Private Spencer Glacier Jetboating: Icebergs and Calving Face

Pilot a jetboat through rapids to Spencer Glacier's face and watch icebergs break away

A private jetboat activity on Spencer River in Alaska where you ride upstream through braided sections and rapids to Spencer Glacier's icebergs and calving face. The jetboat is designed for extreme glacier waters and handles every rapid and twist. You observe the glacier drip, moan and calve while icebergs drift in the lake below. A live guide leads the two-hour round trip with all gear and snacks provided.

The experience

Two hours on the water means you start at the Placer Overflow parking area along the Seward Highway, get fitted with a personal flotation device, and head upriver while the guide pilots through braided, rapid and rocky sections. The jetboat is built for these conditions: designed for New Zealand's glacier waters and equally suited to Alaska's extreme rivers. Mountain and river scenery surrounds you as the boat twists through the water.

Spencer Lake opens up ahead, and that's where the icebergs appear. The boat approaches them for a closer look, then cruises by the glacier's face itself. You hear it before you see it fully: the dripping, the moaning, the sound of ice breaking away and calving into the lake. The return trip follows the river's speed back through the same twists and turns, so the ride out matches the ride in.

The operator handles every detail: top-tier jetboats, extra gear beyond the flotation device, light snacks during the trip, and guides who know Alaska's rivers. This is a private booking, so it's just your group and the guide, no shared departures.

What’s included

• Personal flotation device.
• government fees.
• light snacks during the trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:30, 14:00 and 16:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Backcountry Access LLC

Is this one for you?The two-hour round trip involves constant motion on a fast jetboat through rapids and twists, so it suits travelers with at least moderate fitness who are comfortable with water activity and the physical demands of a moving boat. Minimum age is 18.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Spencer Glacier like when the jetboat gets there?

Spencer Glacier's face sits at the head of Spencer Lake, where massive icebergs drift in the water. The glacier actively calves (breaks apart and drops ice into the lake), and you'll hear it drip and moan as you cruise past the face itself.

How rough is the river on the way up?

The Spencer River runs through braided, rapid and rocky sections on the upstream journey. The jetboat is designed to handle these conditions, and the guide pilots through them as part of the route to the glacier.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear clothes suitable for being on the water in Alaska. The operator provides personal flotation devices and all other gear. Light snacks are included during the trip.

Can I do this if I have a back injury or am pregnant?

The jetboat activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or for pregnant travelers due to the motion and impact of the boat on the river. If you have concerns about cardiovascular health or fitness, contact the operator before booking.

Who leads the jetboat and what language do they speak?

A live guide leads the private trip and speaks English throughout. The guide knows Alaska's rivers and handles the boat through all sections of the river and lake.