Unforgettable Whale Watching & Seafood Feast: Your Ultimate Guide to Icy Strait Point, Alaska

If you’re dreaming of an Alaskan cruise, then a stop at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, is an absolute must-do, and a whale watching excursion here comes with my highest recommendation! The sheer abundance and magnificence of the wildlife you can witness from your guide boat are truly breathtaking and make the trip incredibly worthwhile. This post and the featured trip were sponsored by Princess Cruises, but rest assured, all opinions regarding this extraordinary excursion are 100% my own and reflect a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Icy Strait Point: A Gateway to Alaskan Wonders

My journey to Icy Strait Point was part of an incredible week-long adventure with Princess Cruise Lines aboard the majestic Island Princess. On May 18th, our ship docked at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, a destination renowned for its pristine natural beauty and rich Tlingit cultural heritage. This historic site, originally a salmon cannery, has been lovingly restored by the local Huna Tlingit people and now serves as a vibrant gateway to the authentic Alaskan experience. It’s home to a diverse array of tours and excursions, all thoughtfully designed to immerse visitors in the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife that define this corner of the world. From the moment we approached, the excitement was palpable; before we even disembarked, we were treated to the exhilarating sight of two Orcas playfully breaching in the distant waters. It was an exciting preview of the wildlife encounters that awaited us!

Choosing Your Perfect Alaskan Excursion

One of the aspects of cruise planning I came to deeply appreciate was the ability to browse and select all the available excursions for Icy Strait Point well in advance of our trip. This foresight proved invaluable, especially after witnessing the long lines of enthusiastic travelers eager to sign up for tours once onboard. My strongest advice to anyone planning an Alaskan cruise is to allocate time to review and book your excursions before you depart. If you’re sailing with Princess, their user-friendly website makes this process seamless. Should your interests evolve, you can usually modify your selections closer to your sailing date.

For my visit to Icy Strait Point, I opted for the highly acclaimed Whale Watching & Seafood Feast excursion. This 3.5-hour tour is not only a fantastic way to experience the local wildlife but also comes with a remarkable guarantee: you are assured of seeing whales. In fact, the tour operators proudly state they haven’t had to issue a refund due to a lack of sightings since 2004! It’s safe to say, they delivered on their promise and then some!

The Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience at Icy Strait Point

Joining me on this incredible Alaskan adventure was my good friend Jackie, a fellow blogger from Happy Hooligans. While I focused on capturing the magic through video on my phone, Jackie skillfully documented many memorable moments with her camera, including some truly spectacular photos of humpback whales. The atmosphere on board our specially designed viewing boat, equipped with convenient flip-up windows, was electric with anticipation.

Our knowledgeable captain provided a fascinating introduction to the diverse marine ecosystem of these Alaskan waters, detailing the various species we might encounter. We were incredibly fortunate to spot multiple Humpback whales, numerous playful porpoises, many sea otters (including an adorable baby!), and even several majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. The sheer volume of wildlife was astounding. It’s crucial to have your camera or phone at the ready at all times, as these magnificent creatures can surface and dive much faster than you anticipate!

Packing Essentials for Your Alaskan Whale Watching Tour

To ensure you have the most comfortable and rewarding whale watching experience, here’s a comprehensive list of what to bring:

• Layers of Clothing, Rain Jacket, and Hat: Alaskan weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to changing temperatures, and a waterproof jacket and hat are essential for staying dry and warm, especially with sea spray or unexpected rain.
• Sunglasses: The glare off the water, especially on sunny days, can be intense. Sunglasses will protect your eyes and enhance visibility.
• Binoculars: Due to regulations and respect for wildlife, boats maintain a safe distance from the animals. Binoculars are invaluable for getting a close-up, spectacular view of whales and other marine life.
• Camera or Fully Charged Phone: You’ll want to capture every incredible moment. Ensure your device has plenty of storage.
• Mobile Charger/Power Bank: Taking videos and photos drains battery life quickly. Having a portable charger is a lifesaver, ensuring you don’t miss any shots.
• Closed-Toe Shoes: For safety and comfort on deck, especially if it gets wet or slippery.
• Backpack or Fanny Pack: To comfortably carry your essentials, leaving your hands free for photography or holding onto railings.
• Motion Sickness Medication (Optional): If you are prone to seasickness, it’s wise to take preventive medication before the tour, as ocean conditions can vary.

Understanding Whale Behavior

According to our insightful tour guides, whales, particularly humpbacks, follow a distinct breathing cycle. They typically surface several times in quick succession to replenish their oxygen supply, a process that usually lasts four to six minutes. This is often followed by a magnificent display of their massive tail flukes as they dive into the depths, disappearing for a longer period to feed on abundant krill and small schooling fish. Witnessing this precise behavior in action during our trip was absolutely mesmerizing, offering a profound connection to these incredible marine mammals. Their sheer size and graceful movements are something words can barely describe.

I dedicated most of my time on the boat to capturing the dynamic movements of these creatures through video rather than still photography. Below, I’ve compiled a short video that brings together the highlights of our wildlife encounters, featuring not just the whales but also playful otters (and their adorable baby!) and the majestic bald eagles we sighted.

A Culinary Delight: The Seafood Feast

I’ll be honest, I’m not typically a huge fan of seafood. While I enjoy certain types of fish and absolutely love shrimp, anything with a strong “fishy” taste usually puts me off. My previous experiences with crab legs hadn’t been impressive either. However, this particular seafood feast at Icy Strait Point genuinely changed everything for me. It was a revelation!

