Bartlett Cove is the protected saltwater headquarters of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, located just inside the bay's mouth. It serves as the primary launch point for kayaking adventures, with a public dock and shoreline access near the Glacier Bay Lodge and Visitor Information Station. All overnight kayakers must obtain a free backcountry permit and complete a mandatory orientation at the Visitor Information Station between May 1 and September 30. The cove itself offers calm, protected waters ideal for day trips, with common routes exploring the shores of Lester Island and Point Gustavus. These intimate, rainforest-lined waterways and intertidal zones provide opportunities to view wildlife such as seals, porpoises, sea otters, humpback whales, black bears, moose, and bald eagles.

For multi-day trips, paddlers often use a camper drop-off service via the park's daily tour boat to access areas further upbay, like the Beardslee Islands or the East Arm near tidewater glaciers. A critical safety consideration is the extreme tidal range, which can reach 25 feet every six hours; planning around tide tables is essential. The sheltered nature of the cove minimizes large waves, but conditions change dramatically upon entering the broader bay. The area is a remote wilderness with no cell service, and paddlers must be self-sufficient. The National Park Service requires all backcountry users to store food in approved bear-resistant canisters, which are available for checkout. The developed Bartlett Cove Campground is available for stays before or after a trip. Water temperatures are consistently cold year-round, necessitating appropriate immersion gear such as dry suits.