2 Hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour

A Genuine, Compact Taste of Chichagof Island

If you’re visiting Hoonah on a cruise and want a quick yet meaningful taste of Chichagof Island, the 2-hour guided driving tour offered by Wilderness Island Tours is worth considering. It’s tailored for cruise passengers with tight schedules—lasting just about two hours—but it manages to pack in a good mix of wildlife viewing, cultural stories, and scenic vistas. Priced at $125 per person, this tour is a way to explore the region with the benefit of local guides who are lifelong residents, and it’s the only tour operating directly from Hoonah, giving it an authentic local flavor.

What we love most is how this tour brings the native culture to life through stories and educational moments, and the opportunity to identify medicinal plants used by the Tlingit people. Plus, the chance to see wildlife and take photos in a stunning setting makes it very appealing. The only potential downside? With only two hours, you won’t have time to explore every corner, so it’s best for those who want a quick but meaningful experience. It’s ideal for cruise travelers or anyone short on time but eager to see something truly local and spectacular.

If you enjoy guided excursions that blend natural beauty with cultural depth, this tour should be high on your list. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who value authentic insights over just sightseeing, and who appreciate stories told by insiders who know the land intimately.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Guides: Led by residents who share deep cultural knowledge.
• Cultural Insights: Focus on the Tlingit people’s traditions, lifestyle, and medicinal plants.
• Wildlife & Scenic Views: Opportunities for wildlife sightings, photo ops, and breathtaking scenery.
• Compact & Convenient: Perfect for cruise passengers with limited time.
• Educational & Fun: Learn to identify local plants and hear stories rooted in local history.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Exploring Chichagof Island in Just Two Hours

The 2-Hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour is designed to give you a meaningful glimpse of this rugged, beautiful part of Alaska without demanding a long day. We’ll start at Icy Strait Point, the cruise terminal area, before hitting the road with guides who are not just knowledgeable but also passionate about their homeland.

The tour’s duration—just about two hours—might seem brief, but it’s intentionally crafted to offer a balanced snapshot of the island’s natural and cultural wonders. You’ll get a taste of remote Alaskan life, learn about the Tlingit people’s traditions, and hopefully spot some wildlife along the way.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Two features really stand out. First, the local guides: These aren’t just tour operators; they are lifelong residents, so their stories and insights about the land feel genuine and personal. Second, the focus on native culture and medicinal plants is incredibly enriching, especially if you’re interested in indigenous ways of life. The guides explain how they identify plants with healing properties, adding an educational aspect that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

A second highlight is the scenery—the views of Chichagof Island’s rugged coastlines, lush forests, and possibly wildlife like sea birds and marine mammals. The nature isn’t just beautiful; it’s an active part of the storytelling, giving you a real sense of the wild, unspoiled environment.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Since the tour is only two hours, it’s quite a quick spin. If you’re hoping to explore more deeply or visit multiple sites, this might feel somewhat limited. Also, the tour’s success in wildlife sightings depends on seasonal conditions and luck, so don’t expect to see animals every single time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for cruise passengers with limited time, or travelers who want a meaningful introduction to Tlingit culture and Alaska’s wilderness. It suits those who enjoy guided storytelling, scenic drives, and learning about local plants and traditions in a small-group setting.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Icy Strait Point

Your journey begins at Icy Strait Point, a hub designed to showcase the local culture and natural beauty of Hoonah and Chichagof Island. From here, the guides—who are residents of Hoonah and passionate about sharing their homeland—lead the way. They’re well-versed in everything from native history to the flora and fauna you might encounter.

The drive takes you through rolling coastal roads, forested areas, and possibly some open clearings where wildlife can be spotted. Given the short duration, the itinerary is optimized to hit key points, like viewing scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

Cultural Insights and Education

One of the main draws is the educational aspect. Your guide shares stories about the Tlingit people, their traditional ways of living, and their connection to the land. You’ll learn how to identify medicinal plants, which is both fascinating and practical if you’re interested in botany or indigenous medicine.

Guests often comment on the authenticity of these stories and the personal touch guides bring. “Our guide, John, shared stories about his ancestors and explained how certain plants are used for healing,” one reviewer noted, highlighting how this tour offers more than just pretty views.

Wildlife and Scenic Photo Opportunities

Depending on the season, you might see sea otters, bald eagles, or other coastal wildlife. The vistas are truly breathtaking, with panoramic views of the coastline, forested hills, and distant mountains. Many travelers mention how beautiful the scenery is and how it provides excellent photo opportunities—perfect for capturing Alaska’s rugged charm.

Optional Walks and Berry Picking

If time allows, the guides sometimes include short walks or berry picking—especially in the berry season. This hands-on experience gives visitors a chance to connect more directly with the land, and many appreciate the chance to taste wild berries or learn about local edible plants.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

From the stories we’ve read, travelers are consistently impressed with how well the guides blend education and nature. One reviewer said, “We loved the way our guide explained how to spot plants with medicinal properties. It made the landscape come alive.” Others appreciated the personalized attention given in the small group, which often felt more like a friendly tour with a local friend than a commercial experience.

The scenery is universally praised, with travelers noting it’s “breathtaking” and “seriously picturesque.” Wildlife sightings are variable but always an added bonus, and the small group size makes for a more intimate experience—especially when compared to larger, bus-based tours.

Some travelers mention that the tour’s brevity means you won’t see everything, but for many, the quality of insights and scenery more than makes up for it.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak cruise season, as the tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.
• The meeting point at the Excursions Hub on Cannery Road is easy to find, just a short stroll from Icy Strait Point.
• The tour is mobile ticket-based, so you can often book last minute, but plan ahead if possible.
• A sales tax of $8.13 per person applies, so budget that into your overall trip expenses.
• Since the tour is not refundable, be sure of your schedule before booking.
• Wear comfortable shoes for possible short walks, and bring layers—weather in Alaska can change quickly.

The Sum Up: Is This the Tour for You?

In summary, the 2-hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and wildlife viewing. It’s a fantastic choice for cruise travelers who want to maximize their limited time ashore without missing out on local authenticity. The guides’ deep knowledge and local roots ensure you gain insights that go beyond typical tourist fare, making your short visit more meaningful.

While the brief duration might leave some wanting to see more, this tour excels in providing a personalized, educational experience that captures the spirit of Hoonah and Chichagof Island. If you value learning about indigenous traditions, appreciate stunning coastal scenery, and prefer small-group tours, this will be a memorable highlight of your Alaska visit.

For those seeking a short, engaging, and authentic introduction to the area, this guided drive hits the mark—delivering value and genuine local flavor in just two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it ideal for cruise passengers with limited port time.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the 3-party Excursions Hub at 108 Cannery Rd, near Icy Strait Point, and ends back at the same location.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided drive led by local Native guides, and the tour emphasizes cultural insights and scenic views. It does not include the sales tax of $8.13 per person.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, the mobile ticket system allows for last-minute bookings, but availability is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible. However, those with mobility issues should note the possibility of short walks.

Will I see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck, but many travelers enjoy spotting birds, marine mammals, and other animals.

What should I wear?
Bring layers, comfortable shoes, and rain gear if needed, as weather in Alaska can change rapidly.

Are there any optional activities?
If time allows, guides might include short walks or berry picking—seasonally dependent—but these are not guaranteed.

Is this experience refundable?
No, the tour is non-refundable. Be sure of your schedule when booking.

Embark on this small-group adventure and experience the true essence of Chichagof Island through the eyes of its local residents. It’s a quick trip, but one that leaves a lasting impression of Alaska’s rugged beauty and vibrant culture.