Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive

An Authentic Alaska Adventure: Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive

Imagine driving along the scenic Seward Highway, with Turnagain Arm’s dramatic waters on one side, and the rugged Alaskan wilderness on the other. This self-drive tour begins in Whittier, a charming seaside town with a surprisingly dramatic history. For about $216 per person, you get a roughly four-hour experience that combines the thrill of a scenic drive and the awe-inspiring views of glaciers and marine wildlife aboard a cruise.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the combination of flexibility and guided expertise—you’re free to drive yourself, giving you time to soak in the scenery at your own pace. Second, the up-close encounters with tidewater glaciers and wildlife make this experience genuinely memorable. You’ll see everything from sea otters and Steller sea lions to mountain goats and possibly even whales.

A single consideration? The timing of the drive can add a bit of planning—if you’re not already in Anchorage or Girdwood, the 90-minute drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is a crucial part of the adventure. It’s a logistical detail but one that can influence your day’s flow.

This trip suits travelers who appreciate stunning natural scenery, are comfortable driving in potentially variable weather, and want a personalized Alaskan experience that blends scenic beauty with wildlife viewing. It’s perfect for those who want the freedom of a self-guided tour but still crave the expertise and safety of a professional cruise.

Key Points

• Self-Drive Flexibility: You control your schedule and pace, making it ideal for independent explorers.
• Wildlife & Glaciers: Expect to see seals, otters, whales, and massive tidewater glaciers calving ice into the water.
• Scenic Route: The drive along Turnagain Arm and through the Anton Anderson Tunnel offers iconic Alaskan landscapes.
• Comfort & Convenience: The cruise is smooth, with amenities like restrooms, hot drinks, and a tasty salmon chowder included.
• Limited Accessibility: ADA accessibility is limited—call ahead if you have specific needs.
• Weather Dependency: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather could mean cancellation or rescheduling.

A Deep Dive into the Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive Experience

Starting Point: Whittier & the Anton Anderson Tunnel

The adventure kicks off with the drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, an engineering marvel that connects Girdwood to Whittier. This tunnel is a logistical highlight, opening every 30 minutes, so timing your arrival is key. We recommend aiming for the 11:30 AM entrance to maximize your day. The drive takes 90 minutes from Anchorage, or about 45 minutes from Girdwood—these details matter because they influence how much time you have for the cruise and exploration.

The tunnel itself is a marvel—it’s the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America, carved through solid granite. As you navigate through, you’ll get a fleeting glimpse of the Alaskan wilderness from a unique perspective.

The Scenic Drive & Turnagain Arm

Once through the tunnel, the drive along Turnagain Arm is unforgettable. This body of water is famous for its tidewater effects, dramatic mountains, and potential to spot marine mammals. Travelers often mention the extraordinary views, with some noting the chance to see mountain goats on the cliffs or bald eagles soaring above.

The Cruise: Blackstone Bay & Glacial Marvels

The real highlight begins when you arrive in Whittier, from where your self-drive cruise takes you 45 miles into Blackstone Bay. The vessel is a smooth, stable catamaran—designed for comfort and good visibility.

During the cruise, you’ll see seven glaciers in the vicinity, including Tebenkof Glacier—named after Mikhail Tebenkov, the first chartmaker of this region’s waters in 1852. The Northland Glacier clings dramatically to a mountain’s edge, while the Beloit and Blackstone tidewater glaciers carve steep pathways down to the saltwater of Prince William Sound.

What truly sets this cruise apart is the chance to witness ice calving—a thunderous, jaw-dropping event when large chunks break off the glacier’s face and crash into the water. Several reviews mention this as a spectacular spectacle. You might even see signs of glacier movement, like the pop of ice breaking off, which is quite a thrill.

Wildlife Encounters

The tour is renowned for its wildlife sightings. Expect to see sea otters floating on their backs, Steller sea lions basking on rocks, and maybe even some whales breaching in the distance. The crew often pulls up glacier ice for us to enjoy in drinks, adding a refreshing touch to the experience, as one reviewer noted.

Dining & Amenities

Included in your ticket is a delicious lunch—savory Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, complemented with oyster crackers, a vegetable salad, cheese, fruit, and a peppermint treat. Vegetarian options—like chili—are available with 48 hours’ notice. The vessel is smoke-free, and hot drinks are available, making the trip cozy regardless of the weather.

Restroom facilities are on board, which is a thoughtful touch on this relatively short cruise. Remember, this experience is designed for most travelers, but ADA accessibility is limited—call ahead if you have specific needs.

Authenticity & Personal Touches

Guests rave about the friendly, knowledgeable crew. One review mentions “the entire crew being so helpful,” and another highlights the fresh glacier ice they pulled for drinks. It’s clear that the guides and crew are passionate and eager to enhance your trip with stories and insider tips.

Practical Details & Booking

The self-drive format offers flexibility—you can start your journey at your own pace, provided you arrive in time for check-in at 100 W Camp Rd in Whittier. The tour departs at 1:00 PM, with check-in an hour earlier, ensuring you’re ready to go. The total duration, including the drive, is about four hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

The tour is operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC, with a full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if weather turns sour.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is perfect for independent travelers who enjoy a mix of driving and wildlife viewing. It’s especially suited for those who value up-close glacier encounters and stunning scenery, and don’t mind a bit of planning around timing and weather. Families, couples, or solo explorers who want a personalized taste of Alaska’s wilderness will find this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is the Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive Worth It?

For travelers seeking a balanced blend of scenic drive and active glacier viewing, this tour offers excellent value. The flexibility of self-driving appeals to those who want to control their pace, while the guided cruise ensures you won’t miss the jaw-dropping glaciers and wildlife. The inclusion of a delicious lunch and amenities makes it a comfortable outing, even if the weather isn’t perfect.

While the tour is somewhat weather-dependent and has limited accessibility options, the stunning views and memorable wildlife encounters more than compensate. If you’re comfortable with driving, want a personalized adventure, and love the idea of witnessing glaciers calving right before your eyes, this trip will become a highlight of your Alaska visit.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Accessibility is limited, so it’s best to call ahead to discuss your specific needs. The vessel is smoke-free and designed for comfort, but mobility considerations should be clarified before booking.

How long is the drive to Whittier?
From Anchorage, it takes about 90 minutes via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. From Girdwood, it’s approximately 45 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided cruise into Blackstone Bay, a salmon chowder lunch, hot drinks, restrooms onboard, and a self-drive experience. Gift shop items and alcohol are available for purchase.

Can I cancel if the weather looks poor?
Yes. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
While wildlife sightings are common and often spectacular, nature is unpredictable. You might see seals, otters, whales, mountain goats, and possibly bears, but sightings can vary.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?
Yes. Vegetarian chili and kids’ meals are available with 48 hours’ notice.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 140 travelers, but the experience feels intimate, especially on smaller groups.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and families with kids often enjoy the trip. Just check with the tour provider if you have specific concerns.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $216.20 per person, offering a great value considering the scenery, wildlife, and amenities included.

In sum, the Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive offers a chance to explore Alaska’s incredible glaciers and wildlife at a pace that suits you. The mixture of driving, cruising, and wildlife watching makes it perfect for those who want a personalized, authentic experience—an adventure you’ll remember long after returning home.