Port information & tips for Icy Strait Point (AK)
Icy Strait Point is a fascinating destination in Alaska, managed by the indigenous Tlingit community, which combines pristine nature with deep cultural heritage. The port impresses with its location amidst dense rainforests and offers an authentic atmosphere far from the major tourist crowds. Highlights include the historic salmon cannery from 1912, as well as the spectacular ZipRider, one of the world's longest zip lines, and world-class whale watching at Point Adolphus. Ships dock at the modern Wilderness Landing or at the Ocean Landing Pier. From here, the charming fishing village of Hoonah is easily accessible thanks to a comfortable shuttle service or via a picturesque shore path approximately two kilometers long.
Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island near the community of Hoonah and is only accessible by air or sea. The modern port infrastructure consists of the two docking locations, Adventure Landing and Wilderness Landing, which are conveniently connected by a free gondola called the Transporter.
Airplane
Travelers from the DACH region typically fly via major hubs such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) to Juneau International Airport (JNU). From there, daily connections with regional airlines like Alaska Seaplanes take about 20 minutes to Hoonah Airport (HNH), which is located only about three kilometers from the terminal and is directly accessible thanks to local transfers.
Ferry & Ship
The state-owned ships of the Alaska Marine Highway System regularly connect the state capital, Juneau, with Hoonah and offer a relaxed journey over the water. The crossing through the Inside Passage takes about 3.5 hours and ends at the ferry terminal in Hoonah, from where you can reach the Icy Strait Point terminal in about five minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the dependence on regional connecting services and the long journey from Europe, a hotel stay in Juneau or Hoonah is highly recommended. Local lodges and guesthouses in Hoonah specialize in cruise guests and usually organize transfers to the port directly and easily; furthermore, this allows for an initial immersion into the authentic Tlingit culture before embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island near the community of Hoonah and is only accessible by air or sea. The modern port infrastructure consists of the two docking locations, Adventure Landing and Wilderness Landing, which are conveniently connected by a free gondola called the Transporter.
Airplane
Travelers from the DACH region typically fly via major hubs such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) to Juneau International Airport (JNU). From there, daily connections with regional airlines like Alaska Seaplanes take about 20 minutes to Hoonah Airport (HNH), which is located only about three kilometers from the terminal and is directly accessible thanks to local transfers.
Ferry & Ship
The state-owned ships of the Alaska Marine Highway System regularly connect the state capital, Juneau, with Hoonah and offer a relaxed journey over the water. The crossing through the Inside Passage takes about 3.5 hours and ends at the ferry terminal in Hoonah, from where you can reach the Icy Strait Point terminal in about five minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the dependence on regional connecting services and the long journey from Europe, a hotel stay in Juneau or Hoonah is highly recommended. Local lodges and guesthouses in Hoonah specialize in cruise guests and usually organize transfers to the port directly and easily; furthermore, this allows for an initial immersion into the authentic Tlingit culture before embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Icy Strait Point is a privately operated port that, thanks to its compact design and modern infrastructure, offers excellent accessibility to the main attractions directly from the ship.
Gondolas (Transporter)
The free, green Transporter gondola conveniently connects the two docking locations, Wilderness Landing and Adventure Landing, with each other. In addition, another red cable car leads to the summit of Mount Hoonah and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the untouched coastal landscape.
Shuttle Buses
A regular shuttle service operates between the port and the village of Hoonah, located about 2.5 kilometers away. Tickets are easily available at a counter in the terminal area, and the short ride provides an authentic insight into the life of the local Tlingit community.
On Foot
The village of Hoonah is reachable in about 30 to 40 minutes on foot via an idyllic, paved coastal path. The walk runs directly along the water and, thanks to the picturesque nature, offers regular opportunities to spot bald eagles or whales in the bay.
To best explore the untouched nature and rich heritage of Icy Strait Point, it is recommended to focus on the historical sites directly at the harbor as well as the fascinating wilderness of the surrounding area.
Historical Cannery
Today, the lovingly restored complex from 1912 houses an exciting museum as well as local craft shops and, thanks to its location directly on the pier, is the ideal place for a relaxed start to the day.
Hoonah Village
Alaska's largest Tlingit village is easily accessible via a picturesque waterfront promenade and offers visitors the unique opportunity to admire authentic indigenous culture and magnificent totem poles in a peaceful atmosphere.
Spasski River Valley
This dense forest area is perfect for observing majestic brown bears and bald eagles; additionally, organized excursions from the port terminal guarantee a safe and profound nature experience in the spectacular Alaskan wilderness.
Hoonah Heritage Center & Village
The fascinating Hoonah Heritage Center is located directly within the historic Cannery at the harbor and, together with the picturesque village of Hoonah—which is easily accessible via an idyllic coastal path in about twenty minutes—offers an authentic insight into the vibrant Tlingit culture. This cultural tour is perfect for guests who wish to admire impressive totem poles and also enjoy freshly caught seafood, such as the famous Dungeness crab, in local cafes. It is best to visit the Heritage Center early in the morning immediately after arrival and use the shuttle or the walk into the village for lunchtime to experience the relaxed atmosphere away from larger groups and return to the ship in good time before departure.
