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Icy Strait Chichagof Island Tour

4.5
20 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore Chichagof Island with Hoonah Locals

Spend 2 hours exploring Chichagof Island with lifelong Hoonah residents who know the area well. Along the way, you'll learn about local wildlife, Tlingit culture, what it's like to live on a remote island, and some of the plants that have been used for generations.

Your guides call Hoonah home, so you'll hear stories and learn about the island from people who actually live here. Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way. Your guides will be watching too. The tour is a good option for cruise guests who want to see more of the area but still have time to explore Hoonah on their own.

The success rate for seeing bears is very high, however, wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Chichagof Island has more bears per square mile than any other place in Alaska with 1.7 bears per square mile!

Check out the 3-hour Wilderness Island Tour for a longer time exploring with the same local team!

This tour is typically available from April through October. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the Icy Strait Excursions Hub

Requirements:

  • Minimum age to participate is 5 years old
  • Guests should be comfortable climbing into and out of the tour van

Duration: Approximately 2 hours (roundtrip from the Icy Strait Excursions Hub)

  • 2 hours - narrated scenic drive around the island

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Icy Strait Excursions Hub. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb into and out of the van. There is no storage for collapsible wheelchairs or walkers. Please leave a comment during checkout if you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: Yes
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair Storage Available: No

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age to participate is 5 years old.

Booster seats will be provided for anyone who is 5+.

Our success rate for seeing bears is very high, however, wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Our area has more bears per square mile than any other place in Alaska with 1.7 bears per square mile.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.​

Food and drinks are not included.​

Weather depending, you are encouraged to wear gloves and light layers. The weather in Alaska can be highly unpredictable.

For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

Wildlife sightings are often a highlight of this experience, though they are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the season.

Guides are always attentive and will do their best to point out any wildlife encountered along the way, while sharing insight into the local ecosystem.

 

Guest Reviews

4.5

20 total

75%
5%
15%
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Debra T

On Aug 2026

Chattam Was a wonderful guide and driver. Having a local as a guide made the experience even more memorable. He told us about the wildlife, town and schools of Hoonah. We saw young bears and other wildlife. It was a great experience!

Diane K

On Aug 2026

A family owned business takes you into the Tongess National Forest, to observe bears in the wild (not captivity). We went the first week of August, sunshine and the salmon were running, two different aged bears came out. The elders of the family make sure you are very safe and remember to be quiet to not scare the bears away! The travels will take you through the very small town, to give those of us from the lower states a true view on how the island natives survive and depend upon on another.

Cynthia M

On Jul 2026

John and Marilyn were great. They were very informative and taught us a great deal about their indigenous culture. We were lucky enough to see a momma and her three bear cubs, along with a not so happy juvenile male bear. We also saw deers and many bald eagles. Marilyn taught us a great deal about the plants and trees and how they change to indicate that the fall and winter are coming. We also learned about how difficult the winters are for them, but they explained that this is their home and was their ancestors home and it's important to respect and maintain the culture that they love. Overall, a great time.

Annette G

On Jul 2026

This was a fantastic tour. The owners were locals and knew where to look for the wildlife at. We saw grizzly bear and learned so much about the local culture and tribe.

Maria O

On Jul 2026

Driver seemed a little grumpy, didn t talk much. We saw deer and a glimpse of a bear which was pretty cool. Otherwise was a little boring.

$125.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$125.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Adult (13+): $125.00

Child (5-12): $125.00

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