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Glacier Quest Cruise - Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK

Glacier Quest Cruise - Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK

Overview

Drive the Seward Highway along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier. The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more!

You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving.

City: Whittier

Wed 09 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $205.54

Make a reservation

Wed 09 Apr

Starting at $205.54

Make a reservation

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What's Included

No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.

A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration during the cruise.

Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie. Request Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal 48 hours prior

Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.

ADA Accessibility limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.

Restroom on board

Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

Add travel time from Anchorage to Whittier at 90 minutes each way. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes. We recommend taking the 11:30 AM tunnel entrance at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to access Whittier in time for the Glacier Quest Cruise. The tunnel is open thirty minutes past the hour for access to Whittier. After your cruise, the tunnel opens on the hour to depart Whittier until 11:00 PM.

Prince William Sound

The Glacier Quest Cruise travels 45 miles into Blackstone Bay where seven glaciers and glistening waters provide a spectacular panoramic view from the mountain peaks above to the turquoise saltwater sea below. Please check-in one hour before cruise departure time.

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (44)

minnesotans4

Jun 2021

We thoroughly enjoyed the 3.75 hour 45 mile Glacier Quest Cruise. The captain was excellent with his narrative and stopped several times for the passengers to take pictures especially when the humpback whales were breaching which was a fantastic sight. The absolute highlight was the very impressive ice calving of one of the glaciers. Even the captain stated that in his seven years he had not seen such a large calving. Near Whittier was a rookery of 10,000 black legged kittiwake birds nesting along the sea cliffs. A complimentary lunch was served, would recommend the seafood chowder. The scenery was majestic. The boat was very clean and spacious.

maibe219118

Aug 2023

It was sunny until the day before, but it was raining on this day. It was raining all day. And foggy. But the boat was full. It was extremely cold even though it was August. I recommend bringing a raincoat or warm clothes just in case (it may not be necessary if it's sunny). The boat was 5 and a half hours long. It was warm inside and the clam chowder was delicious! Water, coffee, and tea were free. Most of the boats seat 4 or 6 people. If you are going with two people, prepare to share a seat. It was cold outside and warm inside, so the windows were fogged up and you couldn't see anything from inside the boat, and I didn't have a window seat and my smartphone didn't work. There was nothing to do except look at the glaciers (lol). They also sold glacier ice, so I ordered some, but... it wasn't blue, just transparent ice. It was tasteless and odorless. Because the weather was bad, we couldn't see all 26 glaciers, but we were still able to see the moment the glaciers fell at some of the glaciers we stopped at. Toilets in American facilities often get dirty over time, but the toilets here stayed clean until the end, probably because the staff checked them by spraying deodorant from time to time (the toilet on the second floor was clogged, but one clean toilet is enough). I think it would be the best tour if the weather was good. We couldn't see the whole glacier because of the weather, not the company's fault, and it was nice to see the staff responding efficiently with a smile, so I'm giving it a 5-star rating. If you make a reservation, decorate your teru teru bozu every day and pray for sunny skies (lol)

Response from Host

Aug 2023

Kon'nichiwa, Thank you for cruising with us and sharing your review with great information for future travelers. We are glad you could cruise with us and we wish you a safe journey for the rest of your Alaska vacation. Sayōnara