Kayaking

 

Sea kayaking is an incredible way to experience the vast wilderness and solitude of Glacier Bay. Kayak trips can originate from Bartlett Cove, or kayakers can use the camper drop-off service to begin a trip further upbay, closer to the park's iconic tidewater glaciers. Making reservations in advance for kayak rentals and drop-off services is recommended. Guided day trips and overnight kayak trips are also available.

Backcountry Permits and Camper Orientation

From May 1 to September 30, all overnight backcountry users (including kayakers) must register for a free permit and attend an orientation, held at the Bartlett Cove Visitor Information Station. This 30-minute session is for your benefit: to answer your questions, provide you with a tide table, inform you of special wildlife and safety closures, and to assist in planning your trip. Permit registration and check-out of bear-resistant food canisters can be done at the time of the orientation. Contact the Visitor Information Station at [phone] for the orientation schedule and for additional information.

Kayaker Drop-offs

During the summer months, kayakers can arrange with Glacier Bay Lodge to be dropped off and/or picked up by the daily tour boat at designated camper dropoff locations upbay. Advance reservations are recommended for kayakers as the number of kayaks the daily tour boat can carry is limited.

Kayak Rentals and Guided Day Kayaking

Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks provides guided day kayaking and kayak rentals and can be contacted at [phone].

Guided Overnight Kayak Trips

See the Glacier Bay Visitor Services Directory for a list of authorized companies providing guided overnight trips.

Getting to Bartlett Cove

Bartlett Cove is 9 Miles (14 KM) from the town of Gustavus, where many park visitors arrive via the small airport or the ferry. Transportation to Bartlett Cove can be arranged via local taxi or rental car service. Kayak transportation is available between the ferry dock and Bartlett Cove. See the Gustavus Visitors Association website for local transportation options.

 

 

Keeping Glacier Bay Wild

Glacier Bay is home to both black and brown bears, and backcountry users should take special measures to keep themselves safe and to keep bears wild. All food and other scented items must be properly stored in an approved bear-resistant food canister, provided by the park at no charge. Learn more about staying safe in bear country.

All backcountry users should follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on Glacier Bay's pristine wilderness.

Additional Reminders

• Kayakers are responsible for knowing and abiding by all Park Regulations
• Tides here are extreme (up to 25' every 6 hours), and an understanding of tides is essential for a safe, enjoyable kayaking trip in Glacier Bay.

More Resources for Kayakers:

• Check Tide Tables before and during a kayaking trip
• Check Glacier Bay Weather before departing
• Become familiar with common safety concerns in Glacier Bay
• Explore Boating distances-- a helpful resource when planning an itinerary
• Know what to expect: watch the Glacier Bay Backcountry Camper Video