Whale-Watching Excursions
Join a guided boat tour from a participating Alaska port for opportunities to observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Experienced guides can help identify local species and explain their behavior.
Explore towering glaciers, breathtaking fjords, and incredible wildlife in the heart of Alaska's wilderness.
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of Alaska's most spectacular natural destinations, offering an unforgettable glimpse into a world of towering glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife. Located in southeastern Alaska, this protected wilderness is a highlight of many Alaska cruise itineraries.
Spanning approximately 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay features deep fjords, pristine waters, temperate rainforests, and some of the region's most impressive tidewater glaciers. Scenic cruising through the park allows visitors to experience these remarkable landscapes from the comfort of their cruise ship.
Glacier Bay offers a different kind of Alaska adventure. Rather than exploring a traditional cruise port, visitors experience much of the park through scenic cruising, observing glaciers, mountains, and wildlife from the ship.
Glacier Bay is primarily a scenic cruising destination rather than a conventional port where cruise passengers disembark for organized shore excursions. Most visitors experience the national park from their ship, with opportunities to view glaciers, mountain scenery, and wildlife along the way. Available experiences depend on the cruise line, sailing date, and port schedule.
Join a guided boat tour from a participating Alaska port for opportunities to observe humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Experienced guides can help identify local species and explain their behavior.
Explore Alaska's glacial landscapes on a guided boat tour or other excursion offered at a nearby port. These experiences provide a different perspective on the glaciers and the forces that shape the region.
Discover Alaska's coastal ecosystems on a guided excursion focused on local wildlife, forest landscapes, and scenic viewpoints. Tours and wildlife sightings vary by location and season.
For a different perspective on Alaska's wilderness, consider an eligible flightseeing excursion from a participating port. Depending on the route and weather, these tours may offer aerial views of mountains, glaciers, and remote landscapes.
Interested in additional shore excursions?
Contact AlaskaCruises.com at 1-800-201-6937 for information about available excursions and reservations. Confirm current availability, pricing, and itinerary details before booking.
Planning a visit to Glacier Bay? Find helpful information about local attractions, wildlife, cruise excursions, and the best time to explore this scenic Alaskan destination.
Most cruise passengers experience Glacier Bay through scenic cruising rather than by disembarking for a traditional shore excursion. Access to shore-based activities is restricted and depends on park regulations and authorized arrangements.
Depending on the itinerary and conditions, visitors may see Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, and other glaciers within the park. The exact viewing opportunities depend on the ship's route, weather, and navigation conditions.
Wildlife may include humpback whales, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and seabirds. Black bears and other land mammals may also be visible along the shoreline. Sightings are not guaranteed.
The Alaska cruise season generally runs from late spring through early fall. Summer offers long daylight hours and opportunities to experience the park's glaciers and wildlife, although weather and wildlife activity vary throughout the season.
The amount of time spent in Glacier Bay depends on the cruise itinerary and the ship's authorized route. Many itineraries include a dedicated scenic cruising day, allowing passengers to view the park's landscapes and glaciers.
No. Glacier Bay is featured on select Alaska cruise itineraries. Access is managed to protect the park's environment, so travelers should review their itinerary carefully if visiting Glacier Bay is a priority.
Dress in layers and bring a warm, waterproof outer layer, as temperatures and conditions can change throughout the day. Binoculars and a camera are useful for viewing wildlife and capturing distant glaciers from the ship's outdoor decks.
Home to magnificent glaciers, rugged fjords, and abundant marine wildlife, Glacier Bay showcases some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Cruise past towering ice formations, take in breathtaking mountain views, and watch for whales in the park's pristine waters.
As part of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, this remarkable destination offers a unique opportunity to witness nature in its purest form. Discover a landscape shaped by centuries of glacial movement, where lush forests, icy waters, and snow-capped peaks create an unforgettable backdrop for your Alaska cruise.