How To Visit Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: The Complete Guide
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most remote and extraordinary national parks in the entire country. Located in Southeast Alaska, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses over 3.3 million acres of tidewater glaciers, dramatic fjords, humpback whales, and calving ice that you simply have to see to believe.
The catch? You can’t drive here. There are no roads into Glacier Bay, which means every visitor must arrive by plane or by boat. Wondering how to visit Glacier Bay National Park? Keep reading.
The logistical reality of no cars is actually what makes Glacier Bay so special. The remoteness is the point. This also means that HOW you visit matters enormously. The experience changes completely depending on whether you arrive by cruise ship, private charter, kayak, or day trip vessel. Each option offers something genuinely different, at a very different price point and level of commitment.
In full transparency, we visited Glacier Bay as part of our Alaskan cruise aboard the Holland America Eurodam, and it was one of the most breathtaking days of the entire trip. Below, we’ll walk through how to visit Glacier Bay National Park and our experience on the cruise, so you can find the option that’s right for you.
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Best Time to Visit Glacier Bay National Park
Well, this one is somewhat of a no-brainer. Summer is the best time to visit. Cruise season starts to ramp up in May, with June, July, and August being the top months for a visit to Glacier Bay. Ranger programs, kayaks, and camping are available during this time. This is the best time to see wildlife as well.
Technically, the park is open all year round, but getting there in the off-season may be difficult. Services start closing during the fall months and don’t open back up until the spring.
🌲 If you are visiting on a cruise ship, Glacier Bay National Park will bring the rangers to you! During your cruise day at Glacier Bay, rangers from the park will board the ship. On our Holland America Cruise, they opened a temporary gift shop and narrated the entire day as we made our way through the bay.
Map of Glacier Bay National Park
The map below shows some of the top sights to see at Glacier Bay National Park. The closest town near the park is Gustavus. You’ll have to fly in or take a boat to get there!
What Does A Trip To Glacier Bay National Park Cost?
Wondering what a trip here costs? Let’s break down what you might expect to spend. This estimate is based on our 2026 trip. These figures cover most of the major expenses, and we even included our actual cost for 2 people below.
| Category | Budget Range (2 people) | Notes |
| Flights | $1,500 | Varies widely by departure city; book early. |
| Cruise | $4,634 | Holland America, 7 Day Cruise for 2, includes all meals + Have It All Package |
| Excursions | Ranging from $140-$2,000 | Book your excursions with Holland America, or on your own. Prices vary widely based on what you want to do. |
| Hotels/Accommodations | $442 (1 night) – Our recommendation is Hotel Ändra Seattle | Stay one night before the cruise, and potentially one night after, depending on your flight out. |
| Estimated Total | $7,338 | This is the actual cost of our 7-day cruise with excursions, hotels, and flights. Expensive, but 100% worth it. |
How To Visit Glacier Bay National Park
As we have mentioned above, you can only get to Glacier Bay National Park by boat or plane. Let’s discuss each of the different options on how to visit Glacier Bay National Park. Starting with the most popular way to visit: via a large cruise ship.
Cruise Ship
It’s true! Most travelers who visit Glacier Bay actually come via a large cruise ship. This is a great way to spend some time cruising through the park without having to lift a finger…well, other than enjoying your hot chocolate or coffee on the bow of the ship while overlooking the glaciers!
There are many cruise ships that travel to Glacier Bay as part of their itinerary. The drawback here is that you will not be getting off the ship, and most of these trips are part of a 7-day cruise or longer. But hey, why not visit other parts of Alaska nearby, such as Icy Straight Point, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and more!
These areas of Alaska are not connected via road, so this is a great way to explore them all. That being said, they are on the Alaska Marine Highway System, and that will take even more planning and lots more time!
🚢 We sailed on a 7 Day Alaskan Explorer through Holland America starting in Seattle, and it was so much fun! I’m not just saying that either. I have been skeptical of cruising my entire life due to my line of work and being a germophobe. I vowed that I would NEVER set foot on a cruise ship (Norovirus, other horror stories). 😄 I was wrong. Honestly, I had so much fun.
Here are the top picks for a Glacier Bay cruise:
- Holland America and Princess – these two cruise lines have the most permits to visit the park, meaning you may have more options on dates. Did you know that only 2 cruise ships are allowed to visit the park per day during May through September?
- Norwegian, Seabourn, Viking, and Cunard also visit Glacier Bay on select sailings.
- If you really want to splurge, book a small ship or expedition. These smaller boats can really explore the park, but come at a higher cost. Think National Geographic!
Visit Gustavus And Take a Day Tour On A Catamaran
Another way to visit Glacier Bay is to head to Gustavus and take a day tour from Bartlett Cove. First, you’ll need to either fly into Gustavus or take the ferry to get there. Juneau offers direct 30-minute flights to Gustavus, or you can use the Alaska Marine Highway System. Be warned, though: the ferry ride is 4-6 hours.
Once you reach Gustavus, we recommend spending the night at the Glacier Bay Lodge and planning for a day tour the following morning. The day tour is 7 hours long on a smaller vessel. It may be wise to book 2 nights at the lodge, so you aren’t in a rush after your day trip.
A ranger will accompany the day tour, and some highlights of this day trip include a visit to Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, which are stunning. Visiting Glacier Bay National Park on a smaller ship will give you a more personalized visit than a cruise ship, but it does involve some extra planning. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Fly into Juneau, AK.
- Take a short flight from Juneau or use the Alaska Marine Highway to get to Gustavus.
- Alaska Airlines usually flies here from June through August.
- Enjoy Gustavus for the day and spend the night at the Glacier Bay Lodge.
- No rental car needed here, but you may need to find ground transportation to visit some areas in Gustavus. There is also a seasonal shuttle from the airport for those staying at Glacier Bay Lodge.
- Book your Glacier Bay Day Tour for the following morning.
- Stay one more night at Glacier Bay Lodge, just in case! It’s best to build in some extra time while traveling through Alaska.
- Fly back to Juneau, AK the following day.
Visit Gustavus and Go Camping or Kayaking
Camping
Camping at Glacier Bay National Park is about as wild and remote as it gets in the national park system, and that’s exactly the appeal. If you’ve read our other posts, you know we don’t camp. But hey, maybe you do and love it!
There is one developed campground at Bartlett Cove, but the real draw is backcountry camping in over a million acres of wilderness with no trails, no crowds, and no cell service.
Between May 1 and September 30, a free backcountry permit is required along with a mandatory in-person orientation at the Visitor Information Station. Orientation is offered daily at 9 am and 2:30 pm, where rangers walk you through safety, wildlife closures, and trip logistics.
Bear-resistant food canisters are provided at no charge, which is probably a relief given that both black bears and coastal brown bears roam freely throughout the park.
Keep in mind, there are no developed campsites in the backcountry, and you will need to choose your own spot along the shoreline or gravel streambeds. This is rugged, but if true wilderness camping is what you’re after, Glacier Bay delivers something extraordinary. Learn more about camping on the NPS website. You can also book a drop-off and pick-up with the Glacier Bay Day Tour through Glacier Bay Lodge.
Kayaking
If you want to experience Glacier Bay the way it was meant to be seen, a kayak is the answer. Paddling through the bay puts you at water level with calving glaciers, humpback whales, and otters in a way that no cruise ship or tour boat ever could.
You can rent a kayak or book a guided day trip through Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks right out of Bartlett Cove in Gustavus, or arrange a drop-off via the Glacier Bay Day Tour to start your paddle closer to the park’s iconic tidewater glaciers.
Just know that Glacier Bay’s tides are extreme and can change up to 25 feet every six hours. Understanding Glacier Bay’s tidal patterns is important before you push off from shore. Overnight kayakers need a free permit and orientation, just like campers. Get the full details from the NPS here.
Private Boat or Charter
Arriving at Glacier Bay by private boat is a bucket list experience for serious boaters, and one of the most logistically involved ways to visit the park. No, really, this is complicated.
Between June 1 and August 31, private vessels entering Glacier Bay waters north of Point Gustavus and Point Carolus are required to obtain a permit through the Glacier Bay Permit Portal, and all boaters must complete an annual in-person orientation at the Visitor Information Station.
Year-round, any vessel entering or exiting the bay must contact the park by VHF radio or phone before doing so. This is not optional! The permit system is competitive, and the logistics are a real nightmare, but the reward is access to one of the most dramatic and remote stretches of coastline in North America entirely on your own terms.
If you’re chartering rather than captaining your own vessel, several authorized operators can handle the permitting and navigation for you. Check out the NPS Visitor Services Directory for current options. Full boating details from the NPS here.
