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

Wed 25 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $164.11

Make a reservation

Wed 25 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)

AussieTravelholic

Sep 2017

My husband and I did the 6 hour Columbia Glacier cruise in early July. The weather was good but it was still freezing out near the glacier so take plenty of warm clothes. The cruise was excellent with a light tasty lunch. Very informative, saw whales which the captain made a point of looking out for them, sea otters, seals, sea lions, plenty of birdlife and wonderful scenery. The captain moved the boat quite close to the glacier, spent quite a lot of time there, and we got wonderful photos up close and even saw some small calving. There are helpful guides on the boat who provide additional information during the cruise. Our boat was full and there was not a lot of space for everyone who wanted to take photos outside at the same time. Most people were considerate and didn't hog the best viewing spots for too long and happily rotated in and out to allow everyone to get some good photo op's. The boat is warm and comfortable inside but quite draughty and cold if you are sitting near the doorway as people are moving in and out all the time. I would love to do this cruise again if I am ever back in Valdez

Susan B

Aug 2017

We had a great time on our glacier/wildlife viewing cruise. The boat (Glacier Spirit) is brand new so everything was in very good condition and clean. The crew was very helpful and courteous. The captain took his time looking for and at wildlife. He was very knowledgeable about the areas animals, glaciers and waterways. He explained the Exxon Valdez oil spill in a way that I'd never heard and I was quite enlightened. He stopped so we could watch fishermen haul in their catch. We also paused to watch a humpback what slapping his tail repeatedly on the water. It was awesome! We also saw sea lions, puffins, sea otters, seal and of course, Columbia Glacier. The whole trip was great! (although I would rethink serving clam chowder on the open water). This is a great value and a must do if you're in Valdez.

amalibrahim

Jul 2017

Getting to Valdez was trying, but I am so glad we did. I was traveling with my husband and my parents. And because it would be our 3rd cruise during our Alaskan holiday, I told everyone that if they didn't want to go, they didn't have to. But I was going to go no matter what. In the end, everyone decided to go and it did not disappoint. I got cold at times, but I could not stay inside because the views of Columbia Glacier and the icebergs in the water were so stunning. It was an incredible experience. And what made it even better was that it felt like a more personal experience. The captain invited passengers to come and ask questions and he also made it a point to slow the boat whenever he spotted wildlife or anything of interest. Everyone on board was friendly and helpful. Even my dad, who says he wants to escape Ohio winters and the cold in general, was super excited on this trip. He was out taking photos more often than I was. If you have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend taking a cruise with Stan Stephens.