Excursion Tracy arm and sawyer glacier kayaking tour at Tracy Arm

Tracy Arm is a world class paddling destination. The near vertical cliffs, which line each side of the fjord, rise 2000+ feet directly out of the water with numerous large cascades and waterfalls running over them.

Your adventure begins with an on-board equipment and safety orientation by your guides. You'll then depart from the ship by Zodiac, and embark your kayak in a chosen location.

You will then begin paddling along the coast, feeling dwarfed by the sheer cliffs rising straight-up from the bottom of the fjord. Take your kayak right to the base of a cascading waterfall. Along the way, your expert guides will explain how fjords are created, and give details about the geology of the region. As you penetrate deeper into the fjord, you will start to come across floating ice fragments, an indication you're getting close to Sawyer Glacier.

In 1980 this region became designated as the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness area, and has been within the boundaries of the Tongass National Forest since 1907, allowing the wildlife to thrive in the area. Seals haul out on the icebergs near the glaciers, porpoises swim through the arm, bears can be seen along the shoreline and in the valleys, mountain goats climb on the cliffs above the arm, and sea birds are everywhere.

As your get to within a close but safe proximity to the glacier, your guide will tell you more about the processes involved in the formation of glaciers. Listen carefully, and you might hear the ice cracking and moaning. On a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see the glacier calving.

Please note: This tour is recommended only for guests in good physical condition and requires up to 60-minutes of paddling. Although no walking is required, guests must be able to climb into the transfer Zodiac and to lift their own weight to transfer from the Zodiac into the kayak and vice versa. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair, and for guests who suffer from bodily injuries which prevents the movement of all joints. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks, in groups of up to 6 kayaks. Lifejacket, dry suit, Neoprene booties, gloves, and dry bags are provided. Maximum available dry suit size is XXL. We suggest you wear warm, comfortable, flexible clothing to wear under the dry suit. Wear long-sleeved thermal layers, a warm hat with a brim, sunglasses, propylene, wool, silk or synthetic clothing (not cotton as it has poor heat retention when it is damp or wet). The minimum age to participate is 16 years. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests must be able to speak conversational English in order to understand safety instructions. Some prior kayaking experience is required to participate in this activity. Binoculars, cameras and UV protection are recommended. We strongly suggest to book well in advance as space is very limited. This kayak tour is operated and guided by a team of guides/naturalists who will be sailing with you onboard the Silver Muse.