Glacier Bay Boat Cruise Experience
A boat cruise in Glacier Bay combines geological wonders and ecological marvels. Witness the calving of icebergs, observe wildlife, and explore the rebirth of forests after the last mini ice age. The cruise departs from Bartlett Cove and begins in the lush rainforests and islands of the lower Bay. The journey pauses in mid-Bay to observe the upwelling of nutrients that attract Humpback, Minke, and Orca whales. Seals and sea lions haul out on the Marble Islands. Bird rookeries of horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, gulls, and oystercatchers raise and feed their young. Visitors can witness how forests grow younger and the land recovers from glacial retreat.
Comfortable Catamaran Tour
The enclosed, three-deck catamaran offers a park service naturalist who provides interpretation throughout the voyage. From the rail or the spacious cabin, guests can observe mountain goats roaming lichen-covered slopes. Moose and brown bears can also be seen wandering the beaches. Where the Johns Hopkins and Tarr Inlet glaciers meet saltwater, giant icebergs calve in thunderous displays. These calving events reveal the powerful geological forces shaping the fjord. The glacier faces also serve as a home for cliff-dwelling kittiwakes and seals’ pupping grounds. The tour pauses at the Marjorie and Grand Pacific glaciers near the Canadian border. The glaciers pass through the 14,000-foot Fairweather Range down to sea level.
Whale Watching and Guided Walks
Humpback whales are commonly seen during the cruise. Afterward, visitors can explore Bartlett Cove National Park. They can enjoy trails, rocky beaches, and natural history displays. A guided walk along the tidal shore leads to a rain forest with towering spruce and hemlock. The moss-covered forest floor adds to the experience. The one-mile walk offers views of old glacier moraines and shorebirds. Visitors may also spot moose, bears, and occasional whales. A blackwater pond with loons and ducks is also visible.
Custom Charters into Glacier Bay
Guided charters into Glacier Bay offer extended trips for a more personalized experience. Visitors can explore the bay in greater detail during these tours.
