Getting Here
Glacier Bay Transportation
Kayakers planning to take the camper transport boat must arrive in Glacier Bay by early afternoon on the day prior to departure to allow sufficient time to check in with the park service, obtain backcountry permits, watch the instructional backcountry camping video, check out bear proof canisters & re-pack food, attend our 5-7 PM kayak orientation, and paddle your empty kayak to the camper transport vessel dock in preparation for the next day’s early departure. Most kayakers find a mid-day arrival most convenient.
On the day of your pick up, the camper transport vessel will return to Bartlett Cove between 3:30 and 4:00 PM. Our staff will be there to meet you. If you are planning to depart that afternoon, you should allow about 90 minutes to unload, check in your kayaks and gear, wash out your bear canisters, exit your NPS camper permit, and travel to the Gustavus airport.
Air Taxi Flight Reservations
Many people enjoy the beautiful flight by small plane over the mountains between Juneau and Gustavus. Following your arrival into Juneau by jet or ferry, we can set up a time for you with Alaska Seaplanes for a flight on a nine passenger Cessna Caravan between Juneau and Gustavus. For a return flight to Juneau, we generally recommend their evening departure if you’re returning on the tourboat that day. Baggage allowance is 50 lbs per person. For flights between Haines-Gustavus and Skagway-Gustavus which go by way of Juneau, please make your own reservations directly with Alaska Seaplanes.
| Juneau-Gustavus | $215 OW | $430 RT |
Private Vessels
If you are arriving on a private vessel, please let us know when you are planning to arrive and the name of your vessel. Plan to call us while still in cell phone range before rounding Pt. Gustavus into Bartlett Cove, to give us an update on your arrival time.
Boat permits are required for private vessels while in Glacier Bay and you should contact the NPS Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 1-907-697-2627 for availability. Permits are limited and advance reservations are advised.
If you are exploring Glacier Bay on a private vessel, consider renting a kayak to take along on your trip up bay. A kayak will allow you to enjoy the many non-motorized wilderness areas that Glacier Bay offers. We can meet you to issue kayaks at our 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM or 5:00 PM instruction.
Ferry
Ferry travel offers the visitor an opportunity to fully appreciate the abundant marine life and beauty that southeast Alaska offers.
The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) offers ferry service between Juneau and Gustavus aboard the M/V LeConte. Summer schedules run twice weekly May thru September, departing Juneau at 7:00 AM and arriving to the Gustavus dock by 11:15 AM. Call 1-800-642-0066, or visit their website for current rates and schedule.
Cruise Ship
Gustavus does not have a dock that accommodates larger cruise ships such as Holland America and Princess Cruiselines. If your cruise itinerary includes Glacier Bay, you will be traveling up into Glacier Bay National Park. You will not dock in Gustavus or Bartlett Cove, and therefore you will not be able to do any shore based excursions with us.
Ships also stop at Icy Strait Point (Point Sophia), which is located in Hoonah, 25 miles from Gustavus. Because you are too far away to take advantage of our services, we suggest you contact them for day trip excursions in the area.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines has one flight daily between Juneau and Gustavus during the summer months, arriving Gustavus late afternoon. See the Alaska Airlines website for the current schedule.
Please note, if you are planning on going up bay the next day on the tourboat for a drop off, this flight arrives too late to meet us in Bartlett Cove for the 5:00 PM instruction.
For paddlers considering an extra day in Bartlett Cove to organize their trip, or those planning to kayak up bay through the Beardslees, an Alaska Airlines arrival will allow you to meet with us the following day at the 9:00 AM or 5:00 PM instruction. Please email or call our office to discuss these options.
Taxi Van Transportation
Whether you arrive by plane into the Gustavus Airport or by Alaska Marine Highway (AMHS) ferry to the Gustavus Dock, you will want to make advance reservations for TLC Taxi to transport you to Bartlett Cove, located 10 miles from Gustavus. If you email them in advance with your arrival information, they will have a taxi van waiting to transport you directly to the NPS Visitor Information Station (VIS) in Bartlett Cove. At the VIS, you may purchase maps, check out bear canisters, obtain your backcountry permit, repack food and plan for the evening prior to our 5:00 PM kayak rental/instruction program.
The one-way per-person cost from the Gustavus Airport to Bartlett Cove is approximately $20.00/adult and $10.00/child ages 8 and under. Email TLC taxi for current rates and reservations and for group and family rates.