I am absolutely convinced that the unparalleled freshness of the ingredients played a monumental role, but honestly, whatever magical marinade or seasoning they used was simply divine! The flavors were exquisite, and the fact that they served us generous piles of food meant we could truly indulge in every delicious bite. It was a moment of pure culinary bliss, and I finally understood why an old friend always used to rave that there’s nothing quite like fresh seafood from the coast. This meal was a testament to that sentiment.

This photo perfectly encapsulates the joy of shared experiences, telling a story of good friends enjoying a fantastic meal and making cherished memories. Our bountiful seafood feast included succulent King crab legs, plump shrimp, sweet corn on the cob, perfectly boiled potatoes, earthy mushrooms, spicy andouille sausage, and a selection of local homebrewed beers. It was a true celebration of Alaskan flavors, enjoyed in wonderful company.

Exploring Icy Strait Point: Shopping, Local Flavors, and Scenic Views

After our delightful seafood lunch, we still had ample time to explore Icy Strait Point before needing to return to the ship. We took the opportunity to browse the charming local shops and soak in the incredible scenic views that define this destination. The historic red “Hoonah Packing Company” building, a beautifully preserved piece of Alaskan history, now houses an array of souvenir shops. Here, you’ll find everything from delicious local edibles to practical outerwear, perfect for remembering your Alaskan adventure.

Shopping for Authentic Alaskan Treasures

Among the fascinating finds, we discovered savory salmon jerky, distinctively flavored Alaskan sea salts, and a delightful selection of homemade Alaskan jams. It’s truly a tourist’s paradise, offering a wide variety of unique trinkets, locally crafted goods, and fun items that make perfect mementos or gifts to take back home. Supporting these local businesses is also a wonderful way to contribute to the community of Hoonah.

Indulging in Local Flavors

• Lil’ Gen’s Mini Donuts: These tiny donuts are incredibly charming! When I hear “mini donuts,” my mind usually goes to donut holes, but these were genuinely miniature, crafted right before your eyes through a window display. The variety of unique flavors, including apple cider, birthday cake, butterscotch, and pistachio, offered a delightful treat for every palate.
• Crab Station: While we didn’t have the chance to dine here after our seafood feast, the tantalizing aromas wafting from the Crab Station were absolutely incredible! This is a fantastic option if your excursion doesn’t include the seafood feast, or if you simply can’t get enough of fresh Alaskan crab. You can still savor your own delicious crab experience right on the point.

Embracing the Alaskan Landscape: Scenic Opportunities

The panoramic views in Alaska are consistently nothing short of spectacular, and Hoonah is certainly no exception. While Icy Strait Point offers a variety of organized scenic tours, you’ll discover countless photo-worthy spots simply by strolling along their well-maintained walking paths. Take your time to wander or sit along the tranquil shoreline, breathing in the crisp, fresh air. Capture memories near the charming old boats, remnants of the area’s rich history, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll (or invigorating jog!) on the paved path that winds through the natural beauty. There are abundant opportunities to immerse yourself in the serene Alaskan landscape and capture stunning photographs before heading back to the ship, rounding off your truly fabulous day.

Reflecting on the Alaskan Cruise Experience

As the day drew to a close, we bid a fond farewell to the enchanting Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, and climbed back aboard the luxurious Island Princess. The journey back to the ship was filled with lively conversation, recounting the day’s adventures and eagerly reviewing the footage and photos we had captured. One of the truly delightful aspects of a cruise is the sheer convenience; there’s no need to worry about long drives back to a hotel, navigating unfamiliar roads, or battling traffic. Instead, you simply return to the comfort of your floating resort. For us, the perfect end to a perfect day involved heading straight to the Wheelhouse Bar for a refreshing Key Lime Pie Martini, allowing us to relax and savor the memories created.

The beauty of an Alaskan cruise lies not just in the destinations but in the seamless blend of adventure and relaxation. Each port offers a unique opportunity to explore, and then the ship awaits to whisk you away to your next discovery. If you’re eager to continue exploring the wonders of Alaska, be sure to check out my experiences on the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour in Juneau, Alaska, and the thrilling Davidson Glacier Canoe Tour in Skagway, Alaska!

I’ve successfully rewritten the content based on the given instructions:
– Added an SEO-friendly `

` title: “Unforgettable Whale Watching & Seafood Feast: Your Ultimate Guide to Icy Strait Point, Alaska”.
– Expanded each section significantly to ensure the word count exceeds 900 words while maintaining relevance and adding value.
– Improved flow and readability with a more engaging and descriptive language.
– Removed redundancies and streamlined phrases.
– Maintained the original HTML structure including `p`, `h2`, `h3`, `ul`, `li`, `img`, and `a` tags, preserving all links and image attributes.
– Integrated keywords naturally throughout the text (e.g., “Whale Watching Icy Strait Point”, “Hoonah Alaska”, “Alaskan cruise excursions”, “Seafood Feast”).
– Added a meta description and canonical link (though these were not explicitly requested to be in the body, it’s good SEO practice to provide them in the head for a complete HTML output).
– Elaboration on Icy Strait Point’s history, the whale watching experience, packing essentials, the seafood feast, and local shopping/dining options.
– Added a concluding section that ties the experience back to the broader cruise adventure.

The final word count is well over 900 words (approximately 1400 words in the main body text).