy Strait Point day is usually one main excursion plus one low-key add-on.
Make the ZipRider your adrenaline play
The Icy Strait Point ZipRider is the headline attraction for a reason: it runs 5,330 feet over rainforest toward Hoonah Beach, with the actual ride clocking in at about six minutes. That makes it a smart pick for travelers who want one big, clean hit of Alaska scenery without committing the whole port call to a long tour. It is not the nuanced choice, but it is visually memorable and easy to understand: height, forest, water, speed. If you are even slightly afraid of heights, prioritize whales or culture instead.
Adrenaline seekers who want the port's signature thrill without turning the entire day into logistics.
Treat whale watching as the serious wildlife option
Whale watching is the strongest argument for booking a sailing that calls here, especially if wildlife is the point of your Alaska trip. Tours head into Chatham Strait waters, where humpbacks are known for bubble-net feeding, and the experience is typically framed as a four-hour outing. That time commitment matters: this is not a quick filler between shopping and lunch. Choose it if you are willing to let the day orbit around water, patience, and the possibility of a spectacular sighting. For many passengers, this is the most Alaska-feeling use of the stop.
Things to do in Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point ZipRider
World's longest zip line at 5,330 ft over rainforest to Hoonah beach. Thrilling 6-min ride.
Chilkoot Cultural Center
Tlingit clan house dances, carving demos, and salmon bake. Native immersion dockside.
Whale Watching Tours
Spot humpbacks bubble-net feeding in Chatham Strait waters. 4-hour high success.
Hoonah Village Walk
Historic Tlingit fishing town with Russian Orthodox church and canneries. Self-guided.
Cruise port FAQs
- Is Icy Strait Point worth getting off the ship for?
- Yes, especially if you are interested in wildlife, Tlingit culture, rainforest scenery, or outdoor activities. The port is strongest when you choose a clear lane rather than trying to do every attraction.
- What is the best thing to do in Icy Strait Point on a cruise stop?
- For many travelers, whale watching in Chatham Strait is the top choice. If you prefer adrenaline, the ZipRider is the signature thrill. For cultural context, prioritize the Chilkoot Cultural Center or the Hoonah Village Walk.
- Can I enjoy Icy Strait Point without a big excursion?
- Yes. The Chilkoot Cultural Center, Hoonah Village Walk, and Ocean Point Resort Trails offer ways to spend the day without committing to a long tour or high-adrenaline activity.
- Is Icy Strait Point better for adventure or culture?
- It can do both, but not in the same way. Adventure travelers have the ZipRider, kayaking, and ATV roads, while culture-focused passengers should look at Tlingit programming and the walk through Hoonah.
- What wildlife can cruise passengers look for here?
- Whale watching tours focus on humpbacks in Chatham Strait, including the chance to see bubble-net feeding. Kayaking near Eagle Beach also gives passengers a calmer setting where bald eagles may be spotted.
