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.

Black-Legged Kittiwakes - Tarr Inlet

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Type

Wildlife Viewing Site

Accessibility

Boat required; accessible only by tour boat or private vessel

Best Season

Late May through August (nesting season)

Busiest Season

July (peak nesting); late June and early August also popular

Features

Vertical glacier-carved cliffs; summer kittiwake nesting colony; proximity to Margerie Glacier; iceberg perching platforms

Overview

About This Attraction

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.

Quick Facts

Type

Wildlife Viewing Site

Access

Boat required; accessible only by tour boat or private vessel

Main Features

Vertical glacier-carved cliffs; summer kittiwake nesting colony; proximity to Margerie Glacier; iceberg perching platforms

What You'll See

Black-legged kittiwakes on cliff faces; icebergs in the water; Margerie Glacier calving in distance; white plumage contrasting against dark rock face

What Makes It Special

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

Best Time to Visit

Late May through August (nesting season). Peak visibility and activity in July. Off-season access limited by weather and services.

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.

Visitor Tips

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

Details

Location & Features

Type: Wildlife Viewing Site

Distance from Entrance: Boat access from Bartlett Cove; 35-45 miles depending on boat route

GPS: 59.02639593285303,-137.04969848077195

What Makes It Unique:

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

Geology

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.

Getting There

Directions:

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.

Access Type: Boat required; accessible only by tour boat or private vessel

Road: No road access; Bartlett Cove accessible by vehicle via unpaved road from Gustavus

Seasonal Access: Open late May through early September. Winter access extremely limited; coastal conditions prohibitive.

Parking: Parking at Bartlett Cove lot; fills by mid-morning in peak season

Entry Fees: No entrance fee at Glacier Bay National Park. Tour boat fees vary by operator.

Permits Required

Trails

Trailheads Here:

None; water-access only location

Connecting Trails:

No connecting trails; access by water only

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Viewing platform or rail on tour boats; natural observation point from water level during approach to Tarr Inlet

Photo Opportunities:

Early morning light on cliff faces; birds in flight; icebergs with birds perched on them; glacier in background

Best Photo Spots:

Bow or stern of boat during approach to Tarr Inlet; early morning light optimal

Sunrise/Sunset: Dramatic due to high latitude; extended daylight in June-July allows early morning and late evening viewing

Facilities

Visitor Center
Restrooms
Potable Water
Picnic Areas
Interpretive Signs
Guided Tours Available

Cell Service: No reliable cell service in Tarr Inlet

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Black-legged kittiwakes, harbor seals, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles

Best Wildlife Viewing: Late May through August for kittiwakes (nesting and fledging). July peak for breeding activity.

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May through August (nesting season)

Best Times: Early morning for light and bird activity; weekdays less crowded than weekends in July-August

Road Opens: Bartlett Cove access typically opens late May as services resume

Busiest: July (peak nesting); late June and early August also popular

Parking Fills: Tour boats fill mid-morning in July; early booking recommended

Snow Until: 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:

Afternoon fog common; wind increases afternoon. Rain frequent. Calm mornings ideal for boating and wildlife viewing.

Activities

Fishing
Swimming Allowed
Boating Allowed
Rock Climbing

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Muir Inlet, Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Beardslee Islands

Nearby Services:

Fuel, food, lodging, and supplies in Gustavus (12 miles by road). Limited services at Bartlett Cove.

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)

Visitor Information

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.

Family Friendly:

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.

Nearby Facilities:

Bartlett Cove Campground nearby; limited lodging in Gustavus; fuel dock at Bartlett Cove

FAQs

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?

What if weather is bad?

Can I kayak here?

Why do birds nest on such sheer cliffs?

What's the best time to see calving?

📖 National Park Service — Black-Legged Kittiwakes - Tarr Inlet (official page) (checked 2026-07-11) 📖 National Park Service — Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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