Bartlett Cove, Alaska, United States

5rainbow7711 5:00 PM Jul 26, 2004

Watch whales play!
Saw alot of whales here and they put on a fantastic show for us. Not just one day but several. It was wonderful! This whole place.......Glacier Bay National Park is well worth visiting. Mother Nature at her best.

5LifesAnAdventure216 5:00 PM Dec 6, 2013

It will take your breath away!
Perhaps it is because this is was the first day, first outing and first good glimpse of the area after our arrival in Alaska but this place took my breath away and should not be missed. You should experience it by foot, by sea and by a learning experience. A full day of kayaking was arranged for us by our wonderful inn keeper (Deb) at Blue Heron Inn in Gustavus and it was an amazing day. We chose a guided tour because, well, we were in Alaska and the waters are big and cold and although we are experienced kayakers, we were not at all familiar with the area or these waters. We paddled out into Icy Straits and across the way. We could see (and hear!) whales breaching and blowing in the distance and seals and pigeon guillemots accompanied us along the way. I was amazed at the clarity of the water and just how BIG everything seemed! Lunch was served on a beach (after everyone made noise to announce our arrival to any bear who may be in earshot) and smoked salmon was just one of the tasty treats offered up. A couple of us waded through the long grass to the edge of the forest to gather strawberries for "desert". Very small but oh so sweet and a little exciting to do, too! Lunch tasted all the sweeter surrounded by all of the incredible wilderness and beauty. Our guide (Cody) was knowledgeable and informative and we were in very good hands with him. Thorough instructions offered and gear was great quality. Cody was kind and patient with a couple who did not have much kayaking experience (good for them for giving it a try in Alaska!). We were so fortunate to have great weather (for all of our two plus weeks actually) so I did manage to get a pretty good sunburn. Note to self: Wear sunblock when on the water ... even in Alaska! We spent a considerable amount of time here exploring the paths and taking in a seminar one evening given by a local woman who spoke on the resident and transient Orca population (one is a fish eater the other mammal eaters!). Incredible creatures. I will review the Glacier Bay Inn separately but will encourage anyone who is staying in Gustavus to ask their Inn Keeper to arrange something for you at Bartlett Cove. These are your first footsteps into Glacier Bay National Park. Savor it in every way you possibly can!