Location: Hoonah
Top Things to do in Hoonah
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10 Tours in Hoonah That You Shouldn't Miss
Hoonah (Xunaa in Tlingit) is a largely Tlingit community on Chichagof Island, located in Alaska's panhandle in the southeast region of the state. It is 30 miles (48 km) west of Juneau, across the Alaskan Inside Passage. Hoonah is the only first-class city on Chichagof Island, the 109th largest island in the world and the 5th largest island in the United States. At the 2010 census the population was 760, down from 860 at the 2000 census. In the summer the population can swell to over 1,300 depending on fishing, boating, hiking and hunting conditions. "Hoonah" became the official spelling in 1901, with establishment of the Hoonah branch of the United States Post Office. Xunaa means "protected from the North Wind" in the Tlingit language.
Restaurants in Hoonah
1. Tlingit Canoe and Culture Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
This small group, 2 hour experience is something that can only be done in Hoonah! The Tribe offers a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to tour the pristine waters of Icy Strait, aboard one of their traditional, hand carved Tlingit dugout canoes. Following your adventure on the water, tour the canoe culture shed to view beautiful totems and have stories interpreted for you.
Inclusions: Local guide, Round-trip transfer from port
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Elephanteric
I came to Icy Strait Point, excited for some whale watching. We saw a humpback whale soon after leaving. A little later, we came across many whales later on that breached all the way up. There was one whale that went directly under the boat. We also saw a pod of orcas on the way back along with a sea otter. Overall, while I wish that the boat ride could have gone to Glacier Bay, it was a highlight of Alaska.
2. 1 hour self-guided ATV Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Here on Chichagof Island, there isn't much of anything man-made. But what we do have here is un-paralleled wealth is wilderness. Locally there are more grizzly bears than people; and more acres of un-touched forest than pavement or concrete. This opportunity is NOT for those who like crowds, waiting in line, or being explained to death. Rather, this IS for those who want to safely get into the woods, and away from the herd and enclosures. Simply put, we offer opportunities to see what the 5th largest island in America has to experience, without hand-holding or training wheels.
Inclusions: Garmin GPS display, SPOT GPS messenger, and bear spray
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Riceater99
We aren't big on cruise excursions. Saw this tour while walking through town with only 2 hours till our ship departed. Wished we would have seen it sooner, we would have rented one for the whole day. You are allowed to drive on the roads and through town to check it out and then hit the logging trails where you can fly fast letting you cover more beautiful ground and seeing a ton of sites. The utv was fast and reliable with a GPS system with preset destinations to follow and get back. Also had bear spray mounted inside just in case along with a transponder that has a button to notify if you get stuck or break down, and another button to alert 911. We had a blast, we loved going at our own pace and going where we wanted. Couldn't have been more pleased, great experience at a great price. Worth every penny.
3. Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 59 reviews
Embark on a small-group, 3-hour whale watching and wildlife sightseeing tour from Hoonah, Alaska. Every season humpback whales come in large numbers to Hoonah to feed on the nutrient-rich waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait before migrating south again for the winter. The whale population begins to arrive in Hoonah in May, and stays through September.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Snack, Round-trip shared transfer from Icy Strait Point, Local guide, National Park fee
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By TravelngK
Despite how our need to cancel our next month's tour impacted your company, I truly appreciate how graciously and quickly you did so, and how you refunded my money within a couple of minutes. I look forward to taking your tour at a more opportune time.
4. Kayak Tours
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 11 reviews
Fairweather Kayaks is based in one of the most beautiful areas in southeast Alaska. A little town called Hoonah, Alaska. Not only do you feel like its home when you get here. The people here make it feel like home. It's a hard place to leave after you visit. Fairweather Kayaks main goal is to show you an experience that when your outing is done. Not only will you walk away happy and relaxed from being out on the water. Our goal is to show you such a good time you'll be thinking about your next visit before you even leave. Fairweather Kayaks takes you into calm waters where the kayaking experience isnt too difficult and theres always a chance to see wildlife.
Inclusions: We'll provide life jackets, paddles, kayaks, and spray skirts. As well as light rain ponchos if its a rainy day
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 479venkateshp
We were a family of 3 - one adult and two girls ages 17 & 12. David picked us up right outside the pier area at Icy Strait Point and it was a short drive to the kayak landing. Cody and Rebecca geared us up patiently and made sure each and everyone was comfortable. We then set out. The kayaks are new and in great condition. We exited the docks and made our way to the lumber yard. If the wind is on your back, it’s quite easy and we got lucky that it wasn’t that windy either way. We made a stop half way and stretched our legs. We saw bald eagles, salmon jumping out of the waters and a family of sea gulls. We then made our way back and it was a bit against the wind. So, it made for slow sailing. But Cody and Rebecca made sure they stayed with everyone all the way. Never hurrying anyone and always up for a good conversation with each and every member of the party. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy kayaking in Hoonah and doesn’t want to pay a premium booking through the ship.
5. Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 100 reviews
Experience the most sought-after Alaskan adventure in the best whale watching boat in Alaska where every seat is a window seat. This small-group tour - 24 people maximum, is 2 hours and 45 minutes long from pick up to drop off with 2.5 hrs on the water. Once you arrive at Icy Strait Point you will be met by your guide at the Excursion Hub. Transfers to and from the vessel are included and we guarantee to get you back in time for all on board. Departures are scheduled around your ship's arrival and departure times. On board Alaska's most specialized whale watching boat, guaranteed whale sightings have never been a problem! Icy Strait and Point Adolphus are world-renowned when it comes to whale activity and is home to a large number of Humpback Whales as well as Orca. Completely protected from the elements yet experiencing the up and close feel of the water and whales is what sets this tour apart from all others. Come out with our family and enjoy the time of your life!
