Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise – An Authentic Alaskan Adventure

If you’re after a true taste of Alaska’s untouched beauty, the Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise offers a compelling way to combine breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and a dash of history—all in one smooth, well-organized trip. This cruise, operated by Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, consistently earns glowing ratings (a 4.9 out of 5 from nearly 90 reviews), and for good reason. It’s not just a sightseeing tour; it’s a well-balanced experience that promises memorable moments with glaciers, whales, and rugged coastlines, all seasoned with expert commentary and plenty of comfort.

One thing we love about this tour is the expert guidance—the crew, including seasoned guides like Captain Steve, knows the waters and wildlife intimately, making each sighting as engaging as it is informative. Plus, the scenery—with waterfalls, icebergs, and the historic retreat of Columbia Glacier—is truly spectacular. The included hot soup lunch offers a cozy way to refuel amid the outdoor adventure, which is especially welcoming given the sometimes brisk Alaskan weather.

A possible consideration is the weather variability—departures go regardless of weather conditions, so travelers should be prepared with warm clothing, rain gear, and layers. The boat itself is enclosed and heated, but outdoor viewing requires some winter gear. This tour generally suits travelers who enjoy wildlife, scenery, and a relaxed pace, especially those who appreciate the comfort of guided commentary and a well-paced itinerary.

Key Points

• Stunning Glacier Views: Witness the ongoing retreat of Columbia Glacier and the surrounding ice formations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot seals, otters, whales, sea lions, and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
• Historical Insights: Learn about Valdez’s past, maritime activities, and the glacier’s significance.
• Comfort & Convenience: Enclosed, heated boat with a hot soup lunch, plus transfers included.
• Authentic Experience: Guides provide detailed commentary in multiple languages, emphasizing real-world insights.
• Great for All: Suitable for those who want a full day of scenic exploration and wildlife without strenuous activity.

The Itinerary: What to Expect During Your 6-Hour Adventure

Start at Valdez: Your journey begins with a check-in about an hour before departure, at the office behind the Best Western Hotel. Here, you’ll get your boarding instructions and a quick briefing. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before the cruise, so arriving early is a smart move to settle in comfortably.

First Stop – Port Valdez: The tour kicks off with a scenic cruise through Port Valdez, which is steeped in history—from early explorers to oil shipping and commercial fishing. As you glide along, your guide will share stories about the area’s past, giving you context for the stunning scenery ahead.

Passing Valdez Narrows & Waterfalls: The route takes you through the Valdez Narrows, where the landscape is dramatic, with cascading waterfalls spilling down coastal mountains. These waterfalls are often visible from the boat and make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Lunch & Warmth: Midway through the cruise, you’ll enjoy a hot soup lunch—a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone warm and energized. Accompanying the soup are bagels with cream cheese and cookies, providing a satisfying and simple meal while you take in the views.

Entering Prince William Sound & Columbia Bay: As you move into the mighty Prince William Sound, the scenery transforms into a world of massive ice floes, towering glaciers, and rugged mountains. This is the area where Columbia Glacier dominates—one of the most active glaciers in the region, continually retreating and calving new icebergs.

Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for seals, sea otters, sea lions, and possibly whales—including orca, humpbacks, and porpoises, depending on the season. Reviewers mention seeing a variety of animals, with one noting that they observed numerous sea otters, orcas, and humpbacks during their trip. Bald eagles are often seen soaring overhead, adding to the picture-perfect landscape.

Exploring Columbia Glacier: The highlight is entering Columbia Bay, where the glacier’s face is visible in all its icy grandeur. The crew emphasizes safety and comfort, offering warm layers and binoculars so you can appreciate the ice formations close-up. Many travelers mention that this part of the cruise offers “stunning scenery,” and that the glaciers appear “larger-than-life,” with chunks of ice floating past the boat.

Return Journey & Community Time: After a few hours exploring, the boat heads back through Prince William Sound, passing more waterfalls and wildlife hotspots. When the cruise concludes, you’ll return to Valdez ready to explore the town or enjoy a local dinner, as many reviewers suggest.

The Boat & Guide Experience

The vessel used is around 90 feet long, designed for comfort and stability. According to reviews, the ride is quite smooth, even when navigating around ice floes and wildlife. The crew, guided by Captain Steve and others, is praised for their knowledge and ease at handling the boat, making wildlife sightings more accessible and less stressful.

Guides also provide maps and commentary in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, and Korean, ensuring international visitors feel well-informed. The onboard guide tends to be engaging, sharing stories about the area’s history, the glacier’s retreat, and wildlife behaviors—adding depth to the sightseeing experience.

Food & Facilities: The included hot soup lunch is hearty and warming, appreciated especially on colder days. The boat also offers a snack bar and a gift shop, should you wish to purchase souvenirs or additional snacks.

Accessibility & Practicalities: The tour is wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available if needed. Guests should be prepared for some steep access ramps at the docks depending on the tide, and should bring weather-appropriate gear—think layered clothing, rain jackets, sunglasses, and waterproof shoes. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of packing binoculars and cameras to capture the spectacular sights.

Price & Value

At $170 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering transportation, guiding, wildlife viewing, and a warm, filling lunch. When you consider the costs of private boat rentals or guided wildlife excursions elsewhere, this price reflects good value, especially given the diversity of sights and the expert narration.

Travelers often comment on the quality of the experience relative to the price. One reviewer noted, “It was a great trip and well worth the price,” mentioning the smooth ride, informative captain, and abundance of wildlife sightings. The inclusions like the lunch and transfers add to the overall value, ensuring a hassle-free day out.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, scenery lovers, and those interested in learning about Alaska’s history without the physical demands of trekking or kayaking. It suits travelers who value comfort and want a guided, informative experience. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike find it appealing, especially since the boat is wheelchair accessible.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, scenic, and wildlife-rich day with expert guides, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s also a great way to explore Columbia Glacier, one of the region’s most significant natural features, without the need for specialized outdoor skills.

While weather can be unpredictable, the boat’s enclosed, heated design and the opportunity to bundle up make it manageable, even on chilly days. Just remember to bring your camera, warm layers, and patience—because the views and wildlife sightings are worth every effort.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, departures are regardless of weather. The boat is enclosed and heated, but you should dress warmly for outside viewing.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring warm clothing, rain gear, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, snacks, sunscreen, cash, and closed-toe shoes. Weather-appropriate layers are recommended.

Are there transfers included?
Yes, transfers to and from RV parks in Valdez are included, making the experience more convenient.

Can I see wildlife like whales and otters?
Absolutely. Many guests report sightings of seals, sea otters, and whales, including orca and humpbacks, especially in Columbia Bay.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, with starting times available throughout the day (check availability).

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available if needed.

What is the food like?
A hot soup lunch with a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies is served. Additional snacks are available for purchase onboard.

To sum it up, the Valdez Columbia Glacier Cruise offers a genuine chance to see Alaska’s icy giants and playful marine life in one relaxing day. The combination of expert guides, comfortable boat, and stunning scenery makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the raw beauty of Prince William Sound without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for wildlife lovers, history buffs, and anyone eager to see glaciers up close, this tour provides authentic memories that will stay with you long after the trip ends.