If you’re eyeing a trip to Alaska and want to see glaciers, wildlife, and wild scenery without the seasickness that sometimes comes with larger ships, the Prince William Sound Glacier Tour from Whittier might just be a good fit. This roughly 10-hour cruise offers a chance to get up close to some of the most stunning natural sights in the area, all from a stable, calm-water vessel.
What we really like about this tour is how smooth and accessible it is for first-timers or anyone worried about feeling queasy on a boat. The second standout? The excellent reviews that highlight the beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings—things that truly make the experience memorable. On the flip side, the long duration can feel a bit much if you’re not used to boat trips, and the narration isn’t always crystal clear, especially if the weather isn’t perfect.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, comfortable day exploring Alaska’s icy landscapes and abundant animals without sacrificing comfort. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a relaxing day on the water will find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Comfortable, nausea-free cruise thanks to stable catamarans and calm waters
- Immersive wildlife viewing, including eagles, sea otters, seals, and possibly bears
- Close-up glacier encounters with glaciers calving, creating a dramatic spectacle
- Delicious Alaskan lunch featuring smoked salmon chowder and fresh sides
- Informative narration from experienced crew and forest rangers
- Accessible and family-friendly, with ADA-compliant vessels and onboard restrooms
Why You Might Love This Experience
This is a solid choice if you’re after a laid-back way to see glaciers and wildlife without the motion sickness that sometimes comes with bigger ships. The catamaran design keeps the ride stable, and the calm waters of Prince William Sound make for smooth sailing. The reviews consistently praise the friendly, attentive crew and the informative narration, which adds a lot of value for those interested in understanding what they’re seeing. Plus, the included lunch—featuring that famous wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder—is a nice touch that elevates the whole experience.
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What to Expect on the Itinerary
Stop 1: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
Your journey begins with a 90-minute drive from Anchorage to Whittier, passing through the famous Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel is a bit of a logistical puzzle, opening on the hour for 30-minute windows, so timing your arrival and departure is key. It’s a fascinating piece of infrastructure—an engineering marvel and a scenic part of your trip. Although the tunnel fee isn’t included, it’s a quick, interesting stop that sets the scene for your adventure.
Stop 2: The Prince William Sound Cruise
Once aboard the high-speed catamarans, you’ll cruise the calm waters of the Prince William Sound, which is known for its spectacular glaciers, wildlife, and migratory birds. The reviews emphasize the smooth ride, which is especially good news for those prone to seasickness, and the professional narration deepens your appreciation of the stunning scenery. Expect to be on the water about six hours, with frequent stops for wildlife viewing and glacier spotting.
Wildlife and Glacier Sightings
Many travelers are thrilled by the number of animals they see—bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and sometimes bears. Reports mention calving glaciers, which are always a crowd favorite, and the chance to see a glacier crack and shed ice into the water. The calving of glaciers can be unpredictable, but when it happens, it’s a spectacular sight, as one reviewer noted, “We saw the results of a glacier calving and an amazing rookery of seagulls.”
Lunch and Refreshments
The included Alaskan smoked salmon chowder is often highlighted as a highlight—rich, flavorful, and satisfying after several hours on the water. There’s also a veggie option available if you request it 48 hours in advance. Coffee, hot tea, and water are self-serve, and if you’re into alcohol, the boat’s full bar offers local beers, wines, and spirits, including a Glacier Ice Margarita.
Whittier Exploration
After the cruise, you have about an hour to wander the charming seaside town of Whittier. It’s a great chance to stroll along the harbor, check out local shops, or grab a quick snack. The reviews describe Whittier as quaint and perfect for a quick peek into local Alaskan life.
The Experience: What Real Travelers Say
The majority of reviews are glowing. One reviewer called it a “wonderful experience,” highlighting the scenery, wildlife, and friendly crew. Many rave about the close encounters with glaciers and the informative narration that makes the scenery come alive. Several mention how smooth and comfortable the ride was, and the included lunch makes the trip feel well-rounded for the price.
Some comments note that glacier calving didn’t occur during their trip—something that’s quite variable depending on the season—but they still appreciated the beautiful scenery and the chance to see bald eagles and bears. A couple of reviews mention that the long duration can sometimes make the trip seem a bit drawn-out, especially if the weather is cloudy or if the onboard narration is hard to hear.
Considering the Price
At roughly $248 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option in Alaska, but many reviews suggest it offers good value. The included lunch, wildlife and glacier viewing, and personalized narration add up. Plus, the fact that the catamarans are stable and the water is calm makes it worth considering if comfort and wildlife sightings are priorities.
Accessibility and Practicalities
The vessels are ADA accessible, which broadens who can comfortably join. Restrooms are available onboard, and the tour operates rain or shine—so packing a waterproof jacket might be wise. The tour starts at 12:15 pm, making it easy to combine with other activities in Whittier or Anchorage. Keep in mind, parking and tunnel tolls aren’t included, so budget for those extras.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
If you’re after a calm, scenic boat ride with a good chance of wildlife sightings and glacier views, this tour ticks those boxes well. It’s especially suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who prefers a more stable, less seasick-prone experience. The included lunch and informative narration add to the value, making it feel like a full, satisfying day.
However, if you’re seeking the most dramatic glacier calving or want a shorter trip, this might not be the best fit. The lengthy duration can be tiring, and the experience can be somewhat dependent on weather conditions—particularly for the clarity of views and the likelihood of calving displays.
This cruise is a well-rounded, trustworthy choice for those eager to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty comfortably and with plenty of wildlife encounters.
Prince William Sound Glacier Tour – Whittier
“We had a particularly lucky day with calving, shooting, whales, bears, goats, sea otters, sea lions . . . The Chowder was delicious! And all the s…”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the tour?
The cruise lasts about 6 hours, with the entire experience approximately 10 hours including travel to and from Whittier and the tunnel.
Is the boat suitable for travelers prone to seasickness?
Yes, many reviews mention the smooth, nausea-free ride thanks to the stable catamarans and calm waters of Prince William Sound.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes a wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder lunch, coffee and tea, narration, a restroom onboard, and wildlife and glacier viewing.
Are there vegetarian or kids’ meal options?
Yes, vegetarian chili or a kids’ meal can be requested 48 hours in advance.
Is WiFi available onboard?
No, WiFi isn’t available, but USB charging stations are provided at every table.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect to see bald eagles, sea otters, seals, and possibly bears. Some travelers have also seen whales, sea lions, and migratory birds.
Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Whittier?
Yes, transportation to Whittier and the tunnel fee aren’t included. The tour begins at 100 W Camp Rd—your responsibility to arrive there on time.
Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the vessels are ADA accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the sights comfortably.
In all, if you’re looking for a scenic, wildlife-rich day in Alaska that balances comfort with adventure, this Prince William Sound Glacier Tour offers a reliable, enjoyable experience you’re likely to remember.