Inclusions: Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, Soda, Hot Chocolate, transfers to and from the vessel, Full refund is ship cancels or is late
Exclusions: Rain Gear, Binoculars
Reviewed By nealm2804
Please be advised that all of this area of Alaska has very high tides so getting off any floating object- ship dock etc. might require negotiating a steep ramp. There is a Jitney to take you around the Hoonah tourist area to the shops and the tour assembly sites. To get to the town itself there are taxis for a buck or two to do the mile or so walk. Not much in the town itself and mainly tourist type souvenirs in the area at the port area. The crew on our trip was helpful, but we just got real lucky. There was the pod of Orcas a distance from our relatively small boat that decided that it would be fun to swim under our boat s close as possible to the hull without actually hitting it,. They splashed us as we watched in amazement since we could see them throught the clear water. After that they just hung out in the area-Orca play time? as they slapped their tails on the surface many times. We also saw some sea otters lounging about and some other whales off in the distance, .
6. Chichagof Island Tour: Brown Bear Search
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 59 reviews
Embark on a small-group, 3-hour land based tour of Chichagof Island. The community of Hoonah, with a year round population of approximately 850, is located in the northern part of Chichagof Island. The vast majority of the island is pure, uninhabited, Alaskan wilderness teeming with wildlife! Chichagof Island has the highest population of bears per square mile of any place on Earth.
Inclusions: Picks Up & Drops Off at Icy Strait Point, All individual seating in van, no bench seating, Small Group Tour - Max of 12, Local Native guide, Bottled water, National Park fees $5.40
Exclusions: Gratuities (Never expected always appreciated)
Reviewed By Elephanteric
I came to Icy Strait Point, excited for some whale watching. We saw a humpback whale soon after leaving. A little later, we came across many whales later on that breached all the way up. There was one whale that went directly under the boat. We also saw a pod of orcas on the way back along with a sea otter. Overall, while I wish that the boat ride could have gone to Glacier Bay, it was a highlight of Alaska.
7. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: We're going on a bear hunt!
Overall Ratings
3.4 based on 5 reviews
When porting at Icy Strait near Hoonah this is a shore tour ashore you will not forget. Lets go on a bear hunt, this four hour tour offers you the chance to see brown bears, Sitka black-tail deer and other wildlife up close in the natural picturesque beauty of the last frontier.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Port pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By shane c
Our tour included a comfortable bus ride to the summit ending in a border crossing to the Yukon. The Driver/tour guide was a awesome young fellow who clearly enjoyed his job and made sure everybody enjoyed this part of the trip. The train took us back to Skagway and we had a different but equally awesome views of the beautiful scenery and the narration was very informative. Definitely a must do and the city of Skagway is a very nice city to visit.
8. Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour
One of the most popular shore tours when cruising in Alaska is our premier whale watching tour at icy Strait. This tour will not just offer whales but also the possibility of bears, deer, coastal ducks and geese.
Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation from Icy Strait Point gates, Bottled water and a light snack, Restrooms onboard boat, Bottled water and a light snack are included., Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By shane c
Our tour included a comfortable bus ride to the summit ending in a border crossing to the Yukon. The Driver/tour guide was a awesome young fellow who clearly enjoyed his job and made sure everybody enjoyed this part of the trip. The train took us back to Skagway and we had a different but equally awesome views of the beautiful scenery and the narration was very informative. Definitely a must do and the city of Skagway is a very nice city to visit.
9. Whale Watching Charters through Icy Strat Alaska
Wooshkeetaan Tours is an locally owned small business committed to providing guest with unique and thrilling tours of the natural beauty of Port Frederick and Icy Strait. Our tours bring visitors from Icy Straight Point Cruise Ship port and Hoonah to the natural playground we enjoy and appreciate everyday. The waters near Icy Strait Point have some of the best humpback whale watching in the world.
Inclusions: Snacks and bottle water
Exclusions:
Reviewed By JNUkswhite
We had an amazing adventure out on beautiful calm, clear and sunny Icy Strait with Captain Billy! Fishing, breaching whales, sea otters and porpoise sliding through the water right next to our boat. He took us close to shore so we could watch a huge, meandering brown bear. We had a fantastic time and would do it again in a heart beat when we are in Hoonah again. Highly recommend Captain Billy and his boating adventures on the Silver Spoon!
10. Luxury Whales & Wildlife Expedition - Icy Strait Point / Hoonah
Take your Alaskan adventure to the next level by spending the day on Southeast Alaska’s only whale watching yacht. Just as the name suggests, luxury IS the difference. Icy Strait Point is home to both a wide array of wildlife and some of the most pristine waters in the world. We’re here to help you experience it all in utmost comfort. Humpback whales are seen almost daily and are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes out for chance sightings of Orca whales, bald eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and even the occasional coastal brown bear. Chichagof Island boasts the largest concentration of coastal brown bears in the world! Your Marquis Yacht is a streamlined combination of speed, style, safety, and comfort. This tour is the perfect mix of adventure and luxury, and has something to offer for all guests on board. Enjoy wildlife and beautiful scenery while sipping champagne, wine, Alaskan beer, or soft drinks.
Inclusions: Restroom on board, Alcoholic Beverages, Snacks
Exclusions:
