Glacier Bay Sea Kayaking Expedition

This Glacier Bay sea kayaking trip explores the remote East Arm of Glacier Bay National Park. Motorized boat access is limited in this rarely visited corner of the park making for an incredibly secluded Alaskan getaway.

John Muir came to Glacier Bay in 1879 and was so stunned by its epic beauty that immediately upon his return he began to secure wilderness protection for this spectacular region he called “unspeakably pure and sublime”. Glacier Bay National Park is now a part of the largest protected wilderness area in the world and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Glacier Bay’s fascinating geology, plentiful wildlife, and breathtaking scenery of soaring mountains and gorgeous glaciers are the setting for an unforgettable wilderness sea kayaking experience. On this trip you’ll enjoy an adventurous exploration of Glacier Bay National Park’s scenic East Arm, including the pristine wilderness of the Muir Inlet. You’ll start with a charter boat trip across the lower bay, then after a drop-off on a remote glacial beach. The next few days are spent paddling into the East Arm, kayaking and camping amidst awesome mountain scenery and majestic glaciers. Paddling the inlets and hiking along the immaculate beaches allow visitors to view the Earth's most fundamental geologic processes first-hand. At the end of the trip, we’ll get on the ferry to make our way back to Gustavus after taking a cruise of the Glacier Bay’s West Arm.

GUSTAVUS: Gustavus, Alaska is the starting/finishing place for this trip. Gustavus is a small community located along Icy Strait in Southeast Alaska. This is the headquarters for the park service. Gustavus is easily accessed with several flights departing Juneau, Alaska daily. Ferry service is also available. We will spend the evening before and after our trip here.

GETTING TO THE EAST ARM: This trip is scheduled to use a Glacier Bay boat shuttle to take us from Gustavus to the to the entrance of the East Arm. We will head north and begin exploring the East Arm from there. The shuttle boat is a great experience in and of itself, offering great wildlife viewing potential on our way up to the drop off location.

KAYAKING: Paddling amongst icebergs under the majesty of the towering peaks of Glacier Bay is a unique and serene experience. Our guides are also experienced paddlers and can help teach paddling technique and skills to make your adventure the most enjoyable.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is located in southeast Alaska and includes some of the wildest and most spectacular fjords and glaciated terrain in the world. As a unique marine wilderness, Glacier Bay provides countless adventures and stunning views of glaciers, wildlife, and majestic maritime and mountain scenery.

OUR GUIDES: Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc. instructors and guides are professionals. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska and the world and they genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge. Their skill and positive attitudes help our guests to have the best possible experience during their trip. Your safety and enjoyment are their primary goals.

Trip Itinerary (in a printable PDF format)

Day 0: Meet in Gustavus for a pre-trip orientation. Lodging and meals on your own.

Day 1: Board the Glacier Bay Day Boat for a spectacular ride to the mouth of the East Arm of Glacier Bay National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the lush forests of Bartlett Cove behind and enter a land still under the influence of the Little Ice Age. We’ll unload gear, have a kayak lesson, and begin paddling into the remote reaches of the East Arm.

Days 2 – 4: We’ll explore the pristine upper fjords of Glacier Bay by kayak and on foot. Keep your camera ready for dramatic scenery of awe-inspiring 9,000-foot mountain peaks, ice-hewn fjords, extraordinary glaciers, and abounding wildlife. Experience the thunder, crackle, and pop of the McBride Glacier calving into the bay. Keep watch for the scores of marine and terrestrial species that call the Park home. A flexible itinerary allows for fabulous hikes and serene paddles. You may explore McBride, Riggs, and perhaps the Muir Glaciers; each with their own striking beauty and personality.

Day 5: Following a morning hike or paddle, we will re-board the day boat to take us back to Gustavus. Fly to Juneau and depart.

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What is included in the trip price:

• Kayaking & camping gear - group camping equipment, tents, kayaks, paddles, PFDs, etc...
• Expedition food - all food while out in the field
• Transportation during trip - travel to our launch area, boat transfers
• Professional guides - Our guides have extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for kayaking in wild places.

Guests are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & equipment
• Food & Lodging in town - most lodges in Gustavus provide quality food options
• Trip insurance - we highly recommend trip insurance for all of our programs
• Airfare
• Reviewing trip policies - please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and guest responsibilities.
• Gratuities

To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

1. Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information via this link:

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2. Place a deposit of $500 to reserve your spot: this can be placed over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
3. Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
4. We kindly ask that you submit all of the necessary trip registration information at least 45 days prior to your trip.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!

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