This page provides information primarily for businesses interested in providing charter vessel services in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. If you are interested in seeing a list of existing charter operators, please see the Park's list of Goods & Services.
Overview
Charter vessel means any motor vessel under 100 tons gross (U.S. System) or 2,000 tons gross (International Convention System) engaged in transport of passengers for hire and certified to carry no more than 12 passengers overnight and no more than 49 passengers for daytime use. Charter vessels also include any uninspected motor vessel measuring less than 200 tons gross (U.S. Tonnage “Simplified Measurement System”) and not more than 24 meters (79 feet) in length engaged in transport of passengers for hire. [36 CFR Part 13 Subpart N—§ 13.1102 Definitions].
New Glacier Bay National Park, Vessel Management Plan Regulations became effective on January 2, 2007 that revised the definition of a charter (above) and removed the limit of 312 "entries".
There is a daily limit of 6 charter vessels per day allowed in Glacier Bay Proper in June, July and August, seasonal quotas not applicable. Charter vessels are not subject to daily quotas from September through May. Charter vessel use days are allocated among fifteen existing concessioners under a concession contract (listed below).
Concession Services
Charter vessel concessioners are authorized to provide charter vessel services throughout Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve marine waters. Specific approval of the Superintendent is required for other services such as guided fresh water fishing, etc. Each charter operator is authorized a specific number of charter vessel use days into Glacier Bay Proper between June 1 and August 31.
Charter vessel concessioners can view their scheduled use days on the current Glacier Bay Charter Vessel Schedule. This schedule will be updated frequently to reflect the scheduled and available use days. Concessioners should contact Marilyn Trump or David Nemeth to schedule use days.
The following are the Charter Vessel reports to be completed by the Concessioner and their due dates:
Activity Use Report form due by the 5th of each month in operation
Sportfish Report form due by the 5th of each month in operation
Annual Financial Report form due March 1
These forms are available on the Concession Report forms page.
Franchise Fees are due annually on or before November 1.
Authorized Charter Vessel Concessioners
The following is a list of Concessioners authorized to provide charter vessel services in Glacier Bay and a link to their concession contract:
Adventures Afloat
Alaska Yacht Charters
Chichagof Charters
Dolphin ChartersFairweather Adventures
First Out, Last In Adventures
Glacier Guides
Gustavus Marine Charters
Lisianski Charters
Marine Adventure Sailing Tours
Sea Wolf Adventures
Sound Sailing
Southeast Alaskan Adventures
The Cove Lodge
Whale Song Adventures (Acceptance document for sale of Cross Sound Express concession contract)
Whale Song Adventures Contract (new contract owners of Cross Sound Express concession contract)
Woodwind Adventures
Two concessioners are currently historical operators, as defined by ANILCA section 1307, which entitles them to non-competitively renew their permits, 36CFR, Sec. 13.305.
A prospectus was released and then updated 4/28/04 for charter vessel services to be provided in Glacier Bay. Click here to view the prospectus under which multiple concession contracts were awarded for the operation of charter vessel services within Glacier Bay National Park, or click here to read the press release summarizing the opportunity.
Incidental Services
Charter vessel services are also authorized under Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) which allow charter services in marine waters west of Pt. Wimbledon, outside Glacier Bay proper and Dundas Bay all year and in Glacier Bay proper and Dundas Bay from September 1 - May 31.
Additional information about the CUA, park specific terms and conditions of this authorization and how to apply can be found on the Park's Commercial Visitor Services page.
We suggest that any prospective applicant contact the park concessions office to discuss their business plans prior to submitting the application form. In general charter services are not authorized on fresh water streams and lakes within the park.
All Commercial Vessel Services are authorized in accordance with the Park's Vessel Management Plan. The Vessel Management Plan also provides for vessel use restrictions aimed at protecting park resources (humpback whale feeding, seal pupping, etc.).
Please note: .pdf files require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat on your system, you may download and install the reader from Adobe Systems at no charge by clicking here.
Contact Chief of Concessions Management David Nemeth or Concessions Specialist Marilyn Trump for more information.
