Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

Location: United States
Country: United States
Rating: 4.9/5 (140 reviews)
Price: $174 per person
Supplier: Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Columbia Glacier Cruise Experience

If you’re heading to Valdez and want a full day of awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife viewing, the 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise offers an excellent way to spend your time. For $174, you’ll join a boat tour that takes you through the waters of Prince William Sound, visiting the iconic Columbia Glacier — a spectacular sight as it continues its retreat into the Chugach Mountains. Expect to see seals, otters, whales, and eagles, plus cascading waterfalls along the shoreline.

What we particularly love about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with insights about the area’s history and natural features, and the hot soup lunch that keeps everyone warm and satisfied during the chilly part of the adventure. It’s a well-paced, engaging experience that balances wildlife, scenery, and education, perfect for those who love authentic, hands-on explorations.

One thing to consider is that the tour departs in all weather, so packing warm clothes, rain gear, and layers is essential. If you’re expecting sunshine, don’t forget sun protection too. This trip suits travelers eager for a combination of natural beauty and wildlife, especially those who enjoy learning about the environment while spotting marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Key Points

• Unmissable Glacier Views: Witness the retreat of Columbia Glacier and see massive ice formations in the bay.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot seals, otters, whales, and bald eagles — with guides often taking extra time for animal watching.
• Informative Guides: Learn about the area’s history, early explorers, oil shipping, and local ecosystems from experienced guides.
• Comfort and Convenience: Enclosed, heated boats with a hot soup lunch make the trip comfortable even on chilly days.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, with transfers to/from RV parks included.
• Authentic Experience: Tour includes a mix of natural beauty, local history, and wildlife in a relatively small group setting.

A Detailed Look at the Columbia Glacier Cruise

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

The tour begins with check-in at the office behind the Best Western Hotel in Valdez, about an hour before departure, giving you time to settle in and get oriented. Boarding begins 30 minutes early, so arriving on time is wise. The boat itself is enclosed and heated, but you’ll want to wear warm clothing, as part of the experience involves outside viewing where the cold can cut through a lighter layer.

Once underway, the first leg of the journey takes you through Port Valdez. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of Valdez’s maritime history, from early explorers to the bustling oil shipping activities. The guides do a great job explaining how this harbor became such a critical hub and what impacts it has had on the environment.

Next, you’ll cruise the shoreline of Prince William Sound, passing cascading waterfalls that add to the scenery’s majesty. The guide will point out features from the boat, so keeping an eye out and listening closely pays off. We loved the way the guide shared stories about the area’s natural and human history, making the scenery more meaningful.

As you approach the Columbia Glacier, the true highlight begins: standing amid the massive ice formations and witnessing the glacier’s ongoing retreat. This is a dynamic environment — glaciers changing size and shape over time — and seeing it in person offers a sense of the power of nature in motion.

The highlight here is the wildlife. Guides often spend extra time seeking out orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea otters, and sea lions. Reviewers like Birgit from Germany appreciated the attention to animal sightings, noting, “The captain took a lot of time for animal watching,” which is a sign of a well-run tour.

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Lunch and Comfort

Midway through, you’ll enjoy a hot soup lunch with a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies. This simple but hearty meal helps everyone warm up and refuel for the rest of the trip. Coffee, tea, lemonade, and water are complimentary, and there’s a snack bar and gift shop on board for extra treats or souvenirs.

The boat’s design — enclosed and heated — ensures comfort. Still, you’ll want to dress in layers, rain gear, and warm clothes, especially if the weather turns brisk or rainy, which it often does in Alaska.

Wildlife and Nature Watching

The cruise is as much about the experience of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat as it is about the glacier itself. Guides are attentive, and many reviews mention how much time is spent on wildlife observation. Birgit’s comment about “super tasty fish soup” highlights the quality of the tour’s hospitality, but also the overall value of the experience.

Seals, otters, and sea lions are common, often basking on rocks or swimming nearby. Whale sightings are frequent, with orcas and humpbacks being the stars of the show. Bald eagles soar overhead, adding to the wilderness feel. You might find that the guides are eager to share stories about the animals, making the trip educational as well as scenic.

Return and Local Exploration

After returning to Valdez, the tour ends with the opportunity to explore the town at your leisure. Many travelers appreciate the chance to relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day’s highlights.

The Value of This Cruise

For $174, this tour offers a full day of spectacular scenery, wildlife viewing, and education. The small group size, guided commentary, and well-planned itinerary make it a worthwhile investment. The inclusion of lunch and transportation adds to its convenience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

The reviews speak volumes — with an average rating of 4.9 from 140 travelers, most mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides and amazing sightings. One reviewer from Luxembourg said, “the views and sightings met our expectations,” which bodes well for new visitors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want an authentic Alaskan adventure. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in seeing glaciers and marine animals in a natural setting. Also, if you appreciate a comfortable, well-organized tour with informative guides, this experience won’t disappoint.

The Sum Up

The Valdez Columbia Glacier Cruise offers a balanced blend of breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and educational insights. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to witness the raw power of glaciers and the lively marine ecosystem of Prince William Sound without sacrificing comfort. The hot lunch and warm boat make the cold, sometimes unpredictable Alaskan weather manageable, while the expert guides ensure you get the most out of your time on the water.

This tour is best suited for those who seek authentic outdoor experiences, are prepared for weather changes, and value learning about the environment. It’s an immersive adventure that leaves most travelers feeling like they’ve truly connected with Alaska’s natural beauty.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the boats are enclosed and heated, but you should bring warm clothing and rain gear regardless, as weather in Alaska can change quickly.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Pack warm layers, sunglasses, camera, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, binoculars, and closed-toe shoes. Cash is also handy for souvenirs or extra snacks.

Are the boats accessible for people with mobility issues?
A ramp is used to access the dock, which may be steep depending on the tide. Assistance is available if needed.

How long is the entire trip?
The cruise lasts about 6 hours, including check-in, travel, sightseeing, and return.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include seals, otters, whales (orcas and humpbacks), sea lions, puffins, and bald eagles.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a hot soup lunch with a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies is part of the package.

Are there restroom facilities on board?
Most guided boats like this have restrooms, but it’s good to confirm with the operator.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in wildlife and scenery.

Do I need to bring my own guide or map?
No, an onboard guide and map are provided in multiple languages, including English.

Whether you’re eager to see glaciers calving into icy bays or spot a pod of orcas, this cruise offers an unforgettable glimpse into Alaska’s wild side. Just remember to dress warmly, keep your camera ready, and prepare for a day filled with “wow” moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: