Valdez is a highlight for travelers who love outdoor adventures, stunning ice formations, and marine wildlife. It offers a variety of tours that suit different interests and activity levels. Whether you’re eager to see the famous Columbia Glacier, paddle through icy waters, or experience thrilling whitewater rapids, Valdez has a lot to offer. Our favorite? The 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise — it combines breathtaking scenery with wildlife sightings and a hearty hot soup lunch. It’s a great way to see the glacier’s remarkable retreat and spot whales, sea otters, and seals in a single trip.
But that’s just the start. Valdez’s tours range from full-day glacier cruises to intimate kayaking trips and high-adrenaline whitewater rafting. This guide will walk you through each option, sharing insights to help you decide which adventure fits your travel style best.
Quick Overview
Valdez’s top tours include marine cruises, sea kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The $1 is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive wildlife and ice-viewing experience. For a longer exploration, the $1 showcases impressive glaciers and abundant marine life. If you prefer paddling, the $1 combines gentle kayaking with glacier views, while the $1 offers a scenic boat transfer before your paddle adventure. For thrill-seekers, the $1 delivers fast rapids and waterfalls, and the $1 combines kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a remote setting. Lastly, the $1 offers a shorter, calmer paddle focusing on local birdlife.
1. Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise
At number one, the Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise stands out for its balance of scenery, wildlife, and education. For around $174, you’ll spend six hours exploring Prince William Sound, focusing on the iconic Columbia Glacier. This is the only tour on the list that highlights the glacier’s dramatic retreat, where you’ll see signs of changing ice in the bay. The captain shares fascinating stories about the glacier’s history and the region’s natural features, making it educational as well as stunning.
The boat often spots marine mammals like whales, seals, otters, and sea lions. The crew is experienced at finding wildlife, and many travelers say this cruise exceeds expectations. A hot soup lunch keeps everyone warm and ready for the chilly environment. The 4.9/5 rating from 140 reviews speaks to its popularity and value.
This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive day out with wildlife, glaciers, and scenic shoreline views, all with plenty of opportunities for photos. The only potential downside? It’s a full-day tour, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long boat rides and cooler weather.
Bottom line: A top choice for those wanting a memorable, all-in-one glacier and wildlife experience at a reasonable price.
2. From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
Next up is the Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise, a full 7.5-hour adventure offering some of the best glacier views along with wildlife sightings. For $194, this tour takes you deeper into Prince William Sound, allowing you to see gracious glaciers like Meares Glacier, which is known for its pristine ice and towering walls. The tour also emphasizes marine wildlife, including whales, seals, and otters, giving you plenty of chances to spot animals in their natural habitat.
The boat cruise features waterfalls and bays, providing a variety of stunning scenery. The crew is eager to share stories about the natural history, making it educational for curious travelers. During the trip, you’ll enjoy a delicious onboard lunch with spectacular views, making the experience both relaxing and exciting.
With a 4.7/5 rating from 53 reviews, this tour appeals especially to those who want an immersive day with a focus on glacier landscapes and marine life. It’s well suited for travelers with a full day to dedicate to exploring ice formations and wildlife.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting an extended, wildlife-rich glacier cruise with a focus on natural beauty and comfort.
3. Valdez: Columbia Glacier Sea Kayak Day Tour
For those who prefer getting closer to nature, the Columbia Glacier Sea Kayak Day Tour offers an intimate experience. At $345 and lasting nine hours, it’s the most physically engaging option. The tour begins with a boat ride to Columbia Bay, where you’ll paddle around massive icebergs and explore beaches dotted with glacial debris. The guide helps you navigate the calm waters, and wildlife sightings often include seals and sea otters.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see the glacier from up close in a quiet, small-group setting. The guide shares insights about the glacier’s formation and the local ecosystem, enriching your understanding of the environment. The tour is suited for active travelers comfortable with paddling and a full day outside.
Reviews highlight the spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters, making it a favorite among adventure-seekers. It’s pricey, but you get a personalized experience that’s hard to match.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous travelers wanting a hands-on glacier experience with wildlife and stunning ice formations.
4. Valdez: Keystone Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip
If you’re craving adrenaline, the Keystone Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip delivers. For just $110 and lasting about three hours, it offers a thrilling ride on the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon. You’ll navigate rapid currents and stop at Bridal Veil Falls, one of the canyon’s most iconic waterfalls. The guide gives a quick lesson on raft commands and safety, so even beginners can enjoy the ride.
This tour is ideal if you want an action-packed experience with impressive rock walls and powerful rapids. The short section of calmer water lets you soak in the scenery and snap photos of the canyon’s steep cliffs. The reviews praise the excitement and expert guiding, making it a solid choice for thrill-seekers.
While it’s not a long trip, it’s a great way to add some adventure to your Valdez visit without taking up a whole day. It’s especially suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor sports.
Bottom line: A fun, adrenaline-filled outing perfect for those who want a quick, intense river adventure.
5. Valdez: Gold Creek Coastal Journey Kayak Tour
For a peaceful yet adventurous day, the Gold Creek Coastal Journey Kayak Tour offers a blend of paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching. At $129 for six hours, it begins with a scenic paddle along the coast to Gold Creek State Park. The guide takes you on a hike through ancient rain forests and offers a picnic lunch on a remote beach, with views of towering glaciers.
This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a combination of water and land activities, with chances to see black bears, jumping salmon, seals, and sea otters. The guide’s commentary covers flora and fauna, making it educational as well as fun. While it’s moderately priced, the true value is in the variety of experiences and the chance to disconnect in a beautiful, less crowded area.
The single review gave it a perfect 5/5 rating, emphasizing how relaxing yet engaging it was. It’s best suited for active travelers who appreciate nature, small-group tours, and scenic hikes.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those seeking a diverse, nature-focused day out with kayaking, hiking, and wildlife.
$129 per person
6. Valdez: Duck Flats Sea Kayak Tour
The Duck Flats Sea Kayak Tour offers a shorter, calmer paddle at just three hours and for $89. It’s ideal for beginners or those with limited time. The protected waters of Duck Flats are perfect for spotting nesting bald eagles, resting harbor seals, and feeding sea otters.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on birdwatching and relaxed paddling. The guide provides rain gear, rubber boots, and gloves, making it easy to stay warm and dry. The tour is particularly popular with first-timers or travelers who want a gentle introduction to sea kayaking.
Despite its shorter duration, reviews note the peaceful environment and abundant wildlife, making it a favorite for nature lovers seeking a low-impact outing.
Bottom line: Great for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a quick, scenic paddle with wildlife spotting.
7. Valdez: Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with Motor Boat Ride
Lastly, the Shoup Glacier Kayak Tour with Motor Boat Ride combines a scenic boat trip with a kayaking adventure. For $265 over eight hours, you’ll enjoy a motor boat ride to Shoup Bay, where you’ll start your paddle along the glacier’s edge. The scenery includes spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
The tour features a short walk on the beach and a lunch spot with glacier vistas. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a combination of boat and kayak, with less paddling time than the full kayak tours but still close-up views of ice and wildlife. It’s suited for those comfortable with moderate activity levels and seeking a full-day, scenic adventure.
Reviews highlight the stunning landscape and smooth logistics, making this a well-rounded option for travelers wanting both a boat ride and a glacier kayak experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting an all-in-one day with scenic boat rides and wildlife close-ups in a spectacular setting.
$265 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting your Valdez tour, consider your budget, activity level, and interests. If you want a comprehensive glacier cruise with wildlife, the $1 offers excellent value. For a more personalized and active experience, the Sea Kayak options are perfect — especially the $1.
If adventure is your priority, the whitewater rafting trip (https://happytovisit.com/valdez-keystone-canyon-whitewater-rafting-trip/) delivers thrill and scenery in one. For those seeking a combination of paddling and hiking, the $1 balances activity and wildlife.
Finally, families or beginners might prefer the Duck Flats tour (https://happytovisit.com/valdez-duck-flats-sea-kayak-tour/), which is shorter and less demanding.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months when Valdez’s outdoor tours fill quickly. Think about your comfort level with water and activity, and choose a tour that matches your interests.
Final Thoughts
Valdez offers a wide variety of tours tailored to different interests and activity levels. For those wanting a classic glacier and wildlife experience, the Columbia Glacier Cruise hits the mark. Adventure travelers will love the whitewater rafting or kayaking trips that bring you face-to-face with ice and marine life. For a relaxed day, the Duck Flats kayak or Gold Creek excursions provide peaceful outdoor experiences with plenty of wildlife.
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Alaska’s rugged beauty. Be sure to book early and prepare for variable weather—layers, waterproof gear, and a sense of adventure are your best companions for exploring Valdez’s spectacular scenery.
Happy adventuring!