Explore Glacier Bay by Yacht and Kayak, Alaska

Join us as we explore the breathtaking beauty, natural history, and tribal heritage of southeast Alaska's Glacier Bay from the comfort of a small yacht. We journey into fjords to see icebergs (occasionally with seals floating on them) and tidewater glaciers (often calving), as we look for whales, seals, sea otters, porpoises, bears, wolves, moose, mountain goats, bald eagles, and birds of all sorts (puffins, kittiwakes, murrelets and oystercatchers to name a few). Glacier Bay in Alaska was one of John Muir’s favorite destinations – he found within the bay a power that inspired him for his entire life. The “Muir Inlet” of Glacier Bay carries his name.

"To the lover of pure wildness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world." – John Muir

As we cruise the turquoise-colored glacial waters of the bay, we are ever watchful for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otter and maybe even an orca! Along the shoreline we watch for bear, deer, mountain goat, and if we’re lucky a wolf! Birds abound, including tufted puffins, oyster catchers, pigeon guillemots, murrelets, auklets, terns, gulls, and more! The humpback whales of these rich northern waters are a thrill to observe. They are here to feed on the rich supply of herring and krill. Once the most abundant whale species in the world, they are on the endangered species list. Fortunately, the population is increasing. It is truly an amazing site to see whales feeding and frolicking.

"The very thought of this Alaska garden is a joyful exhilaration. ... Out of all the cold darkness and glacial crushing and grinding comes this warm, abounding beauty and life to teach us that what we in our faithless ignorance and fear call destruction is creation finer and finer." – John Muir in his book Travels in Alaska (1915)

Accompanied by a naturalist, we may spend the day with a shore excursion to experience a variety of intertidal life, beautiful beaches, forests, meadows, and wetlands filled with incredible plants. We will also frequently enjoy kayaking (no experience necessary) along the coastline in the calm waters of the bay.

Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site -- one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From summit to sea, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration, covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords.

The marine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve includes tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, ocean coastlines, deep fjords, and freshwater rivers and lakes.

Going through Glacier Bay today, you travel along shorelines and among islands that were completely covered by ice just over 200 years ago. When Captain George Vancouver charted adjacent waters of Icy Strait in 1794, he and his crew described what we now call Glacier Bay as just a small five-mile indent in a gigantic glacier that stretched off to the horizon. That massive glacier was more than 4,000 feet thick in places, up to 20 miles wide, and extended more than 100 miles to the St. Elias mountain range. By 1879, however, naturalist John Muir discovered that the ice had retreated more than 30 miles forming an actual bay. By 1916, the Grand Pacific Glacier – the main glacier credited with carving the bay – had melted back 60 miles to the head of what is now Tarr Inlet.

“Glaciers, mountains, rivers, forests, tundra: a landscape rich with places that have never felt the tread of human feet. It thrills me not because I can break first ground, but because first ground remains unbroken.” – Kimi Heacox, The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska, a book about Glacier Bay.

Since Glacier Bay has just recently emerged from the ice, it is considered a geologically young area. A trip up Glacier Bay is like a trip back in time. Old-growth forests give way to bare rock as we make our way back into the upper reaches of the bay. Here, the tide water glaciers still rumble and roar as they make their slow retreat back, dropping huge ice bergs into the sea. Magnificent granite cliffs tower above our small ship as we wind our way up the fjord through the ice floes toward the faces of these massive glaciers. Along the way, our expert naturalist and guide will point out the finer points of plant succession, glaciation, local geology, and the interconnections between the animals that call this area home. The biodiversity of this place is simply amazing.

“… a bay in Alaska, near Juneau, a bay reborn from the icy tomb of a great glacier that buried it just two hundred years ago. When the ice retreated it unveiled a new home for wolves and whales, a world in transition from bare rock to bears, a magical place, a miracle place … if you believe in miracles.” – Kim Heacox from his book The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska, a book about Glacier Bay

Long before the present national park was established, the Huna Tlingit people lived in Glacier Bay. Among the evidence of their traditional activities are trees that were stripped of their bark for a variety of uses. You can read more about these culturally modified trees, which are still growing around the lagoon in Bartlett Cove.

Our group will gather the first evening to get acquainted, enjoy dinner, and possibly go for a short hike along the coast. We board the boat the next morning.

This time of year we will experience “the midnight sun." It actually does get dark about 11:30 p.m. and gets light again about 2:30 a.m.

All Sierra Club domestic trips, in the past/present, have been/are conducted on originally Ingenious tribal lands. The lands and waters we call Glacier Bay National Park are the ancestral homeland of the Huna Tlingit clans. They have enjoyed and maintained their culture for centuries on the area's abundant resources. Although forced to move by the Little Ice Age glacial advance of the 1700s, the Huna Tlingit re-established numerous fish camps and several villages in Glacier Bay soon after glacial retreat. European explorers brought trade goods, disease and cultural destruction. Ultimately, the Native people lost their claim to their homelands. The 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act acknowledged indigenous claims to the land by transferring titles to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. Today, Tlingit live and work in their ancestral home and contribute to their communities in many ways. Sierra Club Outings has made a commitment to acknowledge this past racial discrimination in our domestic trip brochures and continues to embrace the traditional Native values of honoring and protecting our Mother Earth.

Our flexible daily itinerary will be based upon weather conditions, tides, group interests and, of course, animal sightings. Therefore, what follows is only a sample itinerary.

Day 1: Our trip will begin at an onshore lodge. There we start with an orientation meeting and a short walk along the coastal area or along one of the trails to get to know each other. Then we have an inviting dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: After breakfast, our main adventure begins at Bartlett Cove and Glacier Bay National Park Headquarters! We will visit the first permanent clan house in Glacier Bay (since Tlingit villages were destroyed by an advancing glacier over 250 years ago), get introduced to the Tlingit culture, and check out the visitor center. A display of “Snow," the skeletal remains of a humpback whale that was killed by a cruise ship is on exhibit there. Time may allow us to do a hike in that area, too. Afterward, we board our new home (a 65-foot steel motor-vessel), assign cabins, have a safety talk, enjoy lunch, and then start our voyage in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Days 3-8: We cruise, kayak, and hike this gem of a park. Each day will be structured to take advantage of the opportunities to see wildlife. Bears walk the shores, bald eagles soar above, mountain goats traverse the cliff walls. The moose are shy and elusive this time of year (they have their calves with them). But very evident, as we see from their tracks on shore walks! We see porpoises and sea otters along the way.

The small vessel allows access to shoreline areas inaccessible to larger ships. We will spend days traveling from place to place, observing marine life, and stopping for shore excursions one to three times every day.

Evenings will bring secluded anchorages in calm waters, with time to reflect and share a delicious meal prepared by our chef in the galley. As Alaska is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, we can take advantage of the long days (it is semi-dark from about 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.). Many evenings will offer time to quietly explore the shores by walking, kayaking, or slow motoring along in the skiff. It’s amazing how much can be seen and heard along the shores in the quiet evening time. Before turning in for the night, we bring out the charts to review the happenings of the day and make a plan for the following day. We keep the schedule flexible to allow for adaption to the multitude of variables that can be encountered along the way.

We will go up the Muir Inlet, named after the founder of the Sierra Club, John Muir. Glacier Bay had a tremendous impact on John Muir, and it shows in his many writings about Alaska. This inlet has increased as the glaciers have receded. We may be able to go by Muir and Morse Glacier, or see McBride Glacier. Sometimes the icebergs limit our traveling, and other time the National Park Services will close off an area for seal pupping.

Tarr Inlet and John Hokins Inlet lead to Margerie, John Hopkins, Lamplugh, and Reid glaciers. These are only the main glaciers. There are many other smaller once, and many snowcapped mountains with hanging glaciers and ice fields to admire as well. This is where the sizes of the walls, glaciers, and mountains dwarf you and your perspective.

