Tracy Arm Fjord excursion

Question

I'm having a hard time finding boats that will take you to Tracy Arm Fjord from our cruise port in Juneau. The ones I've found are no longer doing trips or are with Allen Marine. With Allen Marine, we only have an hour after arriving at the port and I'm afraid of something causing a delay. If we are late, we have to forfeit the several hundred dollars we pre-paid (for 2ppl).

Perhaps we should give up going to Tracy Arm and settle for Misty Fjord in Ketchikan, though I hear it's nowhere near as beautiful.

Answer

Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the most spectacular fjords in Alaska, famous for its glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. From Juneau, it is accessible primarily by smaller boat tours rather than large cruise ships. However, your concern about timing is valid: many of these tours require you to embark shortly after your ship docks, leaving very little margin for delays.

Given that your cruise allows only about an hour after docking, taking a pre-paid private excursion with strict departure times can indeed be risky. Any delay in disembarking or clearing customs could result in missing the boat and forfeiting the cost.

Here are some considerations and alternatives:

Private charters: Some private charter companies may offer flexible departures, but they are typically more expensive and may not be available for such a short turnaround from the cruise port.
Tracy Arm from other locations: Tours from nearby ports like Juneau or even from Skagway can sometimes be booked, but transportation logistics might not fit your cruise schedule.
Misty Fjords National Monument: Located near Ketchikan, Misty Fjords is accessible by floatplane or boat tours. While it is not as dramatic as Tracy Arm in terms of glaciers, it offers stunning scenery with deep fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forested valleys. It’s generally easier to schedule and less risky in terms of timing.

Additional advice:

Consider checking if your cruise line offers any guaranteed shore excursions to Tracy Arm, as they often coordinate timing to match your ship’s schedule.
If you decide to go with Allen Marine, confirm whether they have any flexibility in departure or if there are earlier options that could give you a buffer.
For a less stressful alternative, Misty Fjords offers a scenic, relaxing experience with a lower risk of missing your ship departure. Floatplane tours provide incredible aerial views and typically last 2–3 hours, fitting well into a port schedule.

In summary, while Tracy Arm is more iconic for glaciers, the timing constraints from your cruise port in Juneau make it risky. Misty Fjords is a safer and still beautiful alternative if you want to enjoy a fjord experience without the stress of potential forfeiture.

Tracy Arm Fjord excursion

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