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Alaska's largest icebergs are found in Tracy
Arm.
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Tracy Arm: Alaska's largest icebergs and more
Located about 45 miles south of Juneau, Tracy Arm, a classic fjord, stands out as a "must see" for any Alaska vacation. A full day cruise
departs from downtown Juneau and includes Alaska's greatest combination of mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, glaciers and icebergs.
The icebergs are big! Our skipper (Adventure Bound) Steve Weber explained that the large pieces "calve" or break off from the face of
Sawyer Glacier. "The water at the end of the fjord is nearly 600 feet deep and when an underwater calving takes place the ice remains intact. In other glacier areas the calved ice generally crumbles."
Steve continued, "I've seen them surface like giant submarines. They'll rise over 250 feet and then settle in like large blue ships. Tracy Arm is by far the best place to see big icebergs."
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Usually spotted higher on the mountain, these goats were just a few feet above the waterline.
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The icebergs are framed by sheer mountain peaks that reach up to 7,000 feet. Waterfalls flow from the ice covered mountains to the jade colored
inland sea. Tracy Arm is the summer home for pigeon guillemots, kittiwakes and arctic turns.
Usually the mountain goats are seen on the rocky slopes near Sawyer Glacier. They have been known to come down near the water. The best
bear viewing is along the shores of Stephens Pass or Holkham Bay, and there are whales and seals.
Steve said, "We see whales on about 85% of our trips and since there is a seal sanctuary at the end of Tracy Arm, seal viewing is guaranteed.
We always take extra time for viewing and photos. We saw about 200 seals and were lucky enough to see a pod of humpback whales on our way back to Juneau. The sighting of the whales was the
perfect way to close out our cruise to Tracy Arm."
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There were about 50 orca in this super pod. They were so close we could almost touch them.
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In the Greatland, home of Glacier Bay, Denali and endless mountain ranges, how does Tracy Arm measure up to the "must see"
status? Steve responded, "For all the others places, as great as they are, the viewers stand at a distance and are on the outside looking in. Tracy Arm has a closeness. The
visitors are part of the scene."
Juneau's first choice for a Tracy Arm cruise is the 56 foot Adventure Bound. Their space per person is the best around. There is inside
seating for all, or any number of guests may enjoy the full walk-around outside deck. For comfort, viewing time, elbow room and personal attention this is the quality cruise that you are looking for.
Home
| Cruising
Tracy Arm
| Adventure
Bound | Rates
| Photos
of the Cruise
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Adventure
Bound Alaska
Box 23013
Juneau Alaska
99802 |
1-800-228-3875
(907) 463-2509
advboundak@aol.com |
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