adventure bound alaska tours

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• City Guides
• Fun Activities
• Discount Tickets
• Add Attraction
• Attraction tickets
• Kids Things To Do Alaska

Adventure Bound Alaska Glacier Cruise

Where are we going.

About this activity

Kids - are you ready for an adventure? Well, if you are, then you might want to check out a place that has Adventure in the name - literally!

Adventure Bound Alaska is all about giving families an incredible day out around the Alaska glaciers, and scenery. Suited for anyone over 5 years, you can make your way through the Tracy Arm fjord, and see some of the most incredible natural sights in the USA.

Kids can experience elevated glaciers, sheer rock walls, breath-taking mountains, and mile high waterfalls that tumble into the emerald water below.

Let's not forget a very COOL fact either - you can even see some of Alaska's BIGGEST icebergs! Now THAT is cool!

Kids won't be forgetting a trip like this in a long time! They can drift among the icebergs, and get up close to some amazing scenery.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for the wildlife that will be surrounding you! You never know when they might make an appearance. You might be lucky enough to spot a whale, or grizzly bears, mountain goats, and harbor seals. Make sure you look up too, because there are plenty of birds, including eagles, that might be flying overhead any time!

These cruises with Adventure Bound Alaska are nearly full day experiences, so they really can give you a family DAY out. 

So kids - are you excited about your next adventure in one of the most beautiful states in the USA? We certainly are, so let's get those cameras ready and let's go!

Activity location

Ticket office is located downtown at 76 Egan Drive, across from the Goldbelt Hotel.

How much does it cost?

$100 (Under 17 years)

Children must be at least 5 to go on the tour

Last Updates

Adventure bound alaska glacier cruise faq’s, doing our bit.

They comply with the Federal regulations with waste management, and wildlife viewing. They take great care to look after the animals that you will be visiting!

I’m Hungry! Can I get food at Adventure Bound Alaska Glacier Cruise?

They have food for purchase on board,including sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, and snacks.

Any top tips when visiting?

Kids must be over 5 to go on this cruise trip.

Does Adventure Bound Alaska Glacier Cruise have healthy eating or Vegan options?

You are more than welcome to bring your own food! They do recommend if you are vegan, vegetarian, or have special diets, to bring your own.

Is Adventure Bound Alaska Glacier Cruise fully accessible?

Speak to staff about the accessibility of the cruises

Any additonal information?

Make sure you book in advance!

What people are saying?

Rate & write a review, top activities near juneau.

• Alaska Canopy Adventures

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure

• Tongass National Forrest
• White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

Klondike Gold Fields

• Alaska Raptor Center
• Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center

Sitka Tribal Tours

Similar tours attractions near juneau.

Cape Fox Lodge

Wilderness guided hike and jet boat expedition.

Major Marine Tours Prince WIlliam Sound Cruises

Major Marine Tours Glacier and Wildlife Tours

Kenai fjords tours, fun things to do with kids near me in juneau.

• Kids activities near me
• Things to do in Juneau With kids
• Things for kids to do in Anchorage
• Family things to do in Fairbanks
• Ketchikan Kids activities
• Places for kids in Juneau
• Things to do in Sitka With kids
• Tours In Anchorage
• Fairbanks Tours
• Sightseeing Ketchikan
• Tours In Juneau
• Sitka Tours
• Places to go with kids in Alaska
• Fun things to do in Washington
• Fun places to go in Oregon
• Tours In Alaska
• Sightseeing Washington
• Places to tour Oregon
• Attractions California
• things to do near me Hawaii
• Attractions near me Idaho

Review us on Trustpilot

We value your feedback, please take a moment to leave Familydaysout.com a review on Trustpilot.

• Cruise Advice

Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Cruise Excursion

Doug Parker

• September 17, 2019

Traversing the Tracy Arm Fjord is a breathtaking highlight for many adventure bound Alaska cruisers. The majestic beauty on display is both jawdropping and the type of thing one truly has to see to believe. The area includes glaciers, wildlife, and even a few icebergs.

But to get the most out of the experience, it’s worth booking an excursion which will bring you as close as possible to a glacier.

Located off Stephen’s Passage in Southeast Alaska (45 miles south of Juneau) is Tracy Arm Fjord, which highlights the twin Sawyer Glaciers. The glaciers are actually located at the end of Tracy Arm, so you’ll have to travel through the fjord for a while before you see it. The channel can get up to a mile wide at some points. 

Fact: Although there are over 10,000 glaciers in Alaska, only 616 are officially named.

Usually, the ship will get as close as it is allowed to and then slowly rotate 360-degrees around the glacier so that both sides of the ship can take in the incredible views.

But to get closer to the glacial actions, you’ll have to book an excursion. Of course, because this particular excursion takes place from the ship as opposed to the traditional type which involves going to a port, there won’t be any third-party options available.

The ship’s excursion will be the only game in town. Although the price varies depending on the cruise line, you can expect to pay somewhere around $190 per person for this experience.

Note : If you’re in Juneau for an extended amount of time, you can book an excursion through Allen Marine Tours.

Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise Excursion

The shore excursion starts once you board a high-speed catamaran in Tracy Arm Fjord. The vessel docks alongside your cruise ship and you board it from one of the lower decks. 

Once aboard the smaller vessel, you’ll be able to relax in a spacious, warm cabin, surrounded by broad windows as your experienced boat captain takes you past some of the stunning sights. You might witness seals resting on floating icebergs or some of the regions stunning waterfalls.

Binoculars are provided on the catamaran, but you should consider bringing a pair of your own to use throughout your cruise. Even if it’s not inside Tracy’s Arm Fjord, you’re almost guaranteed to see whales off in the distance or bears playing on the banks of the river at some point during your Alaska cruise. 

As your tour boat enters the inner reaches of Tracy Arm, the onboard naturalist will give you a great deal of information about the area you’re exploring, along with facts about Sawyer Glacier. 

Insider Tip : For the best views of the glacier, you’ll want to walk outside and head to the upper observation deck. 

While sailing through this ice-carved fjord, you will cruise beneath cliffs that tower 4,000 feet above the jade-colored water. There will also be frequent stops along the way to see and photograph wildlife such as bald eagles, bears, arctic terns, pigeon guillemots, mountain goats and harbor seals. 

The remarkable maneuverability of the catamaran allows you to get extremely close to the always-changing face of Sawyer Glacier. If the timing is right, you might even get to see what the natives call “white thunder,” which is when massive spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. 

Fact : The ice that breaks off the glacier above or below the surface is what we know as blue icebergs.

If you get hungry or thirsty, the catamaran will have a stocked bar on the main level along with snacks and hot drinks. They’ll also have a selection of Alaskan Brewing Company beers, as well as souvenir books and postcards that are available for purchase. 

There are also two restrooms located on the back of the catamaran. If you have mobility issues, you’ll want to sit this tour out because of the constant rocking of the boat when it’s docked next to the ship and the series of stairs to load the boat. In some cases, the tour will specifically say that it is not wheelchair accessible. 

The minimum age for our excursion was 5 years old, so you’ll want to check your cruise line’s excursion policy.

Depending on ice conditions in the channel, your ship could be diverted to neighboring Endicott Arm, where you’ll experience Dawes Glacier instead. The ice diversions can’t be predicted, and it’s ultimately about the safety of the ship.

Final Thoughts

This is a great tour and well worth the money spent to experience the face of a glacier.

Once your ship arrives, y ou’ll be able to see the tidewater glaciers from the cruise ship. But for the best viewing and photo opportunities, you’ll want to book this excursion and take the two-hour tour to come face-to-face with the glacier, an opportunity that many people will never have in their lifetimes.

This tour sometimes sells out so consider booking it before your cruise. Due to local regulations, only a limited number of excursions per day are allowed to enter the area.

Make sure you pack warm clothes for the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier cruise excursion. It can get chilly on the water and windy in the fjords. If you plan to spend time on the observation deck on top of the boat, you may want to consider a warm hat and a pair of gloves.

Tracy Arm’s Sawyer Glacier truly provides a breathtaking glimpse of nature’s majesty.

Recent Posts

Harmony of the seas 2024 review + cruise news [podcast], cruise lines and port clash over using millions in passenger fees, 35.7 million passengers expected to cruise in 2024, unfazed by higher prices, new cruise ship attraction will dangle passengers 160 feet over ocean, share this post, related posts.

Four New Mega Ships on Order for Norwegian Cruise Line

Hannah Waddingham Tapped for Godmother of Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tracy Arm Fjord

• Facilities 1.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

A "fjord" is a Nordic term meaning a narrow waterway surrounded by sharp cliffs. So while Juneau's  Mendenhall Glacier  steals most of the tourist traffic, the 27-mile-long Tracy Arm Fjord is the bigger, better and more dramatic natural gem. The inlet is very narrow – at times, no more than half a mile wide – with cliffs that rise more than 3,000 feet on either side and waterfalls that cascade down the steep rock walls. During the summer, you can spot eagles, seals, bears and whales here. 

Recent visitors said that if you only have time for one experience in Juneau, this is it. Travelers described the glacial scenery as "incredible" and "breathtaking," and recommended bringing along a quality set of binoculars and a camera to capture the scene. 

The Tracy Arm Fjord is 45 miles south of Juneau, but worth the trek. If your cruise ship doesn't sail through the glaciers, you'll have to take a boat tour, which usually lasts an entire day.  Adventure Bound Alaska and Allen Marine Tours operate well-reviewed excursions from May through September, and you should reserve your spot at least a week in advance; space is limited and rates vary. For more information, check out each tour company's website, or find more options in our roundup of the best Alaska tours .

Popular Tours

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

(3960 reviews)

from $ 229.95

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

(4026 reviews)

from $ 177.45

3. 5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska

(529 reviews)

from $ 189.00

More Best Things To Do in Juneau

#2 Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, and it's easy to see why: aside from its stunning arctic beauty, the glacier is only 12 miles outside Juneau and it's the only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road (you can easily take a cab here). When you're not gazing at the icebergs, the Coast Mountains will likely grab your attention. Upon arrival, your first stop should be at the visitors center, where you can watch a 15-minute film describing the changing landscape, talk with forest rangers and relax in the warmth of the glacier observation area. You can also pick up a map detailing the various hiking paths around the glacier. 

Many recent visitors saw the glacier while on a cruise port stop and highly recommended sharing a cab with your fellow passengers to the glacier. Travelers also advised stopping at the visitors center to watch the informative film. Of all the trails, reviewers highly recommend the East Glacier Trail for its stunning views of the glacier and the falls. For a more immersive experience (and guidance from a local), consider visiting with one of the best Alaska tours . 

Explore More of Juneau

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

Kaua'i

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in April 2024

# 5 in  Best Places to Visit in October 2024

# 14 in  Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

• Alaska Travel Blog
• Concierge Services

Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier Cruise

A classic glacier cruise not to be missed.

Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, has it all- tidewater and elevated glaciers, breathtaking mountains and sheer rock walls that reach up over a mile high with waterfalls that tumble down to the emerald green water, and Alaska’s largest icebergs.

• PRICE: $209-$249 Adult / $179-$209 Child
• DURATION: 7-8 HOURS
• ACTIVITY LEVEL: EASY
• LOCATION: JUNEAU

Located about 45 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, stands out as a “must see” for any Alaska vacation. Full day cruises depart from downtown Juneau and includes Alaska’s greatest combination of mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, glaciers, and icebergs.

The face of Sawyer is a little more than a half mile wide, so there is plenty of space for the vessel to be at the face of the glacier. The boat’s engine gets turned off at the glacier so you can listen to the ice crackle and pop and take in the sights uninterrupted while you wait for the glacier to calve.

Sawyer Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, which means it “calves” or breaks off. Pieces of ice anywhere from the size of a small car to a cruise ship fall off the face of the glacier and hit the water with a thunderous roar. No matter how many times you visit Sawyer Glacier, it is always a thrill to see a calving event.

The water at the end of the fjord is nearly 600 feet deep and when underwater calving takes place, the ice remains intact, giving us Alaska’s largest icebergs. In other glacier areas, the calved ice generally crumbles. Underwater calvings surface like giant submarines that rise over 250 feet and then settle into the water like large, blue ships.

The ice in Tracy Arm interferes with the sonar of killer whales, so it is the perfect place for hundreds of harbor seals to have their pups in the summer months.

The icebergs are framed by sheer mountain peaks that reach over 7,000 feet. Waterfalls flow from the ice-covered mountains to the jade colored inland sea.

The main focus of the cruise is the fjord and the glacier, and the wildlife is an added bonus. The guides will do their best to find you mountain goats, whales, bears, harbor seals, and birds.

Tracy Arm is the summer home for pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes and arctic terns. Mountain goats are typically seen on the rocky slopes near Sawyer Glacier. Mountain goats are more likely to come farther down the mountain on cloudier days. Stephens Pass and Holkham Bay are the best places to spot eagles, bears, and whales. Whales are seen on about 85% of our trips.

INCLUDED: Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, hot beverages, professional naturalist.

RESTRICTIONS:  Children must be at least 4 years of age to go on the cruise. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board. Bring cash for purchases and gratuities for the crew.

CANCELLATION: For groups of 10 or less, cancellation must be 7 days in advance for a refund. For larger groups contact us.

WHAT TO WEAR:  Be prepared for rain and cold weather. The weather in Southeast Alaska can change dramatically very quickly.  The temperature in Tracy Arm is colder than in downtown Juneau, be prepared for a drop in temperature.  Wear warm layers, warm boots, and a rain jacket/windbreaker.  Hats and gloves are also recommended.  Make sure to bring sunglasses as well.

MEETING INSTRUCTIONS: Meeting location is at 76 Egan Drive, in downtown Juneau, directly across the street from the Four Points Sheraton Hotel.  You will check in at the top of the dock at the Seadrome Building. Check in 15 minutes prior to departure time.

Related Tours

Rainforest E-bike Adventure

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

Fly-in Norris Glacier Hike & Packraft

Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Adventure

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Adventure Bound Alaska Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Winter Vacations
• Northern Lights
• Railroad Vacations
• Self Drive Vacations
• Alaska Cruise Vacations
• Guided Bus Vacations
• Lodge Stays
• Summer in Alaska
• All Day Tours
• Alaska’s Cities
• National Parks
• Alaska’s Regions
• Arctic Circle
• Bear Viewing
• Day Cruises
• Dog Sledding
• Flightseeing
• Outdoor Adventures
• Glacier Tours
• River Rafting
• Sightseeing
• Sport Fishing
• Whale Watching
• First Time Visitors
• Stories from Alaska
• Booking Policies

Alaska Cruises

Alaska cruises and land tours, small-ship adventure cruises and day cruises.

Home » Tours » Alaska Cruises

Alaska cruises, cruise packages that include land tours , and cruise shore excursions are famous for visiting America’s “last frontier.” Whether you want to enjoy the diverse amenities available on larger cruise ships or customize a more intimate small-ship cruise for a few dozen of your closest friends and family, the experts at Alaska Tours can help you create the perfect Alaska cruise vacation.

Small Ship Cruises in Alaska

Whether your focus is cultural heritage, outdoor activities, or quiet luxury, Alaska Tours’ small-ship cruise offerings aim to please you. Itineraries start and end in Alaska and range from 7 to 14 nights. These itineraries include sights and experiences you won’t find on the larger ships, including up-close wildlife viewing, smaller coves and bays, and off-the-beaten-track communities. How small is small? These ships accommodate between 26 and 86 guests. While they may not have an onboard casino or multiple restaurants, they feature top-notch dining, spa facilities, naturalists, and plenty of guided activities like kayaking and hiking.

Inside Passage Cruises in Alaska

Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the most popular cruises in the world due to the dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and calm, protected waters in this region of Alaska. Quirky and colorful coastal communities add to the charm of an Inside Passage cruise. The entire southeast region in Alaska is part of the largest national forest in the country ( the Tongass National Forest ), which means outdoor recreation opportunities are nearly limitless.

Alaska Cruise and Land Tour Packages

One-way cruises can be combined with land tours to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and beyond. The wide range of room types on larger ships fits almost any budget, and an extensive menu of tours in each port highlights the region’s best.

Glacier Bay National Park Cruises in Alaska

This is the crème-de-la-crème of the Alaska cruising experience. Eight-day I nside Passage cruise itineraries start and end in Juneau. Along the way, itinerary highlights are more about experiences than locations. At Icy Strait, humpback whales are plentiful; an onboard hydrophone will allow you to listen to and see them. Enjoy mountain biking through the temperate rainforest when you go ashore on one of the many secluded islands along the Inside Passage. Roll out your yoga mat for a blissful experience as you glide quietly through Glacier Bay National Park. Some onboard amenities include gourmet food, a wine bar, and a spa. You can also charter an Alaska yacht for a private cruise if you so desire.

Alaska Day Cruises

Maybe you’re traveling independently in Alaska or are arriving or leaving from an Alaska city where you can enjoy a day cruise. Hop aboard! Wildlife, whale watching, and coastal views can all be yours on an Alaska day cruise.

Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions

A great way to experience Alaska is to hop off your cruise and take a land-based shore excursion to see Alaska’s fascinating ports. The sky’s the limit with options for touring Alaska’s famous National Parks, viewing diverse landscapes, hiking to glaciers, or photographing wildlife!

With all this in mind, the question isn’t whether to cruise Alaska; it’s when to do it and how often!

Header photo courtesy Jeff Schultz/Jeff Schultz Photography

Choose from 25 vacations in Alaska related to Alaska Cruises

Glacier and Wildlife Turnagain Arm Tour

Length: 8 hours

Starting at: $249 / pp

Enjoy the intimacy of a small group on an Anchorage day tour as you travel along the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the country. A professional Alaska tour guide will... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise from Anchorage

Length: 14-15 hours

Starting at: $369 / pp

On this day trip from Anchorage, travel to Seward, Alaska, early morning by motorcoach, then depart on a wildlife and glacier cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. This seacoast area in Southcentral Alaska is famous for its rich... Browse itinerary

Denali & Glacier Experience

Duration: 6 days

Starting at: $1919 / pp

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Length: 6 hours

Starting at: $219 / pp

On this exciting day cruise from Seward, hop on this unforgettable glacier and wildlife boat trip into Kenai Fjords National Park! This Alaska national park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers, and breathtaking scenery. As you cruise... Browse itinerary

Northwestern Fjord Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Starting at: $270 / pp

Travel from Seward on this day trip deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park to the magnificent Northwestern Fjord on this full-day Alaska whale watching, wildlife, and glacier cruise. Watch for wildlife while cruising through Resurrection... Browse itinerary

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise from Anchorage

Length: 10-11.5 hours

Starting at: $303 / pp

This full-day Alaska glacier cruise adventure in Prince William Sound begins with a coach or rail transfer from Anchorage to Whittier. Whittier is the gateway to beautiful Prince William Sound, home to large glaciers and wildlife and one... Browse itinerary

