Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast

Traveling to Alaska and craving a genuine taste of local life and fresh seafood? The Hoonah Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offers just that—an engaging glimpse into village living paired with a memorable seafood experience, all in a manageable 3-hour package. Whether you’re a foodie, culture buff, or outdoor lover, this tour could be a highlight of your Alaskan cruise or visit.

Three things we love about this experience are the opportunity to pull fresh crab from the ocean, the insightful stories from local Alaskans, and the delicious, freshly prepared crab feast. The tour’s small-group setting means personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sights and flavors without feeling rushed. One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s focus on seafood and local culture, which might not appeal to vegans or those with mobility issues. Still, for those eager to connect authentically with Alaska’s coastal lifestyle, this is a solid pick.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy authentic cultural experiences, seafood lovers, and small-group adventures. If you’re after a taste of local life combined with a fun, educational trip and a delicious meal, you’ll likely walk away satisfied.

Good To Know

• Authentic village visit with local guides sharing stories and traditions
• Fresh crab from the ocean pulled during the tour, offering a real seafood experience
• Includes a flavorful Thai fried rice and local ingredients, blending cultures
• Small group size ensures personalized service and attention
• Beautiful scenery and demonstrations like totem pole carving add cultural depth
• Convenient meeting points at Icy Strait Point with clear instructions

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at the cruise ship dock at Icy Strait Point, a well-organized hub designed for visitors. The tour guide, easily spotted holding a “Village Tour and Crab Feast” sign, meets you in the Adventure Center. The walk from the dock to the tour bus is about 6-8 minutes, which is manageable even with luggage or in cooler weather. For those at Wilderness Dock, a quick ride on the complimentary Green Transporter Gondola sets the tone for the scenic journey ahead. This ease of access is a thoughtful touch, especially considering the likely tight schedule of cruise passengers.

The Village and Crab Pulling Experience

The heart of this tour is the visit to a small Alaskan island village. Here, you’ll travel in a cozy van with a knowledgeable guide who shares insights into local life. The first stop is a beautifully restored beach house, where you get to pull fresh crab from the water—an authentic, hands-on activity that many travelers find surprisingly fun and satisfying. As one reviewer noted, “We stopped briefly to pull the crab trap out of the water and pick out lunch,” which adds an engaging, tactile element missing from typical sightseeing.

Once the crabs are iced down, the group heads to the garden in the forest, where ingredients for the Thai fried rice and seafood sauce are grown. This glimpse into local food production highlights how residents sustain themselves through barter, trade, and resourcefulness—an important aspect of island life often overlooked in standard tours.

Cultural Highlights

Next, the tour takes you to a carving shed, where master woodcarvers craft traditional totem poles from yellow cedar logs. Watching skilled artisans work offers a deeper appreciation of Alaska’s indigenous artistry, and the activity adds a cultural richness that goes beyond just scenery. This stop is particularly appreciated for its authentic craftsmanship, with a reviewer mentioning “watching the master carvers create a totem pole” as a highlight.

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The Feast

Back at the beach house, it’s time for the main event: a feast of freshly caught Dungeness crab, prepared right there. The meal also features Srisa’s Thai fried rice, blending Alaskan seafood with Southeast Asian flavors. The local wild berry dessert—sweet, tangy, and made with Alaskan berries—completes the meal beautifully. Several reviews praise the food, with one guest noting, “The fresh crab was absolutely delicious, many of us had second helpings,” and another mentioning how the meal “felt like a genuine family gathering.”

Additional Details

The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect shore excursion for those with limited time but a desire for depth. The tour costs $195 per person, which many consider a good value given the included activities, food, and cultural insights. The small-group setting ensures more personalized interaction than larger, bus-based tours, with guides like Tom earning praise for their friendliness and knowledge.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is mostly accessible for those able to walk short distances, it excludes mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, and strollers. Also, alcohol is not permitted in the vehicle, so plan accordingly if you’d like to bring drinks. The tour is not suitable for vegans, as seafood is the main feature.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Touches

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is the local guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge. Guests like Julie from Australia mentioned, “Tom showed us around the village and took us to his restaurant, where his wife cooked a lovely meal.” This personal touch transforms a simple tour into a memorable experience, allowing visitors to connect with residents and learn about their ways of life firsthand.

The freshness of the crab is also a standout. Since the operators own a crab harvesting permit, they can provide freshly caught Dungeness crab, an uncommon advantage. It’s a rarity to find truly fresh crab prepared just hours after being pulled from the water—an authentic treat for seafood lovers.

The culinary aspect also elevates the tour. The blend of Alaskan seafood with Thai fried rice offers a fun twist, appealing to those curious about different flavors and cultural fusions. The inclusion of a local berry dessert adds a sweet local touch, rounding out the meal in a satisfying way.

Value for Money

At $195, this tour offers a mix of hands-on activities, culture, and a delicious meal—all within three hours. For travelers looking for a meaningful experience rather than just sightseeing, this is a fair price. The small-group format adds value by allowing for more interaction and personalized storytelling. If you’re interested in local culture, fresh seafood, and small-scale adventures, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to connect with the local community and enjoy authentic Alaskan flavors. If you’re a seafood enthusiast eager to try fresh crab and local dishes, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate cultural demonstrations like totem pole carving and village stories.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour may not be suitable for vegans or travelers with mobility challenges. The focus on seafood and the limited accessibility options mean it’s best for those comfortable with short walks and seafood-based meals.

The Sum Up

The Hoonah Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offers a genuine, hands-on way to experience Alaska’s coastal life, combining cultural insights, scenic views, and delicious food. The chance to pull fresh crab from the water and enjoy a family-style feast makes it stand out among typical shore excursions. The knowledgeable guides, local craftsmanship, and authentic atmosphere deliver a well-rounded experience that many travelers find worth the price.

If you’re after a small-group, meaningful adventure that combines culture, nature, and cuisine, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially perfect for those who want to see the real Alaska beyond the tourist spots and taste some of the freshest seafood around.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for young children?
The tour involves pulling crab from the water and some walking, so it’s suitable for children comfortable with these activities. Always check with the provider if your children have special needs or require extra assistance.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a van ride, a guide, fresh locally caught Dungeness crab, Thai fried rice, and wild Alaskan berry dessert.

Can I buy drinks during the tour?
Beer and wine are not included and are not allowed in the vehicle, so if you’d like beverages, plan to bring your own or purchase them separately.

How long does the tour take?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours, making it a compact but comprehensive experience.

Where do I meet my guide?
If your ship is at the Adventure Dock, walk through the Adventure Center and exit through door 2. From Wilderness Dock, ride the free gondola and walk to the Excursion Hub, where your guide will meet you.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or non-folding strollers due to the walking involved and limited accessibility options.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travel plans.

Exploring Hoonah with this tour means gaining a glimpse into real village life, tasting the freshest crab, and enjoying Alaska’s scenic beauty—all with a friendly guide and a delicious meal in hand. It’s a well-rounded, authentic experience that many travelers will cherish.

You can check if your dates are available here: