For me, Glacier Bay National Park is the most beautiful sight in Alaska.  Let me share my glacier viewing photography with you.

Margerie Glacier

Margerie Glacier, Glacier Bay Viewing Alaska

Margerie Glacier is the most famous glacier in Glacier Bay National Park.  From a distance, Margerie Glacier is one of the most stunning views in the world with the mountain in the backdrop as well as a perfect reflection.

Ice Calving

Ice Calving at Glacier Bay Alaska

Whilst observing the glacier you’ll hear white thunder and constant creaking.  Huge chunks of ice are constantly dropping from the front of the glacier.  This natural phenomenon is known as ice calving.  Photographers must be quick to get a snap of the falling ice.  Others, will just stand in awe at the power of mother nature.

Margerie Glacier Close Up

Margerie Glacier Close Up

The part of the Margerie Glacier which we are viewing the end of a 34 km long, 1.6 km wide tidewater glacier.  As a matter of fact, it starts at nearly 4000 meters altitude on the slopes of Mount Root.  Mount Root is located on the US / Canada border.  Finally, a tidewater glacier is one which ends at the sea and Margerie glacier is only accessible by sea.

Mount Root

Mount Root, Alaska

Mount Root rises to an altitude of 3928 meters and marks the US / Canada border.  What’s more, it’s where the Margerie Glacier begins 34 km away from your glacier viewing experience.

Marine Life in Glacier Bay National Park

Marine Life in Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay is home to marine life including stellar sea lions, harbor seal, sea otter, harbor porpoise and humpback whale.  As a matter of fact, you’ll see several sea lions laying on the icebergs.  The very icebergs which you see dropping from Margerie Glacier.  Which is more rewarding, viewing a sea lion in Sea World, San Diego, or in its natural habitat here in Alaska?

Sea Lion on an Iceberg

Sea Lion on an Iceberg in Alaska

I’m sure you agree this is a beautiful image of a sea lion relaxing on an iceberg.  Imagine his viewpoint, thousands of people stood on a cruise ship watching him.

Birdwatching at Glacier Bay

Birdwatching at Glacier Bay

There are 281 species of birds at Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.  These include Bald Eagles, Puffins, Gulls, Cormorants and if you’re very luck a Kittlitz’s Murrelet.  I didn’t see a Kittlitz’s Murrelet but I was lucky enough to see a Bald Eagle sat on a glacier.

Glacier Bay Fjord

Glacier Bay Fjord Alaska

Glacier Bay is actually a 100 km long fjord with several different glaciers.  Back in 1750 all the bay used to be one big glacier but due to higher temperatures in recent centuries as well as less snowfall there are now several smaller tidewater glaciers within the fjord.

Glacier viewing and drive by in Alaska

If you’re lucky enough to have a sunny day when you visit Glacier Bay you’ll be rewarded with thousands of perfect glacier photos.  Your glacier viewing and drive by experience will reward you with amazing reflections, sparkling blue waters, mountain views as well as sea lions sun bathing on icebergs.

Glacier Bay National Park to College Fjord

It’s an overnight cruise from Glacier Bay National Park to College Fjord.  Enjoy the food and entertainment on board and pray for a clear day at College Fjord.  Read about other Alaska Cruise ports in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.

College Fjord to Denali National Park