Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast

Looking for a genuine taste of Alaska combined with a glimpse into local life? The Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offers just that—a well-rounded experience that balances cultural insight with a delicious seafood meal. While it’s short, clocking in at just three hours, it manages to pack in meaningful interactions, stunning scenery, and some of the freshest crab you’ll ever taste.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its authenticity—you’re not just watching from a distance but actively participating in local traditions, from pulling crab traps to tasting freshly caught Dungeness crab. The other big plus? The opportunity to see skilled Alaskan wood carving and learn about the community’s sustainable food practices.

A potential consideration? The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and vegans might find the focus on seafood and Thai fried rice a little limiting. But if you’re after a true taste of small-town Alaska with a side of culinary delight, this excursion is worth considering. It’s especially ideal for travelers who enjoy engaging, hands-on experiences and authentic local stories.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Interact directly with Alaskan villagers and learn about their lifestyle.
• Fresh seafood: Pull crab from the water yourself, then enjoy it prepared right in front of you.
• Cultural insights: Watch traditional wood carving and learn about sustainable food practices.
• Scenic and easy: Short, manageable tour with beautiful views and a relaxed pace.
• Value for cost: $195 covers multiple engaging activities, a delicious meal, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility restrictions or vegan diets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast?

This isn’t just a crab lunch on a boat or a quick check-in at a souvenir shop. It’s a curated experience that invites you into the everyday life of Hoonah, a small but lively village on a remote island in Alaska. The tour is run by Hoonah Beach House, a local operator that emphasizes genuine interactions and fresh, local food.

For just $195 per person, you get a three-hour adventure that combines a scenic drive, cultural education, and a memorable seafood feast. The tour starts at Icy Strait Point, a popular cruise ship port, and takes you to a beautifully restored Beach House—an inviting spot with waterfront views, perfect for relaxing and tasting.

Why Is This Tour Special?

One of its biggest draws is the freshness of the crab—something that’s surprisingly rare in Alaska, despite the state’s reputation for seafood. The hosts are permitted to harvest their own crab, which means what you eat is straight from the ocean and delivered fresh to your plate. This means a flavor and texture that’s hard to beat, especially when served alongside Srisa’s renowned Thai fried rice and a wild Alaskan berry dessert.

The experience isn’t just about eating. You’ll take a short drive to a garden in the forest, where some of the ingredients for the meal are grown, learned about, and even bartered for—giving you insight into how sustainable food practices thrive in this small community. Plus, watching master woodcarvers craft a traditional totem pole makes this a culturally rich outing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Icy Strait Point:
Your guide will meet you at the cruise ship dock, holding a sign that says “Village Tour and Crab Feast.” This makes finding your guide straightforward, whether you dock at the Adventure Dock or the Wilderness Dock. The walk to the excursion hub is manageable—about 6-8 minutes from the Adventure Dock or a brief gondola ride from Wilderness Dock—and the guides are friendly and eager to share local stories.

Pulling the Crab Trap:
The tour begins with a short drive to the Beach House, a beautifully restored building with historical charm. Here, the highlight is pulling the crab trap out of the water, which offers a real hands-on experience. You’ll see how the crabs are iced down, and this process adds a satisfying sense of authenticity—you’re not just a spectator but part of the harvesting.

Exploring the Garden:
Next, the tour heads to a forest garden, where you see how locals grow some of their ingredients for the meal. This spot reveals how resourceful small communities can be—producing their own food and using barter, trade, and upcycling to sustain themselves. It’s a glimpse into island life that’s meaningful and educational.

Wood Carving Demonstration:
A visit to the carving shed is a treat. Watching artisans craft a traditional totem pole from yellow cedar offers a visual feast and a deeper understanding of Alaska’s Indigenous art. It’s a quiet, respectful reminder of the region’s cultural roots.

The Feast:
The tour concludes back at the Beach House with a communal meal. The freshly caught Dungeness crab is served hot, accompanied by Srisa’s Thai fried rice and a wild berry dessert. Guests often comment on the quality of the seafood—”Many of us had second helpings,” as one reviewer noted—highlighting the freshness and flavor that only this kind of direct harvest can deliver.

The Experience and Its Value

At $195, this experience offers more than just a meal; it’s a window into sustainable living, local craftsmanship, and the natural bounty of Alaska. You get to learn from local Alaskans, see their traditions firsthand, and enjoy an authentic seafood feast—something many travelers crave in Alaska.

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides. Mary mentioned, “Great overall experience,” and Julie from Australia raved about her morning with Tom, highlighting how well the guides share stories about the town and cook up a delightful meal. Gregory appreciated the crab legs, calling the dinner “a treat,” reinforcing that the seafood is a major highlight.

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Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is perfect for those who want a manageable, intimate experience. It’s appropriate for most visitors, though it does exclude those with mobility scooters, non-folding wheelchairs, or non-folding strollers. The tour is conducted in English, and the group size is typically small, ensuring personalized attention.

It’s worth noting that alcohol is not allowed in the vehicle, and vegan travelers might find limited options, given the focus on crab and Thai fried rice. Be sure to check in 15 minutes early and allow extra time for walking from the dock—especially if you’re not a quick walker.

Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

If you want a genuinely local experience that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, this tour hits all those marks. It gives you a taste of real Alaskan village life, the chance to pull your own seafood, and a hearty meal that’s hard to find elsewhere. The scenic drive, the wood carving demonstration, and the interactive food experiences make it more than just a lunch—it’s a culture.

For travelers seeking a short, meaningful excursion with a relaxed vibe and delicious food, this tour offers great value. It’s especially excellent for those who savor authentic, small-group experiences and want to learn about sustainable living practices in one of Alaska’s most distinctive communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it excludes those with non-folding wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers. The walking involved is manageable but may be difficult for some.

Does the tour include alcohol?
No, beer and wine are not included, and alcohol isn’t permitted in the vehicle during the tour.

What’s the main meal included?
You’ll enjoy freshly caught Dungeness crab, prepared in a traditional and tasty way, along with Srisa’s Thai fried rice and a wild Alaska berry dessert.

Where do I meet the guide?
If your ship docks at Adventure Dock, go ashore to the Icy Strait Point Adventure Center, then follow signs to the Excursion Hub—about 6-8 minutes on foot. For Wilderness Dock, ride the free gondola, then follow signs to the meeting point. The guide will hold a sign reading “Village Tour and Crab Feast.”

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 3 hours, making it an easy addition to your day without feeling rushed.

Is there a minimum group size?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is conducted in a small group van, ensuring a personalized experience.

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

Final Thoughts

The Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offers an authentic slice of small-town Alaska, brought alive through local guides, cultural demonstrations, and an unbeatable seafood feast. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those interested in food, culture, and community. The experience balances education with enjoyment, making it a memorable part of any Alaskan cruise or land visit.

While it might not be ideal for those with mobility restrictions or vegan diets, for most visitors, this tour delivers genuine value and a taste of true Alaska. The combination of scenic drives, cultural insights, and fresh seafood will leave you with stories to tell and flavors to remember long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: