Valdez: Columbia Glacier Cruise & Wildlife in Prince William Sound

Summary

Columbia Glacier’s shifting icebergs and wildlife close from Valdez

You’ll sail from Valdez into Prince William Sound with an Alaskan crew, weaving through icy fjords toward Columbia Glacier’s towering face. Watch for sea otters and eagles, hear glacier cracks echo across the water, and warm up with a soup lunch on board. It’s a day that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence when we first drifted into Prince William Sound. There’s this hush, like the water itself is holding its breath — except for the distant crack of ice somewhere ahead. Our captain, who’s lived here longer than I’ve been alive, pointed out a bald eagle perched so still I thought it was part of the scenery. The air felt sharp and clean, almost metallic, with that weird salty-glacier smell you only get up north. And then someone spotted a sea otter floating by on its back — honestly, I could’ve watched it all day.

The boat wound through fjords that looked carved by giants. Our guide (I think her name was Sarah? She had this dry humor) kept rattling off facts about the Columbia Glacier — apparently it calves off something like 8 million tons of ice every day. That number didn’t make sense until we got closer and saw these blue-white chunks bobbing around us, some as big as small houses. We edged in as far as safety allowed; you could hear the ice fizzing in the water, which Sarah said was ancient air escaping. Lunch was a simple soup but it tasted better than it should have — maybe because my hands were cold from standing outside too long.

I tried to take photos but none of them really caught how huge everything felt. The light kept shifting — one minute silver, next minute gray-blue shadows racing over the water. There were moments when everyone just went quiet watching a seal pop up or listening for another rumble from the glacier face. I still think about that view sometimes, especially how small we all seemed out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise Prince William Sound and Glacier

• Board Stan Stephens Cruises vessel
• Cruise Prince William Sound fjords
• Observe marine and bird wildlife
• Navigate near Columbia Glacier face
• Learn history from captain and crew
• Return to Valdez harbor

Top questions

How long does the Columbia Glacier cruise from Valdez take?

The tour lasts about 6 hours in total.

Is lunch included on the Columbia Glacier cruise?

Yes, a light soup lunch is served around noon along with coffee, tea, and water.

What wildlife might I see during the Prince William Sound cruise?

You may spot sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, porpoises, eagles, puffins and more.

Is this Columbia Glacier cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

How close does the boat get to Columbia Glacier?

The boat navigates as close as safely possible depending on ice flow conditions.

Can special dietary needs be accommodated for lunch?

A vegetarian option is available but not all dietary restrictions can be met; bringing your own snacks is allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising Prince William Sound with an experienced Alaskan crew, getting as close to Columbia Glacier as conditions allow, watching for marine wildlife and birds along the way, plus a simple soup lunch served onboard with complimentary coffee and tea before returning to Valdez in the afternoon.