JUNEAU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through Stephens Passage to the Ice: A Private Boat Passage into Tracy Arm
An 8-hour private outing from Juneau that includes a 3-hour sightseeing/wildlife boat ride through Stephens Passage to Tracy Arm’s glaciers — this guide tells you what to expect and how to prepare.
Through Stephens Passage to the Ice: A Private Boat Passage into Tracy Arm.
Set sail from Juneau on a private, full‑day outing that threads Stephens Passage for a 3‑hour sightseeing and wildlife‑viewing boat ride into Tracy Arm. The route opens onto a stark, icy landscape—towering glaciers, drifting icebergs and rugged mountains—framed by frequent sightings of eagles, seals, sea lions, whales and, on occasion, orcas and other large mammals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A three‑hour transit through Stephens Passage
The core of the trip is a three‑hour sightseeing and wildlife‑viewing boat ride through Stephens Passage to Tracy Arm, giving sustained time on the water to watch marine life and photograph the coastal corridor before entering the glacier fjord.
Consistent marine and coastal sightings
Expect regular sightings of bald eagles, seals, sea lions and whales; occasionally the trip yields orcas, and the operator notes possible sightings of mountain goats, black bears and even wolves when conditions align.
Tracy Arm’s ice and fjord landscape
Once inside Tracy Arm visitors encounter rugged mountains, glaciers and icebergs; the operator emphasizes safety by not approaching icebergs too closely while still offering dramatic glacier views.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
The day unfolds as coastal transit punctuated by wildlife stops and long views: a paced, three‑hour leg through Stephens Passage gives time to scan for whales and eagles, then the boat pushes into Tracy Arm where glaciers and icebergs anchor the scene. It’s a relaxed, photo‑forward outing built around the fjord’s stark, icy beauty.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this trip—and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full outing is approximately 8 hours, with the central sightseeing and wildlife‑viewing boat ride lasting about 3 hours during the transit into Tracy Arm.
This is a sightseeing and wildlife‑viewing voyage—guests are encouraged to bring a camera and binoculars to photograph and observe wildlife from the boat.
Meet at Fisherman's Bend 2nd Finger, Slip 212 • 12 1/2 Glacier Hwy, Juneau, AK 99801, USA before departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The full outing runs about 8 hours, with a roughly 3‑hour sightseeing and wildlife‑viewing boat ride into Tracy Arm.
Where do we meet the boat?
The meeting point is Fisherman's Bend 2nd Finger, Slip 212 at 12 1/2 Glacier Hwy in Juneau.
What wildlife might we see?
Visitors commonly see bald eagles, seals, sea lions and whales; the operator also reports occasional sightings of orcas, mountain goats, black bears and, if lucky, wolves.
How close do we get to glaciers and icebergs?
The trip takes you into Tracy Arm to view glaciers and icebergs, but the operator stresses that the boat will not get too close to icebergs for safety.
Is this trip suitable for children or older travelers?
The outing is described as suitable for all ages; it is a guided, full‑day excursion of approximately 8 hours, so plan accordingly for younger children or anyone who prefers shorter trips.
Can I expect time to photograph wildlife?
Yes—the tour is organized around sightseeing and wildlife viewing, and guests are encouraged to relax and photograph wildlife during the transit and at Tracy Arm.