At times, while motoring to another location, our naturalist will have some 15- to 20-minute presentations on various animals in the area, as well as the local tribes. The library on board has a great combination of reference books, as well as books on Alaska adventures. You may choose to read one of these books in the evenings. We will definitely turn to the reference books as questions about species we see arise during the trip.

Toward the end of the trip, we plan to leave Glacier Bay and head west toward the outer coast of Alaska. Here, in the near coastal environment, we will encounter a completely different landscape of windswept islands, rugged sea cliffs, and whirling sea birds. We may stop at the small town of Elfin Cove. Here you will find a general store, a grocery store, a gift store, some fishing lodges, and not much more!

We also plan to stop at George Island and hike to some WWII gun areas, built to protect the coast.

Day 9: The last day of our trip will bring us back to Gustavus at mid-day with a newfound appreciation of the world in which we live, with the memories (and photos) to last a lifetime. The leader will assist you with getting your luggage situated and transportation to the airport, ferry or other options. The lodge there has a restaurant, and you can enjoy a no-host lunch and a last walk around, go on a hike, visit the Tribal House built on the grounds and dedicated August 25, 2016, or view one of the Park’s short movies about the area we've enjoyed.

You may opt to continue on with your Alaska adventure, exploring other areas of this beautiful state, or head home. Others may want to stay extra nights in Gustavus to further experience a small coastal Alaska town.

Occasionally, changes may occur in the trip -- either in advance or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to stay within this itinerary. However, if weather, equipment, or any other condition causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern. While wildlife in Alaska’s Glacier Bay is tremendous, we cannot guarantee that you will see all species listed as examples. 

Please note, the trip price does not include gratuities for the crew. Gratuities are entirely voluntary and solely at your discretion, but they are customary. The crew of the Snow Goose work hard day and night to make this trip as memorable and fulfilling for you as possible. If you agree they worked hard and contributed significantly to the success and enjoyment of your outing, you may want to express your appreciation with a tip. A guideline of 6-8% of the trip price or about $500-600 (or more) per guest is appropriate. The group gratuity is divided evenly between the captain, first mate, chef, and naturalist. Your Sierra Club trip leader does not share any portion of the gratuity; leaders are unpaid volunteers and cannot accept them.

Getting There

This trip starts and ends Gustavus, Alaska (GST), which is serviced by Alaska Airlines and Wings airlines. The Alaska Ferry also services Gustavus, but not daily. You make your own transportation arrangements to and from Gustavus, Alaska. Note that Alaska Airlines only has one flight into GST each day. Our lodge provides transportation to/from the airport or ferry.

You may also want to consider visiting other parts of Alaska – Anchorage, Juneau, or any other of the many parks in the state.

Accommodations and Food

Our first night will be at a lodge near the park. There we will enjoy dinner together and get to know each other. On all other nights, our home will be a 65-foot power vessel. Built in 1973 as a private yacht, this U.S. Coast Guard-certified passenger vessel boasts a motorized inflatable boat or “skiff” for shore excursions, and enough sea kayaks (doubles) to allow all of us to quietly explore islands and shorelines as a group. The knowledgeable crew consists of a captain, a professional cook, an experienced deckhand, and a naturalist with expertise in marine biology, ornithology, or anthropology.

The yacht sleeps 12 passengers in six private (all double occupancy) fully-heated cabins, and has three toilets and two hot showers. The main deck features an airy salon, a library of books, a galley, and a dining area. Large windows permit unobstructed views out all sides, and access to the outside is easy. The upper bridge deck provides a good vantage point for spotting wildlife and has comfortable seating for passengers who wish to learn about navigation. Please note that smoking is not permitted aboard the ship.

The trip price includes all meals, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day on the yacht. All meals during our cruise will be onboard the ship. Our first dinner and breakfast will be at the lodge in Gustavus. On board the boat we will have a social hour before dinner and evening discussions about our experiences that day. Nights on the yacht will be spent anchored in a quiet cove. A professional cook will prepare all the meals on board the boat. Volunteer help is always welcome. There will be ample quantities of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products. Delicious, wholesome meals will be served buffet-style. Complimentary wine is served before and with dinner on the boat. Coffee and tea are also provided and always available.

Trip Difficulty

This will be a leisurely trip. Hikes will be optional and generally easy, covering moderate terrain. Some will have a bit rougher or steeper trails, but you can chose to not do those. The shorelines tend to be rocky or sandy. Trails are overgrown, mostly used by animals, and are not maintained by the park service. Walking sticks are recommended, especially if you normally use them. Typically, some enjoy a more challenging walk or hike, others to just enjoy the area and walk the beach. We may split up the group.

You must have enough agility to ascend and descend a short ladder to board an inflatable boat for shore excursions. You must be able to maneuver on the boat, descending and ascending stairs to the cabin level. The minimum age for the trip is 18 years. 

We use a professional captain, first mate, cook, and naturalist for our Alaska Glacier Bay cruise. The industry practice is that outfitters require participants to sign a waiver similar to the Sierra Club waiver you will be asked to sign. Your trip leader will provide you with the details for your trip.

Equipment and Clothing

Interests may vary from one person to another, so the equipment list may vary a bit too. You'll certainly want to bring layered clothing with excellent raingear (our activities do not stop because of rain) and knee-length rubber boots (for getting to shore from the “skiff," we will need to step in calf-deep water), a camera, and binoculars.

Daytime temperatures usually range from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although we should have some days with sunshine, we must also be prepared for rain and gusty winds. We will be traveling in a temperate rain forest, and that means rain is most likely. On the boat, there is often a cold wind blowing off the glaciers.

Photographers of all skill levels will have ample opportunities to take pictures of wildlife and scenery. For most photographers, a point-and-shoot camera -- preferably with a zoom lens -- works quite well. You may want to consider bringing a second camera that is water resistant to bring on the kayaks or on shore if it is raining (again, we still hike and kayak in the rain … this is Alaska after all). Those who are particularly interested in bird-watching will have a treat in store, so good binoculars are essential. Even if you are not a birder, good binoculars are a must! We view many species from the boat (bears, mountain goats, whales and more), and everyone appreciates having their own set of binoculars to get a better look.

The leader will send out a complete detailed clothing and equipment list to trip members.

References

• Muir, John, Travels in Alaska. Discover Alaska through the eyes of the Sierra Club's founder.
• Heacox, Kim, The Only Kayak: A Journey into the Heart of Alaska. An account of the past 25 years that the author has spent living in Glacier Bay. Includes a look at his own development as a conservationist. Kim is a resident in Gustavus, Alaska.
• Heacox, Kim, John Muir and the Ice That Started A Fire: How a Visionary and the Glaciers of Alaska Changed America.
• McPhee, John, Coming into the Country. Alaska is far more complex geographically, culturally, ecologically, and politically than most Americans appreciate, and few writers are as capable of capturing this complexity as McPhee, who describes his travels through much of the state.
• Wiley, Sally, Blue Ice in Motion, The Story of Alaska’s Glaciers. This book provides an illustrated introduction to Alaska's glaciers, with details on how they form, why they move, and the landforms that result.

Conservation

The Alaska’s Glacier Bay is a vast and emerging wilderness. Drawing upon the knowledge of our crew and trip leader, we will experience and discuss several environmental issues for southeast Alaska, including preserving the Tongass National Forest, mining, fishing and the local impacts of climate change. Further information will be coming as we prepare for our trip together.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.

Travel in Alaska and the Arctic

Sierra Club outings in Alaska and Arctic Canada are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote and away from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation in case of emergency. Many of our Alaska and Arctic Canada trips now carry satellite phones, but even with this technology, communication with the outside world can be difficult and emergency assistance can be days away. Weather in Alaska and Arctic Canada is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. Having said all that, you will be in good hands, so don't worry. Your trip leaders have vast experience, and they will provide all the guidance and support you need.