The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point costs $149–$159 per person when booked through the port, or $109–$129 through third-party vendors — making it one of the priciest but most iconic cruise port excursions in Alaska.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
The ZipRider at Icy Strait Point has a reputation that precedes it — a 5,330-foot zip line dropping 1,300 vertical feet over a Alaskan rainforest into the village of Hoonah. It's spectacular. It's also expensive. Here's exactly what you'll pay and whether it's worth it.
What the Icy Strait Point Zip Line Actually Costs
The ZipRider is owned and operated directly by Icy Strait Point (a Native-owned destination in Hoonah, Alaska). Pricing varies depending on how you book — through your cruise line, directly at the port, or via a third-party operator.
| Booking Method | Price Per Person (2025–2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line shore excursion | $169–$185 | Most expensive; includes cruise line markup |
| Icy Strait Point direct booking | $149–$159 | Book at icystraitpoint.com before you arrive |
| Third-party operators (e.g., local guides) | $109–$129 | Limited availability; vet carefully |
| Walk-up at port (if available) | $149–$159 | Same as direct, no guarantee of availability |
Bottom line: budget $150–$160 per person if you book smart. Let your cruise line do it for you and you're looking at $170–$185 — a $20–$30 premium for the convenience of a guarantee.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
What Drives the Price (and What You Actually Get)
It's a 5,330-foot ride, not a 30-second gimmick. The ZipRider holds up to 6 riders simultaneously across six parallel cables, reaching speeds of 60+ mph. The ride itself lasts about 90 seconds, but the full experience — gondola ride to the top, briefing, gearing up — takes 2–3 hours total.
Factors that affect your total cost:
- Weight restrictions: Riders must weigh between 75–275 lbs (34–125 kg). There's no refund if you don't qualify at check-in — book conservatively and check current limits before paying.
- Weather cancellations: Alaska weather is brutal and unpredictable. If your ship is at Hoonah (typically a port call on itineraries from Seattle or Vancouver), rain is common. Most operators offer refunds for weather cancellations, but confirm this in writing before you book.
- Season: Icy Strait Point operates May through September. Peak season (July–August) sees the highest prices and the most competition for slots. Book as early as possible — this excursion sells out.
- Combo packages: ISP offers bundle deals pairing the ZipRider with other activities (whale watching, bear viewing, kayaking). These packages run $250–$400+ per person but can be better value if you're planning multiple activities anyway.
| Activity Bundle | Approx. Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| ZipRider only | $149–$159 |
| ZipRider + Whale Watch | $270–$310 |
| ZipRider + Bear Watching | $290–$340 |
| ZipRider + Kayaking | $250–$290 |
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
How to Save Money (Without Missing Out)
1. Book direct at icystraitpoint.com — not through your cruise line. The cruise line markup is real and adds nothing except a slight rebooking guarantee if the ship is delayed. Icy Strait Point is a tender port for most ships, so factor in tender time when planning your schedule.
2. Book early. The ZipRider has limited daily capacity. Slots for peak summer dates (especially late June through August) routinely sell out weeks before the ship arrives. Don't wait until you're onboard.
3. Check for group discounts. Icy Strait Point occasionally offers reduced rates for groups of 6 or more booking together. Call their reservations line directly — this isn't always advertised online.
4. Skip the cruise line bundle packages. The convenience markup on cruise line combo packages is even higher than on individual excursions. Build your own day at ISP by booking the ZipRider direct and adding other port activities à la carte.
5. If budget is the issue, consider alternatives. ISP has a free beach area, a cannery museum (free entry), and several lower-cost wildlife and cultural tours in the $50–$90 range. The zip line is the crown jewel, but the port has genuine value without it.
Is the Icy Strait Point Zip Line Worth $150+?
For thrill-seekers and first-time Alaska cruisers: yes, absolutely. There is no comparable zip line experience in any cruise port in North America. The combination of old-growth rainforest, mountain views, and sheer speed makes this a legitimate bucket-list experience — not just a tourist trap.
For budget travelers or repeat Alaska visitors: It's a hard sell at $150+ for 90 seconds of ride time. If you've done it before or you're watching every dollar, the money is better spent on a whale watching or brown bear excursion that gives you 3–4 hours of wildlife experience for similar money.
| Traveler Type | Verdict |
|---|---|
| First-time Alaska cruiser | ✅ Worth every dollar — do it |
| Thrill-seeker / adventure traveler | ✅ Non-negotiable — book early |
| Budget traveler | ⚠️ Skip it; ISP has cheaper experiences |
| Repeat Alaska visitor (done it before) | ⚠️ Skip unless you want to do it again |
| Families with young kids | ⚠️ Check weight/age minimums first |
Alaska cruise excursion costs add up fast — Icy Strait Point is just one stop on an itinerary that might also include Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, each with their own must-do (and must-pay-for) experiences. Before you commit to every excursion on your cruise line's list, run your full Alaska cruise budget through CruiseMutiny to see where you're overpaying and where you can trim without sacrificing the experiences that actually matter.
Watch: How much does the Icy Strait Point zip line cost in Alaska?
Published
Video Transcript
That zip line in Alaska everyone talks about? The one at Icy Strait Point? Yeah, it costs $149 to $159 per person if you book it through the cruise line.
But here's what they don't tell you at the excursion desk.
Book it yourself through a third-party vendor instead — you're paying $109 to $129. Same zip line. Same experience. You just saved forty bucks a person.
For a family of four? That's $160 you keep in your pocket.
Now, is it worth doing? That's different. The ZipRider is one of the longer, faster zip lines in Alaska. You're going over water. The views are legit. But it's also the priciest shore excursion you'll see on most Alaska itineraries. So you gotta decide if that's your thing.
Here's what matters for your booking:
First — if you book through the cruise line, you get their guarantee. If the excursion cancels, they rebook you or give you credit. If you book outside, you're on your own if something goes wrong.
Second — timing. Third-party vendors fill up fast. You need to book early, or you're stuck with the cruise line option at full price.
Third — logistics. Cruise line bookings get you back to the ship no matter what. Outside bookings? You're responsible for getting yourself back on time.
So yeah, you can save forty bucks. But read the fine print. Make sure the vendor's legit. Check their reviews.
Icy Strait Point's in Hoonah, Alaska. It's a tender port. Which means your ship doesn't dock — you take a small boat ashore. That adds time to your day. Just factor that in.
Full cost breakdowns at travelmutiny.com — link in bio.