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Land-Based Wildlife Tour

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Land-Based Tour
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No boat travel required
Brown Bear Habitat
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Chichagof Island wildlife corridor
Local Expert Guide
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Narrated wildlife identification throughout
Family Friendly
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Comfortable for guests of all ages

Description

Explore the wildlife-rich roads of Chichagof Island without stepping foot on a boat. This land-based tour takes you by vehicle through Hoonah and into the surrounding forest and coastline, where brown bears, bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and other Alaskan wildlife are regularly spotted from the road.

Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of brown bears per square mile on the planet, and your local guide knows exactly where to look. You’ll stop at vantage points along streams, clearings, and shoreline stretches where bears forage, eagles perch, and deer browse the understory. Most viewing is done from or near the vehicle, making this an accessible option for guests of all ages and mobility levels.

Your guide provides narration throughout, explaining the island’s ecosystem, the behavior of its wildlife, and the relationship between the community of Hoonah and the natural world that surrounds it. This isn’t a scripted narration; the route adapts based on where animals are active that day.

At three hours, you get real time in the field without the physical demands of hiking or the motion of a boat. If you’re traveling with young children, guests with limited mobility, or anyone who prefers solid ground under their feet, this is the wildlife tour to choose in Hoonah.

Round-trip transportation from the Excursion Hub at Icy Strait Point is included. You’ll return with time to explore downtown Hoonah or head back to your ship. A great complement to a whale watching tour for guests who want both land and sea wildlife perspectives during their port stop.


What's Included

Round-Trip Transportation
Knowledgeable Local Guide
Wildlife Viewing Stops
Narrated Tour
Guide Gratuities
Food & Beverage
Binoculars

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I see bears on this tour?
Brown bears are commonly spotted along roadsides and near streams on Chichagof Island. While sightings are frequent, they cannot be guaranteed as this is a wildlife experience.
Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?
Yes, this is entirely land-based. You travel by vehicle with stops for wildlife viewing, so there is no boat travel involved.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome. The tour is conducted from a comfortable vehicle with brief stops for photos and wildlife viewing.
How much walking is involved?
Very little. Most viewing is done from or near the vehicle. Brief stops may involve short walks on even ground for better vantage points.

Know Before You Book

Minimum Age: 6 years old
This is a land-based tour — no boat travel required
Tour operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe
Comfortable for guests who prefer to stay on solid ground
Cancel up to 24 hours the tour for a refund. No refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of the tour. If for any reason your tour is canceled, or if your cruise ship's schedule changes, you will receive a refund. Refunds do not include any non-refundable fees. Contact us by phone or email to request a cancellation.

Quick Facts

City
Icy Strait Point

Duration
3h 00min

Adult Rate
$160

Child Rate
$133


Itinerary • 3h 00min • 4 activities

Check in with your guide at the Excursion Hub and board the vehicle for your wildlife tour through Hoonah and beyond.

Duration
15 minutes

Travel through the town of Hoonah with commentary on the community, its history, and the wildlife that surrounds it.

Duration
20 minutes

Cruise the roads and trails of Chichagof Island, stopping at prime locations for brown bears, eagles, deer, and other wildlife.

Duration
2 hours

Head back to the Excursion Hub with time to explore downtown Hoonah or reboard your cruise ship.

Duration
25 minutes