Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Wrangell offered us an authentic Alaskan experience away from the busier Juneau and Skagway ports. We were surprised Wrangell had a dock and could accommodate our ship. The Wrangell cruise port gave us direct access to this charming coastal city, and we could reach most places on foot.
Like Alaska’s capital, Wrangell’s remote location is only accessible by boat or plane. Its remoteness and tiny population of around 2,400 provided more appeal, and the reason for choosing our cruise with unique stops.
Unlike larger Alaskan ports, Wrangell offers visitors a glimpse into genuine Alaskan life, with rich indigenous history, remarkable natural surroundings, and opportunities for wildlife viewing just steps from where your ship docks.
Now don’t get confused with Wrangell and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. They are essentially different places with contrasting selling points.
From the free-standing phone booth engulfed in weeds and the house still decorated for Halloween in May, we found the town of Wrangell almost frozen in time.
Where Is The Wrangell Cruise Port?
Wrangell sits strategically between Ketchikan and Juneau in southeastern Alaska, offering visitors access to one of Alaska’s oldest settlements. Wrangell’s history is unique, having been governed by four nations: the Tlingit people, Russia, England, and the United States.
The Wrangell cruise port is located at the northern end of downtown on Wrangell Island. This T-shaped dock, also known as City Dock or Cruiseship Dock, with its 405-foot dock face, can accommodate one mid-sized vessel a day.
With more than one ship in port, one (usually the smaller of the two) will dock and the other will anchor and tender. The port can accommodate two in the dock, if both ships are very small.
We arrived on Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam, and our vessel of 936 feet, with a passenger capacity of 2100 was able to dock there. You can check the Wrangell port schedules here:
Which Lines Dock There?
Of the major cruise lines, only a handful of Cunard, Holland America, and Princess ships go to Wrangell. The balance of ships belongs to Windstar, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, and other smaller lines.
The port sees seven to seventeen ships a month, from May to September, the prime Alaska cruise season. There is no welcome center or large building to welcome guests. Instead, Alaska Vistas Tours & Coffee and a few other operators were positioned near the ship.
Transportation Options
Unless you are mobility challenged, much of the city of Wrangell is walkable. Other options for exploration include:
- Scoot Alaska – An app-based e-scooter rentals. Grab a scooter and go, plus drop off your scooter at the cruise port before embarking.
- Taxis – Taxis are limited but available through Lady Driver Taxi.
- Water taxis – Available through Breakaway Adventures and Muddy Water Adventures.
- Rental cars – Available from Island Escape Rental Cars or get one through Turo. By choosing the latter, you can request pick up and drop off at the cruise port.
- Electric bike rentals – at the Trading Post Gift Shop and from Breakaway Adventures.
Most cruise passengers find that walking is sufficient for exploring Wrangell’s downtown area. We hiked to the lookout on Mt. Dewey Trail and were surprised how many seniors did this route.
Where To Get Free Wi-Fi?
For non-US visitors, the Wrangell Public Library at 124 2nd Street provides reliable free Wi-Fi and is located within walking distance of the cruise port. It offers a comfortable environment to check emails.
Local coffee shops in Wrangell typically offer free Wi-Fi to patrons. Some restaurants near the port area also provide Wi-Fi access to their customers.
The Wrangell Museum and Visitor Center offers free Wi-Fi access. This can be convenient while learning about the area’s history and planning local activities.
Weather In Wrangell
Since most cruise guests arrive between May and September, they are experiencing relatively mild temperatures. Expect ranges from 15-18°C (59-64°F), with significant precipitation that contributes to the surrounding temperate rainforest ecosystem.
By dressing in waterproof coats and shoes, we were able to enjoy the entire day outdoors in early May. While the forecast was for cooler weather and overcast skies, we only saw a fleeting shower.
Rainfall is a common feature in Wrangell throughout the year. Precipitation amounts can range between a quarter and half an inch on rainy days. We always recommend waterproof layers when visiting southeast Alaska in spring and summer.
Do You Need A Tour In Wrangell?
Wrangell offers many attractions within easy walk of the cruise port. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as many of Wrangell’s attractions are best explored on foot.
For those on a budget, they include:
- Wrangell Museum at the James and Elsie Nolan Center. We partucularly liked the colorful bears outside, advertising the Bearfest.
- Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park.
- Chief Shakes Island and Tribal House.
- Downtown historic district.
- Mount Dewey Trail.
One of the most interesting things we learned about Wrangell was its abundance of natural garnets. Garnet Ledge, located at the entrance of the Stikine River, is rich in garnet crystals. Ownership of the site was gifted to the Boy Scouts of America and only children of Wrangell are allowed to harvest the garnets.
We met a family at the port who harvest these and turn them into jewelry and candles. We couldn’t resist purchasing just for the amazing story and supporting their family’s entrepreneurial efforts.
For adventurous individuals, organized tours to other areas are available through the cruise lines or other operators. Checking your length of stop will determine how far you can travel. We even found tour operators and gift shops selling excursions after we disembarked our ship.
Top Excursions From Wrangell
Anan Wildlife Observatory – Located about 30 miles southeast of Wrangell, Anan Wildlife Observatory provides one of the best bear-viewing opportunities in Southeast Alaska.
The peak viewing season runs from mid-July through August when the salmon run is strongest and attracts both black and brown bears. Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory is only accessible by boat or air.
Stikine River Excursions – The mighty Stikine River cuts through dramatic canyons and pristine forests for over 300 miles.Jet boat tours range from 4-6 hours and take visitors past towering cliffs, hot springs, and abundant wildlife including eagles, bears, and moose.
Le Conte Glacier – The southernmost tidewater glacier in North America, a trip to Le Conte Glacier often includes dramatic calving events, and harbor seals sightings as they use the ice floes as resting places. Cruises average four hours or six when stopping at Petersburg.
Tips for Visiting Wrangell Cruise Port
If you plan to explore Petroglyph Beach, check the tide schedule. You’ll want to visit during low tide, so the petroglyphs are above the water line.
Pack for variable weather conditions with layers and rain gear. Even summer days can be cool and wet in Southeast Alaska. Rainy conditions increase from August through September.
Most attractions are within walking distance of the ship. Petroglyph Beach and Chief Shakes Island with its Tribal House and totems are just a 25-minute walk from the dock. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy the adventure.
Check shop opening times before disembarking. Wrangell is a small community, and some businesses may have limited hours or seasonal schedules. I found a quilt shop in Wrangell, but because it was inside someone’s house, I needed to phone ahead to make sure someone was home.
Take time to visit the garnet sellers near the cruise port. Wrangell is known for its garnet trade, and purchasing these stones directly from local sellers provides an authentic souvenir.
