Where is Glacier Bay Boat Tour,Gustavus, Alaska?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Glacier Bay Boat Tour is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the Gulf of Alaska and the Glacier Bay National Park, situated in the southeastern coastal area of Alaska, and is famous for its stunning glaciers, wildlife, and scenic boat tours.

Glacier Bay Boat Tour Location Map,Gustavus, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Glacier Bay Boat Tour

  • Glacier Bay National Park Scenery – Dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and pristine wilderness viewed from the water.
  • Glacial Icebergs & Tidewater Glaciers – Close-up views of calving glaciers and floating ice formations.
  • Wildlife Watching – Opportunities to see humpback whales, sea otters, seals, and bald eagles along the route.
  • John Hopkins Glacier – Active glacier with striking blue ice and dramatic icefalls visible from the boat.
  • Margerie Glacier – Popular stop for guided tours to witness massive ice cliffs and calving events.
  • Scenic Fjords & Bays – Exploring remote inlets and coves surrounded by rainforest and rugged cliffs.
  • Onboard Educational Programs – Ranger talks and interpretive programs about glaciers, wildlife, and park history.

Glacier Bay Boat Tour Facts

Official NameGlacier Bay Boat Tour — Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
LocationGustavus / Bartlett Cove, Alaska, USA (Southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay)
Latitude & Longitude (dock area)≈ 58.636° N, 135.899° W
Tour AreaGlacier Bay fjords, tidewater‑glacier waterways, coastal mountains, rainforest & marine environment
Tour Type / OperatorGuided Day‑Boat Cruise (catamaran) — operated by the concessioner under license of the National Park Service
Typical Season / ScheduleLate May through early September (summer season); daily departures from Bartlett Cove during summer months
Departure / Return (Typical Day Tour)Board around 6:50–7:15 a.m.; return around 3:30–4:00 p.m. (≈ 7–9 hour tour) <\/td>
Vessel TypeHeated, enclosed high‑speed catamaran (≈ 150‑passenger capacity) with large windows & outside deck for viewing
Tour HighlightsViews of tidewater glaciers (e.g. Margerie, Grand Pacific), icebergs, fjords & snow‑clad mountains; frequent sightings of marine life (humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters), seabirds (puffins, kittiwakes, murres), and terrestrial wildlife along shore (bears, mountain goats, moose)
Ranger‑Led Info & InterpretationNational Park Service Ranger aboard — provides narration on geology, glacial history, ecology, wildlife & cultural history of Glacier Bay
Optional ServicesCamper / kayaker drop‑off to remote backcountry sites, private charters, custom multi‑day boat/kayak trips (with permits)
Access / How to Reach Starting PointReach Gustavus by ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) or air service (e.g. Alaska Airlines/seaplane); then ~10 miles by road from Gustavus to Bartlett Cove dock
Clothing / What to PrepareExpect summer temps 50–60 °F (10–15 °C), frequent rain — bring waterproof boots/gear, warm layers; binoculars & camera recommended
Park & Conservation ContextGlacier Bay National Park & Preserve — UNESCO Natural World Heritage‑site; vital marine & glacial ecosystem; boat tour provides public access without damaging wilderness
Official Contact / Info SourceNational Park Service — Glacier Bay (nps.gov/glba), Glacier Bay Lodge & Tours / authorized concessioners for booking & information

Distances from Glacier Bay Boat Tour to Nearby Landmarks

  • Glacier Bay Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • John Hopkins Glacier – 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • Margerie Glacier – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Gates Glacier – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Gustavus, AK – 54 km (33.6 mi)
  • Bartlett Cove – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Margerie Inlet – 42 km (26.1 mi)
  • Beardslee Islands – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • McBride Glacier – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Geikie Inlet – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Fords Terror – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • North Crillon Island – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Point Adolphus – 90 km (55.9 mi)
  • Stephens Passage – 65 km (40.4 mi)
  • Glacier Bay Lodge – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Gulf of Alaska (entrance) – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Fairweather Mountains (closest point) – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Excursion Harbor – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Marble Island – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • North Marble Islands – 60 km (37.3 mi)