Tracy Arm Fjord Alaska
Experience Alaska's raw beauty in Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow inlet with towering glaciers, floating icebergs, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for glaciers
Tracy Arm Fjord Alaska
Best Time
Best light for glaciers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Alaska's raw beauty in Tracy Arm Fjord, a narrow inlet with towering glaciers, floating icebergs, and abundant wildlife.
"Wow what an amazing place. Beautiful fjords. Absolutely beautiful.."
🎯 Book Smaller Tours
Opt for smaller boat tours for a more intimate experience and better access to glaciers and wildlife .
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alaska's weather is unpredictable; bring warm, waterproof layers even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sawyer Glacier
End of Tracy Arm Fjord
Witness the immense power of nature as this tidewater glacier calves icebergs into the sea. A truly awe-inspiring sight!
Floating Icebergs
Tracy Arm Fjord
Marvel at the diverse shapes and sizes of icebergs, from small chunks to massive, sculpted formations, drifting in the fjord's waters.
Abundant Wildlife
Tracy Arm Fjord
Keep an eye out for harbor seals lounging on ice floes, bald eagles soaring overhead, and potentially even whales or bears along the shore.
Towering Waterfalls
Tracy Arm Fjord
Be captivated by dramatic waterfalls cascading down the steep, glacier-carved cliffs lining the fjord.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tracy Arm
Cruise vs. Tour: Your Tracy Arm Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Smaller Tours
Opt for smaller boat tours for a more intimate experience and better access to glaciers and wildlife.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alaska's weather is unpredictable; bring warm, waterproof layers even in summer.
📸 Bring Your Camera!
Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife; a zoom lens is recommended for wildlife spotting.
🔭 Binoculars are Key
Enhance your wildlife viewing and glacier observation with a good pair of binoculars.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Smaller Tours
Opt for smaller boat tours for a more intimate experience and better access to glaciers and wildlife.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alaska's weather is unpredictable; bring warm, waterproof layers even in summer.
📸 Bring Your Camera!
Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife; a zoom lens is recommended for wildlife spotting.
🔭 Binoculars are Key
Enhance your wildlife viewing and glacier observation with a good pair of binoculars.
🤫 Secret Viewing Spots
Ask your guide about less crowded spots or specific decks on larger ships for better views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty of Tracy Arm Fjord, highlighting its majestic glaciers, stunning icebergs, and dramatic waterfalls. Many describe it as an 'epic' and 'awe-inspiring' experience, with wildlife sightings adding to the magic. Some cruisers noted that their ship only viewed the fjord from a distance, suggesting dedicated tours for a closer encounter.
"We had an excellent day to sail the fjord. Enough burgy bits to be visually spectacular and interesting, but not so many to make it unsafe to travel close to the glacier. I find it just fascinating how the land drops so steeply to the water. An awesome sight to be hold, definitely not in Kansas.
The one photo shows a "line" in the water, where the water from the glacier meets the sea water.
Nature at its finest"
Carol flinn
"I've been there multiple times while was working with princess cruize lines company
And each year glaciers become smaller and smaller
So take your time and check it out till you can it definitely worth it
Because I feel like next generation will not have a chance to do it"
Pavlo Vidomenko
"We went there through Carnival. But it was a bit disappointing because Tracy Arm was about 5 miles away and we had to turn back. If you would like to see it closer, you need to pay $250 per person to take a small boat getting there closely."
Terence Mok
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tracy Arm Fjord is primarily accessed via boat tours departing from Juneau, Alaska. Cruise ships also sail through the fjord, offering views from the ship.+1 For a closer experience, consider booking a dedicated tour with operators like Allen Marine or True Alaskan.
No, Tracy Arm Fjord is a remote natural wonder and is not accessible by road. Boat tours are the only way to experience its beauty.
The best way to see Tracy Arm Fjord is by taking a boat tour from Juneau. Smaller tours offer a more intimate experience, while larger cruise ships provide scenic views from a distance.+1
While Tracy Arm Fjord is more commonly visited, some tours may also explore Endicott Arm Fjord, which is adjacent and equally stunning.
Tracy Arm Fjord is approximately 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Juneau. Boat tours typically take a full day to complete the round trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the operator and boat size. Smaller, more intimate tours can range from $200-$300 per person, while larger cruise ship excursions might be less expensive but offer a more distant view.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Tracy Arm Fjord tours in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as popular tours can sell out quickly.
Most tours include transportation from Juneau, commentary from guides about the local environment and wildlife, and opportunities to see glaciers, icebergs, and potentially wildlife. Some may offer light snacks or lunch.
There are no direct entrance fees for Tracy Arm Fjord itself, as it is a natural fjord. However, the cost of boat tours or cruise excursions covers the access and experience.
No, Tracy Arm Fjord is a remote wilderness area and can only be visited via organized boat tours or cruise ships.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a good chance of spotting harbor seals, bald eagles, and various seabirds. Whales and bears are also sometimes seen along the shore.
Mornings often offer the best light for photographing the glaciers and fjords. However, wildlife sightings can occur throughout the day. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
Dress in layers! Bring a waterproof and windproof outer layer, warm fleece or sweater, comfortable pants, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. A hat and gloves are also advisable.
Smaller boat tours can get quite close to the glaciers, allowing you to hear the ice crackle and see calving events. Larger cruise ships may maintain a safer distance.
Tracy Arm Fjord is generally safe when visited with reputable tour operators who are experienced in navigating the waters and aware of ice conditions. Always follow your guide's instructions.
📸 📸 Photography
The calving glaciers, dramatic icebergs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife offer incredible photo opportunities. The sheer scale of the landscape is breathtaking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
Focus on the unique shapes and textures of the icebergs. Consider the lighting; early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlights. Be mindful of the water's movement.
On larger cruise ships, ask about specific decks or areas that offer unobstructed views. On smaller tours, your guide will likely take you to prime viewing spots.
Lighting can change rapidly due to the weather and the fjord's orientation. Overcast days can provide soft, diffused light, while sunny days offer dramatic contrasts. Be prepared for both.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a versatile lens setup, including a wide-angle for grand vistas and a telephoto for wildlife. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the ice and water and reduce glare. Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic lighting conditions. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, which can add to the photographic drama.🚢 Cruise Passengers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Tracy Arm Fjord: Cruise vs. Tour
When choosing a tour, consider the size of the boat. Smaller boats, like those offered by Allen Marine or True Alaskan, provide a more intimate encounter with the fjord's grandeur.
The Majestic Glaciers of Tracy Arm
Witnessing these glaciers is a profound experience; you can often hear the ice crackle and groan, and if you're lucky, you might see a calving event, where large chunks of ice break off and crash into the water with a thunderous roar. This process is what shapes the fjord and creates the numerous icebergs that drift through its waters.It's important to be aware that the glaciers in Tracy Arm are receding, a stark reminder of climate change. Many visitors note that the glaciers appear smaller than in previous years, making a visit now even more poignant [^Review]. This underscores the value of experiencing these natural wonders while they still exist in their current form. The sheer scale and raw power of the glaciers are humbling, offering a unique glimpse into the forces that have shaped Alaska's dramatic coastline.
Wildlife Encounters in Tracy Arm Fjord
Beyond these frequent visitors, the waters and shores of Tracy Arm can also be home to whales, though sightings are less predictable. Black bears and other land mammals may occasionally be spotted along the coastline. The success of wildlife viewing often depends on the time of year, the specific route taken by your tour, and a bit of luck. Guides are typically very knowledgeable and will point out any wildlife they spot, so pay close attention to their announcements and scan the water and shorelines diligently.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit