Covering over three million acres, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a vast and mesmerizing stretch of Alaska’s wilderness. Here, towering glaciers meet pristine waters, dense forests stretch into the horizon, and wildlife thrives as it has for centuries.
But the park is more than its landscapes—it’s a place alive with stories. For generations, the Huna Tlingit people called Glacier Bay home, and in 1994, the National Park Service partnered with Hoonah and Yakutat Tlingit organizations to preserve both the land and its deep cultural history. Together, they work to ensure that this area remains a sanctuary for nature and a tribute to its Indigenous heritage.
With its glowing icefields, untouched fjords, and sweeping mountain ranges, Glacier Bay is unlike anywhere else on Earth. You can experience it on any of our Alaskan cruises. Whether you choose our Alaska National Parks cruise or Alaskan Explorer cruise, this extraordinary National Park awaits you as a highlight of your journey.
What to Expect on a Glacier Bay Cruise
Most of Glacier Bay’s visitors arrive by ship, and it’s easy to see why. Cruising through its 60-mile bay gives you front-row access to sights you simply can’t experience from land.
On our uniquely designed small ships, you’ll glide through calm waters as an onboard naturalist shares the history and ecology of this remarkable region. Step out onto the deck to take in the view—stretching glaciers, icy fjords, and mountains that disappear into the sky. You’ll feel the crisp air, hear the creaking of shifting ice, and, with a little luck, catch the splash of a whale in the distance.
To compliment the majestic glaciers, we’ll serve up hot chocolate—complete with your favorite toppings—and invite you to relax while the scenery unfolds around you. A Huna Tlingit Cultural Interpreter will join us, offering stories that deepen your connection to Glacier Bay and the people who have lived here for generations.
Unlike larger ships, our small vessels allow for a more intimate experience. Whether you’re bundled up on the top deck or enjoying the view from your private balcony, you won’t miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery.
The Scenic Views of Glacier Bay
The beauty of Glacier Bay is both humbling and timeless. When John Muir explored this remote wilderness in 1879, he called Alaska “one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” Muir, known today as the "Father of the National Parks", was so inspired by Glacier Bay’s raw, untouched beauty that a glacier in the park now bears his name.
It’s not hard to understand why. Along the bay, skies are so blue they feel endless, mountains rise three miles into the clouds, and glaciers stretch to meet the sea. Here, nature’s power is on full display—ice shapes the land, fjords carve pathways through cliffs, and every ripple in the water carries the story of a constantly changing world.
Take your time as you look out over these landscapes. In Glacier Bay, it feels as though time itself slows down.
Wildlife in Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay is as much about the creatures that inhabit it as it is about the scenery. This vast wilderness is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, and every turn offers something new to see.
Keep your eyes on the water—you might spot humpback and orca whales surfacing, their movements graceful and deliberate. Sea otters bob playfully along the shores, while harbor seals and sea lions lounge lazily on ice floes. Above, bald eagles soar as one of the 280 bird species that make their homes here.
Watch for the puffins, small yet powerful, diving up to 200 feet below the surface to catch their next meal. And marvel at the Arctic Tern, a tiny bird that completes an epic 44,100-mile migration from Antarctica to Glacier Bay each year, chasing the summer sun.
Along the shores, black and brown bears roam in search of salmon and the wild berries that grow in abundance. It’s a reminder that in this protected place, wildlife thrives just as it has for thousands of years.
For more about the creatures you might encounter, check out our Alaskan Wildlife Blog—your guide to the park’s most remarkable residents.
Preparing for Your Glacier Bay Experience
A visit to Glacier Bay is unforgettable, and a little preparation will help you make the most of your time here.
Bring a camera—you’ll want to capture the glaciers, wildlife, and those quiet moments when the light dances across the ice. A pair of binoculars will let you spot distant wildlife hiding in the trees or moving across the water.
Even during Alaska’s warmer months, Glacier Bay carries a chill. The ice radiates cold air across the bay, so dressing in layers is key. Pack a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves, and you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment comfortably.
Cruise to Glacier Bay
Every one of our Alaska cruises includes a day in Glacier Bay National Park, so it’s just a matter of choosing the itinerary that speaks to you.
For a more in-depth journey, our Grand Alaska National Parks cruise spans 19 days, taking you through three of Alaska’s most stunning parks. If you prefer something shorter, our 9-day Southeast Alaska cruise offers an unforgettable exploration of Alaska’s scenic ports and waterways.
No matter which itinerary you choose, a day in Glacier Bay is waiting for you—filled with beauty, stories, and the kind of wonder you’ll carry with you long after your cruise ends.
