Icy Straight Point

[GORDONCHICK]

We've been to all the other ports except this one so I'm looking for advice on excursions, independent or cruise line, for this port.  We are in our 50s to late 60s.  I cannot hike due to health issues.

[LeeW]

Port buildings are very close to the pier that Royal uses (two piers, a skylift runs between them if you are at the far pier).  Decent shopping in the old cannery building.  You might want to start both in this forum and here: https://icystraitpoint.com/

 

For things like whale watching, the cruise ship boats can hold over 100 guests.  Independents are 6-23 guests, usually for less than cruise ship charges.

 

Our last two trips had pouring rain.

 

 

[GORDONCHICK]

36 minutes ago, LeeW said:

Port buildings are very close to the pier that Royal uses (two piers, a skylift runs between them if you are at the far pier).  Decent shopping in the old cannery building.  You might want to start both in this forum and here: https://icystraitpoint.com/

 

For things like whale watching, the cruise ship boats can hold over 100 guests.  Independents are 6-23 guests, usually for less than cruise ship charges.

 

Our last two trips had pouring rain.

 

 

Good to know about the cannery building.  ISP is our first stop.  I did look at that sight but it tells you to book through your ship.  I like the independent tours much better for multiple reasons.

[Coral]

I did 2 tours in Hoonah (village next door) last year - independent, small number:

 

Whale watching: https://www.g-wind.com

 

Wildlife (bear): http://geestahuntours.com

 

Greg from the Gee Sta Hun Tours picked me up at the whale watching boat dock when my whale watching trip was over.

 

Both worthy excursions.

Edited Wednesday at 12:43 AM by Coral

[kajasmin]

We were there last week! We did Hoonah travels whale watching. I was hesitant to do it but it was the best thing ever. Highly recommend. 

[Stevepcb64]

We just got back a few weeks ago and I can not recomend Glacier Wind whale watching enough. Smaller boats so a more personalized experience. They pick you up behind the cannery for a short trip to the Hoonah docks. We saw both Orca's and Humpback Whales in abundance. We also saw a Moma bear with 3 cubs on the beach, sea lions, otters and bald eagles. The was by far the best excursion we did on our trip. You need to book as early as you can with them because they stay booked up. I had to get on a waiting list and got real lucky that someone ship itenerary got changed and the y had to cancel opening a spot up. 

[Crew News]

Unlike Juneau whales, the humpback whales in ISP are much closer to the ship and much more active. In fact, I saw a whale surface within 100 yards of my docked cruise ship while eating lunch.  I prefer ship-sponsored excursions because they earn loyalty points and use boats with more amenities (bathrooms).

 

 

[GORDONCHICK]

5 hours ago, Crew News said:

Unlike Juneau whales, the humpback whales in ISP are much closer to the ship and much more active. In fact, I saw a whale surface within 100 yards of my docked cruise ship while eating lunch.  I prefer ship-sponsored excursions because they earn loyalty points and use boats with more amenities (bathrooms).

 

 

The smaller boats that we've been on have bathrooms and snacks and drinks have been included.  It was like being on a friend's boat.

 

[Coral]

1 hour ago, GORDONCHICK said:

The smaller boats that we've been on have bathrooms and snacks and drinks have been included.  It was like being on a friend's boat.

 

I agree. Every whale watching boat I have been on has had a restroom and also snacks. I have only done independent excursions in Alaska. I think in Mexico, I went through the ship.

[Coral]

6 hours ago, Crew News said:

Unlike Juneau whales, the humpback whales in ISP are much closer to the ship and much more active. In fact, I saw a whale surface within 100 yards of my docked cruise ship while eating lunch.  I prefer ship-sponsored excursions because they earn loyalty points and use boats with more amenities (bathrooms).

All the independent whale watching excursions I have gone on have restrooms.

[Coral]

7 hours ago, Stevepcb64 said:

We just got back a few weeks ago and I can not recomend Glacier Wind whale watching enough. Smaller boats so a more personalized experience. They pick you up behind the cannery for a short trip to the Hoonah docks. 

I agree - Glacier Wind is great. Also like the size of their boats! Really nice family.

[kajasmin]

Hoonah Travel also has bathrooms. 

[Coral]

12 hours ago, kajasmin said:

Hoonah Travel also has bathrooms. 

I honestly think they all do. I have gone with several companies in Juneau and they all have bathrooms also. Sort of an odd comment from @Crew News.

Edited Thursday at 02:54 PM by Coral

[Glaciers]

On 7/2/2024 at 5:42 PM, Coral said:

Wildlife (bear): http://geestahuntours.com

 

Greg from the Gee Sta Hun Tours picked me up at the whale watching boat dock when my whale watching trip was over.

 

Did you see much wildlife while on this tour and what month did you go out with them?

[Coral]

8 hours ago, Glaciers said:

 

Did you see much wildlife while on this tour and what month did you go out with them?

I was there May 16 (2023). Going in I knew it wasn't a great time to see bears though I have always seen bears in Alaska on my trips in May, just not predictable when I would see them. We initially saw a lot of eagles and deer. Greg was bound and determined to find bears for me. He probably cared about it more than I did. We ended up seeing 1 bear at a fair distance and then 1 cub and 1 mama bear somewhat close. Around the same time we saw the mama and cub, we saw several whales.

 

I have read reviews in July and August that saw far more than I did. I was pleased given the time period I went. It was interesting as there were 2 from our roll call who went in the morning (for them, this was the highlight of their cruise). I had whale watching scheduled so I couldn't join them. Greg picked me up at my whale watching boat and I was his only passenger for the afternoon tour. He could easily have cancelled on me but he didn't. So I had an amazing private tour. We drove all over Hoonah and Chichagof Island. There were no signs anywhere - I had no clue where we were. I felt like I saw more of "real Alaska" during that tour than I have ever seen on any other tour.

 

Here are his Trip Advisor reviews (these reviews saw more than I did but it was also later in the season): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31010-d20056039-Reviews-Gee_Sta_Hun_Tours-Hoonah_Alaska.html

[Glaciers]

39 minutes ago, Coral said:

Here are his Trip Advisor reviews (these reviews saw more than I did but it was also later in the season): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31010-d20056039-Reviews-Gee_Sta_Hun_Tours-Hoonah_Alaska.html

We saw one bear at quite a distance from the boardwalk when we were there in May as well. We, too, knew chances were slim so expectations weren’t high. If we end up in ISP in July/August we will check out a tour with this operator. Thank you!