Alaska Fjords and Glaciers Cruise

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $5800 / pp

Beginning in Juneau or Ketchikan on Alaska's Inside Passage, this adventure cruise sails through Dawes Glacier, the Wrangell Narrows, Behm Canal, and Misty Fjords National Monument. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of... Browse itinerary

Columbia Glacier Cruise

Starting at: $167 / pp

This Valdez day tour with a glacier and wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound features a visit to Columbia Glacier. On board, you can view Prince Williams Sound’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, sea otters, and whales. Learn... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $106 / pp

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic... Browse itinerary

Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise

Starting at: $4400 / pp

Discover Alaska on this seven-night adventure cruise round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Tracy Arm and Frederick Sound. Guests enjoy daily guided opportunities to experience the wildlife and landscapes of this impressive... Browse itinerary

Alaska’s Glacier Wilderness with Glacier Bay Cruise

Starting at: $6100 / pp

This seven night adventure cruise in Alaska's Inside Passage sails round trip from Juneau. Destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait, Kuiu Island, and Frederick Sound - a prolific summer feeding ground for humpback whales. Guests enjoy... Browse itinerary

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise (Extended)

Length: 7.5 hours

Starting at: $261 / pp

On this full-day Seward day tour, you will be treated to an extended wildlife and marine life cruise as you travel through Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Watch for Stellar sea lions,... Browse itinerary

Loading Tours...

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. For more info, read our Privacy Policy Accept & Hide This site uses cookies. Click here to accept.

• About Dauntless
• How to find us

Fine Dining

• Where we cruise
• Yacht Safety & Specs

907.518.1272

Cruise with us on Alaska Bound Charters. We offer a fully customized charter boat experience in Southeast Alaska.   Select your dates and begin your voyage of discovery   with your captain at the helm. Explore the rugged beauty of our   ocean fjords, glaciers, and secret coastal gems, with an extra side of luxury. 

Where we go

Start your voyage from Petersburg or Juneau, exploring the waters of Frederick Sound, the glaciers of Tracy or Endicott Arms, and circling the shores of Admiralty Island. We know the best spots to kayak, beach comb or simply spot the humpbacks from up on deck.

8 Great Reasons To Tour Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Most travelers pick from  Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park when planning a cruise to Alaska. While they deliver in the scenic department, don’t discount a cruise to Tracy Arm, a classic fjord near Juneau. 

Named after former Navy Secretary Benjamin Tracy, a Tracy Arm Fjord cruise offers a contrasting journey through a narrow passage with steep rock walls.

Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the Tracy Arm Fords Terror Wilderness contains both Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. A cruise to the Twin Sawyer Glaciers or Dawes Glacier offers topography beyond imagination.

What Is A Fjord?

Fjords are the result of glaciation. As glaciers melt, they sometimes carve deep channels, leaving “U-shaped” valleys with vertical walls. Some of the best fjords are found in Norway.

However, those cruising the inside passage can choose from Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord. Tracy Arm is a bit narrower and suited to mid-sized or smaller ships. Endicott Arm has a wider passage and can accommodate the larger vessels like the Quantum of the Seas.

When docking in Ketchikan, guests can also take a boat tour to the Misty Fjords National Monument.

With narrow channels, cruise ships glide through the waterway slowly. Slow sailing provides  great way to absorb yourself in the breathtaking scenery surrounding you. 

On cruises to Tracy Arm, guests enjoy 30 miles of mountain peaks, sheer rock faces, plummeting waterfalls, and emerald-green water. Tracy Arm offered one of the  best Alaska cruise itineraries  if you prefer a fjord experience.

Where is Tracy Arm Fjord?

Tracy Arm is located 70 miles north of Petersburg on Mitkof Island. It’s 45 miles south of Juneau in southeastern Alaska. Cruise ships generally access the Alaska fjord from Holkham Bay as they sail north through the Stephens Passage. 

Early in the cruise season, large ice flow blocks the passage of ships trying to reach the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. So, those wanting to see the Twin Sawyer Glacier should avoid booking their  Alaska cruise in early May.

Once the ice has melted, those wanting to get closer to the ice and waterfalls can take a Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion. The adventure starts by boarding a small catamaran.

The vessel is built for exploration and intricate maneuverability, allowing guests to feel the spray of waterfalls.

If you board the catamaran from a larger ship, the tour lasts five to six hours and ends in Juneau. From Juneau, fjord tours last seven hours.

If you’ve visited Glacier Bay National Park before and considering another option, here are some reasons to book a cruise to Tracy Arm.

1. It’s Generally Cheaper

For many, an Alaskan cruise is a bucket list destination. Most travelers choose an itinerary to Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Only two cruise ships a day can access Glacier Bay, so that itinerary commands higher prices. 

So, as a less popular itinerary, you can find cruises to Tracy Arm at lower prices. Paying a lower price for your cruise means you can spend more on shore excursions.

If you book a cruise in the shoulder season, you can find itineraries that package Tracy Arm with another glacier viewing. I’ve taken two cruises to the fjord, and both sailed to Hubbard Glacier too.

2. Cascading Waterfalls

Pictures of Tracy Arm Fjord don’t do it justice. With deep valleys and snowpack in winter, the landscape produces rushing waterfalls as the snow melts. To say the waterfalls are majestic is an understatement.

The cascades vary from torrents of icy white water to gentle strings of angel hair. Some breathtaking examples plummet 1000 feet into the emerald waters below.

With constant melting snow, the sheer granite faces glisten like polished stones from a rock tumbler. The waterfalls are awe-inspiring at the start of the Alaska cruise season, as winter transitions into the warmer seasons.

The Tongass National Forests surround a plethora of cascades, giving them almost a lush tropical appearance (without the temperatures).

There’s a peacefulness to cruising in a fjord. Simon and Garfunkel’s “the sound of silence” is fitting for the gentle maneuver through the emerald waters. The silence was only broken by bergy bits hitting the side of the vessel or the sound of birds overhead.

3. Harbor Seal Sightings

Harbor seals make their home in Tracy Arm Fjord. The sheltered bay is an ideal breeding ground to keep their pups safe from hungry Orca in Stephen’s Passage.

The giant ice floes provide napping spots for hundreds of seals. Keep your binoculars handy and look for the black spots on the ice

In May, harbor seals give birth on the large icebergs near the glacier’s terminus. It’s the survival of the fittest as bald eagles swoop down to feast on the afterbirth or unattended baby seal.

Approaching the glacier, the colony of harbor seals pose lazily on ice floes. Staring back at passengers, they seem unconcerned about the presence of a large ship.

