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, repack your food, and load your empty kayak aboard the camper transport vessel prior to 6:00 PM. 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 Excursions Charter Flight Reservations

Many people enjoy the beautiful flight in a small charter plane over the mountains between Juneau and Gustavus. We can make reservations for you on Air Excursions, the locally-based air taxi service in Gustavus. Small plane flights can be arranged to meet your schedule, so let us know when you arrive in Juneau and when you would like to depart for Glacier Bay. For a return flight to Juneau, we generally make return reservations at 5:30 PM. Baggage allowance is 70 lbs per person.

Camper/Kayak Transportation Within Glacier Bay

Daily service from May 24 through September 2, 2008.

The camper transportation service is provided by the daily tour boat M/V Baranof Wind. The boat's itinerary does include 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 return flights to Juneau.

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 glaciers from the drop off sites 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.

2008 Drop Off/Pick Up Locations:

1. Mt. Wright (Muir Inlet)
2. Queen Inlet (West Arm)

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: For a full day cruise up to the glacier faces, perhaps combined with a short kayaking trip in Bartlett Cove/Beardslee Islands, consider a spectacular tour of calving glaciers and wildlife. Departs at 7:30 AM and returns at 3:30 PM. No kayak drop off or pick up. Lunch on board, full snack and bar service.

Taxi Van Transportation

     For transport from the Gustavus Airport or the general store over the 10 mile stretch of road to Glacier Bay National Park, it's a good idea to email ahead your arrival time/place or other transportation needs to TLCtaxi@glacierbaytravel.com .They will have a taxibus waiting and will take you to the hardware store, the grocery store and whatever your needs may be, then transport you directly to the backcountry ranger station in Bartlett Cove where you can 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 $12.25/adult and $6.25 child. Email TLC Taxi for group and family rates.