Spend a full day leaving Juneau to penetrate Tracy Arm’s ice-choked fjord, watch calving glaciers up close, and scan for whales and eagles. This seven-hour expedition balances close glacier encounters with practical comforts—snacks, lunch, and knowledgeable crew.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low, gray horizon opens as your boat slips out of Juneau’s Seadrome Marina and the city’s sound fades into the wake. Salty spray and the diesel hum set the pace; islands and spruce-covered skerries shrink until the fjord walls rise—sheer black rock streaked with pale mineral veins and waterfalls daring you to look away.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to stand and move on an open deck for several hours is required
Wildlife
History
The Tracy Arm area sits within traditional Tlingit territory; Juneau’s development during the 19th-century gold rush increased marine traffic but the fjord has remained largely unroaded wilderness.
Conservation
Operators follow NOAA and local guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife and reduce pollution; keep a safe distance from animals and avoid throwing anything into the water.
Reserve your spot on the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer from Juneau today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer up for wet, cold conditions
Temperatures on the water can be 10–20°F cooler than in town and spray is constant—wear moisture-wicking base layers and a waterproof outer shell.
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens
Wildlife and glacier detail are best viewed from a distance—optics let you spot whales, seals, and ice textures without approaching dangerously close.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand and sit midship where motion is minimized.
Follow crew safety briefings
Ice calving and shifting currents create hazards—adhere to distance rules and crew instructions at all times.
Waterproof shell jacket
Keeps spray and rain off during fjord passages.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
Insulates against cool air and wind on deck.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Improves wildlife and glacier viewing from a safe distance.
Motion-sickness remedies
Helpful for anyone susceptible to sea motion on longer open-water transits.