Cruises from Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay, a 3.3 million acre expanse of land, water and mountains was covered by ice just 200 years back. Located in southeast Alaska, Glacier Bay is a Y-shaped, 65-mile long bay that has continued to expand, thanks to the glacial retreats, noted first by the American nature lover, John Muir. This phenomenon exposed new land and water, which unleashed the growth of unseen flora and fauna in this region. Since 1925, Glacier Bay as Glacier Bay National Park has enjoyed government protection so that environmentalists, biologists, zoologists and wild life and animal lovers can study and admire its beautiful inhabitants.
If you are going to Glacier Bay, there is a very good chance that you will first go to Gustavus, a small town located 65 miles northwest of Juneau, also known as “Gateway to the Glacial National Park”. Since most of the national park is covered with water, the best way to enjoy its myriad beauty is to travel by a cruise ship, a tour vessel or a chartered boat, or for the more adventurous by a kayak (we will talk more about kayaking later in the article). A daily tour boat (that lasts for eight hours) runs from the Glacier Bay Lodge for which advance booking is recommended. A ranger will come on board and explain the wonders of the park.
Like most of Alaska, the best season to visit the Glacier Bay is from June to August. Though the park is open round the year, the services are limited in the winter. Rain dominates the weather in the southeast Alaska and so you should be prepared to see the park in rain, cold or moderate temperatures. Be ready with warm coat, waterproof shoes and a jacket, gloves and a cap.
Glacier Bay offers a plethora of activities for nature and sports lovers. There is kayaking, whale-watching, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and even dog mushing. You may wonder what dog mushing is! Well, it is a general term for a mode of transport- either sleds or carts - led by specially trained dogs. Novice kayakers can get guided help or experienced kayakers can see park in a kayak while watching a wide array of animals like bears, puffins, sea otters and seals. Many travel to the park to see the humpback whales that come to the region between June and September to feed. A paradise for fishing enthusiasts, the Glacier Bay region has also supported many commercial fishermen, who haul salmon, halibut and Dungeness crabs. About 240 species of birds have been seen in the park making it a favourite destination of bird-watchers and ornithologists. If you wish to make reservations for any of these activities, go to the comprehensive website www.gustavus.com and click on “activities”. Under each activity, you will find a list of operators, who have their own websites or contact information.
If you go to Alaska, a visit to the Glacier Bay is must. Or rather go to Alaska to visit Glacier Bay.
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