What to Bring
Looking at things to bring is a bit hard when traveling to Alaska. It could be rainy, windy, cool, hot, sunny, stormy, etc. It’s best to plan for it all because you never know what you’ll get. Based on how you plan on visiting, this list could change as well. Here are a few things you must have:
- Bug spray and a head net. Do you need these on a cruise ship? Maybe not!…but while camping? Absolutely!
- Layers: Mornings can be chilly, but things can warm up when the sun comes out.
- Backpack & water bladder: As you explore, you’ll have plenty of water and a place to hold your snacks, clothing, bug spray, and clothing layers.
- Waterproof shoes: It might be muddy, or it could be dry. Waterproof shoes are the best thing to have, depending on what you run into on the trails or while out on your cruise excursions. It may also rain on your Glacier Bay cruise day, and these will help keep your feet dry.
- Waterproof jacket or coat: Most of Southeast Alaska is located in a rainforest climate, so it’s safe to say you definitely NEED this!
- Binoculars: You are going to see so much awesome wildlife in Alaska, so this is a must.
- Camera: Your phone has a camera, but most of the wildlife you see might be fairly far away, so if you have a setup with a telephoto lens, do not skip bringing it.
Where to Stay While Visiting Glacier Bay National Park
If you are planning a trip to Glacier Bay on a large cruise ship and leaving from Seattle, you must (no, really!) get a room in Seattle the night before your cruise. You don’t want to chance a flight delay and miss your embarkation! Here is where we recommend staying in Seattle:
- Hotel Ändra Seattle – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Seattle, blending Scandinavian-inspired design with warm hospitality and easy access to Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle’s top attractions. We loved our stay here the night before the cruise. We were able to walk to Pike Place for breakfast! Book it now.
When visiting Glacier Bay outside of a cruise ship, your trip will likely start in Juneau. It’s usually the safest bet to spend a night before flying or sailing out to your next destination (Gustavus) the following morning. You never know when the weather will delay or cancel a flight.
While spending the night in Juneau, we recommend staying somewhere downtown. Downtown is a quick ride from the airport, but it will allow you to walk around and explore with whatever time you have. Here are some options for a stay in Juneau:
- Baranof Downtown, BW Signature Collection – A historic downtown hotel with classic charm, conveniently located near Juneau’s waterfront, shops, cruise docks, and State Capitol. Book a stay right downtown.
- Juneau Hotel – A comfortable all-suite hotel offering spacious rooms with full kitchens and in-suite laundry, close to downtown Juneau and the waterfront. Check it out and reserve a suite.
- Four Points by Sheraton Juneau – A modern downtown hotel overlooking the waterfront, offering comfortable accommodations within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Seadrome Marina. Book a stay here right near the action.
- Aviator Suites Hotel Juneau Airport – A convenient airport-area hotel with comfortable rooms and studio suites, located just a short walk from Juneau International Airport. Book a room right near the airport.
When staying overnight in Gustavus, we recommend:
- Glacier Bay Lodge – nestled among Sitka spruce on the shores of Bartlett Cove, offering guests an immersive stay inside Glacier Bay National Park. With cozy rooms, scenic mountain and water views, and easy access to wildlife, hiking, and glacier tours, it’s an ideal base for exploring Alaska’s spectacular wilderness. There is a dining room on site as well. Book your stay now!
Our Experience Visiting Via Cruise Ship – 1-Day Glacier Bay National Park Itinerary
Our ship, the Eurodam, spent 1 full day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. We arrived at the entrance to the park, near Gustavus, early in the morning and sailed through the fog, past Gloomy Knob during the early hours of breakfast (7-8 am). Gloomy Knob is a perfect place to spot mountain goats!
Plan to get up early to eat breakfast before spending most of the day outside (hopefully!) We did not have a balcony on our cruise, and it worked out great. On the Eurodam, there is so much outdoor space that it only felt crowded one time. More on that below.
Three rangers from the National Park Service boarded the ship in the morning and spent the day with us as well. As you cruise through the park, they will narrate most of the trip, including some history and any animal sightings that they spot. You can visit them on board in the Crow’s Nest (Deck 11), which is also where they set up a gift shop for the day.
🛌🏽 Book your stay in Seattle the night before your cruise at Hotel Ändra Seattle.
As you cruise, be on the lookout for otters, whales, eagles, mountain goats, bears, and more. You really never know when the animals will make an appearance, which is why you should spend most of your time outside on Decks 9 and 10. There are great views at the rear of the ship near the Sea View Pool, and you can even head up to the Observation Deck on level 10.
