Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez

Overview

This 6-hour tour explores the fjords and passageways of the Prince William Sound in route to South-central Alaska's largest tidewater glacier – Columbia Glacier. Your all-Alaskan captain and crew will share with you the history of the Sound and point out the marine wildlife and bird life in the area such as sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, porpoises, eagles, puffins and more!

City: Alaska

Thu 26 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $164.11

Make a reservation

Thu 26 Dec

Starting at $164.11

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Lunch: Served around 12:00 PM is a light soup lunch.

Light refreshments: Complimentary coffee, tea and water.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
We do provide a vegetarian option, however are not able to meet all special dietary needs. If you have specific restrictions or needs please feel free to bring your own meals/snacks.
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides

What To Expect

Columbia Glacier

Columbia Glacier is the largest glacier in south-central Alaska. Each day Columbia calves off around 8 million tons of ice. Depending on this ice flow we will navigate the large ice bergs getting as close to the face of Columbia as the ice and safety dictate.

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is a protected part of the ocean that we cruise in. It is rich with wildlife, glacier, beautiful glacier carved fjords and history.

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Stan Stephens Cruises has been operating tours in Prince William Sound for 50 years.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (118)

Mary B

May 2018

Our boat was nearly new and very comfortable. Inside was heated with comfortable chairs but we sat near a door out to the deck. It was partly cloudy and windy with the boat cruising so it was cold outside. The captain and all of his staff were very helpful and gave continuous information on the areas and what we were seeing. The Columbia Glacier was calving so there were a lot of small icebergs in the bay. Along the way, we saw eagles, black bears, mountain goats, Stellar sea lions, several otter and a humpback whale. Lunch was delicious clam chowder and a bagel served at our table. We were very pleased with the experience and would do it again when we visit Valdez.

virginias729

Nov 2017

Cruise was awesome!! Information from the captain very interesting and informative. Got to see the Columbia Glacier calving! Captain of the boat let us stay around the glacier longer than usual because of the activity. Staff on board were wonderful and professional. Lots of beautiful views of the mountains!

Response from Host

Dec 2017

We are happy that you traveled with us last summer and happier that you enjoyed your journey. Please look us us next time you are in Alaska!

MT1

Sep 2017

My wife and I went out on the Columbia glacier cruise (about 6 hours long) while on vacation in AK. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Copper Princess Wilderness lodge down to Valdez and it took us a few minutes to locate the cruise office behind a hotel. There was plenty of parking on the street when we went as it was not too busy. The wx the day we went was cool and overcast with a little rain off and on - it was nice to have the heated interior spaces on both decks. We went on the "Glacier Spirit" which I understand they got new in July 2017. It is a 90' catamaran and the boat was wonderful - nice inside booth type seating on both decks with room for 3 on each side of the table, 2 bathrooms on the first deck, great visibility out the windows, outside seating as well and lots of standing room outside along the railing around both decks. Our Captain was Amanda who I believe has been with Stan Stephens over 20 years, around 11 as a Captain. She, and all the members of the crew, were awesome. They allowed folks to be up in the wheelhouse and ask questions as the cruise was underway and they were all very friendly and accommodating. Throughout the entire cruise they were constantly scanning with binoculars looking for wildlife to try and make the cruise as good as possible. If you forget your own binoculars they have some to rent on board ($5 I believe). We were served a lunch of soup in a bread bowl and a drink - it was good. They also have a small snack bar on board with snack and drink items you can purchase. During our cruise we say eagles, sea otters and sea lions but no whales. It wasn't for a lack of trying on their part as I mentioned earlier. Even though there was a fair amount of ice in the water up near the Columbia Glacier we got up to within about 3/4 of a mile and Amanda gave everyone ample opportunities to get pictures from various angles. Throughout the cruise she provided commentary on the history of the area, the Exxon Valdez, the glaciers, etc and it was very informative. The boat itself was very clean and comfortable, the entire crew were awesome and it was a great experience. We certainly were hoping to see whales but there is nothing the crew can do about that. I would highly recommend this cruise and believe the price is very reasonable.