Soar above Glacier Bay's 3.3-million-acre wilderness in a private floatplane, tracing the retreating ice fields from above for a perspective that no boat can deliver. Snowfields, braided rivers, and the full sweep of the Grand Pacific Glacier unfold beneath your wings.
What to expect
Board a small floatplane from Gustavus or Juneau and climb above the tree line within minutes, with Glacier Bay's entire mosaic of ice, rock, and ocean spreading to the horizon. Your pilot — a veteran Southeast Alaska aviator — points out the positions of the major tidewater glaciers, the wildlife corridors below, and the geological timeline written in the bare rock left behind by retreating ice. On select tours, you may land on a remote lake or beach for a brief wilderness moment before returning. The flight lasts approximately 50–75 minutes and covers scenery that would take days to reach by boat.
Good to know
Flights are weather-dependent; book early and have a flexible back-up window. Confirm that departure and return times work within your ship's port schedule — Gustavus is the closest departure point. Weight limits and baggage restrictions apply on small aircraft. Book directly with Alaska Seaplanes for current scheduling and charter options.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Glacier Bay — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.