Hoonah, Alaska, has long been a favorite destination for visitors during Alaska’s tourist season. This traditional Tlingit village near Icy Strait Point offers unique activities and sights you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
While our town has many attractions, Hoonah Travel Adventures offers some of the best ways to experience Southeast Alaska’s wilderness. No matter how you’d like to enjoy the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered.
A tour we think you'll love
Here are five incredible things to do in Hoonah Alaska that you won’t want to miss on your next cruise or independent journey to our beautiful piece of Southeast Alaska:
1) Experience Unforgettable Whale Watching And Wildlife Adventures At Point Adolphus
On our whale watching expedition, you can enjoy a boat trip over the waters of Icy Strait Point to see humpback whales, magnificent creatures that are unforgettable to witness.
In addition to humpback whales, you’ll often spot eagles, Dungeness crab, and other marine life, plus brown bears along the shoreline as part of your sea voyage.
This excellent expedition comes with a guarantee that, in the extremely unlikely event that you don’t see any whales on your sea voyage, you’ll receive a credit of $100. For the best chance to see whales near Icy Strait Point, you won’t want to miss this opportunity.
What makes this tour truly special? You’re not just watching from a distance – you’re entering the whales’ world. Our experienced guides know exactly when and where these gentle giants surface, and they’ll share fascinating stories about whale behavior and migration patterns.
Plus, the scenic boat ride itself is unforgettable, with stunning coastal views and the fresh Alaska sea breeze. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss your chance to get up close with magnificent humpback whales and vibrant wildlife on the waters of Icy Strait Point! Book your thrilling whale watching experience with us today and create unforgettable memories!
2) See Grizzlies Up Close (Safely!) With Our Brown Bear Search And Wilderness Tour
On this tour, a knowledgeable local guide will take you on a hike around Chichagof Island to see brown bears, deer, bald eagles, marten, and many other types of wildlife in their natural habitats.
You’ll go near the beach, through the forest, and several other spectacular locations around the island near Icy Strait Point. The Brown Bear Search lasts about three hours and is open to ages 8 and up for public tours (private tours can accommodate younger children with advance arrangement). Bringing binoculars is encouraged, but not always necessary. Most of the wildlife can be seen with the naked eye.
You’ll spend most of the tour safely inside our comfortable vehicles, so minimal hiking is required while you search for wildlife. Your local guide has spent years in these forests and knows both where the wildlife likes to go and how best to observe them respectfully.
Why choose our bear tour over others? Here’s what sets us apart:
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Expert local guides who’ve spent decades studying these magnificent animals
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Comfortable, safe vehicles that get you close without disturbing the wildlife
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Small group sizes ensuring everyone gets the best viewing spots
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Educational experience – learn about bear behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts
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Flexible scheduling with multiple departure times to fit your cruise schedule
This isn’t just wildlife viewing – it’s a chance to understand and appreciate one of Alaska’s most iconic animals in their pristine natural environment.
Fun Fact: Chichagof Island is known for having one of the highest populations of brown bears per square mile in the world! If you’d like to see some of these bears like you’ve never seen them before, book your spot on one of our Brown Bear Searches today!
3) Experience The Best Charter Fishing In Southeast Alaska
Our charter fishing tours offer some of the best angling opportunities in Alaska. You’ll take a boat out of town into the nearby waters, where an experienced local captain will take you to catch the fish of your dreams.
If you’ve ever wanted to hook a halibut or a salmon, this is the perfect opportunity. We take you to the places where the locals fish. Some of the largest halibut on record have been caught in these waters – do you think you can land a trophy fish?
If you prefer not to keep your catch, we offer catch-and-release charters where you can enjoy the excitement of fishing and return the fish to the water. Make sure to mention this when booking, and we’ll get you onto a designated catch-and-release charter.
What makes fishing in Hoonah waters so special? These aren’t just any fishing grounds – they’re the same pristine waters where Alaska’s fishing families have made their living for generations. Our captains don’t just know where the fish are; they know the stories behind every fishing spot, the best techniques for each species, and how to make your trip successful whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced angler. Many guests tell us their fishing adventure became the highlight of their entire Alaska trip!
