Nestled along the scenic Icy Strait in Alaska, the Hoonah community offers visitors a unique culture through its captivating village tour and crab feast. This 3-hour experience promises an unforgettable journey, where guests can witness the intricate craftsmanship of totem pole carvers, pull fresh Dungeness crab from traps, and indulge in a delectable feast featuring the local delicacy. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich traditions and gain a deeper understanding of the Hoonah way of life.
Key Points
- A 3-hour Alaskan cultural experience in Hoonah, featuring a guided village tour, fresh Dungeness crab feast, and observation of traditional wood carving.
- Opportunity to pull crab traps and gather local ingredients from a forest garden, providing an immersive understanding of the region’s self-sustaining lifestyle.
- Feast includes freshly caught Dungeness crab, Thai fried rice, and wild Alaskan berry dessert, along with local beverages.
- Insights into the Hoonah community’s cultural traditions, history, and resilience from local English-speaking guides.
- Restrictions include mobility device usage and alcohol consumption in the tour vehicle.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The "Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast" offers a unique 3-hour experience for visitors, priced from $195.00 per person.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is available with a "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without an upfront payment.
The tour includes a guided village exploration, freshly caught Dungeness crab, local Thai fried rice, and a wild Alaskan berry dessert.
Explore Hoonah’s village, savor freshly caught Dungeness crab, indulge in Thai fried rice, and delight in wild Alaskan berry dessert.
Beer and wine are also provided. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or vegans.
Looking for more options in Hoonah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience and Highlights
Although the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or vegans, the "Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast" offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. Guests will guide through the charming Alaskan village, learn about local traditions from passionate locals, and indulge in a feast of freshly caught Dungeness crab and locally famous Thai fried rice. The highlight is undoubtedly the opportunity to pull crab traps from the ocean and observe master wood carvers crafting traditional totem poles. The experience is rounded off with a delectable wild Alaskan berry dessert.
| Experience | Highlights |
|————|————|
| Guided village tour | Pull fresh Dungeness crab |
| Learn about local life | Feast on crab and Thai fried rice |
| Observe wood carvers | Wild Alaskan berry dessert |
Itinerary Details
Guests start the tour by meeting the guide at the cruise ship dock in Icy Strait Point.
They’ll then take a short drive to the Beach House, where they’ll pull a crab trap fresh from the ocean.
Next, the group visits a forest garden to gather local ingredients.
Along the way, they’ll observe master wood carvers crafting traditional totem poles.
Finally, the group returns to the Beach House to feast on the just-caught dungeness crab, accompanied by Thai fried rice and a wild Alaskan berry dessert, all while enjoying beer and wine.
Inclusions
This tour includes a van ride with a live English-speaking guide, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the local culture.
The inclusions feature a feast of fresh locally caught Dungeness crab, complemented by Thai fried rice and a wild Alaskan berry dessert. Plus, beer and wine are provided to enhance the dining experience.
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to:
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Savor the flavors of Alaskan cuisine.
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Indulge in locally produced beverages.
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Gain insights into the cultural traditions of the Hoonah community.
Important Information
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or vegans, as the itinerary involves walking and consuming animal-based products.
Meeting point details are provided for both the Adventure Dock and Wilderness Dock.
Certain mobility devices like non-folding wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and non-folding strollers aren’t allowed on the tour.
Alcoholic drinks are also prohibited in the tour vehicle.
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the immersive Alaskan cultural experience.
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Exploring the Icy Strait Village
As the van winds its way through the lush, forested landscape, guests are immersed in the serene beauty of Icy Strait Point.
The guided tour provides a glimpse into the daily life of the Hoonah village, where visitors can:
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Observe skilled wood carvers crafting traditional totem poles.
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Explore the community garden, where local ingredients are sourced for the crab feast.
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Learn about the rich cultural heritage and customs of the Alaskan Native population.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of life in this remote, coastal village.
Indulging in the Crab Feast
Guests eagerly make their way to the Beach House, where the highlight of the tour awaits – the fresh Dungeness crab feast.
Under the guidance of local Alaskans, they learn how to properly pull the crabs from the traps and prepare them for cooking. The crab is then paired with a locally famous Thai fried rice, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
To finish the meal, guests indulge in a wild Alaskan berry dessert. Throughout the feast, guests have the opportunity to engage with the Alaskan hosts, gaining insights into the community’s traditions and way of life.
Discovering Alaskan Culture and Traditions
Beyond the crab feast, the Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour offers an immersive glimpse into Alaskan culture and traditions.
Guests witness master wood carvers crafting intricate totem poles, a cherished art form. The tour also takes visitors to a local garden in the forest, showcasing the self-sustaining lifestyle of the island’s residents.
Visitors witness master wood carvers crafting intricate totem poles and explore a local garden showcasing the islanders’ self-sustaining lifestyle.
Plus, the experience allows travelers to:
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Learn about the region’s history and customs from knowledgeable, local guides.
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Observe the traditional methods used to harvest and prepare Alaskan seafood.
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Gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of the Alaskan people.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?
Based on the provided information, guests are not allowed to bring their own food or alcoholic drinks on the tour. The tour includes freshly caught crab, Thai fried rice, and a wild Alaskan berry dessert, as well as beer and wine.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or children. The pricing is a flat rate of $195 per person, regardless of age. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or vegans.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
The tour can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but it’s not suitable for vegans. They recommend contacting the tour operator in advance to discuss any dietary needs or food allergies.
How Much Time Is Allotted for the Crab Pulling and Wood Carving Activities?
The tour allots approximately 45 minutes for crab pulling and 30 minutes for observing wood carvers. Guests can expect to spend a significant portion of the 3-hour tour engaging with these local activities and experiences.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend or add activities. It’s a 3-hour set itinerary that includes the key highlights like crab pulling, wood carving, and a crab feast. Requests for customization or longer tours aren’t mentioned.
Final Words
The Hoonah: Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast is a captivating experience that immerses visitors in the rich cultural heritage of the Hoonah community. From witnessing the art of wood carving to feasting on freshly caught Dungeness crab, this tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Alaska’s traditions and natural wonders. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the Icy Strait region and gain a deeper appreciation for the local way of life.
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