United States · Alaska · Pier docking
A purpose-built cruise destination on Tlingit land — and the world's longest zip line, with whales feeding offshore.
~9 hours
Typical Port Time
Pier
Dock Type
Gondola included
To ZipRider top
USD
Currency
English
Language
Among highest in Alaska
Whale Probability
Icy Strait Point is a cruise-only destination on the Tlingit village land of Hoonah on Chichagof Island. Disney built a pier and gondola system here — the entire complex exists for cruise passengers, but it's Tlingit-owned and operated, with all revenue going to the local community.
Two things make Icy Strait worth a port day: the ZipRider (the world's longest zip line at 5,330 feet) and whale watching in Icy Strait — one of the densest humpback whale areas on earth. The 30-minute boat trip out from the pier reliably encounters multiple whales feeding.
The activities Disney cruise families consistently rate highest, ranked by popularity and quality, not by what an excursion desk wants to sell.
A mile-plus zip line from a mountaintop down to the cruise dock. 60 mph, 1,300 feet of vertical drop. Six parallel cables so families can race.
Best for: Adventure-seeking families, age 10+
Multi-boat search in Icy Strait — one of the most reliable whale-watching waters in the world. Disney offers a "guaranteed-whale" version.
Best for: Wildlife families
Bus to the Tlingit village of Hoonah for a clan-house dance performance and traditional food tasting.
Best for: Cultural families
Bus to a remote stream during salmon season for bear viewing. Less reliable than zoo-style bear stops but a more authentic experience.
Best for: Adventurous families
Icy Strait Point is essentially all excursion — there's no town to walk to. Everything is run through the cruise destination's booth at the pier, with the same operators whether booked through Disney or onsite (Disney guarantees the ship will wait).
$159 per person via Disney
Same zip line as the onsite booking. Save by booking onsite if there's availability.
Get there in the first hour at the pier — top slots fill quickly.
$179 adult / $109 child
Whales guaranteed — if you don't see one, Disney refunds the fare. Single-operator boats run small groups.
August is peak feeding season; July and June still very reliable.
Local spots and notable bites worth leaving the ship for — or that work well as a quick shore-side break.
📍 Cruise destination complex
Walk-up window for fresh Dungeness crab, halibut, and salmon. Picnic seating with mountain views.
📍 Cruise destination complex
Restaurant with kid-friendly menus, salmon dishes, and homemade pies.
Things that make a real difference with little kids on a port day.
The pier has no real town — plan an excursion or the activities at the cruise destination itself.
ZipRider has minimum age (10) and weight requirements — check before paying.
Whale watching is cold even in summer. Layers and Dramamine for sensitive kids.
Money-saving and time-saving tricks most cruisers learn the hard way.
💡 Walking trail to Hoonah
There's a 1.5-mile coastal trail from the cruise destination into the village of Hoonah — free, easy walking, and the most authentic experience here.
💡 Skip the duty-free shopping
The shops on the pier sell standard Alaska souvenirs at premium prices. Save for Juneau or Ketchikan.
Icy Strait Point cruise season runs May–September. Whale concentration peaks late July through August, when humpbacks bubble-net feed.
| Months | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| May – Jun | 50s, mixed | Lower |
| Jul – Aug | 60s, some rain | Highest |
| Sep | 50s, fall colors | Lower |
Icy Strait gets less rain than Ketchikan but more than Skagway. Plan for cool and possibly wet conditions.
The cruise destination complex is small — pier to dining, shops, and excursion booths in under 5 minutes.
Otherwise $30 round-trip for sightseeing.
All wildlife excursions include shuttle transport.
Upcoming Disney Cruise Line itineraries that include Icy Strait Point.
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