Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: Were Going on a Bear Hunt!

The "Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!" promises an immersive adventure to Bear Island, renowned for its high concentration of brown bears. Under the guidance of knowledgeable local experts, participants can expect to observe a diverse array of wildlife, from playful otters to majestic bald eagles. But the true highlight of this 4-hour journey lies in the opportunity to gain insights into the rich Tlingit culture and the captivating Alaskan ecology. With a maximum group size of 12, this intimate experience ensures ample chances for breathtaking photography amidst the stunning landscapes. What secrets might the wilderness reveal to those who embark on this remarkable expedition?

Key Points

1. The 4-hour excursion from Hoonah to Bear Island offers the opportunity to observe the highest concentration of brown bears globally.

2. Along With brown bears, the tour provides sightings of other native wildlife, including otters, beavers, and bald eagles.

3. The small group size enhances the immersive experience and allows for informative insights from the guide about Tlingit culture and Alaskan ecology.

4. While bear sightings are not guaranteed, the excursion promises breathtaking Alaskan landscapes and scenic photography opportunities.

5. The tour is accessible to families with young children but may not be suitable for travelers with mobility challenges.

Excursion Overview and Highlights

The Icy Strait Shore Excursion whisks travelers away on a 4-hour journey from the port of Hoonah to the aptly named ‘Bear Island’, known for hosting the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world.

Explorers can observe native wildlife like otters, beavers, and bald eagles alongside the majestic brown bears. The small group size ensures an intimate and immersive experience, led by an informative guide who shares knowledge about the local Tlingit population and the stunning Alaskan scenery.

While bear sightings aren’t guaranteed, the excursion promises beautiful landscapes and the chance to learn about the region’s unique ecology and indigenous culture.

Exploring the Wildlife-Rich Icy Strait

As the tour departs from Hoonah, travelers embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the Icy Strait, a region teeming with a diverse array of native wildlife.

Known as "Bear Island," this area boasts the highest concentration of brown bears per square mile in the world. Throughout the excursion, guests can observe a range of creatures, including otters, beavers, and bald eagles, in addition to the majestic brown bears.

The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the local Tlingit culture and the intricate ecosystem, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.

With the breathtaking Alaskan scenery as the backdrop, travelers can capture remarkable photographs of the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Tlingit Cultural Immersion

Alongside the captivating wildlife encounters, the Icy Strait shore excursion offers a unique opportunity for culture.

Travelers will learn about the native Tlingit people, who’ve inhabited this region for centuries. The knowledgeable local guide will share insights into the Tlingit’s way of life, traditions, and deep connection to the land.

Visitors can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the indigenous culture through storytelling, interactive demonstrations, and the chance to observe traditional practices.

This cultural aspect complements the expedition’s focus on wildlife, allowing participants to enjoy the multifaceted richness of Alaska’s natural and human heritage.

Photography Opportunities Abound

For the adventurous photographer, the Icy Strait shore excursion offers ample opportunities to capture the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska. With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll have the flexibility to maneuver and frame the perfect shots. From the majestic brown bears to the soaring bald eagles, the diverse wildlife of the region provides endless photographic subjects. The scenic backdrops of glaciers, fjords, and dense forests create a stunning canvas for your photography.

Subject	Recommended Gear
Wildlife	Telephoto lens, fast shutter speed
Landscapes	Wide-angle lens, tripod
Low Light	High ISO, stabilization
Action Shots	Burst mode, quick reflexes

Logistics and Transportation

How does the Icy Strait shore excursion handle the logistics and transportation?

The tour includes a driver/guide and local guide to provide a seamless experience. Travelers are offered complimentary round-trip transportation from the cruise ship port, making it convenient to get to and from the excursion.

The group size is kept small, with a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate adventure.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, allowing families to participate.

The experience is available from May to September, giving visitors ample opportunity to join the search for brown bears in this wildlife-rich area.

Accessibility and Participation

The Icy Strait shore excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly, allowing families to participate.

While infants must sit on laps, most travelers can join this adventure. The tour has these accessibility considerations:

1. Stroller-accessible, making it suitable for families with young children.
2. Not wheelchair-accessible, so guests with mobility challenges may have difficulty.
3. Infants must be held on laps, as the tour doesn’t provide separate seating for them.

Despite these limitations, the Icy Strait excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe the stunning Alaskan wilderness and its diverse wildlife, making it an appealing option for a wide range of adventurous travelers.

Booking Process and Cancellation

Travelers can easily book the Icy Strait shore excursion online, receiving confirmation at the time of booking.

The excursion is available from May 1 to September 30, 2024 and 2025. Guests can enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. This provides flexibility for travelers’ plans.

The small-group tour has a maximum of 12 people, offering an intimate and personalized experience.

Whether visitors are cruise ship passengers or hotel guests, they can conveniently participate in this educational and wildlife-focused shore excursion in Icy Strait.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 3.4 from 10 reviews, the Icy Strait shore excursion has received mixed feedback from past participants.

While some praised the educational aspect and stunning scenery, others expressed disappointment at the lack of bear sightings.

The reviews highlight several key points:

1. Positive reviews commended the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to observe other native wildlife, such as otters, beavers, and bald eagles.

2. Negative reviews lamented the unpredictability of bear encounters, noting that the experience didn’t always live up to the "Bear Island" hype.

3. Several reviews mentioned the beautiful Alaskan landscapes, suggesting the excursion is still worth considering for the scenic value, even if bear sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Recap

The "Icy Strait Small Group Shore Excursion: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!" promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Travelers can observe diverse wildlife, enjoy Tlingit culture, and capture stunning landscapes, all while enjoying personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. With a maximum group size of 12, this excursion offers an intimate and immersive adventure in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.