Spectacular Le Conte Glacier: Ice & Wildlife by Jet Boat
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Port
Wrangell, Alaska, US
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$349.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Le Conte Glacier is the southernmost tidewater glacier in the United States. What makes this glacier so special is the speed at which it moves, causing plenty of 'calving' events, leaving the bay full of icebergs, large and small -- a challenge to navigate. Because the water in front of the face is so deep -- up to 800 feet -- there's nowhere for the glacier to advance. Instead, it just breaks into pieces.
From the jet boat, you may see huge chunks of ice calving off the glacier, and you're sure to see icebergs and bergy bits on the way into the bay. Harbor seals haul out on the floating ice to raise their pups away from predatory orca whales. Humpback whales are often seen at the mouth of the bay, feeding on the schools of herring and krill.
In the narrow inlet, with towering granite walls of Le Conte Bay, you can see how glacial action has carved the landscape -- the closer you are to the ice, the newer the land.
Notes: Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Wear closed-toe shoes. Guests weighing 300 lbs or more will pay an additional surcharge over the published fare. Restroom stops are extremely basic. Access to the face of the glacier face depends on ice conditions; calving may be seen but is not guaranteed. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication.