A life-changing experience: face-to-face with tidewater glaciers in Alaska

Tidewater glaciers — perhaps the most awe-inspiring natural sight on our planet.

Frozen history coming to life, moving toward you as if traveling through time into the Ice Age and back again. Imagine what existed then as this mammoth wall of blues and whites edges closer.

The sheer magnitude is astonishing. Sometimes spanning further than your eyes can capture in a single gaze. Glaciers growing to thousands of feet deep expand nearly one to several miles wide and more than 50 miles long into the untouched Alaskan wilderness. Before the frozen river meets the sea, it starts at a colossal ice field covering mountaintops with pure whiteness that seem impassable as only nunatuks (lone peaks) can pierce through toward the northern sky.

The ice is alive with movement, funneling through rugged mountains it carved out upon endless time. A tidewater glacier’s imposing sight is complemented by the Earth rumbling noise each creates while crushing toward the ocean. The thunderous sounds of ice cracking and shifting against its own resistance echoes into the fjord, reverberating along sheer cliffs, reminding life on both land and sea of its constant presence.

While approaching Alaska’s tidewater glaciers, you slowly move atop the frigid waters with the excitement of an arctic expedition. Knowing a life-altering experience is nearing engulfs your conscience as the incredibly wild environment allows uncertainty to enter your conscience. Yet exuding confidence, an adventurous sensation takes over.

Sailing through water immersed with bergy bits (miniature icebergs) peaceful otters, seals and whales welcome you to their hidden world. Mountains and clouds harmoniously guide you toward the sight that’s endured in your dreams. Nature at its finest. You’re awestruck by pristine waterfalls cascading through green forests that cover gray rock beneath Alaskan skies, often shrouded by dark clouds that drift overhead – intensifying the glacier’s color. That deep glow is unlike any blue you’ve ever seen.

Then it appears. An arctic gateway. Welcome to Alaska. You’ve entered a polar passage where time freezes and thoughts scarcely move beyond what is present. You’re mesmerized by its existence. Creation shines so bright. This tidewater glacier is unfathomable.

The impassable crevasses that disappear into the darkness as sharp peaks of ice crowd between shades of winter are so spectacular you could forever stare in wonder. That thunderous sound, previously spoken of, rumbles through the silence. Drifting in amazement, an enormous ice fall occurs, sending behemoth sections of ice plummeting into the sea as enormous splashes of glacial water deliver chilling waves that’ll soon embrace you.

The Last Frontier has myriad tidewater glaciers welcoming those who approach with a newfound outlook on nature. The life-changing voyage can transpire throughout Alaska, along its Southeast shores, Glacier Bay National Park, the Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park. A variety of vessels can bring you to this discovery. Cruise ships, catamarans, small boats and personal watercraft are available to float into this frozen fantasy land. This unique concept that seemed untouchable is now a dream that’s come true. This thrilling experience of feeling so alive is your new reality.