Welcome to your comprehensive Icy Strait Point Guide, where we dive into one of Southeast Alaska’s most exciting and rapidly growing cruise destinations. Nestled on Chichagof Island, just across Icy Strait from Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point offers visitors a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich native culture, and thrilling adventures. Owned and managed by the Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaskan Native group, this port is quickly becoming the ecological and cultural heart of the region.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from where ships dock, to wildlife spotting, cultural experiences, and must-do excursions like the world-famous Ziprider. Let’s explore what makes Icy Strait Point so unforgettable.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at Icy Strait Point?
Icy Strait Point features two main cruise ship piers, each offering a slightly different experience based on your interests and itinerary. The two piers are known as Ocean Landing and Wilderness Landing. Ocean Landing is situated closer to most of the port’s main attractions if you want to maximize your time exploring the area on foot.
On the other hand, Wilderness Landing is located closer to the red gondola that transports visitors up the mountain, as well as the thrilling Ziprider that zips above the forest canopy.
The piers are connected by a green gondola that glides silently over the lush Southeast Alaskan forest—a beautiful, peaceful ride that’s FREE and well worth taking even if you don’t have plans on the other side of the port. This gondola offers a unique perspective of the forest and occasionally lets you spot wildlife such as deer along the route.
Wildlife Spotting: Nature’s Spectacle at Your Doorstep
One of the standout features of Icy Strait Point is its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Right near the Ocean Landing pier, there’s a strip of trees where bald eagles frequently perch. On a recent trip, an eagle was spotted sitting right at the end of the walkway where the ship ties up—an unforgettable welcome to Alaska’s wilderness.
Marine life is abundant here as well. Humpback whales often swim close to the pier, offering guests a spectacular show without even leaving the dock. Seals and starfish are common sights in the waters around the port, making the first moments of your time ashore a true nature experience.
For those who enjoy a peaceful stroll, there’s a lovely walking path through the woods near the beach, which connects to the other pier. This trail provides a quiet escape into the forest and a chance to spot more wildlife along the way.
The Adventure Center and Getting Around Icy Strait Point
At the end of the green bridge from Ocean Landing, you’ll find the Adventure Center, the hub where many tours and excursions begin. This is also where you’ll find helpful staff and passenger assistance carts that transport guests from the Adventure Center back to the ship. Keep in mind that these carts are meant for guests who need assistance covering this distance on their own. There is only one cart, so if you miss it, you’ll have to wait for it to make the round trip and return.
The Adventure Center has wifi and is near several key amenities, including the Duck Point Smokehouse restaurant, which features a cozy fire pit overlooking the water. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy fresh local seafood after a day of exploring.
Exploring the Gondolas: The Green and the Red
As mentioned, the green gondola connects the two cruise piers and provides a serene ride through the dense Alaskan forest. This gondola is completely free and offers passengers a chance to experience the tranquility of the wilderness from above, while looking for deer and other wildlife along the way.
At Wilderness Landing, you’ll have access to the red gondola, which takes you up to the top of the mountain. This is the gateway to some of the most thrilling activities at Icy Strait Point. From the mountain summit, you can choose to take a forest tram tour or, for the adrenaline junkies, the world-famous Ziprider.
The World’s Longest Ziprider: A Must-Do Adventure
The Ziprider at Icy Strait Point is the world’s longest zip line of its kind and offers a drop taller than the Empire State Building. Riders soar down the mountain at speeds reaching 60 miles per hour, flying over treetops about 300 feet above the ground. It’s an exhilarating experience that perfectly combines Alaska’s stunning scenery with heart-pounding excitement.
Taking the gondola up to the launch point is an experience in itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and waterways. On a clear day, you can even see all the way back into Glacier Bay, just a short distance away.
Shopping, Dining, and Cultural Experiences at Icy Strait Point
Beyond the natural beauty and adventure activities, Icy Strait Point offers a charming shopping and dining district. Near Ocean Landing, you’ll find the iconic orca statue, a popular photo spot and symbol of the area’s deep connection to marine life.
There are several shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and indigenous art, giving visitors a chance to bring home a piece of Alaskan heritage. The dining options range from casual eateries to more refined establishments, many featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional flavors.
Discover the History at the Cannery Museum
Icy Strait Point has a fascinating history as a former fish cannery, and today you can explore this heritage at the Cannery Museum. This free, self-guided museum offers exhibits that walk you through the fishing and canning process that shaped the region’s economy and culture. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone curious about Alaska’s maritime past.
Experience Native Culture at the Tribal House
In the back parking lot area, you’ll find the Tribal House, where visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances by the native Huna people. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the original inhabitants of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point. These performances are only available via a shore excursion from your ship.
Exploring the Nearby Town of Huna
If you’re looking to step off the beaten path, consider a walk or shuttle ride to the nearby town of Huna, located about a mile and a half from the cruise complex. Hoonah is a small, authentic Southeast Alaskan town with fewer than a thousand residents, offering a glimpse into the region’s quiet, everyday life.
A shuttle service is available for a small fee if walking isn’t ideal, but many visitors enjoy the scenic stroll along the water’s edge, keeping an eye out for whales and other wildlife along the way.
Hoonah is less developed than larger tourist hubs, but that’s part of its charm. It provides a genuine experience of native culture and small-town Alaska, far from the crowds.
The Huna Totem Corporation and the Importance of Icy Strait Point
The Huna Totem Corporation, the native Alaskan owners of Icy Strait Point, are the descendants of the original inhabitants of Glacier Bay and the surrounding region. Their stewardship of this land ensures that tourism is balanced with cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.
The cruise complex itself was developed as a way to share their heritage and natural surroundings with visitors while supporting the local economy. This connection to the land and culture sets Icy Strait Point apart from many other cruise ports.
Final Thoughts: Why Icy Strait Point Should Be on Your Alaska Itinerary
From stunning wildlife encounters and thrilling adventures like the Ziprider to rich native culture and peaceful forest gondola rides, Icy Strait Point offers a uniquely authentic Alaska experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, this port has something special to offer.
Its proximity to Glacier Bay National Park adds to its appeal, as some ships will spend the day exploring the park and then arrive at Icy Strait Point in the evening. After a day of scenic cruising through the park, most guests are ready to enjoy all this port has to offer.
Icy Strait Point is quickly becoming a must-visit spot in Southeast Alaska. Take the time to explore, enjoy the wildlife, embrace the culture, and experience the adventure—Alaska’s best-kept secret awaits.
If you want to dive even deeper into Alaska cruising, consider checking out my book Sea More: Alaska, which offers detailed insights and tips for a memorable trip to this incredible part of the world.
