Glacier Bay, Alaska - Things to See and Do

What to see and do at Glacier Bay, Alaska

Visited May 2019

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Glacier Bay is a glacier filled fjord located in southeastern Alaska

It is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in exploring the stunning natural scenery of the area. Glacier Bay was first proclaimed a U.S. National Monument on February 25, 1925. It later was enlarged and designated as the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Covering 24 million acres, it is now the the largest UNESCO protected biosphere in the world.

On 5/15/2019, we spent a full day cruising thru the bay and visited numerous glaciers there. In the bay, we saw sea otters, harbor seals, and a brown bear.

Glacier Bay is named for the many glaciers that flow into it, including the Margerie Glacier, which is one of the most popular attractions for visitors. Other popular glaciers in the area include the Grand Pacific Glacier and the Muir Glacier. The glacier is about a mile wide and can be seen from cruise ships that travel through the bay. The National Park Service limits the numbers of vessels that can operate in a day to 2 cruise ships, 3 tour boats, 6 charter vessels, and 25 private vessels.

In addition to the glaciers, Glacier Bay is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Visitors can also see brown and black bears, mountain goats, and moose in the surrounding wilderness areas.

Tourists can explore Glacier Bay in a variety of ways, including taking a cruise through the bay, kayaking, or hiking along the park's many trails. The park also offers ranger-led programs, where visitors can learn more about the area's history, geology, and wildlife.

Overall, Glacier Bay is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Alaska.

Looking for things to do? Viator offers numerous tours in the Glacier Bay area. Click here for details.