Excursion Whale, wildlife & bear search tour at Icy Strait Point

Take advantage of Icy Strait Point's location for a day's adventure combining a whale watching cruise with a drive into the interior forests and muskegs of Chichagof Island to search for bald eagles, woodpeckers, Sitka black-tail deer and spot brown bears feeding on wild salmon.

Whale-Watching Cruise

Depart the dock for a high-speed two-and-a-half-hour cruise toward Point Adolphus and back. You will be traveling through waters that support a diverse range of marine life, including orca (killer whales), with a high likelihood of seeing whales along the way, as well as other fascinating creatures such as steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, porpoise and of course the magnificent humpback whales.  Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles in the evergreen treetops lining the shore. Learn from an on-board naturalist about the diversity of marine life that gathers here every summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, fueled by the long Alaska summer days. Cruise back to Icy Strait Point and take a short break before meeting the local guide who will accompany you on your wildlife search.

Hoonah Tlingit village, Chichagof Island Forests, Spasski River

Board the coach for the 45-minute journey out to the Spasski River. This is a tour in itself as the bus travels through the Tlingit village of Hoonah and out through the interior forests and muskegs of Chichagof Island. On arrival at the river, follow your guide down a gravel path and across a boardwalk over the delicate muskeg to the viewing platforms by the river itself, and learn about the rainforest ecology that supports the island's massive bears. After an hour in this fascinating habitat, re-board the coach and return to Icy Strait Point.

Note

Please note:  This tour involves walking (800 yards/730 meters) and standing for approximately one hour. There are a few steps to negotiate, and the terrain includes boardwalk and gravel. Guests should dress in layers and wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Children aged 8 or over may participate. Bear sightings cannot be guaranteed. About 450 meters/492 yards to the bus loading area. There is a ramp to get to the bus loading area and it could be steep, depending by the tides however, a golf cart service may be available. Wheelchairs are not allowed on this tour. The tour order may vary.