The 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Valdez
Valdez isn’t just a gateway to Alaska’s wilderness; it’s a prime spot for unforgettable marine adventures. Whether you want to witness the dramatic retreat of Columbia Glacier or marvel at massive Meares Glacier and its surrounding wildlife, Valdez offers some compelling options. The area’s stunning glaciers and abundant marine life—including whales, otters, seals, and sea lions—make boat tours in Valdez particularly rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll compare two top-rated excursions: the Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise and the From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise. We’ll explore what each tour includes, what makes them special, and which might suit different types of travelers—whether you’re looking for a shorter, more in-depth trip or a full day exploring glaciers and wildlife with a tasty lunch. Expect honest insights, practical details, and tips to help you choose the best boat adventure for your Valdez visit.
Quick Overview
This guide covers two highly-rated boat tours. The first is a 6-hour cruise focusing on the Columbia Glacier and its retreat, with opportunities to see whales, otters, and seals, perfect for travelers wanting a shorter yet immersive experience. The second is a 7.5-hour extended tour to Meares Glacier, offering a comprehensive day of glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and scenic shoreline cruising, ideal for those wanting a full-day adventure.
1. Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise
This 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise is designed for those eager to see one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers in motion. Starting from Valdez harbor, the cruise takes you into Prince William Sound, where you can witness the historic retreat of Columbia Glacier—a spectacular sight as the ice calves into the sea. The cruise’s main draw is its focus on marine wildlife, with chances to spot orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea otters, and even sea lions.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance between glacier views and wildlife encounters. The ice in the bay creates an ever-changing landscape, and the captain’s skillful maneuvering allows for close-up sightings of floating ice and waterfalls along the shoreline. The included hot soup lunch is a smart touch, keeping you warm during what can be a chilly ride.
Priced at $170 per person for 6 hours, this tour offers excellent value for a day filled with natural beauty and animal encounters. Its high rating of 4.9/5 from 89 reviews reflects its popularity and consistent quality. Many travelers praise the stunning scenery and the captain’s informative commentary.
This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded experience with a shorter time commitment. If you’re keen on glacier ice, marine wildlife, and scenic cruising, this is a solid choice. Keep in mind, it’s a mid-sized group, so if you prefer very private tours, you might look elsewhere.
Bottom Line: An accessible, wildlife-rich cruise with breathtaking glacier views, perfect for those wanting a shorter, comfortably-paced adventure.
2. From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
The 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise offers a more comprehensive exploration of Prince William Sound. This full-day trip takes you to see the spectacular Meares Glacier, one of the most impressive in the region, along with abundant wildlife and scenic shoreline views.
This tour is distinguished by its length and scope. You’ll start with a cruise along the sound, taking in waterfalls, bays, and rugged coastline before reaching the massive Meares Glacier. The glacier itself is a marvel, calving into the water and providing incredible photo opportunities. Throughout the day, you’ll have multiple chances to spot whales, seals, otters, and sea lions, with plenty of time allocated for wildlife watching.
The lunch included offers a break from the active sightseeing, with breathtaking views from the boat’s deck. The captain and crew enrich the experience with insights into the area’s natural history, making it both educational and scenic. At $190 per person, this tour delivers more extensive glacier viewing and wildlife exposure than the shorter trip, making it ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Rated 4.6/5 from 34 reviews, most travelers appreciate the combination of glacier spectacle and wildlife, with one reviewer noting it as their “best cruise ever.” It’s perfect if you want an immersive, all-day experience—but be prepared for a longer outing, which can be tiring for some.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a full-day adventure with glacier views, plenty of wildlife, and an in-depth understanding of the natural surroundings.
How to Choose
Choosing between these cruises depends on your priorities and schedule. If you prefer a shorter, wildlife-focused trip that highlights the retreating Columbia Glacier, the 6-hour cruise offers a rich experience at a good price. For travelers with more time and interest in seeing multiple glaciers and landscapes, the 7.5-hour Meares Glacier tour provides a more extensive day of scenic cruising, wildlife, and glacier viewing.
Consider your physical comfort—the longer tour involves more time on the water, which could be chilly or tiring. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak months, as these tours are popular and weather can impact availability.
In terms of value, both tours are well-priced for the quality of experience offered, with the shorter option being great for a quick but impressive adventure, and the full-day trip offering a deeper dive into Alaska’s natural wonders.
Final Thoughts
Valdez’s boat tours serve up some of the most dynamic glacier landscapes and abundant wildlife in Alaska. The Columbia Glacier cruise is perfect if you want an unforgettable shorter experience with a focus on glaciers and marine animals, especially if tight schedules or a lower budget are considerations. Meanwhile, the Meares Glacier full-day tour appeals to those seeking an immersive, scenic adventure with a mix of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
If you’re planning ahead, consider combining a shorter cruise with other activities in Valdez, like hiking or fishing. Both tours fill quickly in the summer—so secure your spot early and prepare for a day of stunning natural sights and memorable wildlife encounters. Either way, a boat tour in Valdez promises a genuine Alaskan experience that’s hard to match.
This comprehensive guide should help you pick the perfect cruise in Valdez—whether you’re after a quick glimpse or a full-day adventure into glacier country. Happy sailing!