Looking at South Sawyer Glacier, all those little dark spots are harbor seals.

Sea lions sometimes bark up a storm on the rocks, and their noisy chatter echoes off the sheer rock walls. But seals and sea lions aren’t the only occupants of the fjord.

4. Wildlife Sightings Are Prevalent

Cruising into Tracy Arm offers a chance to see Alaskan wildlife. Humpback whales and Orca frequent the area outside Holkham Bay. It’s not unusual to see whales along Stephen’s Passage and inside the bay.

Bring a pair of compact binoculars if you’re a bird watcher. Bird species include arctic terns, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, and herring gulls.

Along the shorelines, keep your eyes peeled for black and brown bears foraging for food. High up on the cliffs by the icefield, the pale-colored mountain goats are easy to spot, testing their agility skills on the vertical landscape. The goats favor the slopes near the North Sawyer Glacier.

5. You’ll Enjoy Two Glaciers

At the end of the fjord, cruise-goers enjoy the face of two tidewater glaciers or icefields which touch the ocean. Filling the bay with ice, the South Sawyer Glacier is the larger of the two, at over 31 miles long, and originates in British Columbia, Canada.

North Sawyer or Sawyer Glacier may not be as impressive, maybe due to its accessibility. As it retreats, the narrowing channel makes it difficult for larger cruise ships to maneuver.

Like its southern sister, it starts in British Columbia and travels 22 miles to reach Tracy Arm. Your approach to the glaciers will be affected by the ever-changing ice conditions.

When cruising to Tracy Arm Fjord, you may be treated to the wondrous action of calving. A thunderous noise echoes in the bay as ice cracks and falls from the glacier’s toe.

Sometimes, they create a ripple in the still waters. Other times, they produce a vast sea swell.

The increasing amount of floating ice is a welcoming sign for harbor seals who use the icy platforms to laze in the sun.

6. The Glaciers Are Retreating

Like Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau, the twin Sawyer Glaciers are rapidly retreating. The rising snow line and thinner winter snowpack are affecting the stability of the ice mass.

Sawyer Glacier (which is harder to access) retreats at a rate of 80+ feet (almost 25 meters) a year. Nearby, the South Sawyer Glacier is losing more than 300 feet (91 meters) a year. As the retreat continues, the valley begins to narrow.

As the channel to the glacier narrows, it’s possible that cruise ships won’t have access in the future.

Recently, a sandbar appeared in front of Sawyer Glacier due to its retreat. It may be a matter of time before the northern ice mass disappears behind a mountain.

7. Its Mystical Weather

My Royal Caribbean Tracy Arm itinerary arrived in the fjord at 5 am. There was an abundance of low-lying clouds and mist in the fjord.

The steep cliffs prevented the sunlight from penetrating some angles in the meandering waterway. So, the fog lifted slowly.

With the sunlight not quite hitting the landscape, visions of the “twilight zone” came to mind. The fog-ladened panoramas exhibited a sense of mystery.

While the raindrops fell scantily, they didn’t detract from the magnificence of the scenery.

Even though the Tracy Arm Fjord lies close to Juneau, its weather can contrast greatly. Expect misty peaks, cooler temperatures, and mystical views with steep walls.

8. The Hues Are Fantastic

Once you reach the Sawyer Glacier, you’ll be captivated by its vivid blue tones. The ice in Tracy Arm is dense and absorbs all colors except blue. So, the crystalline structure appears with a beautiful blue tone.

As the terminus calves, those vibrant blue ice masses create incredible floating ice sculptures, some as big as houses. Should you take a Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer excursion, your operator will scoop up some glacier ice to make cocktails.

The fjord waters are a magnificent green color, which varies according to meltwater. During my last visit in the first week of May, the waters exuded a vibrant jade green.

Fjord Viewing

Cruise ships that venture up the narrow fjord spend a few hours sailing at a snail’s pace. Vessels usually open up the bow area for viewing, which is often closed during the cruise. However, this area gets congested as guests jostle for the front-row spots.

If your budget allows, book a stateroom with a balcony. While it may be cold outside by the glaciers, you won’t need to struggle for a viewing spot.

Once you get chilled, step inside your cabin, and enjoy the views from behind the glass. It doesn’t matter whether you have a port or starboard stateroom because you’ll enjoy one side sailing in and the other going out.

Tracy Arm Cruise Vs. Explorer Tour?

Some cruise lines sell a Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer tour. Expect to pay USD 179 to USD 249 per person, depending on your cruise line. Guests board a smaller vessel from their cruise ship, explore Tracy Arm, and meet their ship in Juneau.

While cruise ships sail into the fjord, they can’t get as close to the glacier as a smaller vessel. Taking small boat tours means you’ll get closer to waterfalls, icebergs, harbor seals, and the glacier’s terminus.

Bear in mind, while some cruise lines advertise “cruising in Tracy Arm,” sometimes they DON’T sail in the fjord. To have the fjord experience, you must purchase the extra tour.

It’s important to note that the smaller vessels can’t accommodate scooters or strollers. For some, taking the tour could come down to price and whether it’s within your budget.

Since the Explorer tour arrives in Juneau later in the day, it can impact your time to see Alaska’s capital. If you’re set on doing another tour in Juneau, you may want to pass on the Tracy Arm excursion and just enjoy it by cruise ship.

Should you stay in Juneau, you can purchase the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Explorer from Adventure Bound Alaska or Allen Marine Tours.

Is Tracy Arm Worth Seeing?

A cruise to Tracy Arm Fjord contrasts significantly with an itinerary to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. To increase your chance of wildlife sightings and see plummeting waterfalls, you need to choose Tracy Arm.

I was captivated by the scenery in the Alaska fjord, and even after two visits, I plan to experience its beauty again.

Tracy Arm itineraries are available from Vancouver, Seattle, and San Francisco. Holland America and Windstar allows guest to combine their cruise with a land itinerary.

Since ice often blocks the approach in the early months, choose an itinerary from June onwards to avoid the disappointment of not seeing the twin Sawyer Glaciers.

Book the excursion on the smaller vessel if you want a closer look and a different perspective of viewing the fjord.

Happy travels ~ Karen

Privacy Overview

• Coast to Coast Arctic Explorer - Tour 170

Embark on an exploration of Alaska’s diverse landscapes, from Seward’s fjords to the Arctic Ocean.

• Alaska Vacations
• Vacation Packages

What's Included

Rates & dates.

• Options & Upgrades
• Add to My Trip

Trip Overview

Over 11 days this vacation package plots a course through more than 700 miles of everchanging Alaskan landscapes. The itinerary's primary destinations are Anchorage , Seward , Denali National Park , and Fairbanks . An escorted three-day tour north into the Arctic Circle rounds out the trip. Along the way featured activities include a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park , a bus tour into Denali National Park, flightseeing, rafting, and a riverboat outing. Travel by motorcoach and train is included in the package. The trip begins in Anchorage and concludes in Fairbanks.

Trip Highlights

• Cruise among tidewater glaciers and barrier islands on a boat tour from Seward into Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Witness the soaring grandeur of the Alaska Range on a flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna.
• See the diverse wildlife of Denali National Park during a guided bus tour down the Denali Park Road.
• Travel to the northern coast of Alaska on an escorted three-day, two-night expedition through remote lands within the Arctic Circle.
• Board a classic sternwheeler riverboat for a unique historical tour of Fairbanks.

Why Pick This Trip

Although seeing all of Alaska could take a lifetime, this tour package is a significant start: In a single trip you'll experience Alaska's rugged and vibrant southern coastline, see its towering mountains, and venture through tundra and wilderness to its far northern shores.

Here is everything that is included. Remember, we can easily add or remove services so this vacation package is the perfect fit for your party.

• Collapse All

Anchorage | 1 Night

Conveniently located near the Anchorage train depot, this hotel offers double queen rooms and complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Learn More >

Depart 6:45 AM | Arrive Seward 11:20 AM

Travel along the Turnagain Arm, past glaciers and gorges in the Kenai Mountains, and through Sitka spruce forests on this scenic Alaska Railroad route. Learn More >

Unlock the mysteries of Alaska's rich and diverse marine ecosystem at this renowned education, research, and wildlife rehabilitation facility. Learn More >

Seward | 2 Nights

Just three miles north of Seward, this full-service lodge invites guests into a secluded forest setting while providing convenient shuttle service to local activities. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 9:30 AM | 7 Hours

Experience glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska's remarkable coast on this preeminent cruise through Kenai Fjords. Learn More >

Depart 10:30 AM | Arrive Talkeetna 5:30 PM

Relax aboard the Park Connection motorcoach connecting coastal Seward to the views and adventures awaiting in Talkeetna. Learn More >

Talkeetna | 1 Night

When the mountain is "out" Denali is unmissable from this ridge-top property. The lodge comprises two full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, and comfortable guest rooms with either forest or mountain views. Learn More >

Talkeetna | Depart 1:30 PM | 1 Hour

Experience the extreme beauty of Denali and the fortress of granite peaks surrounding it on this must-do flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna. Learn More >

Depart 5:45 PM | Arrive Denali Park 8:30 PM

Leave in the morning or leave in the evening aboard a luxury Park Connection motorcoach bound for the entrance to Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | 2 Nights

Stay in a cedar cabin or comfortable lodge room at this resort-style property. The Village is seven miles from the entrance to Denali Park and offers guests free shuttle service. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:00 AM | 5 Hours

Fully narrated bus tour with a turnaround point at the historic Murie Cabin deep inside Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 10:00 AM | 3 Hours

Splash through wilder rapids in the Nenana River Gorge on this three-hour trip with Denali's longest-running rafting company. Learn More >

Depart 4:00 PM | Arrive Fairbanks 8:00 PM

Connect from Denali National Park north to Fairbanks via this deluxe private dome railcar featuring reserved top-deck seats and a full-service bar and dining area. Learn More >

Fairbanks | 1 Night

Relax in a private riverfront or garden cottage in this quaint property. The resort, which offers a free shuttle service to the Fairbanks airport and depot, is located on the banks of the Chena River. Learn More >

Fairbanks | Depart 8:30 AM | 3 Days

Experience the vast landscapes and utter remoteness of Alaska's Arctic wilderness on this three-day, two-night adventure north along the Dalton Highway. Learn More >

Fairbanks | Depart 2:00 PM | 3 Hours

Ride on a historic sternwheeler on this fully narrated three-hour tour featuring floatplane and sled dog demonstrations and an Athabascan village walk. Learn More >

Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to your downtown hotel. The area is quite walkable, with city trails, restaurants, and shops close by. Overnight Anchorage.

Early this morning check in at the Anchorage Depot for your train south to Seward. Keep your camera close: The route is one of the most scenic on the Alaska Railroad.

After you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore Seward. Be sure to set aside a couple hours for a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, a preeminent wildlife research and rehabilitation center with many resident marine animals. Overnight Seward.

Today's scenic six-hour boat tour takes you through Resurrection Bay, the glacially-carved inlet on which Seward sits, and into the equally stunning Aialik Bay within Kenai Fjords National Park. The boat captain enriches the trip with stories of the area's natural history, facts about whales and other local marine wildlife, and vivid descriptions of the area's tidewater glaciers. Overnight Seward.

You'll travel north aboard the Park Connection today, a premium motorcoach service that provides a same-day transfer from Seward to Talkeetna. The first leg of the trip runs from Seward to Anchorage. You'll have a brief break in downtown Anchorage to stretch your legs and grab a bite before continuing to Talkeetna. Overnight Talkeetna.

Take some time to check out Talkeetna this morning. The tiny town has a unique personality to go with its compelling history, so there are plenty of local characters to meet and heritage sites to visit. Before midday make your way to the Talkeetna Airport for a scenic mountain flight through the Alaska Range and near Denali, its tallest massif by far.

This evening you'll head to the Denali Park area via the Park Connection Motorcoach. Overnight Denali.

You'll board a modified school bus with extra-large picture windows early this morning for a fully immersive tour into Denali National Park. It is very common to see wildlife on this trip and the landscapes are without comparison. Overnight Denali.

It's time to get a closer look at the river that winds its way along the Denali Park border. This morning you'll head out for an exhilarating whitewater trip with the Denali area's longest running raft company. Later in the day, you'll get a look at the rapids from above as you travel by train out of Denali National Park, through the Nenana River Canyon, and on to Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

Today you'll set off on a three-day, two-night escorted Arctic Circle tour. You'll travel by tour van north out of Fairbanks. The route winds along the Dalton Highway, a remote route that runs hundreds of miles to the Arctic Ocean. Locals call it the "Haul Road." You'll overnight in Coldfoot, a tiny outpost some 60 miles into the Arctic Circle.

The tour leaves Coldfoot, continues past the wilderness community of Wiseman, and climbs over the Brooks Range via Atigun Pass. The unique Arctic Coastal Plain landscape is wildly photogenic, so you'll stop frequently to take pictures. Your second overnight is in Deadhorse at the edge of Prudhoe Bay.

After a tour of Prudhoe Bay, you'll head to the Arctic Ocean. Dipping your toes in the icy water is a must. The escorted trip wraps up with a flight back to Fairbanks. Overnight Fairbanks.

Take some time this morning to rest and recover from your great adventure north. In the afternoon, enjoy a historical sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. Your itinerary concludes in Fairbanks.

Check out the map below for a visual overview of this specific tour package. You can see a larger version of the map here , or try our an interactive tour map by using the link below.

SHOW INTERACTIVE MAP >

The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date, availability, and any modifications you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party, or price the trip yourself if you prefer using our My Trip feature. You can often save money by traveling in the value season, typically May and September.

Options and Add-Ons

This is one of our most popular Arctic Circle tour packages, but you can make it even better! We can add or remove services to make it a perfect match for your party. For example, many of our guests choose to upgrade their Alaska Railroad tickets to deluxe dome seating. Others prefer to take a guided Denali Park hike instead of a rafting trip, while some like to swap the Fairbanks riverboat cruise for a longer day trip to Chena Hot Springs. The choices are endless, and just a few suggestions are listed below.

You can make these changes at check out and your final package price will be updated to reflect just the services you choose. Give us a call or request a quote for more specifics.

Denali Park

Minutes away from the Denali National Park entrance, this mountaintop property offers standard guest rooms and premium rooms with a view as well as fine dining at the Alpenglow Restaurant and Peak Spirit Lounge. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:40 AM | 3 Hours

Offering active exploration of the unique natural setting of the Denali Park area, guests return from this three-hour walking tour both energized and educated. Learn More >

Fairbanks | Depart 11:00 AM | 7 Hours

Take a seven-hour guided trip to two of Fairbanks’ most popular destinations, Chena Hot Springs and Aurora Ice Museum. Learn More >

Package Detail

• Tour ID 170
• Price From $4,344 + Tax
• Duration 11 Days / 10 Nights
• Start / End Anchorage / Fairbanks
• Departure Dates Daily from 5/30/2024 to 8/21/2024
• Travel By Train, Motorcoach
• Tour Type Self Guided
• Destinations Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali Park, Fairbanks

Add to My Trip >

Select an option to book or get more details. Questions? Give us a CALL or CONTACT US online.

• Request Quote
• Get Price Online
• Find Similar Trips
• Detailed Itinerary

Photo Gallery

• Subscriber Center
• Newsletters
• State & Legislature
• Nation-World
• Environment
• Submit a Story Idea
• Submit a Photo
• Submit a Press Release
• Submit Sports Results
• Submit a Thank You Letter
• Submit a Wedding Announcement
• Submit an Engagement Announcement
• Submit a Birth Announcement
• Capital City Weekly
• Capital City Weekly columns
• Alaska Outdoors
• Letters to the Editor
• Submit a MyTurn or Letter
• Death Notices
• Submit an Obituary or Death Notice
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Legal Notices
• Place a Legal Notice
• Community Calendar
• Terms of Use
• Subscribe Now
• Marketplace

Search Tip: Use quotes to find results containing your phrase, exactly, e.g., "Juneau Empire".

The Adventure Bound tour vessel, docked in Aurora Harbor, is one of two tour boats formerly operated by Adventure Bound Alaska being offered by the city in a sealed-bid auction scheduled next Wednesday. (City and Borough of Juneau)

Adventure Bound Alaska’s two tour boats being auctioned off by city due to company’s prolonged debt

Impounding and sealed-bid sale of large charter vessels “is a first for me,” harbormaster says.

• Wednesday, March 20, 2024 11:39am
• News Boating Municipal Government

Flaws found in study cited by Dunleavy claiming Alaska ranks second in adequately funding schools

‘the ball is now very clearly in their court’, more in news.

Aurora forecast for the week of April 8

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Resilient Peoples and Place: Alaska Youth Stewards — Where Are They Now?

Three participants discuss their experiences and lessons learned for a sustainable future.

Police calls for Tuesday, April 9, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Juneau Assembly begins annual budget process with school district exiting crisis, hospital facing one

Bartlett has lost millions annually since ‘20, will be broke in three years without fixes, CFO says.

Buddy Tabor’s folk music hits global streaming platforms

Online re-release of Juneau musician’s 1998 album occurring during this week’s Alaska Folk Festival.

Police calls for Monday, April 8, 2024

Expanded three-season food court on Franklin Street gets unanimous OK from Planning Commission

More food options, seating, a bar and restrooms among plans that include former Elks Lodge site.

Alaska House digs into budget — and a developing gap between expenses and revenue

Financial estimates show may not be enough revenue to cover the Legislature’s draft spending plan.

Activists hoping to put Saturday ban on large cruise ships on local ballot

Proposed initiative would also make July 4 a ship-free day in Juneau.

Tlingit and Haida delegation came to Denver to reclaim their cultural heritage. They left empty-handed.

Tribal representatives say city museum has historic objects that should be returned under 1990 law.

First cruise ship of season expected to match last year’s record-high traffic arrives Tuesday

Officials say new five-ship daily limit will reduce passengers compared to busiest days last year.

Police: Death of man from gunshot wound near glacier not suspicious

Body discovered along roadside on Wednesday morning, with weapon next to him.

Former Juneau resident indicted on cyberstalking and child pornography charges

Kaden Ollila, 20, is accused of targeting minors in Alaska, Washington and California.

49th annual Alaska Folk Festival returns to its familiar roots at Centennial Hall

More than 130 acts scheduled to perform during week of concerts, dances and workshops.

First cruise ship of the season arrives to welcomes, planned protest

Passengers get warm reception at dock, may encounter midday rally seeking ship-free Saturdays.

Juneau students take statewide protest for more education funding into the Capitol

Scores of students march from JDHS to the offices of the governor and other lawmakers.

Featured Local Savings

What Happened When Captain Cook Went Crazy

In “The Wide Wide Sea,” Hampton Sides offers a fuller picture of the British explorer’s final voyage to the Pacific islands.

The English explorer James Cook, circa 1765. Credit... Stock Montage/Getty Images

Supported by

• Share full article

By Doug Bock Clark

Doug Bock Clark is the author of “The Last Whalers: Three Years in the Far Pacific with a Courageous Tribe and a Vanishing Way of Life.”

