26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK

Planning a trip to Alaska can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to see and do. When it comes to exploring the stunning glaciers and rugged wilderness of Prince William Sound, this self-drive 26 Glacier Tour from Anchorage offers a uniquely flexible way to experience some of the state’s most spectacular sights. Combining scenic driving, a comfortable cruise, and free time in Whittier, this tour balances adventure with convenience.

What we love most about this experience is its stunning close-up views of glaciers, the knowledgeable narration from experienced guides, and the flexibility to explore Whittier on your own afterward. That said, it’s worth noting that the full experience requires some planning around travel times, especially through the Anton Anderson Tunnel. This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and want an authentic, budget-friendly way to see Alaska’s icy giants without the hassle of boat rentals or guided group tours.

Key Points

• Flexible self-driving format allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Includes a 5-hour boat cruise with excellent wildlife viewing.
• Comfortable, informative narration from a National Forest Service ranger enhances the trip.
• Close-up glacier viewing and calving sounds make the experience unforgettable.
• Whittier exploration offers options for dining, shopping, or hiking.
• Great value for the price with included lunch and modern amenities onboard.

What is the 26 Glacier Tour?

This tour offers a self-drive adventure from Anchorage, taking you through scenic parts of Alaska to reach the charming port town of Whittier. Once there, you’ll board a first-class high-speed catamaran for a 5-hour cruise around Prince William Sound, where you’ll see glaciers, wildlife, and impressive natural scenery up close.

Your journey begins early in the day, with a 90-minute drive from Anchorage or a shorter 45-minute trip from Girdwood. The highlight? The boat cruise, which is renowned for its close encounters with glaciers, wildlife sightings, and captivating calving sounds that make the experience truly special. Afterward, Whittier awaits for you to explore at your leisure, whether it’s grabbing a bite, browsing local shops, or just enjoying the harbor views.

The Scenic Drive to Whittier

Getting to Whittier involves a drive through North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel operates on a strict schedule, opening on the hour, every hour, which requires some timing coordination. The drive itself is scenic, with views of mountains and forests that hint at the wilderness ahead.

Travel time is approximately 90 minutes from Anchorage, so it’s wise to plan your day accordingly. If you’re coming from Girdwood, expect about 45 minutes. Reviewers have noted that the drive is “stunning,” with some mentioning that the drive itself is part of the adventure, providing gorgeous photo opportunities and a taste of Alaska’s rugged landscape.

The Cruise Experience

The cruise departs from Whittier at 12:00 pm and lasts around five hours. It’s known for excellent narration by a Chugach National Forest Service ranger, who shares fascinating insights about glaciers, wildlife, and the area’s history. Many mention that the captain is attentive and strives to ensure everyone gets a good view—drawing attention to whales, sea otters, eagles, and mountain goats spotted along the way.

The vessels are smoke-free, ADA accessible, and equipped with restrooms and USB charging stations at every table. With the No Seasickness Guarantee, even those prone to feeling queasy can enjoy the smooth ride and stunning scenery without worries.

What You’ll See on the Water

Expect close-up glacier views, with some reviewers describing the experience as “outstanding,” especially when the boat stops to allow photos and to observe calving glaciers, which produce thunderous sounds as ice chunks break away. Many travelers have shared that they appreciated the opportunity to hold glacier ice in their hands—some even using it in their cocktails, thanks to the crew’s playful and informative approach.

Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning otters, eagles, sea lions, and even whales. One reviewer enthusiastically stated, “We saw whales, otters, sea lions, seals, and other birds,” confirming the cruise’s rich wildlife encounters.

Food and Comfort

Onboard, you’ll be served a hot smoked salmon chowder, along with a salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and peppermint Patti—a simple but hearty lunch that reviewers found satisfying after a morning drive. Vegetarian options like chili can be requested with advance notice, adding to the tour’s flexibility.