If weather allows, the captain will open the bow (Decks 5 and 6) of the ship for some amazing views. This is the only time we felt cramped, and there was good reason. They were serving Dutch Pea Soup, and we HAD to get some. It was so good! In addition to soup, be sure to check out the special drink offerings to keep warm outside.
We reached the Margerie Glacier around 9:30-10:00 am, and this is where we stopped for about an hour. If you do have a balcony, the captain will turn the ship 180 degrees about halfway through the stop to allow both sides a view.
At this point, it was time to make our way out of Glacier Bay. As we sailed back the way we came, we got to see another ship coming in to visit. It really is amazing how small these HUGE cruise ships look in the bay surrounded by the mountains and glaciers.
Our final stop was at the John Hopkins Inlet to view the Lamplugh Glacier and surrounding mountains. It was for sure a breathtaking sight!
As you sail back out of the bay, it’s a great time to grab some lunch. You can even eat it out on deck or near the indoor pool, which has some huge windows to view the coastline.
After lunch, be sure to check out the ranger programs in the World Stage. Accompanying the rangers was Kevin Skeek. Kevin is a Tlingit and Iñupiaq cultural presenter and speaker who shares the traditions and way of life of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska. It was a great presentation and should not be missed.
Finally, as we cruised out of the bay, the rangers disembarked the ship as we headed toward our next port of call, Icy Straight Point.
We had an amazing day cruising Glacier National Park! As we approached the Margerie Glacier, the weather cleared up, and the sun came out. Even the rangers on board with us remarked on how amazing the weather was!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you visit Glacier Bay National Park?
You can only visit the park by boat or air. We recommend a large cruise ship on Holland America Line. If not enjoying a cruise, head to Juneau. Once you arrive in Juneau, you’ll need to make arrangements to visit via Gustavus on a camping trip, kayaking trip, a day trip boat tour, or private charter.
Can you take a day trip to Glacier Bay National Park?
Yes! You can take a day trip (not on a cruise ship) on the Glacier Bay Day Tour in Gustavus. Keep in mind, you’ll need to take the Marine Highway or fly into Gustavus from Juneau or another location. This takes some extra planning, compared to visiting on a cruise, but it’s a more intimate way to visit.
What is the best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park?
The best time to visit Glacier Bay National Park is in the summer months, from May through August. During this time, you’ll have the best chances for good weather and wildlife sightings. You’ll be out on the water one way or another while visiting Glacier Bay, so it’s best to go when it’s warm.
Do you need a balcony on your cruise ship?
No! Technically, you don’t need a balcony. We did not have one, and we had an amazing time. Is it nice to sit out there and eat or drink your coffee as you float through the bay? Yes, but it was almost $1,000 more, and it’s better to use that money for cruise ship excursions! There are plenty of epic views from the outside areas of the Eurodam or other Holland America ships.
Is it worth a visit to Glacier Bay on a large cruise ship?
Absolutely, and that is one of the main reasons we visited on a cruise ship! Not only do you get to visit Glacier Bay, but you also get to visit other areas of Southeast Alaska that you can’t visit easily by road, such as Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and more! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip with no hassle.
Is A Trip to Glacier Bay National Park Worth It?
It’s one of the most beautiful national parks we have been to, and if you want to see some glaciers, this is one of the top places to see many during your visit.
During our cruise through the bay, we watched humpback whales surface alongside the ship, spotted otters lounging on floating ice and playing in the water, and had mountain goats pointed out on the cliffs by the naturalist guide that we never would have found on our own.
The right way to visit Glacier Bay depends entirely on what kind of traveler you are. A cruise ship gives you the scenery and the wildlife with minimal logistics. It’s spectacular, and we’d do it again without hesitation.
A kayak or private charter gives you solitude and access that no cruise ship can match. Backcountry camping puts you in true wilderness that very few people ever experience, and finally, a day trip gives you that up-close and personal touch with a little bit of extra planning. None of these are the wrong answer. They’re just different versions of an extraordinary adventure.
What we can tell you with complete confidence is this: if Glacier Bay National Park is on your list, move it up. The glaciers are retreating, and the bay that exists today is not the bay that will exist in fifty years. The time to see it is now!
🛏️ Don’t forget to reserve a room at Hotel Ändra Seattle the night before your cruise departs. You don’t want to miss your boat!
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