🌨️ Our Hubbard Glacier Experience
We arrived in Disenchantment Bay early in the morning cloaked in mist and light rain, anticipation building as our ship edged closer to Hubbard Glacier’s towering face. Our small expedition ship made it possible to approach close within sight of the glacier — a privilege many larger vessels don’t offer.
That day’s excursions focused entirely on experiencing the glacier up close. We had choices: kayak through the floating ice, take a zodiac ride, or board a warm motor catamaran for dramatic views of the ice wall. Gary and I opted for the serene challenge of kayaking, while Mary and Bob chose the warmer catamaran, knowing it would bring them closer to the glacier’s thundering edge while keeping them more comfortable with less work than kayaking.
Gary and I choose the adventurous path, which we found to be extremely rewarding and fun!
🚣♂️ Kayaking Toward the Glacier Face
Donning dry suits and flotation gear provided by the venture team, we set off from the zodiacs into an eerie quiet that enveloped the icy waters. After transferring from the zodiacs to our tandem kayaks, we began paddling silently among floating ice fields, moving closer toward the glacier—an immense wall of shifting blue and white, hundreds of feet tall.
Occasionally, massive chunks of ice cracked and plunged into the water with a thunderous splash locals call “white thunder.” We witnessed shimmering deep blue icebergs sculpted by centuries of compression and cold, gliding through the bay like ancient giants.
Sea lions popped up occasionally to watch us paddle by, as though curious about our intrusion into their icy domain.
The few hours we all spent on Hubbard’s Bay where bucket-list experiences and the single most memorable day of our Alaskan voyage.
🚤 A Closer View from the Catamaran
Mary and Bob’s experience provided a complementary perspective. Their motor catamaran allowed them to move even closer to the glacier face, offering quick retreats if calving events occurred. They described the sound of collapsing ice as deep, resonant, and unforgettable.
Their onboard guide demonstrated chunks of crystal-clear glacial ice from centuries past — a striking contrast to the gray skies that framed our damp but spectacular morning.
Mary holding a piece of ice estimated to be 40,000 years old. She looks a little tipsy though!
❄️ Awe and Respect for Nature
By the end of the day, we all agreed: Hubbard Glacier was the highlight of our Alaska voyage. At over 6 miles wide and hundreds of feet tall, the glacier’s colossal presence reminded us of nature’s scale — beautiful, powerful, and humbling. Whether you choose the intimate silence of a kayak or the panoramic comfort of a boat deck, this glacier is a must-see.
Hubbard Glacier is North America’s largest tidewater glacier, stretching about 76 miles from the St. Elias Mountains into Disenchantment and Yakutat Bays.
It is one of the few glaciers still advancing despite global climate change, though scientists are still studying why.
Named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard — the first president of the National Geographic Society.
- Kayaking to Hubbard Glacier Face – Best for quiet, immersive experiences.
- Zodiac Rides – Faster, more dynamic, ideal for close views.
- Motor Catamaran – Comfortable and allows shelters and commentary from guides.
Each option brings a different style of engagement with the glacier — from silent paddling to narrated scenic tours.
- The glacier occasionally blocks Russell Fjord, forming Russell Lake, which has been known to burst dramatically in glacial outburst floods.
- Ice “calving” sounds can resemble thunder — one of nature’s most memorable acoustics.
- Wildlife like sea lions, bears, and eagles inhabit the surrounding region.
- The glacier reflects light uniquely — giving ice its striking blue hues.
Planning a Cruise to Alaska?
We suggest you reach out to Carmen Palogruto:
813-317-3332 cell, 813-373-5942 office
c.palogruto@cruiseplanners.com
Carmen has been out personal travel advisor for many years and he has safely guided around the world on many cruises and land destinations. His expert advice has been invaluable to us.
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