Tracy Arm Fjord, a 30-mile-long glacially carved inlet of the Tongass National Forest located 60 miles southeast of Juneau in Alaska, is one of Southeast Alaska's most dramatic waterway destinations. The fjord is accessible only by boat or floatplane, with sheer granite walls rising 3,000 feet directly from the water on both sides. At the fjord's head, two active tidewater glaciers — South Sawyer and North Sawyer — calve icebergs continuously, filling the upper reaches with a dense floating field of turquoise, white, and deep-blue ice. Day tours depart from Juneau's waterfront at 1 Marine Way, with the approach through Stephens Passage taking approximately two hours before the vessel begins threading through floating ice during the final miles of the fjord. Allen Marine Tours ($194/person; 877-686-8100; allenmarinetours.com) operates a larger catamaran-style vessel with enclosed viewing decks and onboard food service. Adventure Bound Alaska ($135/person; 907-463-2509; glacierbayadventures.com) uses a smaller vessel offering a more intimate experience. Total tour duration is 7-9 hours from Juneau departure to return. Wildlife in and around Tracy Arm includes Steller sea lions hauling out on ice floes near the glacier face, harbor seals resting on floating ice with pups in early summer, black-legged kittiwakes nesting on cliff ledges above the waterline, and black bears foraging along the shoreline. Humpback whales and orcas are frequently encountered in Stephens Passage during the approach. The glacier calving events — audible as deep cracks and thundering splashes — are among the most memorable experiences the tour delivers. All viewing takes place from the boat deck; there are no landings. Warm waterproof outer layers are essential even in July, as the fjord's narrow corridor channels cold air off the ice. Cruise ship passengers may find Tracy Arm tours sold through ship excursion programs at premium prices; independent booking directly with operators at the Juneau waterfront yields the same experience at lower cost.
How to get there
- Allen Marine Tours ($194/person; 877-686-8100; allenmarinetours.com)
- Adventure Bound Alaska ($135/person, 907-463-2509, glacierbayadventures.com)
Location
Tour boats depart Juneau waterfront dock, 1 Marine Way, Juneau, AK 99801
57.8515, -133.6504 View on map
Highlights
- South and North Sawyer Glaciers: active tidewater glaciers calving icebergs into turquoise ice-filled waters at the head of Tracy Arm
- 3,000-foot sheer granite walls dropping directly into the fjord — among the most dramatic fjord scenery in Southeast Alaska
- Steller sea lions, harbor seals, black bears, kittiwakes, and humpback whales commonly sighted on the approach through Stephens Passage
- Threading through dense floating icefields in the final miles of the fjord on a small licensed tour vessel
- 7-9 hour all-day boat experience from Juneau with glacier calving events audible and visible from the deck
Tips for visiting
- Book directly with Allen Marine Tours or Adventure Bound Alaska in Juneau rather than through cruise ship excursion desks — independent booking typically saves $30-60 per person
- Wear waterproof outer layers and bring gloves even in July — the fjord is noticeably colder than Juneau town and wind off the ice intensifies the chill significantly
- Position on the bow deck for the best glacier views and iceberg photography; the stern deck collects engine exhaust during low-speed maneuvering
- Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance for June through August departures — small-vessel tours fill quickly during the peak cruise ship season in Juneau
- Bring motion sickness medication if susceptible — Stephens Passage can carry swells, and the outer waters before entering the fjord are not always calm
When to visit
June and July are the prime months when tidewater glaciers are most active, icebergs are most plentiful, and wildlife is at peak activity in the fjord. August remains excellent for the full experience. May offers quieter tours with good iceberg fields. September is a shoulder season with reduced operator frequency.
Accessibility
All Tracy Arm viewing is from the boat deck; no hiking or terrain traversal is required. Allen Marine Tours' larger catamaran has accessible deck areas; passengers with mobility limitations should contact the operator directly regarding boarding at the Juneau waterfront dock. Adventure Bound Alaska's smaller vessel may present more boarding challenges. Enclosed cabin seating and onboard restrooms are available on both operators' vessels.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Tracy Arm Fjord day tour?
Full-day tours depart Juneau around 8-9 AM and return by late afternoon, totalling 7-9 hours. Approximately two hours each way are spent in transit through Stephens Passage, with 3-4 hours exploring the fjord and glacier faces.
What is the difference between Allen Marine Tours and Adventure Bound Alaska?
Allen Marine operates a larger catamaran-style vessel ($194/person) with enclosed viewing decks and onboard food service. Adventure Bound Alaska uses a smaller vessel ($135/person) providing a more intimate experience with fewer passengers but more basic amenities. Both reach the glacier faces.
Is it possible to kayak in Tracy Arm Fjord?
Guided kayaking expeditions into Tracy Arm Fjord require multiple days and are offered by specialist operators as multi-day wilderness tours. A single-day kayak entry is not practical given the 60-mile approach from Juneau by water.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed on the tour?
Steller sea lions and harbor seals at the glacier face are nearly always present. Humpback whale sightings in Stephens Passage are frequent but not guaranteed. Bear sightings along the fjord walls are possible and orca encounters occasional. All operators list wildlife as possible rather than guaranteed.
When should visitors book the Tracy Arm tour?
June and July are the most popular months with highest calving activity and peak wildlife presence. August is also busy. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable for summer departures; last-minute availability is limited when multiple cruise ships are in Juneau on the same day.