Concession Contracts

A concessions operation is a way of providing commercial visitor services such as food, lodging, and retail through a third party (concessioner) within a national park. These services, provided through the use of concession contracts, must be necessary and appropriate for visitor use and enjoyment. Concession contracts are generally valid for 10 years or less but can extend for as many as 20 years. Concession contracts specify the range of facilities accommodation, and services types the concessioner agrees to offer. The rates the concessioner can charge for these services are approved by the National Park Service and must be comparable to those under similar conditions outside the park.

 

Concessions Contract Service Types

Charter Vessel 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 the Bay between June 1 and August 31.

The definition and specifications of a charter vessel can be found in the 36 CFR Part 13 Subpart N 13.1102 Definitions.

There is a daily limit of 6 charter vessels per day allowed in the Bay 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 existing concessioners under a concession contract.

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.).

Cruise Ship Services

Cruise Ship Vessel Quota Information 
The number of cruise ships in Glacier Bay is subject to both daily and seasonal regulatory limits. A "daily vessel quota" limits use to no more than two cruise ships per day (year around). In addition, "seasonal vessel quotas" are in effect for May and September (for convenience we refer to this as the "shoulder season") and June, July and August ("prime season"). For 2017, (and until changed) the shoulder season quota is 92 use days and the prime season quota is 153 use dayss. These seasonal quotas are reviewed annually by the Superintendent and may be reduced or increased (to a maximum of two per day, every day) as needed to protect park values and purposes. [36 CFR 13.1160]

The definition and specifications of a cruise ship can be found in the 36 CFR Part 13 Subpart N 13.1102 Definitions.

Current cruise lines authorized to operate in Glacier Bay are:

• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Seabourn
• Cunard
• Viking

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.).
 

Guided Hunting Services

Sport hunting is allowed only in Glacier Bay National Preserve (Dry Bay area). There is currently only one hunting guide, Alsek River Guide Service, Inc. authorized to provide guided sport hunting in the Preserve. Hunting (and fishing) services are specifically excluded from the provisions of ANILCA section 1307.

Kayak Services

Kayak Rentals Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks is authorized to rent kayaks based out of Bartlett Cove under a historic concession contract. Double and single sea touring kayaks are rented out for the half-day, full day or multi-day trips.

Guided Kayak Services Three companies are authorized to provide guided kayak services in Glacier Bay. Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks offers guided day kayak services. Guided overnight kayak services are provided by Alaska Mountain Guides, Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, and Spirit Walker Expeditions.

Lodging Services

Bartlett Cove Lodging

Glacier Bay Lodge provides accommodations within the park, at Bartlett Cove. The Concessioner also provides a daily boat tour into the West Arm of Glacier Bay during the summer operating season.

This fifty-six room lodge is operated by a concessioner, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, LLC. In addition to operation of the lodge, the contract requires the following services:

• Day Tour Vessel services;
• Camper/Kayaker drop-off services;
• Food and Beverage service (full service restaurant);
• Fuel sales;
• Bus transportation.

Glacier Bay Lodge operating dates for lodging and restaurant, day tours and camper drop-off service are approved by the National Park Service annually and are posted on the lodge website as well as the approved rates for these services. Concessioner rates are approved by the National Park Service. Rates are based primarily on comparability with similar services outside the park. The Concessioner may charge less than the approved rates in accordance with the terms of the contract.

Glacier Bay National Preserve Lodging 

Three small lodges are operated on park lands in Dry Bay under concession contracts. These lodges have a small and highly seasonal client base. Two lodge operators are currently historical operators, 36CFR, Sec. 13.305, as defined by ANILCA section 1307, which entitles them to non-competitively renew their concession contracts for their Lodging Services. The third Lodge operation has been competitively renewed.

The concessioners for the three lodges in Dry Bay are:
Johnny's East River Lodge
Northern Lights Haven
Alsek River Lodge operated in conjunction with Alsek River Guide Service, Inc.

River Rafting Guide Services

Alsek River float trips generally begin in Canada on either the Tatshenshini (at Shäwshe/Dalton Post) or Alsek River (near Haines Junction) and end at Dry Bay within Glacier Bay National Preserve. Commercial visitor services on the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers operate under the provisions of the Park's Alsek River Management Plan. For general visitor information about rafting the Alsek and Tatshenshini rivers, see our Visitor Activities page. For current streamflow conditions on the Alsek River, see the USGS Alsek River stream flow website.

Guided raft trips are provided by U.S. companies under concession contracts and Canadian companies under Commercial Use Authorizations.

All commercial operators are required to abide by the requirements of Canadian government entities for portions of the trip in Canada. These include British Columbia and Yukon Territorial Governments, BC Parks, Kluane National Park and Champagne & Aishihik First Nation.

Authorized Guided River Rafting Concessioners
The following is a list of U.S. Concessioners authorized to provide river rafting guide services on the Tatshenshini/Alsek Rivers:

• Chilkat Guides, Ltd.

• Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, Inc.

• Haines Rafting Company

• Momentum Alaska

• Mountain Travel Sobek

• Wilderness River Outfitters

Tour Vessel Services

Tour vessel concessioners are required to provide interpretive tour vessel services in Glacier Bay for the purposes of sightseeing. The concessioners are also authorized to provide non-motorized water based and land-based activities occurring off a tour vessel.

The definition and specifications of a tour vessel can be found in the 36 CFR Part 13 Subpart N 13.1102 Definitions.

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.)