Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Set at the head of Tarr Inlet, this on‑water viewpoint puts you right in front of Margerie Glacier’s sheer tidewater face. The glacier is roughly 21 miles long, about a mile wide at the terminus, and around 350 feet tall in total (with roughly 100 feet below the waterline). It’s a classic Glacier Bay moment: crisp blue ice, towering spires, and that unmistakable thunder when the ice lets go.
What You’ll See
- A dramatic wall of ice riddled with cracks and crevasses, often glowing blue.
- Regular calving—listen for sharp cracks and booms, then watch ice plunge into the bay.
- A bay sprinkled with ice chunks and bergy bits drifting past your vessel.
Wildlife
This is a lively feeding zone. Calving stirs up prey, drawing in birds like Black‑legged Kittiwakes, Glaucous‑winged and Mew Gulls, Arctic Terns, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, murrelets, scoters, and cormorants. In the water, keep an eye out for humpback whales, harbor seals, and sometimes sea otters.
Access & What to Expect
There’s no road or land overlook here—you view Margerie from the water. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship or the park’s tour/charter boats, while private vessels need a summer permit. Experienced paddlers sometimes explore by sea kayak. There are no on‑site facilities; anything you need is on your vessel or back at Bartlett Cove.
Why It’s Special
Among Glacier Bay’s tidewater glaciers, Margerie is the crowd‑pleaser—clean, photogenic ice and reliably dramatic calving. It’s often called a highlight (and most photographed) stop on bay itineraries for good reason.
Best Time to Visit
Calving is unpredictable and can happen anytime. During peak cruise season, prime rail spots fill fast—be on deck early for unobstructed views. Ships typically linger and slowly pivot so both sides get a look. Weather swings quickly; clear moments can appear between fog and drizzle, so have your camera ready.
Practical Notes
- No amenities at the viewpoint: no restrooms, food, or shelter.
- Expect cold, damp conditions near the ice—layers and rain gear aren’t optional.
- Keep your distance if you’re on a private boat or kayak; calving ice and waves are serious hazards.
Pros
- Frequent calving you can watch from close range on the water
- Excellent seabird activity with chances for marine mammals
Cons
- Access is boat-only with no on-site services
- Can feel crowded on cruise and tour-boat decks
Tips
- Be on deck early to claim a clear view at the rail.
- Dress in warm, waterproof layers; it’s colder and wetter near the ice.
- Bring binoculars for birds and marine mammals around the glacier face.
- Private boats need a permit and must keep a safe distance from the face.
- Use a rain cover and lens cloth; spray and drizzle are common.
