Alaska is renowned for its rugged beauty—thick forests, towering mountains, and coastlines dotted with glaciers—and there’s no better way to experience this wild landscape than from the water. Boat tours and cruises offer a front-row seat to Alaska’s untouched wilderness, allowing you to see glaciers calving, spot whales breaching, and watch sea lions bask on rocky shores. Among the many options, we especially like the Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez for its close-up glacier encounters and wildlife sightings, and the Meares Glacier Cruise for its full-day immersion into icy wilderness. If you’re after a more intimate experience with marine life, the Juneau whale watching cruise is a fantastic choice. Each offers a different window into Alaska’s natural world, tailored to varying interests and schedules.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights three top boat tours in Alaska, each with unique qualities:
– The Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez is a 6-hour adventure focusing on glaciers and marine wildlife. []
– The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez is an 8-hour, full-day tour, emphasizing ice calving, wildlife, and local history. []
– The Juneau Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise offers a shorter, 3.5-hour trip perfect for those eager to spot whales and learn about local flora and fauna. []
1. Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez
At number one, the Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez strikes a perfect balance between glacier viewing and wildlife encounters. This 6-hour tour takes you through Prince William Sound and up close to the largest tidewater glacier in south-central Alaska, Columbia Glacier. Your local captain and crew will guide you through transit points like the Trans Alaska Pipeline Terminal and Columbia Bay, providing insights into the area’s natural and industrial history.
What makes this cruise stand out is the chance to see wildlife such as puffins, sea lions, otters, and possibly porpoises, all while navigating among floating icebergs calved from the glacier. The boat is well-equipped to get close enough to the glacier face for dramatic views, and the sound of ice cracking and calving adds a thrilling auditory backdrop. A delicious onboard lunch is included, making this both an immersive and comfortable experience. With a stellar 5.0-star rating based on 242 reviews, travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable crew and the abundance of wildlife sightings.
Bottom line: This tour offers a comprehensive, well-reviewed experience that combines majestic glaciers with vibrant marine life—ideal for those wanting a classic Alaskan glacier adventure with gourmet touches.
2. Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez
For travelers seeking a full-day immersive experience, the Meares Glacier Cruise is hard to beat. This 8-hour journey takes you through Prince William Sound, where you’ll witness ice breaking off from Meares Glacier, creating unforgettable moments of nature’s raw power. The tour emphasizes learning about the area’s mining and fishing history, making it educational as well as visually stunning.
What sets this cruise apart is its focus on ice calving, where you’ll hear and see chunks of ice crashing into the water, a mesmerizing display of the glacier’s activity. The crew is skilled at spotting whales, dolphins, sea otters, and other wildlife, giving you a comprehensive view of the local ecosystem. The lunch is described as delicious, and the full-day format allows plenty of time to take in the scenery and wildlife in a relaxed manner.
Rated 5.0 based on 81 reviews, many guests comment on the breathtaking views and the sense of being in an icy wilderness. It’s perfect for travelers who want a deeper dive into Alaska’s glacial landscapes and appreciate rich stories about local history.
Bottom line: This full-day cruise offers a perfect blend of glacier action and wildlife, making it a top choice for those who want a comprehensive Alaskan adventure.
3. Juneau: Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide
If your main goal is whale watching, the Juneau: Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise is hard to beat. This 3.5-hour trip from Juneau takes you out into Alaska’s productive waters, where humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals are often spotted. The small group size and heated boat ensure comfort while you scan the ocean for these gentle giants.
A key feature of this cruise is the informative commentary from local guides, who share insights into whale behavior, local flora, and the ecosystems of Juneau’s waters. The tour is designed for those who want a more intimate experience, with plenty of time to photograph and observe whales safely from the boat. Reviews highlight the breathtaking views of mountains and forests surrounding the water, as well as the frequent sightings of whales.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 174 reviews, many guests mention how well the guides know their stuff and how exciting it is to see whales breach or spyhop. This tour is better suited for travelers short on time but eager for a memorable marine encounter.
Bottom line: Ideal for whale enthusiasts and those wanting a shorter but rich wildlife experience, this cruise combines comfort, education, and awe-inspiring wildlife sightings.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour for Your Alaska Trip
When selecting between these tours, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If glaciers and icebergs are your main focus, the Columbia Glacier Cruise offers close encounters with massive ice formations and abundant wildlife. For those wanting an all-day adventure with the possibility of seeing ice calving and learning about local history, the Meares Glacier Cruise is unbeatable. If your priority is whale watching, and you prefer a shorter trip with a more personal touch, the Juneau wildlife cruise fits the bill.
Budget-wise, prices range from around $177 to $195, and all tours provide good value considering the inclusions and reviews. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and ensure a spot on these popular trips.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s boat tours open a window to some of the most spectacular natural sights in North America. Whether you choose the glacier-focused adventures of the Columbia and Meares cruises or the marine life encounters around Juneau, each offers a different slice of this wild landscape. Travelers wanting a deep dive into glaciers and icy calving should prioritize the full-day Meares Glacier Cruise, while those craving close-up wildlife encounters with whales can’t go wrong with the shorter Juneau cruise.
For most visitors, combining a glacier tour with wildlife viewing adds richness to their trip, so consider pairing these experiences if your schedule allows. Remember, Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable—pack layers and book early to maximize your chances of smooth sailing. Whatever your choice, the waters of Alaska promise unforgettable sights and stories — so don’t delay in making your plans.
Happy sailing!