26 glacier cruise

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise

Plot a course through Blackstone Bay, Esther Passage, and College Fjord to see 26 of Prince William Sound’s spectacular glaciers.

• Things to Do in Whittier
• Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier

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Rates & dates, departure times, availability.

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Klondike Express and Bravest, the two modern catamarans that host this popular tour, were built with the enjoyment of day cruise passengers in mind. Spacious and clean, the boats boast large picture windows and ample outdoor deck space to ensure every guest gets the opportunity to enjoy Alaska's iconic coastal landscapes.

Glaciers are the true stars of the sound.

The five-hour cruise departs from the Cliffside Marina in Whittier . The tiny harbor town is located 60 miles southeast of Anchorage and accessible by road through a single-lane tunnel. Prince William Sound's protected waters ensure the trip is a smooth one. The 140-mile voyage passes sea lion haul outs, rafts of clustered otters, kittiwake colonies, and icebergs inhabited by shy spotted seals.

Of all the fun of spotting wildlife, glaciers are the true stars of the day. Harvard, Blackstone, Bryn Mawr, and Marquette are but a handful of the 26 named glaciers seen along the way. The tour boat pauses closest to Harvard Glacier so that passengers can hopefully glimpse huge chunks of ancient ice plunging into the water with thunderous claps. In this extraordinary setting time goes by fast, and soon the catamaran cruises back through College Fjord for a 6:15 PM return into Whittier.

An added bus transfer from Anchorage or Girdwood makes this popular day cruise out of Whittier a perfect fit for independent travelers who'd rather not rent a car. After pickups in Anchorage, the scenic drive takes guests down the Turnagain Arm with a stop in Girdwood, then into a valley overlooked by hanging glaciers and through a 2.5-mile tunnel to Prince William Sound. Guests are dropped at the Cliffside Marina to catch the 26 Glacier Cruise.

Guests cruise aboard either the M/V Klondike Express or M/V Bravest. Both are modern, high-speed catamarans with two indoor cabin decks, large picture windows, and outdoor viewing areas. All passengers are assigned indoor cabin seats around tables with USB ports. The boat is ADA accessible. No smoking is allowed onboard.

The onboard lunch includes wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, fresh salad, a roll, and a sweet treat. Vegetarian/gluten free and child lunch options available when requested in advance. The cruise offers complimentary hot tea, coffee, and water. Additional snacks, hot and cold drinks, and adult beverages are available for purchase.

What to Bring

To make the most of views on the exterior decks, bring a rain jacket, hat, and gloves. Wear warm base layers and rubber-soled shoes. Even on a sunny day, the breeze coming off tidewater glaciers can be quite chilly. Be sure to bring a camera and binoculars.

Special Instructions

Passengers driving by car should plan to take the 11:30 AM tunnel entrance into Whittier. Cost per regular vehicle is $13. Click here for more information about the Whittier Tunnel.

Transfers & Meeting Points

Passengers arriving by train can walk from the Whittier Depot to the Phillips Cruises & Tours kiosk at the Cliffside Marina. Passengers arriving by car can park for a fee in pay lots across the Whittier Creek bridge toward the marina.

Guests who opt for the added bus transfer will be picked up at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage and the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Return service is available to the Anchorage airport upon request.

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

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Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.

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Quick Facts

• Price From $189 + Tax
• Duration From 5.5 Hours
• Options Cruise Only , Cruise with Transfer
• Operating Dates Daily from 5/4/2024 to 9/30/2024
• Activity Level Less Active

What's Included

• Smooth 140-mile cruise in Prince William Sound.
• Onboard narration by captain and crew.
• Freshly made hot lunch served onboard.
• Reserved seating in a spacious cabin.
• Option to add roundtrip transportation from Anchorage and Girdwood to Whittier.

Guest Feedback

"Excellent tour and amazing Forest Service guide! Very nice cruise boat with breathtaking scenery! The drive to Whittier is incredible. Highly recommend!"

~Kasia from Wisconsin~

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