Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Alaska combined with cultural insights and stunning scenery, the Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast offers a compelling experience. Priced at $195 per person and typically booked 115 days in advance, this 3-hour tour departs from Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, USA and is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personal touch.

The tour uniquely balances hands-on crabbing, local storytelling, and cultural demonstrations like totem carving, culminating in a delicious, freshly cooked crab feast at a coastal home with ocean views. This combination of activities makes it ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences and delicious seafood.

While the tour is especially suitable for those interested in Alaska’s fishing culture, scenic landscapes, and indigenous art, participants should be prepared for a moderate pace with several stops outside the village and a small group setting. The experience offers great value for the price given the personalized attention and quality of food.

Key Points

• Authentic Alaskan crab feast served at a scenic coastal home
• Learn about crabbing, foraging, and Tlingit totem carving from local hosts
• Visit Hoonah, a remote village with a vibrant fishing culture
• Small group tour with a maximum of 12 travelers ensures personalized interaction
• Includes multiple stops: fishing dock, forested property with wildlife potential, and carving shed
• Most participants rave about the fresh crab and the hosts’ warmth and knowledge

Starting at the Hoonah Dock with Crabbing Demonstrations

The experience kicks off at the dock in Hoonah, where your hosts keep their commercial crabbing boat and freshly caught crab. Here, you’ll see how pink salmon are used as bait and have the opportunity to pick your own crab from the catch. The hosts answer any questions about Alaska’s fishing industry and demonstrate the gear used, offering an insightful look at local crabbing techniques.

This initial stop lasts about 15 minutes and is free of charge, setting the tone for a hands-on, educational experience. It’s a great chance to understand what it takes to harvest shellfish in this remote area and witness the size of the crabs up close.

Visiting the Scenic Hoonah Beach House

Next, the group moves to the deck over the water at Hoonah Beach House for another 15-minute stop. Here, the crabs are placed on ice to keep them fresh for the upcoming feast. The location offers beautiful ocean views and provides a quick bathroom break or a chance to soak in the scenery.

The Beach House is also the venue for the crab feast, so this stop acts as a preview of the culinary highlight of the tour.

Foraging in the Forested Property with Wildlife

A highlight involves a 15-minute visit to a private forested area just outside Hoonah, where coastal brown bears are occasionally seen. This stop emphasizes the remote lifestyle of the residents, and visitors learn about wild Alaska berries that are later served in the crab dessert.

The hosts share stories about living and thriving in this isolated environment, and the walk offers a glimpse into local foraging practices. Participants should be prepared for a moderate outdoor walk and are advised to have cameras ready for wildlife sightings.

Watching Tlingit Totem Carving at the Carving Shed

The tour then returns to Hoonah for a 15-minute visit to a carving shed. Here, Tlingit master carvers craft totem poles from yellow cedar logs. Watching this indigenous art form in action provides an enriching cultural experience and insight into local traditions.

The carving demonstration is a visual treat and offers an opportunity to learn about the symbolic importance of totem poles within Tlingit culture. The hosts are eager to discuss the meaning behind the carvings and the craftsmanship involved.

Preparing the Crab for the Feast

The final 15-minute stop is back at the Hoonah Beach House deck, where the freshly iced crabs are cooked on-site. The hosts show the local way to cook crab, emphasizing that this is not pre-cooked or frozen crab like most commercial offerings.

Most visitors find that the crab served here is the best they have ever had, thanks to freshness and proper preparation. The crab feast lasts for about 2 hours and is served at the scenic seaside home, with ocean views enhancing the meal.

The hosts also prepare authentic Thai fried rice and Thai tea, adding a special culinary touch that many find memorable. The dining experience is relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the delicious shellfish and chat with the hosts.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

This small-group tour departs from Icy Strait Point at 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, and concludes back at the same meeting point. The tour features a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour includes several stops, each lasting around 15 minutes, making for a comfortable pace suitable for most travelers. The entire experience is designed to showcase the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine of Hoonah.

Value and Booking Considerations

At $195 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially given the inclusion of crab fishing, cultural demonstrations, foraging, and a full seafood feast. The fact that most participants book 115 days in advance suggests strong demand and appreciation for this authentic experience.

The tour is fully refundable if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for planning.

The Personal Touch of Hoonah Beach House

Many reviews highlight the warm hospitality and personal attention provided by hosts Todd and Srisa. Visitors praise the delicious food, especially the large, flavorful crabs and authentic Thai dishes served during the feast.

The ownership of the scenic seaside home and dedication of the hosts contribute to a genuine, heartfelt experience that stands out among other tour options in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
Yes, most participants can enjoy this tour, but some walking and outdoor stops may require moderate mobility.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including all stops and the crab feast.

What is included in the price?
The crab fishing demonstration, forest foraging, totem carving, and fresh crab feast are included in the $195 fee.

Are the crabs cooked on-site?
Yes, the crabs are cooked fresh on-site at the Hoonah Beach House, not pre-cooked or frozen.

Is there any wildlife viewing involved?
Yes, at the forest stop, coastal brown bears are occasionally seen, offering a chance for wildlife photography.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour combines culinary delight, cultural demonstration, and local storytelling in a small-group setting for a personalized experience.

Is transportation provided from Icy Strait Point?
The tour starts at Icy Strait Point, but detailed transportation arrangements are not specified beyond the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Participants should have comfortable outdoor clothing, camera, and an appetite for seafood.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if done at least 24 hours in advance.

This Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast delivers a authentic slice of Hoonah’s fishing and cultural life, topped with superior seafood and personalized service. It offers an immersive experience that combines learning, tasting, and cultural appreciation, perfect for those wanting to truly connect with Alaska’s local traditions.