4.7 / 5Best of Icy Strait and Juneau Two Port Package
2 Port Package
4.8 / 5 | 118 Reviews
Small
Easy
An approximate 15 to 40-minute walk, or an approximate 3-minute gondola ride is required to reach your departure location depending on where your ship is docked. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation. Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search
Discover the wild beauty of Chichagof Island, often called "Bear Island" by National Geographic for having one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. This small-group wildlife adventure offers a more personal, flexible, and comfortable way to experience Alaska's wilderness.
Your journey begins in Hoonah, where you'll meet your local guide, someone who knows the land, wildlife patterns, and hidden corners of the island firsthand. Traveling in a comfortable van with a small group, you'll enjoy a relaxed pace, better visibility, and access to quieter areas that larger vehicles cannot reach. Unlike fixed-itinerary tours, your guide will adjust the route throughout the experience based on real-time bear activity, feeding patterns, and conditions, giving you the best possible opportunity to encounter brown bears in their natural habitat.
What truly sets this experience apart is your guide's local knowledge and storytelling. Along the way, you'll hear insights about the island's wildlife, the surrounding landscape, and the traditions of the Tlingit people, adding depth and meaning to each stop while keeping the experience engaging and easy to follow.
As you explore, you'll travel through old-growth forests, open muskegs, and scenic coastal areas, with opportunities to step out, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. In addition to brown bears, keep an eye out for bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, otters, mink, marten, beavers, and seabirds.
This experience is perfect for those looking for a well-paced, guided introduction to Alaska's wildlife, offering a balance of comfort, exploration, and meaningful local insight in a smaller group setting.
Please note: Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, this tour can re-position quickly, and there is a much higher chance of sightings than with the slow-moving, large tour groups. Due to the remote environment, the bathroom facilities are limited, and there is one restroom break provided in the middle of the tour for guests. Please consider this when booking this tour.
Standard
Easy
An approximately 5-minute walk, or an approximately 5-minute shuttle ride (not included, approximately $5 US per person) is required to reach your departure location. Juneau City with Glacier View and Hatchery
Juneau is one of the most unique state capitals in the United States. While not technically an island, the city is only accessible by air or sea, adding to its distinct charm. This exciting excursion will provide you with a thorough orientation of Juneau, including a stop at the famous Brotherhood Bridge for a stunning view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.
Your journey begins in the heart of the historical downtown district, where the streets are lined with charming gift shops, jewelry stores, king crab shacks, and local fish restaurants. This Juneau tour will also take you past the world-famous Red Dog Saloon, a local landmark filled with history and character.
Leaving the bustling downtown area behind, you will make your way to the historic mining community of Douglas Island. Along the way, you'll have photo opportunities and panoramic views of downtown Juneau from across the water, including breathtaking views of the cruise ship port and surrounding landscapes.
As you continue north, you'll venture into the Valley Area, passing small harbors filled with Alaskan fishing boats and the scenic Mendenhall Wetland Refuge. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Chilkat Mountains in the distance. Your next stop will be the Brotherhood Bridge, where, weather permitting, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, one of Southeast Alaska's most iconic sights.
The next stop will be the Ladd Macaulay Visitor Center, where you'll dive into the fascinating life cycle of salmon and explore their near-shore marine environment. Learn about the inner workings of a hatchery through a variety of interactive exhibits and informative commentaries. This stop offers a fun and educational experience for the entire family, providing insights into the importance of salmon in the local ecosystem. Get a bird's-eye view of hatchery operations and gain insight into the life cycle of Pacific salmon. From the sky bridge in the rearing facility, watch as millions of baby king and coho salmon grow all year long. During the late June to September season, witness the thrilling spectacle of adult salmon battling their way up the fish ladder. Dive deeper into Alaska's marine life with saltwater aquariums showcasing over 150 species, and enjoy an interactive experience in the tide pool touch tank area, where you can interact with local sea critters.
The fascinating Whale Park Fountain is your final destination. This life-sized bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale is a must-see, located right on the Waterfront. Offering unparalleled photo opportunities, the sculpture is not only a visual marvel but also a powerful symbol of Alaska's heritage. After admiring the sculpture, re-board your transportation for a comfortable ride back to the main cruise ship terminal, concluding your unforgettable tour of Juneau.