Many reviews praise the comfortable seating, friendly staff, and delicious food. One guest called the lunch “fantastic,” and others appreciated the warm cookies and beverages provided during the cruise to keep everyone cozy.

Exploring Whittier

Post-cruise, you’re free to wander Whittier at your own pace. The town offers a harbor boardwalk, local shops, and restaurants—a great way to stretch your legs and absorb the local vibe. Some guests visit the Prince William Sound Museum or take a short hike nearby.

The tunnel reopens every hour, so planning your return trip is straightforward. Many reviewers recommend having a light snack or coffee in town before heading back through the tunnel, which closes on the hour until 11:00 pm.

Analyzing the Experience: Value and Practicality

At $238.66 per person, this tour strikes a good balance between cost and experience. The included lunch, modern cruise vessels, and guided narration add value that many other glacier tours might lack. It’s especially praised for close glacier encounters and wildlife viewing, which are often the highlights for travelers.

The self-drive format offers a level of independence that guided tours can’t, giving you the freedom to customize your schedule—whether you want to linger longer in Whittier or take extra photos along the way. Plus, the modern amenities onboard, including restrooms and charging stations, make the experience comfortable even during Alaska’s unpredictable weather.

Considerations

Since the trip requires driving through a tunnel that operates on a strict schedule, travelers should be punctual. Also, while most reviews mention good weather, some experienced rain or choppy waters but still maintained a positive outlook, praising the crew’s efforts to provide a memorable experience regardless. If you’re sensitive to seasickness, the No Seasickness Guarantee is reassuring, but it’s always wise to prepare accordingly.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy driving and want a flexible, self-guided approach to sightseeing. It’s perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers eager to see glaciers up close without the complexity of guided boat tours. Those looking for good value, a combination of scenic drive and marine adventure, will find this tour compelling.

It’s also suitable for people with accessibility needs, thanks to the ADA-compliant vessels and facilities. Travelers who appreciate informative narration and wildlife sightings will especially enjoy the cruise.

Final Thoughts

The 26 Glacier Tour from Anchorage to Whittier offers a well-rounded, memorable way to experience Alaska’s icy wonders. From the scenic drive through rugged landscapes to the exhilarating boat cruise filled with wildlife and glacier views, it packs a lot into a manageable day. The combination of flexibility, stunning visuals, and friendly service makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking authentic Alaskan adventures without breaking the bank.

While it requires some planning around the tunnel schedule and weather considerations, most guests find the effort worthwhile for the up-close glacier encounters and wildlife sightings. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a couple, this tour delivers a hearty dose of what makes Alaska special—wilderness, glaciers, and unforgettable memories.

FAQs

Do I need to arrange transportation to Whittier?
Yes, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to drive yourself or arrange other options. The drive to Whittier takes about 90 minutes from Anchorage or 45 minutes from Girdwood.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the vessels are ADA accessible, making it easier for those with mobility needs to enjoy the cruise comfortably.

What should I bring for the cruise?
Bring your photo ID, warm clothing, and rain gear if necessary. The vessel has restrooms and charging stations, but it’s wise to dress in layers.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
While outside food and drinks are generally not allowed onboard, the tour provides a hearty lunch including smoked salmon chowder, and you can purchase drinks at the bar.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect otters, eagles, sea lions, seals, and possibly whales. The captain and crew are attentive to wildlife spotting and share interesting facts throughout the cruise.

How long is the drive from Anchorage to Whittier?
Approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic and tunnel schedules.

What if I arrive late or need to cancel?
Check-in is at least one hour before departure. Cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance; less than that, and your payment may not be refunded.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
No, Wi-Fi is not available, but USB charging stations are provided at every table for convenience.

To sum it up, the 26 Glacier Tour from Anchorage makes for a balanced, memorable Alaskan adventure—combining scenic drives, wildlife, and glaciers—all at a reasonable price point. It’s perfect for those wanting a flexible, engaging experience that showcases the best of Prince William Sound without the constraints of guided group tours.