Don’t miss this excellent fishing opportunity in Southeast Alaska. Book your next charter fishing expedition with Hoonah Travel Adventures today!
4) Enjoy A Relaxing Kayaking Expedition In The Gorgeous Waters Of Port Frederick
On our three-hour Kayaking Adventure, you’ll get to explore the waters of nearby Port Frederick while taking in some of the most breathtaking landscapes that the state of Alaska has to offer.
If you’ve never been in a kayak before, that’s okay! In many ways, it’s similar to a canoe, but with a few important differences. Guests of all skill levels are welcome on this trip, as every tour starts with a full tutorial on how to paddle and navigate through the waters. Safety equipment will also be provided and issued before we go out.
You’ll kayak around Pitt Island out towards Long Island and then circle back to the starting point. On the way, you’ll see pristine waters, green trees, sea creatures, and views that look like the front of a postcard, all while paddling a kayak through the peaceful waters. This tour is designed for guests 12 and older (younger children may join with advance approval).
Here’s why kayaking is the perfect way to explore Alaska’s wilderness:
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Peaceful and quiet – glide silently through waters without engine noise
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Get closer to wildlife – seals, otters, and birds are less afraid of kayaks
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Perfect for photos – stable platform for capturing those Instagram-worthy shots
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Great exercise – gentle workout while enjoying incredible scenery
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All skill levels welcome – our guides make sure everyone feels confident and safe
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Small carbon footprint – eco-friendly way to explore nature
There’s something magical about paddling through Alaska’s calm waters, surrounded by towering mountains and ancient forests. It’s meditation in motion, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and deeply connected to this incredible landscape.
For an unforgettable kayaking experience through Port Frederick’s pristine waters, our offerings can’t be beat. Give us a call or book your next kayak excursion!
5) Purchase Gifts, Keepsakes, Traditional Tlingit Artwork, And More
Complete your Hoonah experience by visiting the shops and exploring the rich Tlingit culture that has been found in Southeast Alaska for thousands of years. You won’t want to miss the wonderful opportunities for shopping in Icy Strait Point Alaska.
The Shops by HTA is the premier destination for purchasing authentic Alaskan gear that will help you remember the remarkable times and sights you enjoyed in our fair state. Gifts, jewelry, hats, gourmet items, Alaska gear, and more can be found here, right in the middle of town.
Best of all, cruise ship passengers can take our regularly scheduled bus from The Shops back to the port. Independent travelers can take a short walk back to their lodgings to drop everything off before continuing their journey or enjoy the iconic, world renowned, Oso Gordito food truck.
Shopping here isn’t just about buying souvenirs – it’s about taking home a piece of Alaska’s soul. Every item tells a story, whether it’s hand-carved by local Tlingit artists or carefully selected Alaska-made products. The friendly shop owners love sharing the history behind their pieces, and you’ll often find yourself in wonderful conversations about local traditions and culture. It’s the perfect way to support the local community while finding that special something that will always remind you of your incredible Hoonah adventure.
You’ll also get a chance to see totem poles actively being carved, artwork, and other examples of the rich history of Tlingit culture in Southeast Alaska. For the best shopping in Hoonah Alaska, don’t miss The Shops by HTA. Come on over before or after your excursion with us and pick up a memorable gift or keepsake before you leave the city of Hoonah.
Discover Unforgettable Adventures And Breathtaking Sights With Hoonah Travel Adventures
During your time in the picturesque port of Hoonah, you’ll be able to spend your time experiencing the wonderful nature and scenery however you’d like. You can walk on the beach, explore Chichagof Island, take a relaxing boat ride, and much more.
If you want to look for whales, see coastal brown bears, eagles, or other wildlife, undertake a charter fishing expedition, take a kayaking expedition, or enjoy some Icy Strait Point shopping, you’ll want to choose the best experience provider in the state: Hoonah Travel Adventures.
With guaranteed pickup and drop-off times, you’ll never miss your tour or your cruise ship. To all who come to Hoonah to experience this stunning portion of land we’ve called home for thousands of years, thank you. Or, as we say in Tlingit, “Gunalchéesh!”
Tours fill up quickly during peak season, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot!
