Camper/Kayak Transportation Within Glacier Bay

Daily service from May 25 through September 2, 2024.

If you are renting a kayak we require that you book your camper transportation through us. The camper transportation service is provided by the daily tour boat M/V Baranof Wind. The boat’s itinerary includes a tour of the West Arm glaciers. The boat departs daily at 7:30 AM and returns around 3:30 PM in time to connect with the evening Alaska Seaplanes flight to Juneau but not the Alaska Airlines flight. The boat arrives at the East Arm site around 9:00 AM and at the West Arm site around 1:00 PM, following the tour of the West Arm and lunch on the boat. The West Arm tour typically includes the Tarr Inlet glaciers and Lamplugh Glacier.

NPS designated drop off sites for both arms tend to be located at least a day’s paddle away from any glacier. Those wishing to kayak to the West Arm glaciers from the drop off site should generally allow a minimum of four days. Note that the drop off sites are subject to change by the National Park Service in order to minimize impact on both land and wildlife. Please refer to our Drop-Off Points Map at the bottom of this page.

2024 Drop off Points Locations & Schedule  

The daily tour boat will be stopping at both the East and West Arm sites on a daily basis in 2024.

*Ptarmigan Creek will substitute for Blue Mouse Cove every Tuesday during the second half of the summer, between July 16-Sept. 2, 2024.

One-Way Transportation: At least a week to ten days should be allowed to enjoy a leisurely paddle up to or back from either arm of the Bay.

Round Trip Transportation: Round trip tickets allow you to be dropped off one day and then picked up again at a later date for a return cruise to Bartlett Cove.

Day Cruise Only: A full day cruise on the tourboat up to the glacier faces of the West Arm of Glacier Bay. A spectacular day tour of calving glaciers and wildlife viewing. Departs at 7:30 AM and returns at 3:30 PM. No kayak drop off or pick up.

Rates include 3% Gustavus city sales tax, NPS Utility Fee, and Booking Fee.

For information on transportation to Gustavus, see our webpage on “Getting Here“.

See also information from Glacier Bay National Park:

• Glacier Bay map
  • “Camper Drop-off Locations”
  • “Boating Regulations” shows closed areas and wilderness waters

Cancellation Policy

Reservations canceled 30 or more days in advance are subject to a 10% cancellation fee.  Deposits and payments for any reservations canceled less than 30 days in advance are non-refundable. Please see our Reservations page for information on trip deposits and reservations.

No refunds will be made for early returns. Please understand we are making a commitment that we will reserve a kayak for you for the entire length of your trip. During our short, busy summer season, we often need to redirect customers to available dates or turn away business in order to fulfill this commitment. If you do return a day or two early, you might consider keeping your kayak for a Bartlett Cove day paddle or Beardslees overnight.

Trip Insurance – We encourage you to purchase trip insurance to cover your camper transport tickets, kayak rental deposit and and any other travel costs in case you need to cancel.

Map of Drop-Off Points in Glacier Bay

Please note that location points on this map are not exact and should not be plotted as a course. The NPS office will provide exact location points at your NPS backcountry orientation.