My bucket list is growing and growing thanks to my job. Before I started my contract I always planned my free time even though I was not sure about my schedule. I had a long list of what I wanted to see and what I want to do during my contract. I tried to make everything happen. On top of my list were the Caribbean islands followed by Australia and Alaska. Now I brought you 25 photos to inspire you to visit Alaska covering the incredible Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay.

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Let’s discover Alaska

If you love cold weather, the beauties of the untouched nature, the amazing mountains, the wildlife, and last but not least the northern lights, then Alaska is for you. One of the best ways to experience this area is to take a cruise. Several companies offer organized voyages between May and September each year. The cruises are week-long but there are longer ones as well. There are several main ports to choose from, it depends on which one is most convenient. Such as Seattle, Vancouver, Seward or San Fransisco. The companies offer varied itineraries, but there are permanent locations such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm.

Things to see in Alaska

Most of the fjords and glaciers can be seen from the open decks of the cruise ships. On the other hand, at Tracy Arm Fjord, sailing closer with a catamaran, we can observe the beauty of the Alaskan landscape. While relaxing on board the small boat, we can admire the view with a cup of coffee or hot tea. We can witness plenty of waterfalls, seals resting on floating icebergs, or even ice collapse. Binoculars are provided on board, but it’s good to be prepared for this well in advance, as we can also see bears and whales along the way.

Onboard, a naturalist provides a great deal of information about the area. He/she constantly reporting on seeing the wildlife, which we can admire by walkout to the open deck of the ship and taking pictures.
The catamaran captain’s remarkable manoeuvrability allows us to get closer to the glaciers. If the timing is right, we can witness the fall of huge icebergs into the water.

Tracy Arm Fjord

Tracy Arm Fjord is located about 70 km south of the capital, Juneau. The Tracy Arm Fjord Terror Wilderness covers an area of more than 2600 km² and consists of two fjords: Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm. Both fjords are nearly 50 km long and one-fifth are covered by ice. During the summer the floating ice in the water can be as big as a three-story house. It depends on the amount of ice which glacier the boat can and how close to going. At the end of the Tracy Arm Fjord are the Sawyer Glaciers. It is not as well known as Glacier Bay and some naturalists say it is much more spectacular. Nearby you can see black and brown bears, deers, mountain goats or even mooses.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay National Park is named after more than 1000 glaciers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be approached by water or air. There are 16 glaciers between the mountains in the national park. Here, as well as at Tracy Arm Fjord, in addition to the stunning view of glaciers and icebergs, you can also meet the fauna. If we are lucky, we can observe sea lions, brown bears or even wolves.

25 photos to inspire you to visit Alaska

Cruise to Alaska Map

Overall: Why is Alaska so special?

Its natural treasures are captivating. It gives everyone the experience that we want to come back again and again. From the wildlife to the glaciers, the fresh mountain air to the cute little towns, everything is perfect. I’ve been doing work in Alaska for nearly three seasons while working aboard a cruise ship. I spent my free time on open decks watching the beauties of nature. I had the opportunity to go on some boat trips in Tracy Arm Fjord (which takes 3 hours) four times. Here I took a picture, which later became the picture of the month in the magazine of National Geography Hungary.

I hope these 25 photos will inspire you to visit Alaska at least once in a lifetime.
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail.
Have you ever visited Alaska? Let me know in the comment!