Black-Legged Kittiwakes – Tarr Inlet

Black-legged kittiwakes nest on glacier-carved cliffs in Tarr Inlet. See them hunting from icebergs each summer.

Natural Attraction

Natural Attraction
Wildlife Viewing Site0 ftlate May - early SeptemberGolden-hour pick

Vertical cliffs tower above Tarr Inlet, supporting a summer breeding colony of black-legged kittiwakes. These petite gulls display crisp white plumage, gray wings tipped in black, black legs, and bright yellow bills. Their survival depends on glacial mechanics: icebergs knocked loose by calving glaciers from Margerie provide perching platforms, while the impact stuns fish, shrimp, and krill to the surface. The eroding glacier literally provides both their nest and their dinner.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
Access via boat from Bartlett Cove. Most visitors join NPS ranger-led or commercial tour boats departing from Bartlett Cove Dock. Private boat access available for experienced mariners with proper navigation equipment.
Distance From Entrance
Boat access from Bartlett Cove; 35-45 miles depending on boat route
Road Type
No road access; Bartlett Cove accessible by vehicle via unpaved road from Gustavus
Parking Availability
Parking at Bartlett Cove lot; fills by mid-morning in peak season
Peak Fill Times
Tour boats fill mid-morning in July; early booking recommended
GPS Coordinates
59.02639593285303,-137.04969848077195

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Late May through August (nesting season). Peak visibility and activity in July. Off-season access limited by weather and services.
Best Visit Times
Early morning for light and bird activity; weekdays less crowded than weekends in July-August
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Dramatic due to high latitude; extended daylight in June-July allows early morning and late evening viewing
Best Season
Late May through August (nesting season)
Busiest Season
July (peak nesting); late June and early August also popular
Seasonal Access
Open late May through early September. Winter access extremely limited; coastal conditions prohibitive.
Road Opening Dates
Bartlett Cove access typically opens late May as services resume
Snow Lingering
Nearby peaks retain snow into July; seasonal snowmelt affects glacier flow and calving intensity
Winter Access
Closed to most visitors; only experienced boaters with proper equipment and safety plan may attempt access
Weather Patterns
Afternoon fog common; wind increases afternoon. Rain frequent. Calm mornings ideal for boating and wildlife viewing.

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Wildlife Viewing Site
Main Features
Vertical glacier-carved cliffs; summer kittiwake nesting colony; proximity to Margerie Glacier; iceberg perching platforms
What Youll See
Black-legged kittiwakes on cliff faces; icebergs in the water; Margerie Glacier calving in distance; white plumage contrasting against dark rock face
Unique Characteristics
Kittiwakes exploit glacier calving to access food; nesting colony in one of North America's most dynamic glaciated systems; direct observation of predator-prey coupling with glacial processes
Photo Opportunities
Early morning light on cliff faces; birds in flight; icebergs with birds perched on them; glacier in background
Photography Spots
Bow or stern of boat during approach to Tarr Inlet; early morning light optimal
Best Viewpoints
Viewing platform or rail on tour boats; natural observation point from water level during approach to Tarr Inlet
Common Wildlife
Black-legged kittiwakes, harbor seals, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles
Best Wildlife Times
Late May through August for kittiwakes (nesting and fledging). July peak for breeding activity.
Geological Formation Type
Glacial Cliff (Tidewater Glacier Substrate)
Scientific Interest
Visible interaction between tidewater glacier erosion, cliff development, and wildlife adaptation. Direct observation of glacial calving impact on food web and species survival strategy.

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
No entrance fee at Glacier Bay National Park. Tour boat fees vary by operator.
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Cell Service
No reliable cell service in Tarr Inlet
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Water-based access only; boats provide observation from water level. No shore access or trails. Accessible to visitors with mobility limitations if tour operator provides accessible boat features.
Accessibility Level
Boat required; accessible only by tour boat or private vessel
Nearby Services
Fuel, food, lodging, and supplies in Gustavus (12 miles by road). Limited services at Bartlett Cove.
Nearby Facilities
Bartlett Cove Campground nearby; limited lodging in Gustavus; fuel dock at Bartlett Cove
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for families on stable tour boats; long boat rides may challenge young children. Viewing from secure boat platform; close supervision required. Weather-dependent; cancellations common in poor conditions.

Safety

Safety Considerations
Cliff faces are unstable; do not land or approach on foot. Iceberg navigation hazardous; keep boat distance per NPS guidelines. Cold saltwater exposure risk. Maintain 25-yard minimum distance from wildlife. Weather can change rapidly; coastal capsizing risk.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Muir Inlet, Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Beardslee Islands
Connecting Trails
No connecting trails; access by water only
Trailheads Here
None; water-access only location

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Peak breeding activity July; chicks fledge late August
  • Glacier calving most active during warm afternoons
  • Binoculars essential; birds visible from 100+ yards
  • Tour boats pass within 100 yards; stay aboard to avoid disturbance
  • Quiet observation yields better bird activity (engine off when possible)
Tips Advice
  • Watch for birds on cliff faces; use binoculars for detail
  • Look for icebergs—they provide perching platforms for hunting
  • Early morning = best light for photography and bird activity
  • Maintain 25-yard minimum distance from all wildlife per park regulations
  • Check weather before boating; coastal conditions can change rapidly
  • The birds feed on fish stunned by falling glacier; watch the water surface

More details

Park Area
Tarr Inlet
Recent Updates
Kittiwake nesting locations vary year to year; check current visitor center bulletin boards at Bartlett Cove for current season distribution
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
Yes
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
Yes
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors appreciate the dramatic cliff setting and glacier backdrop. The combination of nesting seabirds, calving glacier, and icebergs creates a memorable experience. Most visitors understand they are witnessing wildlife tightly coupled to glacial processes. Weather and boat access remain primary logistical challenges.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will I see kittiwakes nesting?

Yes, during late May through August. Nesting birds are visible on vertical cliff faces. Peak breeding activity occurs in July, with chicks fledging late August.

Can I get close to the birds?

No. Maintain 25-yard minimum distance per park regulations to avoid disturbance. Tour boats typically remain 100+ yards from cliffs. Binoculars provide excellent detail from this distance.

What if weather is bad?

Boat tours frequently cancel due to wind, fog, or rain. Early-season (May-June) and late-season (late August-September) trips have higher cancellation rates. July offers most stable weather.

Can I kayak here?

Kayaking in Tarr Inlet is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers due to tidal currents, icebergs, and exposure. Join a tour boat instead or hire a guide experienced in glacier-bay navigation.

Why do birds nest on such sheer cliffs?

Predator avoidance. Vertical cliffs deter land predators. Icebergs provide safe perching for hunting fish stunned by glacier calving. The risks of cliff nesting are offset by access to abundant food and protection.

What's the best time to see calving?

Afternoon calving is most active during warm sunny weather. Tour boats typically depart morning/early afternoon. Evening sun (available in June-July) also produces dramatic calving events.

Icy Strait

Milky water crowded with whales and eagles. Alaska's prime marine wildlife corridor, best May-September.

Mount Fairweather

Tallest mountain in Glacier Bay at 15,300 ft, visible from 70+ miles away on clear days.

Mount Wright

Mount Wright (4,967 ft) marks Muir Inlet's gateway—a glacial-carved peak visible from cruise and kayak routes.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.