Stepping off a cruise ship at Icy Strait Point feels like crossing into another world. Chichagof Island’s jagged shores, cloaked in evergreen forests, whisper of adventure and ancient stories. Here, Wilderness Island Tours, a Tlingit-owned outfit from the nearby village of Hoonah, offers a journey that’s less a tour and more a shared exploration. Their Icy Point Strait Excursions Tour pairs you with guides who’ve spent their lives on this land, ready to show you its secrets through their eyes. This is your chance to wander Alaska’s wilds with people who call it home, weaving together nature, culture, and a few surprises along the way. Let’s unpack what makes this experience one you won’t forget.
A Guide Who Feels Like Family
Imagine bouncing along a gravel road in a snug van, your guide pointing out a spot where they used to fish as a kid. That’s the vibe with Wilderness Island Tours. These aren’t outsiders with a guidebook—they’re Hoonah locals, often Tlingit, who’ve grown up hunting, foraging, and storytelling on Chichagof. One minute they’re sharing how their uncle taught them to read bear tracks, the next they’re cracking a joke about the time they got stuck in mud chasing a deer story. It’s real, unpolished, and makes you feel like you’re tagging along with a friend.
The groups are kept small—think a dozen people at most—so you can actually talk to your guide. Want to know more about that weird spiky plant or how to frame a shot of the coastline? Just ask. They’ll pull over, point out details, maybe even share a trick for spotting eagles. The vans are no-frills but comfy, built to handle the island’s bumpy trails while keeping you dry if the Alaskan drizzle kicks in. It’s the kind of setup that lets you sink into the experience without distractions.
Chichagof’s Raw Splendor
Chichagof Island hits you with beauty that feels almost too big to take in. Picture dense woods where sunlight barely sneaks through, streams carving paths to the sea, and cliffs where the ocean roars below. The tour follows old logging tracks, now used for low-impact adventures, that snake past meadows and beaches most visitors never see. You might stop at a lookout where the horizon stretches forever or a quiet cove where the only sound is waves on pebbles.
The guides have a knack for spotting the small stuff that makes this place special—a patch of wild salmonberries you can taste if the season’s right, a tree scarred by a bear, or a fern that’s been here longer than anyone’s great-grandparents. They’ll show you how the island’s pieces fit together, from the tiniest moss to the biggest vistas. There’s no rush here; you get time to breathe, look, and let the place work its magic on you.
Tlingit Roots Run Deep
Hoonah, a Tlingit village just down the road from Icy Strait Point, is the heartbeat of this tour. As you roll through its streets, your guide might nod toward a house where their cousin carves cedar or share a story about the clan gatherings that still happen here. This is living history, not a display case. The Tlingit have called this land home for thousands of years, and Wilderness Island Tours makes sure you feel that connection.
You’ll hear about practices like drying fish for winter or the way a raven’s call carries meaning in Tlingit stories. Some guides get personal, maybe talking about their first time paddling a canoe for a ceremony or why their clan’s crest matters. These aren’t lectures—they’re conversations, sparked by the places you visit. It’s a rare chance to learn from people whose families have shaped this island’s story, and it turns every stop into something deeper than a photo op.
Wildlife Moments That Stick With You
Chichagof is a playground for creatures big and small, and the Icy Strait Point Wildlife Tour is your ticket to see them. Brown bears, bald eagles, sitka deer, and even whales passing offshore call this place home. Your guide knows their haunts—where bears dig for roots or eagles like to perch. They’ll lead you to spots where the odds of a sighting are high, always keeping things safe and respectful.
What sets this apart is how the guides frame what you see. Spot a bear? They’ll tell you what it’s eating and why. See an eagle dive? They might share a Tlingit story about its spirit. They bring spotting scopes so you can zoom in on a deer across a field or a seal bobbing in the waves. There’s no pressure to move on too fast—you get time to watch, snap pictures, or just marvel. The rule here is simple: observe, don’t disturb. You’ll walk away with more than memories; you’ll carry a new respect for these animals and their world.
Prepping for the Trip
This tour fits neatly into a cruise stop, running about 2 to 3 hours. You’ll start at the Excursion Hub, a quick stroll from the Icy Strait Point dock, and wrap up at the Front Gate near shops and eateries. Alaska’s weather is a wild card, so pack a warm layer, a rain jacket, and shoes that can handle a bit of mud. A camera’s great, but even a phone will catch the magic. If you want close-ups, toss in binoculars—though the guides often share their scopes.
Spots fill fast, especially in summer, so book ahead at wildernessislandtours.com or call (907) 416-3017. Got a thing for wildflowers or Tlingit myths? Tell the team when you reserve—they’ll tweak the tour to lean into what you love. Show up with an open mind, and you’re in for a ride that’s equal parts thrilling and soul-filling.
Betting on Local
Going with Wilderness Island Tours means backing a small, Hoonah-based business that’s all about keeping Chichagof’s spirit alive. They hire local Tlingit guides, support the community, and run their tours with an eye on the future. Their vans sip fuel, and they’re big on leaving no trace—think picking up stray wrappers or sticking to established paths. It’s tourism that doesn’t just take; it gives back.
When you choose them, you’re helping preserve this island’s forests, waters, and stories. The guides weave in tips on treading lightly, like why you shouldn’t toss food scraps or how to respect sacred sites. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, supporting a community that’s sharing its home with you.
What Travelers Say
People come back from these tours buzzing. One cruiser on a travel forum called it “the best stop on our Alaska trip,” hooked on how guide Tommy spun tales of his childhood while pointing out a bear. Another wrote on a review site about feeling “like we were welcomed into Hoonah’s story,” thanks to their guide’s knack for making everyone laugh and think. These aren’t just five-star ratings—they’re stories of connection, from the thrill of spotting a whale to the quiet awe of hearing a Tlingit song.
This tour sticks with people because it’s real. It’s not about checking boxes; it’s about moments that feel personal, whether you’re a first-timer or an Alaska regular. That’s the kind of thing you can’t fake.
Make It Your Adventure
If Icy Strait Point is on your cruise itinerary, don’t skip Wilderness Island Tours. Their Icy Point Strait Excursions Tour is a masterclass in blending wild beauty, wildlife thrills, and Tlingit wisdom into a few unforgettable hours. Guided by Hoonah locals, it’s a deep dive into a place and a people that’ll stay with you long after you’re back on the ship.
Swing by Wilderness Island Tours to snag your spot or get the details. Pack your curiosity, maybe a snack for the road, and get ready to see Alaska through the eyes of those who know it best. Chichagof Island’s waiting—let Wilderness Island Tours show you its soul.