Cruise port Hoonah (AK)
Info for port Hoonah (AK) on 4 Aug 2028
Port information & tips for Hoonah (AK)
St. Paul in the Pribilof Islands is a pristine natural paradise in the middle of the Bering Sea and is considered one of Alaska's most fascinating expedition destinations. The remote volcanic island delights with its wild coastal landscape, a deeply rooted Aleutian culture, and world-unique wildlife. Visitors discover architectural treasures here such as the historic Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church and also observe huge fur seal colonies at Reef Point or rare seabirds on the striking cliffs. Smaller expedition ships usually use the centrally located City Pier in the Port of St. Paul, from which the village center and the most important natural beauties can be easily explored on foot thanks to short distances, guaranteeing an authentic island experience.
Arrival and departure for guests from the DACH region to the remote cruise port of St. Paul on the Pribilof Islands in Alaska is primarily by plane. Since the island has no deep-water piers, cruise ships anchor off the coast, and embarkation usually takes place via zodiacs or tender boats directly on the shore near the village of St. Paul.
Airplane
St. Paul Island Airport (SNP) is the only airport on the island and is served from Anchorage (ANC). Aleutian Airways offers regular scheduled flights that take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. For travel from the DACH region, a long-haul flight to Anchorage is therefore required, followed by a connecting flight to St. Paul. Due to the remote location and the often changeable weather conditions in the Bering Sea, it is recommended to plan a flexible itinerary with sufficient time buffers.
Transfer & Shuttle
There is no public transport on the island from the small St. Paul Island Airport (SNP) to the cruise ship landing point or the nearby village of St. Paul. The infrastructure is basic, and most roads are gravel or dirt tracks. Cruise lines usually organize the necessary transfers for their passengers from the airport to the respective landing point, as car rentals or taxi services are very limited or not available at all on the island itself.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time to Alaska and the weather-dependent nature of flights to the Pribilof Islands, an overnight stay in Anchorage is strongly recommended both before the flight to St. Paul and after the return. This minimizes the risk of missing connecting flights in the event of delays and allows for a relaxed start to your cruise adventure. Many hotels in Anchorage also offer shuttle services to the airport.
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 your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
