Chichagof Island Cruise Port Guide: Tender Tips, Things to Do & What to Expect

Quick Take

Port Type

Scenic tender port, no formal cruise terminal.

Best For

Wildlife viewing (bears, eagles), hiking, kayaking, and photographers. Not ideal for shore excursion novices or tight mobility.

Avoid If

You dislike tender boarding, have mobility issues, or want walkable town infrastructure.

Walkability

Not applicable. Tender-dependent; immediate landscape is wilderness or small settlement.

Budget Fit

Mixed. Shore excursions (bear viewing, kayaking) run $150–400+; wilderness walks are free if you're already ashore.

Good For Short Calls?

Tight but doable. Budget 30–45 min tender round-trip; plan one core activity (guided hike or bear viewing tour).

Port Overview

Chichagof Island is a small, lightly settled Tlingit homeland in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. Ships anchor offshore; passengers tender to Pelican or Hoonah, tiny working towns with no cruise terminals. The appeal is wilderness and wildlife—bears, eagles, salmon streams, and old-growth forest—not town infrastructure or shopping. Most cruisers experience Chichagof through paid shore excursions (bear viewing, kayaking, guided hikes), as independent exploration is limited by terrain, short call windows, and ferry/tender logistics. A typical call is 4–6 hours, but tender boarding and weather delays can consume 45–60 minutes of that time. This is a 'see Alaska' port, not a destination for wandering town streets or browsing shops.

Is It Safe?

Chichagof Island is safe for cruisers in organized excursions and settlement walks. Wildlife encounters (bears, moose) are possible but rare in the immediate settlement areas. Terrain outside town is remote, unmanicured, and subject to rapid weather changes; never hike alone or unplanned. Streams and tidal flats are dangerous; stay on marked paths. Cell service is patchy or absent. Medical facilities are basic (small clinics in Pelican and Hoonah); serious injury requires coast guard evacuation to Juneau. Petty theft is not a concern. Common sense: stay with groups, carry rain gear, and honor wildlife safety distances.

Accessibility & Walkability

Limited accessibility. Both Pelican and Hoonah have minimal infrastructure; most streets are unpaved or very steep. Tender boarding itself can be challenging for mobility-limited passengers, especially in rough water. Once ashore, walking the settlement is doable on flat waterfront areas, but trails and forest paths are uneven and muddy. Wheelchair access is not realistic at this port. Visitors with mobility concerns should inquire about tender availability (smooth water days preferred) and stick to waterfront settlement walks. Accessible shore excursions are rare; confirm with the cruise line if specific accommodation is needed.

Outside the Terminal

There is no formal terminal. When you tender ashore, you'll step onto a dock or float in Pelican or Hoonah. Immediate surroundings are water, rocky beach, and weathered buildings (fishing processing plants, general stores, homes). The air smells of salt and fish; the vibe is working-class Alaskan. You'll see local boats, maybe a bald eagle or two, and very few tourists. Shops and services are rudimentary. The first instinct is to orient toward an excursion guide (if you booked one) or ask at a small visitor kiosk or general store for directions. Don't expect signage or convenience; plan ahead.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

Food options in Pelican and Hoonah are extremely limited. The general store in each settlement stocks basic groceries (sandwiches, drinks, snacks); quality and freshness vary. A few small cafes or restaurants may operate seasonally, serving local fare (salmon, halibut, seafood soups) and simple fare (burgers, pizza). Hours are erratic; assume closure if the weather is bad or outside peak tourist season (June–August). Prices are higher than mainland due to logistics. Most cruisers either eat before tendering ashore or pack snacks. If you're on a paid excursion, lunch may be included. Do not rely on port dining for a meal—bring a sandwich or fill up on the ship before going ashore.

Shopping

Shopping at Chichagof Island is minimal and mostly practical. Pelican and Hoonah each have a small general store selling sundries, basic groceries, local crafts, and postcards. You may find Tlingit art, fish products, or locally made goods, but selection and availability are hit-or-miss. Souvenir shops are absent. Prices are marked up due to remote location and limited supply. If shopping is a priority, this is not the port for it. Bring cash; credit cards work at stores, but ATMs are limited or absent. Most cruisers skip shopping entirely and focus on experience.

Money & Currency

Currency

USD (US Dollar).

USD Accepted?

Yes

Card Payments

Credit and debit cards accepted at general stores and some tour operators, but infrastructure is limited. Many small vendors and excursion guides accept cash only.

ATMs

ATMs are rare or absent in Pelican and Hoonah. Withdraw cash on your ship or before arriving. Do not assume ATM availability.

Tipping

Tip guides and tour operators 15–20% cash (USD) if you book local excursions. Tipping is not expected for casual interactions (e.g., asking directions).

Notes

This is a remote port with minimal financial infrastructure. Bring sufficient USD cash and a credit card as backup. Notify your bank of travel if using cards.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

July–August (warmest, driest, highest wildlife activity, especially bear viewing during salmon runs). June and September are shoulder seasons: cool, wet, but fewer crowds.

Avoid

October–April (very wet, cold, short daylight, higher storm risk, reduced tour availability).

Temperature

June–August: 55–65 °F (13–18 °C) daytime; rain is frequent. Layer clothing; waterproof jacket is essential.

Notes

Southeast Alaska is consistently wet and cool. Rain and fog are normal, even in summer. Weather can change rapidly, causing tender delays or tour cancellations. Pack rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy footwear. Calm-water days are essential for kayaking and small-boat excursions.

Airport Information

Airport

Juneau International Airport (JNU), ~100 miles south; no airports on Chichagof Island itself.

Distance

Pelican and Hoonah are accessible only by water or seaplane from Juneau. Floatplane service operates between Juneau and both settlements (20–40 min flight).

Getting there

Floatplane (charter or scheduled); water ferry (infrequent, slow). Pre-cruise or post-cruise flights from Juneau to Chichagof settlements are possible but usually booked as part of a cruise package.

Notes

Chichagof Island has no road access. If extending your cruise, arrange seaplane or ferry transport directly with tour operators or cruise lines. Most cruisers do not visit Chichagof outside a cruise itinerary.