Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez: Calving ice and wildlife

Eight million tons of ice calve from Columbia Glacier each day.

This 6-hour cruise from Valdez navigates the fjords of Prince William Sound to Columbia Glacier, Alaska's largest tidewater glacier, where an all-Alaskan captain and crew point out marine wildlife, birds and glacier history as the boat gets as close to the glacier face as ice and safety allow. Lunch is served around midday. Complimentary coffee, tea and water are available throughout. Stan Stephens Cruises has operated these tours for 50 years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise to Columbia Glacier

• Board cruise in Valdez
• Cruise Prince William Sound
• Observe marine wildlife
• Navigate near Columbia Glacier
• Learn history from captain and crew
• Return to Valdez

The experience

Prince William Sound is a protected stretch of ocean carved by glaciers and rich with wildlife. The cruise leaves Valdez and heads into fjords where sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales and porpoises move through the water, and eagles and puffins work the air above. The captain and crew, all Alaskan, narrate the history of the Sound and point out what you're seeing as it appears. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

Columbia Glacier is the largest glacier in south-central Alaska. Each day it calves roughly 8 million tons of ice into the water. How close the boat can get to the glacier face depends on the ice flow and safety conditions on any given day: the captain navigates the large icebergs and positions the boat to let you see the glacier itself. This is not a distant view. You're among the ice.

Lunch, a light soup, is served around noon. Complimentary coffee, tea and water are available throughout the day. A cash-based snack bar on board carries additional snacks and soda if you want them. The operator can provide a vegetarian lunch option. If you have dietary restrictions they can't meet, you're welcome to bring your own meals or snacks.

What’s included

• Lunch (light soup served around noon).
• complimentary coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
• an all-Alaskan captain and crew who narrate the history and wildlife of Prince William Sound.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 149

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Is this one for you?Reach Columbia Glacier and spot sea otters, seals, whales and eagles in a single day from Valdez, with your Alaskan captain guiding you through Prince William Sound's fjords and wildlife-rich waters.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I see on the Columbia Glacier cruise?

The Prince William Sound cruise regularly passes sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales and porpoises in the water, and eagles and puffins overhead. What you see depends on the day and the season, but the captain and crew point out animals as they appear and share details about them.

How close does the boat get to Columbia Glacier?

Columbia Glacier calves roughly 8 million tons of ice each day, and the boat navigates among the icebergs to get as close to the glacier face as ice conditions and safety allow on that day. The captain adjusts the route based on what's happening with the ice flow.

Is lunch included in the cruise price?

Yes, a light soup lunch is served around noon. Complimentary coffee, tea and water are available all day. A vegetarian lunch option is provided on request, and you can bring your own meals or snacks if you have dietary needs the boat can't meet.

How long is the cruise from Valdez?

The cruise runs 6 hours total, including the journey into Prince William Sound, time at Columbia Glacier, and the return to Valdez.

Who operates this cruise?

Stan Stephens Cruises operates the tour with an all-Alaskan captain and crew. The company has been running cruises in Prince William Sound for 50 years.