Juneau Travel Forum

Will be in Juneau for a few days, July 2007, before salmon lodge on Shelter Island. Am trying to watch budget, but which is better? Glacier Bay day tour, or Tracy Arms? Pros? Cons? Also any tips for where to eat for those days in Juneau? Thanks to all...

Well, if you are only going to be in Juneau for a few days you might want to go to Tracy Arm (you will most likly also be going to Sawyer Glacier) because that is an all day trip. There are a few places that do these tours:
(1) Adventure Bound Alaska (I went on this cruise with my Mom and really enjoyed it; I do know you can take your own snacks)
http://www.adventureboundalaska.com/
(2) Goldbelt http://www.goldbelttours.com/travel/cruises/tracy_arm.html
(3) Allen Marine http://www.allenmarinetours.com/sightseeing/juneau/index.html
(4) I'm sure there are a few more options, I just don't know what they are off the top of my head.


GLACIER BAY, is more than a day trip. The trips from Juneau are hard to find. I know its possible because I have a friend do this, but I can't find anything right now...she thought she went on the Ferry, but I didn't find anything on their website either. Most likly you would need to to to Gustdavus and take a boat from there.

Sorry I can't be more help, but here is the link for Glacier Bay National Park: http://www.nps.gov/glba/

Here is one more web-site. I know NOTHING about this company, but it looks like they have cruises from Glacier Bay out of Juneau (plus a few other stops). Maybe someone else will have more information about them, or if you have a travel agency where you live, they can let you know if this is a valid company. http://www.alaskacruises.com/advanced_cruise_search.asp

Thanks darkcat. Am researching on Web;there's a fly in trip to Gustavus, then board ship to Bay. I read farther down the Juneau forum and did find the post, asking similar question. Glacier is "bay", whereas Tracy is "fjord". Considering cost ($350-450) for Glacier, Tracy Arms ($120+), I lean toward Tracy Arms. Just want to hear what others have experienced... Hope to have great wildlife pictures too...

When I went to Tracy Arm we saw a tons of seals, birds and while I didn't see whales per say, we did see their spouts of water from when they came up for air.

The boat drivers were really informative about when and what they saw so the passengers could see too.

Dress warmly and have a rain coat because you will want to be outside - can't see anything inside (or as much).

I agree with all that Darkcat says. Have now kayaked both Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm. Tracy has more traffic but still maintains high levels of marine mammals. Much closer to Juneau. Glacier Bay takes a few days to give it justice.
Another option is a whale watching trip out of Auke Bay.

Hands down, Tracy Arm...I did both on the same cruise & altho there are lots more glaciers in Glacier Bay, the whole of Tracy Arm was more scenic & lots more animals.

Have a great trip. Aloha, Linda

To add and correct a bit to the list of tour operators:
Allen Marine hasn't been running regular trips to Tracy Arm, except that they are the contractor for the NCL trip. Goldbelt's trips are now being run by Adventure Bound, and I believe you can still book an Adventure Bound trip directly.

As for other options, Alaskan Marine Adventures (www.Charter-Alaska.com) runs regular Tracy Arm tours. The price is higher than Adventure Bound since they include everything (lunch, refreshments, etc.) and only take 4-6 at a time.

Harv & Marv's Outback Alaska also runs to Tracy Arm once in a while, but it's a private charter, and not something on their regular schedule.

Happy Alaska Travels!
-Case