This page has specific information regarding Tour Vessel concession authorizations in Glacier Bay. For a listing of all companies that provide visitor services in and around Glacier Bay, please see the list of Goods and Services.
Overview
Tour vessel means any motor vessel of less than 100 tons gross (U.S. System) or 2,000 tons gross (International Convention System) engaged in transport of passengers for hire and certificated to carry more than 12 passengers overnight or more than 49 passengers for daytime use.
A maximum of three tour vessels per day are allowed in Glacier Bay (year around), seasonal limits not applicable.
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.). New Glacier Bay National Park, Vessel Management Plan Regulations became effective on January 2, 2007 that revised the definition of a tour vessel (above).
Prospectus Released/Contracts Awarded. Click here to view the prospectus under which multiple concession contracts were awarded to the companies listed above for the operation of tour vessel services within Glacier Bay National Park.
The Park received several questions regarding the Tour Vessel Prospectus released September 9, 2004. See the October 13, 2004 News Release to see the questions submitted and the answers to each of the questions: Tour Vessel Prospectus Clarifications & Response to Questions
New Tour Vessel contracts were awarded in 2005 to companies listed below. However, the prospectus will remain open throughout the term of the contract, January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2015. All of the use days for the prime season, June 1 - August 31, have been allocated under the new ten year contracts. The Park can issue additional contracts, but new contracts would not have a specific use day allocation, but would have access to use days that other operators relinquish or they can operate in the shoulder season, September 1 - May 31.
The following is a list of Tour Vessel Concessioners and a link to their concession contract:
American Safari Cruises, LLC
American West Steamboat Co.
Lindblad Special Expeditions
West Travel, Inc. dba: Cruise West, (previously New World Ship Management Co.)
West Travel, Inc. dba: Cruise West
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Contact Chief of Concessions Management David Nemeth or Concessions Specialist Marilyn Trump for more information (or call 907-697-2230).
