Cruise port Amalik Bay (AK)
Info for port Amalik Bay (AK) on 14 Jul 2026
Port information & tips for Amalik Bay (AK)
Icy Bay is a spectacular natural jewel on the Gulf of Alaska and a highlight of any expedition cruise through the untouched wilderness of the North. The bay impresses with its majestic location at the foot of the Saint Elias Mountains and, thanks to its secluded atmosphere, offers an authentic experience amidst floating icebergs and diverse wildlife. Fascinating highlights include the massive Guyot Glacier, the Yahtse Glacier, and the Tyndall Glacier, which calve regularly and provide a breathtaking backdrop for explorers. As Icy Bay is a pure nature destination without a permanent terminal, ships use the protected Icy Bay anchorage, from where travelers can experience the spectacular coastline during scenic cruising or by Zodiac directly from the water without having to travel long distances.
Icy Bay in Alaska is not a classic cruise port with extensive infrastructure, but rather a breathtaking, remote glacial bay in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. There are no fixed terminals or towns directly in the bay; instead, Icy Bay is explored almost exclusively by small expedition cruise ships for scenic cruising and Zodiac or kayak excursions to experience the glaciers and rich wildlife.
Airplane
Arrival at the Icy Bay area typically occurs by plane via the regional Yakutat Airport (YAK), which serves as the nearest hub. From the DACH region, long-haul flights to major US airports such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) are necessary, followed by connecting flights, often via Juneau (JNU), to Yakutat. Alaska Airlines, for example, offers direct flights from Seattle to Yakutat. Please note that Icy Bay Airport (ICY) is a private airstrip and has not offered regular passenger service since 2012.
Local Transfers & Expedition Entry
From Yakutat, travelers wishing to reach the Icy Bay region directly usually continue by small aircraft or bush planes. Providers such as Yakutat Coastal Airlines or Alsek Air Services charter flights to remote airstrips or lodges in the Icy Bay area. For larger expedition cruises, Icy Bay is an impressive part of the itinerary, with embarkation occurring in established ports such as Vancouver, Seattle, Juneau, or Seward, and Icy Bay being visited during the voyage.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Due to the long journey and specific flight connections, an overnight stay in one of the larger hubs like Seattle or Juneau is strongly recommended before you catch your onward flight to Yakutat. Alternatively, Yakutat itself offers lodges and overnight accommodations, which are ideal for a relaxed start to your wilderness adventure before you cover the final leg to Icy Bay by bush plane.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the postings on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Icy Bay in Alaska is not a classic cruise port with extensive infrastructure, but rather a breathtaking, remote glacial bay in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. There are no fixed terminals or towns directly in the bay; instead, Icy Bay is explored almost exclusively by small expedition cruise ships for scenic cruising and Zodiac or kayak excursions to experience the glaciers and rich wildlife.
Airplane
Arrival at the Icy Bay area typically occurs by plane via the regional Yakutat Airport (YAK), which serves as the nearest hub. From the DACH region, long-haul flights to major US airports such as Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) are necessary, followed by connecting flights, often via Juneau (JNU), to Yakutat. Alaska Airlines, for example, offers direct flights from Seattle to Yakutat. Please note that Icy Bay Airport (ICY) is a private airstrip and has not offered regular passenger service since 2012.
Local Transfers & Expedition Entry
From Yakutat, travelers wishing to reach the Icy Bay region directly usually continue by small aircraft or bush planes. Providers such as Yakutat Coastal Airlines or Alsek Air Services charter flights to remote airstrips or lodges in the Icy Bay area. For larger expedition cruises, Icy Bay is an impressive part of the itinerary, with embarkation occurring in established ports such as Vancouver, Seattle, Juneau, or Seward, and Icy Bay being visited during the voyage.
Pre-Cruise Stay
Due to the long journey and specific flight connections, an overnight stay in one of the larger hubs like Seattle or Juneau is strongly recommended before you catch your onward flight to Yakutat. Alternatively, Yakutat itself offers lodges and overnight accommodations, which are ideal for a relaxed start to your wilderness adventure before you cover the final leg to Icy Bay by bush plane.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the postings on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
From the anchorage in Icy Bay, you can easily reach the pristine shores in the midst of Alaska's impressive glacial world using the ship's own boats.
Zodiacs and Tender Boats
Agile Zodiacs bring you safely from the ship to the shore and serve as an essential means of transport in this roadless region. These boats are ready for you directly at the gangway and also allow for spectacular trips close to the majestic glaciers and blue-shimmering icebergs.
On Foot
Exploration of the wilderness takes place directly after landing on foot during guided hikes or relaxed walks on the beach. Thanks to their natural condition, the vast coastal areas offer ideal conditions for discovery tours and wildlife sightings along the spectacular backdrop.
Kayaks
Kayaks are often available for individual movement on the water, allowing for a silent and nature-oriented journey through the ice floes. These offer an excellent perspective on the surroundings and simultaneously allow for undisturbed observation of local seals and seabirds.
To make the most of your stay in the pristine wilderness of Icy Bay, it is recommended to focus entirely on the spectacular glacier panoramas and the unique opportunities for observing Arctic wildlife directly from the water.
Yahtse Glacier
The majestic Yahtse Glacier impresses with its massive blue ice walls, which regularly calve directly into the ocean and, thanks to the bay's protected location, provide a perfect subject for breathtaking nature photography from the ship's deck or excursion boat.
Riordan Beach
This remote stretch of coastline often serves as a starting point for guided exploration tours and is ideal for short hikes amidst a backdrop of massive icebergs and washed-up driftwood; additionally, the beach offers a fascinating view of the soaring peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains.
Taan Fjord
The deep blue Taan Fjord is known for its rich population of harbor seals, which prefer to rest on the floating ice floes; at the same time, this region offers deep insight into the impressive geological dynamics of the Alaskan glacier landscape thanks to its dramatic history of formation.
Tyndall Glacier
The Tyndall Glacier in Taan Fjord is the spectacular highlight of Icy Bay and can be ideally explored with a maneuverable Zodiac directly from your ship. This location offers you the fascinating opportunity to observe the active calving of the ice masses at close range against the monumental backdrop of Mount Saint Elias. Thanks to the untouched nature, you will enjoy complete silence here as well as sightings of seals resting on the floating ice floes. It is best to start your exploration in the early morning to take advantage of the clear light for photography and to be back on board in time for lunch after an impressive experience.
Returning to the ship in the pristine wilderness of Icy Bay is very well-organized and safe, thanks to the ship's own infrastructure. Since there are no public roads in this remote region, guests rely on the professional coordination of the expedition team for the transfer across the water.
Expedition Boats and Zodiacs
The return journey to the cruise ship is comfortably carried out using agile Zodiacs, which act as a direct connection between the untouched beaches and the ship. These boats operate regularly and, thanks to experienced pilots, bring you back on board punctually and safely, while you also enjoy views of the glaciers.
Accompanied Meeting Points
The expedition team sets up clearly visible meeting points on the shore, which serve as central hubs for the return journey. You will find helpful assistance there when boarding and can rely on smooth logistics thanks to the constant radio link between land and ship.
Orientation on the Beach
The paths back to the landing sites are easy to find and are clearly marked by the staff on site. A short walk along the shore leads you directly to the waiting boats and allows for a relaxed conclusion to your excursion in this impressive natural landscape.
In port on 14 Jul 2026
