ZipRider at Icy Strait Point

Towering above the pristine waters of Port Frederick, the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point is the signature attraction of this unique Alaskan cruise port. As one of the world’s largest ziplines, it dominates the landscape and offers an adrenaline-pumping, bird’s-eye view of the surrounding wilderness.

Because Icy Strait Point is privately owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, this excursion operates a bit differently than independent tours in other Alaskan ports. Here is everything you need to know about the zipride icy strait point experience, from securing your ticket to stepping off the landing platform.

What to Expect

The ZipRider experience begins at the Adventure Center near the arrival dock. After checking in, you will board a shuttle bus for a 20-minute drive up Hoonah Mountain. Do not treat this bus ride as just a transit step—the journey up the mountain is an excursion in itself, offering spectacular, sweeping views of Icy Strait, the surrounding islands, and your cruise ship anchored below. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as bears and Sitka black-tailed deer are occasionally spotted along the mountain road.

Once you reach the top, you are 1,300 feet above sea level. You will receive a brief safety orientation before stepping up to the launch platform. Unlike traditional ziplines where you step into a climbing harness and hold onto a bar, the ZipRider features a comfortable, chair-like harness. You are seated and strapped in securely.

Six cables run parallel down the mountain, allowing six riders to launch simultaneously side by side. When the gates open, you drop out over the mountain’s edge. The cables stretch a massive 5,330 feet, and gravity accelerates you to speeds of 60+ mph. While the ride itself lasts only about 90 seconds, the sheer scale of the drop and the panoramic views of the forest canopy and ocean make it feel much longer. At the bottom, an automated braking system safely brings you to a halt right near the beach, where a quick shuttle cart takes you back to the main complex.

Who This Is For

Despite the extreme speeds and massive drop, the ZipRider is categorized as an “Easy” difficulty excursion. Because riders are securely seated in a chair-like harness and the braking is entirely automated, no physical exertion, steering, or upper-body strength is required. You simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

However, strict safety parameters dictate who can participate. You must weigh between 80 and 275 pounds. This is a hard limit; if you are under 80 lbs, you will not have enough momentum to reach the bottom, and if you are over 275 lbs, the automated braking system cannot safely stop you. Riders are weighed at check-in. Participants must also be able to walk a short distance over uneven terrain to reach the launch platform.

This excursion is perfect for thrill-seekers, families with older children or teenagers who meet the weight requirements, and even older adults who want an adrenaline rush without physical strain.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

In most Alaskan ports, we highly recommend booking independently to save money. Icy Strait Point is the exception to the rule. The entire port, including the ZipRider, is owned and operated by the Huna Tlingit tribal corporation (Huna Totem Corporation). Because there is no outside competition, pricing is strictly standardized.

Whether you book through your cruise line’s excursion portal, directly on the Icy Strait Point website, or as a walk-up at the Adventure Center, the price will almost always remain between $109 and $139 per person. Your money directly supports the local indigenous community regardless of how you book.

Since the price is the same, we recommend booking through your cruise ship in advance. Doing so allows you to lock in a specific time slot. This is incredibly helpful if you want to stack excursions—for instance, doing a morning whale watch (highly recommended in Icy Strait Point) and an afternoon ZipRide. Walk-up tickets are frequently available at the dock, but prime time slots can and do sell out during the peak season of July and August.

What to Bring

Proper clothing is the key to enjoying this excursion. Remember that you are starting 1,300 feet up a mountain in Alaska. The temperature at the launch platform is routinely 10 to 15 degrees (Fahrenheit) colder than down at the dock.

When you factor in flying through the air at 60 mph, the wind chill is significant. Bring the following:

• Warm layers: A fleece or sweater.
• Windproof/waterproof jacket: Essential for blocking the biting wind on the way down.
• Closed-toe shoes: Mandatory for participation. No sandals or flip-flops.
• Secure pockets: Any loose items (phones, keys, wallets) must be zipped securely into pockets. Do not attempt to hold your phone to film the ride; if you drop it, it is gone forever into the dense forest below.
• Eyewear strap: If you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses, use a strap to keep them on your face.

How to Book

If you prefer to have your schedule set before you sail, log into your cruise line’s online planner and look for “ZipRider,” “Icy Strait Point Zipline,” or similar phrasing. If you want to bundle it with a whale watching tour, cruise lines often sell combo tickets that perfectly align the timing of both activities.

If you are booking independently, you can purchase tickets in advance directly through IcyStraitPoint.com.

For travelers who prefer to wait and see what the weather is doing, head straight to the Adventure Center / Excursion Hub as soon as you step off the ship or gondola. Walk-up availability is common, but it is best to secure your spot early in the day before the afternoon slots fill up.