Glacier Bay, Alaska

Glacier Bay is a bay in south-eastern Alaska, United States. It runs north northwest to south south-east for about 105 km (65 miles) and is located 50 air miles west of Juneau near the northern end of the Alaska "panhandle." It ranges from 5-30 km (3-20 miles) wide. Glacier Bay and the surrounding land is the site of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Within Glacier Bay, visitors can voyage to numerous inlets to witness 16 huge tidewater glaciers plunging into the icy fjords. There are humpback whales in July and early August. Minke and orca whales also regularly swim these waters. On land, brown, black and rare glacier bears (with a blue-tinted fur) can be seen foraging for food along the gravel beaches. Over 200 bird species have been identified in the area.

Activities available in the Glacier Bay National Park include kayaking, canoeing, sightseeing, fishing, hiking, backpacking and camping. Park naturalists lead hikes daily during the summer season.

Things to See & Do

* Glaciers
* Whale watching
* Bear viewing
* Hiking
* Fishing

General information

Cruise Season - May - September
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Land Area - 13,287 km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus 9 hours
International Country Telephone Code - 1

Port Location - There is a marina located at Barlett Cove.

Travel Links - The area is a popular cruise ship destination, with several ships leaving Seattle each week during the summer. Tours also originate from Bartlett Cove (near Gustavus) or Juneau. Gustavus is accessible by scheduled airline, air charter or boat.