• April 9, 2024

THE WIDE WIDE SEA: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, by Hampton Sides

In January 1779, when the British explorer James Cook sailed into a volcanic bay known by Hawaiians as “the Pathway of the Gods,” he beheld thousands of people seemingly waiting for him on shore. Once he came on land, people prostrated themselves and chanted “Lono,” the name of a Hawaiian deity. Cook was bewildered.

It was as though the European mariner “had stepped into an ancient script for a cosmic pageant he knew nothing about,” Hampton Sides writes in “The Wide Wide Sea,” his propulsive and vivid history of Cook’s third and final voyage across the globe .

As Sides describes the encounter, Cook happened to arrive during a festival honoring Lono, sailing around the island in the same clockwise fashion favored by the god, possibly causing him to be mistaken as the divinity.

Sides, the author of several books on war and exploration, makes a symbolic pageant of his own of Cook’s last voyage, finding in it “a morally complicated tale that has left a lot for modern sensibilities to unravel and critique,” including the “historical seeds” of debates about “Eurocentrism,” “toxic masculinity” and “cultural appropriation.”

Cook’s two earlier global expeditions focused on scientific goals — first to observe the transit of Venus from the Pacific Ocean and then to make sure there was no extra continent in the middle of it. His final voyage, however, was inextricably bound up in colonialism: During the explorer’s second expedition, a young Polynesian man named Mai had persuaded the captain of one of Cook’s ships to bring him to London in the hope of acquiring guns to kill his Pacific islander enemies.

A few years later, George III commissioned Cook to return Mai to Polynesia on the way to searching for an Arctic passage to connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Mai brought along a menagerie of plants and livestock given to him by the king, who hoped that Mai would convert his native islands into a simulacra of the English countryside.

“The Wide Wide Sea” is not so much a story of “first contact” as one of Cook reckoning with the fallout of what he and others had wrought in expanding the map of Europe’s power. Retracing parts of his previous voyages while chauffeuring Mai, Cook is forced to confront the fact that his influence on groups he helped “discover” has not been universally positive. Sexually transmitted diseases introduced by his sailors on earlier expeditions have spread. Some Indigenous groups that once welcomed him have become hard bargainers, seeming primarily interested in the Europeans for their iron and trinkets.

Sides writes that Cook “saw himself as an explorer-scientist,” who “tried to follow an ethic of impartial observation born of the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution” and whose “descriptions of Indigenous peoples were tolerant and often quite sympathetic” by “the standards of his time.”

In Hawaii, he had been circling the island in a vain attempt to keep his crew from disembarking, finding lovers and spreading more gonorrhea. And despite the fact that he was ferrying Mai and his guns back to the Pacific, Cook also thought it generally better to avoid “political squabbles” among the civilizations he encountered.

But Cook’s actions on this final journey raised questions about his adherence to impartial observation. He responded to the theft of a single goat by sending his mariners on a multiday rampage to burn whole villages to force its return. His men worried that their captain’s “judgment — and his legendary equanimity — had begun to falter,” Sides writes. As the voyage progressed, Cook became startlingly free with the disciplinary whip on his crew.

“The Wide Wide Sea” presents Cook’s moral collapse as an enigma. Sides cites other historians’ arguments that lingering physical ailments — one suggests he picked up a parasite from some bad fish — might have darkened Cook’s mood. But his journals and ship logs, which dedicate hundreds of thousands of words to oceanic data, offer little to resolve the mystery. “In all those pages we rarely get a glimpse of Cook’s emotional world,” Sides notes, describing the explorer as “a technician, a cyborg, a navigational machine.”

The gaps in Cook’s interior journey stand out because of the incredible job Sides does in bringing to life Cook’s physical journey. New Zealand, Tahiti, Kamchatka, Hawaii and London come alive with you-are-there descriptions of gales, crushing ice packs and gun smoke, the set pieces of exploration and endurance that made these tales so hypnotizing when they first appeared. The earliest major account of Cook’s first Pacific expedition was one of the most popular publications of the 18th century.

But Sides isn’t just interested in retelling an adventure tale. He also wants to present it from a 21st-century point of view. “The Wide Wide Sea” fits neatly into a growing genre that includes David Grann’s “ The Wager ” and Candice Millard’s “ River of the Gods ,” in which famous expeditions, once told as swashbuckling stories of adventure, are recast within the tragic history of colonialism . Sides weaves in oral histories to show how Hawaiians and other Indigenous groups perceived Cook, and strives to bring to life ancient Polynesian cultures just as much as imperial England.

And yet, such modern retellings also force us to ask how different they really are from their predecessors, especially if much of their appeal lies in exactly the same derring-do that enthralled prior audiences. Parts of “The Wide Wide Sea” inevitably echo the storytelling of previous yarns, even if Sides self-consciously critiques them. Just as Cook, in retracing his earlier voyages, became enmeshed in the dubious consequences of his previous expeditions, so, too, does this newest retracing of his story becomes tangled in the historical ironies it seeks to transcend.

In the end, Mai got his guns home and shot his enemies, and the Hawaiians eventually realized that Cook was not a god. After straining their resources to outfit his ships, Cook tried to kidnap the king of Hawaii to force the return of a stolen boat. A confrontation ensued and the explorer was clubbed and stabbed to death, perhaps with a dagger made of a swordfish bill.

The British massacred many Hawaiians with firearms, put heads on poles and burned homes. Once accounts of these exploits reached England, they were multiplied by printing presses and spread across their world-spanning empire. The Hawaiians committed their losses to memory. And though the newest version of Cook’s story includes theirs, it’s still Cook’s story that we are retelling with each new age.

THE WIDE WIDE SEA : Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, | By Hampton Sides | Doubleday | 408 pp. | $35

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

Stephen King, who has dominated horror fiction for decades , published his first novel, “Carrie,” in 1974. Margaret Atwood explains the book’s enduring appeal .

The actress Rebel Wilson, known for roles in the “Pitch Perfect” movies, gets vulnerable about her weight loss, sexuality and money  in her new memoir.

“City in Ruins” is the third novel in Don Winslow’s Danny Ryan trilogy and, he says, his last book. He’s retiring in part to invest more time into political activism .

​​Jonathan Haidt, the social psychologist and author of “The Anxious Generation,” is “wildly optimistic” about Gen Z. Here’s why .

Do you want to be a better reader?   Here’s some helpful advice to show you how to get the most out of your literary endeavor .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

Advertisement