Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari in Skagway, Alaska, offers an exhilarating adventure for first-time visitors. This guided tour combines a scenic boat ride, canoeing, and hiking, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as whales and sea lions. Priced at $359.69 per person, the excursion caters to up to 24 travelers and includes a hearty lunch to enhance the immersive experience in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. However, participants must possess moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves a hike over natural terrain.

This experience made our article of 6 Best National Park Tours In Skagway (With Prices).

Key Points

1. The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari is a popular tour in Skagway, Alaska, offering a 60-minute boat ride to the Davidson Glacier, followed by hiking and canoeing.

2. The tour requires moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems, as it involves hiking up to 1/4 mile.

3. Participants have the opportunity to spot wildlife native to the Alaskan wilderness, including whales, bald eagles, and sea lions, with insights provided by knowledgeable guides.

4. The guided hike after the canoe excursion leads to a scenic lunch spot, offering picturesque views and the chance to observe more wildlife, such as bald eagles and mountain goats.

5. The tour has weight and age restrictions, with a minimum weight of 50 pounds, a maximum of 350 pounds, and a minimum age of 7 years.

Overview of the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari is a popular tour offered in Skagway, Alaska, USA.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 57 reviews, the tour is ideal for first-time visitors and does not require any previous canoe experience.

Priced from $359.69 per person, the tour has a maximum group size of 24 travelers.

The 60-minute boat ride to Davidson Glacier allows for wildlife spotting, followed by a short hike to the canoe launch site and a canoe trip to the glacier.

Lunch and snacks are provided throughout the tour.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Skagway, Alaska, USA, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari departs from the meeting point at 2nd Avenue & Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840.

The tour takes visitors on a 60-minute boat ride to the Davidson Glacier, where they can hike to the canoe launch site and embark on a canoe trip to the glacier.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems. Participants must have a moderate level of physical fitness and be able to hike 1/4 mile over natural terrain.

The tour has a weight limit of 50-350 pounds and a minimum age requirement of 7 years and minimum height of 4’10".

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

During the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, participants have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife native to the Alaskan wilderness. The tour offers sightings of majestic whales, bald eagles soaring overhead, playful sea lions, and the elusive mountain goats. The wildlife viewing experiences are enhanced by the knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the behaviors and habitats of these captivating creatures.

Wildlife	Likelihood of Sighting
Whales	High
Bald Eagles	Moderate
Sea Lions	High
Mountain Goats	Low
Other Birds	Moderate

Canoe Trip to the Davidson Glacier

After the scenic boat ride to the Davidson Glacier, participants embark on a canoe trip to explore the glacier up close.

The guided canoe journey allows visitors to paddle alongside the massive, ancient ice formation. During the excursion, travelers have the chance to observe the glacier’s intricate features and stunning blue hues up close.

The serene paddle through the glacier’s reflective waters offers a unique perspective and immersive experience. With the guidance of knowledgeable tour staff, guests learn about the glacier’s formation and ecology, enhancing the overall adventure.

Guided Hike and Lunch

Following the canoe excursion, participants embark on a guided hike to a scenic lunch spot.

The hike traverses natural terrain and leads to a location with picturesque views of the surrounding wilderness. Participants have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and mountain goats, during the hike.

Upon reaching the lunch site, guests are provided with a hearty meal and refreshments to replenish their energy.

The guided hike and lunch allow visitors to fully enjoy the Alaskan wilderness and experience the natural beauty of the Glacier Point region.

Health and Safety Considerations

The health and safety requirements for the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari emphasize participant fitness and capabilities.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems. A moderate physical fitness level is required, with participants needing to hike up to 1/4 mile over natural terrain.

Weight limits range from 50 to 350 pounds, and the minimum age is 7 years with a minimum height of 4’10". Guests must be able to board the boat and canoe independently.

These restrictions ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Guest Feedback and Experiences

Positive reviews of the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari highlight the knowledgeable and engaging guides, as well as the breathtaking scenery encountered throughout the tour.

Guests often report memorable wildlife sightings, including whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and mountain goats. Many first-time visitors appreciate that no previous canoe experience is necessary, making the activity accessible for all.

However, some travelers express disappointment regarding the limited glacier accessibility and the overall tour duration. Recommendations suggest verifying glacier access prior to booking, as environmental conditions can impact the ability to reach the glacier directly.

Booking and Confirmation Process

Booking for the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari in Skagway can be completed online or by contacting the tour operator directly.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The safari is non-refundable, with prices starting at $359.69 per person. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 24 travelers.

Before booking, guests must review the health and safety requirements, including moderate physical fitness, minimum age and height restrictions, and weight limits.

While the tour is suitable for first-time visitors with no prior canoe experience, prospective travelers are advised to verify glacier access details in advance of their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Personal Flotation Device?

Participants are generally not permitted to bring their own personal flotation devices on tours. Tour operators typically provide required safety equipment, such as life jackets, as part of the tour experience to ensure consistency and proper fitting for all participants.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not permitted on tours, as they may disrupt the experience for other participants and pose safety concerns. Tour operators typically have policies in place to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of all guests.

Can I Rent Additional Gear at the Meeting Point?

The tour operator does not offer equipment rentals at the meeting point. Participants are expected to bring their own gear, including appropriate clothing and footwear for the outdoor activities. No additional gear can be rented on-site.

What Is the Guide-To-Guest Ratio on the Tour?

The guide-to-guest ratio for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the maximum group size is listed as 24 travelers, though the exact number of guides is unclear.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

There is no information provided about an option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour itinerary and activities appear to be fixed, with a 60-minute boat ride and a canoe trip to the glacier.

The Sum Up

The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari offers a comprehensive Alaskan wilderness experience, combining scenic boat rides, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a breathtaking setting. Catering to first-time visitors, the tour provides a well-rounded and immersive adventure while emphasizing health and safety considerations. The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari delivers an unforgettable and exhilarating exploration of the Alaskan wilderness for participants of moderate physical fitness.