Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour

Things I Liked: - Incredible, Indigenous-Led Guiding: The tour is operated by local Wilderness Island Tours (through Alaska Shore Excursions). The lifelong local Tlingit guides provide a deeply personal, authentic look into rural Alaskan life, native culture, and generational history. - Escape the Cruise Crowds: Unlike the chaotic, massive tour buses organized directly by the cruise lines, this small-group van excursion takes you down quiet, gravel logging roads deep into the heart of Chichagof Island. - Immersive Nature and Foraging: The journey into the "Bay of Bears" offers stunning coastal views, lush old-growth forests, and salmon-spawning streams. Guests love the interactive element of stopping to pick and taste wild berries and local herbs when they are in season. - Clean and Comfortable Transport: The transit vans are clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and perfectly sized for navigating the rugged backcountry roads safely. Things to be aware of: - Unpredictable Wildlife Sightings: Because this is a true wilderness experience and not a controlled park, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If the salmon aren't actively running or the weather is off, you may spend the entire drive seeing nothing but trees. - Bumpy Backcountry Roads: The excursion travels primarily down old dirt and gravel logging roads. It can get incredibly bumpy, dusty, and jarring, which might be uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness or back pain. - No Built-in Scenic Viewpoints: The focus of the drive is strictly tracking animals along the rivers and valleys. If the wildlife doesn't show up, there aren't many dedicated panoramic photo stops or scenic lookouts to make up for it.

I loved this tour! John was able to take us down a trail to an opening at a clearing and a river; we had a chance to see a bear, but not guaranteed, of course. Even just walking down to this area was well worth it, but it was next level when John used a deer call to see if any bears would come out! The deer call ended up making a bear show up at the river, and we were able to watch the bear catch a fish. It was an amazing experience. If you are able to walk an easy trail with steps, I would recommend attending the trail!

Had an amazing time with true locals. Ventured off the beaten path to see some beautiful Alaska wilderness. Would book again for sure!

Excursion was amazing! The tour guide was great and we were able to see two bears! We were lucky since it was the first time in a week that they were able to find them.

As with any wildlife tour it is always hit and miss depending on wildlife sighted. Saw bears which was fantastic but a lot of driving.