There are numerous reasons why you might choose to visit the great state of Alaska, and one is to get an up-close view of some of the world's largest glaciers. These incredible feats of Mother Nature are only available to see in certain parts of the world, and Alaska offers several different opportunities here.
At Pybus Point Lodge, we're happy to offer guided day trips to the Sawyer Glacier, which is made up of two separate North Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers and accessible by boat. What are some basic tips we generally offer to clients who are getting ready to take this trip? Here are some simple areas to keep in mind.
Glaciers are gigantic chunks of ice, and they naturally require cold weather to exist. Make sure you dress in layers and bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves. You'll also want to wear sturdy shoes that can handle walking on uneven ground.
Even though the glaciers are large and impressive, they're still susceptible to the sun's rays. Make sure you protect yourself with sunscreen and sunglasses, and bring hats or other headwear to protect your face.
There's nothing quite like a good picnic lunch on a beautiful glacier. Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and drinks, especially if you're going to be out all day.
If you're unsure what to pack here, ask your tour guide in advance what you might need versus what will be provided. You may also want to pack a waterproof bag or case for your valuables.
Like any of our other major tours or trip types, you want to be sure you're outfitted with the right equipment. If you have a camera or binoculars, make sure that they're packed in your luggage too.
Your guide will go over a number of boat safety themes in advance of your glacier day trip, and it's important to listen closely and do exactly what your guide instructs. These safety recommendations are in place for a reason, and it's up to you to follow them.
Finally, if you know you're the sort who regularly gets seasick or has other motion sickness issues, you should prepare yourself for these ahead of time. Be sure to pack over-the-counter seasickness remedies and any other medications you might need. For some, this is a quick can of ginger-ale; for others, it's a specific medication like Dramamine. You don't want to be the one who ruins this excursion for everyone by forcing the boat to turn around and head back to port.
At Pybus Point Lodge, we're proud of our support for conservation efforts and environmental safety. We offer a number of very informative tours that give guests the chance to learn about Alaska's rich history and vast natural resources, along with some great opportunities for photography or sightseeing. Contact us today for more information on our Sawyer Glacier day trips, wildlife tours or any of our Alaskan all-inclusive packages.

Download, share, or print out our PDF Packaging list to make sure you bring all the gear you need for your Alaska vacation!
DOWNLOAD NOWDiscover why waterfalls around Pybus Point Lodge are unforgettable, offering stunning views and unique adventures. Plan your trip today!
LEARN MOREDiscover why people like you can’t stop talking about Pybus Point Lodge. More than 30 years ago, the lodge opened as a simple fishing camp, drawing a devoted following in spite of basic accommodations. With new owners and experienced guides and crew, our corner of Alaska has become an unbeatable fishing and eco-tourism resort.
Enjoy unlimited access to our fleet of motorized skiff boats. We’re just minutes away from beautiful freshwater stream fishing, and some of our guests’ biggest halibut catches have been reeled in on a skiff.
Three new 33’ walk-around boats make their debut for our 2019 season. Featured in the Seattle Boat Show and designed stem to stern specifically for ocean conditions in Alaska's Inside Passage, we couldn’t ask for better boats.
Guests love our build-your-own lunches, featuring fresh ingredients and thin-sliced meat we smoke right outside. Meals at the lodge are always made to order – no buffets or cafeteria-style meals at Pybus Point Lodge! Our chef has created menu options that are beautiful and delicious without feeling pretentious or unfamiliar.
If you’re going to come all the way to Alaska, you may as well fish with an experienced guide on hand to keep you on the fish and take care of all the little details. You can enjoy the scenery, your company, and the world-class fishing. You’ll get your guide’s attention as much as eight hours each day – already included in the cost of your trip.
Upgrade your trip to see the Alaskan wilderness from the air. Our experienced pilot will land on a secluded lake and guide you to some of the best salmon and native trout fishing in the state.
While you go out and play, our talented staff will make sure your room stays tidy and clean! We receive even more compliments about our friendly staff than we do about Alaska's stunning beauty!
Pybus Point Lodge is located on the remote and secluded far south edge of Admiralty Island National Monument. Coverage is always tricky in deep valleys and remote natural areas. We found that AT&T has the most reliable cellular service at the lodge while T-mobile, Sprint, and Verizon can be picked up while out on the ocean. We do have a lodge phone you can use if necessary.
If you can't get a signal, we do provide free high-speed WIFI to the lodge and cabins. A popular option is to utilize your phones WIFI calling mode to communicate and take calls while at the cabin, although we prefer to unplug and enjoy all that the island has to offer.
The calm, cool waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage are the perfect habitat for humpback whales. Our guests tell us close encounters with these peaceful giants have changed the way they see the world – and we know just what they mean.
You’ll stay with us on Admiralty Island, called Xootsnoowú by native Tlingit people, which means “Fortress of the Bears.” There are more bears on our island than in all 49 other states combined – and more than 2.5x the number of people here!
A short ride in one of our skiffs will take you to the mouth of a river where, if your timing is right, you can watch salmon make their final run to spawn. When it isn’t overrun by bears dining on the feast, you can walk upstream just a few minutes to a beautiful waterfall in the thick forest.
From tiny phosphorescent algae lighting up our private docks to enormous humpback whales hunting in our deep, calm waters, you won’t find a more beautiful place to experience Alaska. Pybus Bay is a photographer’s paradise – bald eagles and brown bears, orca, otters and sea lions, and more. We can’t wait to help you experience Alaska.
A short ride in one of our skiffs will take you to the mouth of a river where, if your timing is right, you can watch salmon make their final run to spawn. When it isn’t overrun by bears dining on the feast, you can walk upstream just a few minutes to a beautiful waterfall in the thick forest.
Take quick detours or day-long excursions to explore some of our planet's most beautiful, remote waterfalls and glaciers.
Meet us in Juneau and let our experienced staff handle every detail of your all-inclusive Alaskan vacation, starting with a beautiful seaplane flight to our secluded lodge at Pybus Bay.
