Icy Strait Point

Getting to town

Your day in port

For a typical 8–10 hour call, allocate half the day to a signature excursion such as whale watching, bear viewing, or ziplining, and the remainder to exploring the cannery complex, riding the gondola, and enjoying a relaxed meal. Build in a buffer for weather and transport, and if guests are curious about local life, include an hour or two to stroll or shuttle into Hoonah.

Best time to visit

May through early September is ideal for cruising into Icy Strait Point, with the highest chances of clear views, active wildlife, and comfortable temperatures in June–August.

• This is a cool coastal rainforest: expect frequent light rain, mist, and overcast skies year-round.
• Daytime summer highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), but it can feel colder on the water and in the wind.
• Alaska is not in the Atlantic hurricane zone, but fog, rain, and low clouds can occasionally delay flights and small-boat excursions.

Shore experiences

Food, drink and shopping

What to wear

Dress in layers with a waterproof outer shell, a warm mid-layer (fleece or sweater), and moisture-wicking base layers; bring a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes, especially for ziplining or boat tours. Even in midsummer, it can feel chilly and damp on the water or in the wind, so warm, weatherproof clothing is more important than heavy fashion.

Advisor notes

Emphasize that this is a nature- and culture-focused port rather than a big shopping stop, and that marquee tours (especially whale watching and ZipRider) often sell out—pre-booking is wise. Prepare clients for cool, damp weather even in mid-summer, and encourage them to carry binoculars and a camera at all times since whales and eagles are often visible right from the shore and pier.