Valdez, Alaska offers a truly remarkable opportunity to explore the stunning Columbia Glacier. The 6-hour cruise takes visitors deep into Prince William Sound, where they’ll witness the glacier’s impressive retreat and spot diverse marine life. With knowledgeable guides providing historical insights, guests can enjoy a hot lunch and snacks while immersed in the breathtaking Chugach Mountain scenery. This excursion promises an unforgettable experience, revealing the awe-inspiring beauty that makes Valdez a must-visit destination.
This experience made our article of 2 Exceptional Cruises And Boat Tours In Valdez.
Key Points
- A 6-hour Columbia Glacier cruise departing from Port Valdez, allowing visitors to witness the retreat of the glacier and spot diverse marine wildlife.
- Insights into the local history of early explorers, oil shipping, and commercial fishing shared by the tour guide.
- Includes a hot soup lunch and complimentary beverages, with a snack bar and gift shop available onboard.
- Transfers to/from Valdez RV parks are included, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible with assistance available.
- Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring essentials like sunglasses and cameras, as the cruise may not accommodate all dietary needs.
About the Cruise
The Valdez: Columbia Glacier Cruise is a 6-hour excursion that departs from Port Valdez, allowing visitors to witness the retreat of the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier in the Chugach Mountains.
The Valdez: Columbia Glacier Cruise is a 6-hour excursion from Port Valdez to witness the retreat of the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier.
During the cruise, guests can spot marine wildlife like seals, otters, sea lions, and whales. The tour also provides insights into the local history, including early explorers, oil shipping, and commercial fishing.
Guests can enjoy a hot soup lunch and complimentary beverages while cruising along the shoreline of Prince William Sound to see waterfalls.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.
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Highlights of the Experience
Visitors on the Valdez: Columbia Glacier Cruise can witness the retreat of the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier in the Chugach Mountains.
The cruise provides opportunities to view diverse marine wildlife like seals, otters, sea lions, and whales. Travelers can also admire the scenic shoreline of Prince William Sound, including cascading waterfalls.
The tour guide shares insights into the region’s history, from early exploration to oil shipping and commercial fishing.
A hot soup lunch and complimentary beverages are included, and guests may bring their own snacks and drinks (no alcohol allowed).
Itinerary and Schedule
The cruise departs from Port Valdez and travels through the Valdez Narrows before entering the Columbia Bay, surrounded by the impressive ice formations of the Columbia Glacier.
Guests have the opportunity to explore the community of Valdez and dine at a local restaurant after the cruise. Check-in is required one hour prior to departure at the office behind the Best Western Hotel.
The cruise itinerary also includes opportunities to view marine wildlife, such as seals, otters, sea lions, and whales, as well as waterfalls along the shoreline of Prince William Sound.
Guests will learn about the area’s history, including early exploration, oil shipping, and commercial fishing.
What to Expect Onboard
Guests aboard the 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise can expect a light lunch of hot soup, bagels with cream cheese, and cookies, served throughout the journey.
A snack bar and gift shop are available onboard, and guests may bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Complimentary beverages are provided.
Guides and maps are available in English, Dutch, German, and Korean. For convenience, transfers to and from RV parks in Valdez are included.
Guests should dress warmly and bring necessities like sunglasses, camera, and rain gear, as the boats are enclosed and heated, but weather can be unpredictable.
More Great Tours NearbyAmenities and Provisions
Onboard the 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise, guests can enjoy a light lunch of hot soup, bagels with cream cheese, and cookies.
A snack bar and gift shop are also available for additional refreshments and souvenirs.
The tour provides guides and maps in English, Dutch, German, and Korean to enhance the educational experience.
For those staying in Valdez RV parks, complimentary transfers to and from the cruise departure point are offered.
Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, excluding alcohol.
With these amenities, the Columbia Glacier Cruise ensures a comfortable and informative journey.
Preparing for the Cruise
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cruise, it’s recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing.
The weather on Prince William Sound can be unpredictable, so packing the following items is advised:
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Warm jacket or coat
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Gloves and hat
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Sturdy, comfortable shoes
Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
While a light lunch is provided, those with dietary restrictions may want to supplement their meal.
Finally, don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Accessibility and Dietary Considerations
The cruise is wheelchair accessible, with ramp access to the dock. Assistance is available if needed.
Guests with special dietary requirements are encouraged to bring their own food. The cruise provides a light lunch of soup, bagel, cream cheese, and cookies. A snack bar and gift shop are also available onboard.
While alcohol isn’t permitted, guests may bring their own snacks and drinks. The cruise aims to accommodate all visitors, ensuring they can fully enjoy the stunning Columbia Glacier experience regardless of accessibility needs or dietary preferences.
Important Policies and Restrictions
While departures occur in any weather, the boats are enclosed and heated to ensure a comfortable experience.
Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring essential items like sunglasses, cameras, snacks, and rain gear. However, certain items are prohibited, including:
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Drones
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Alcohol
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Drugs
For accessibility, ramp access is available to the dock, and assistance can be provided if needed.
Guests with special dietary requirements are encouraged to bring their own food, as the cruise provides a light lunch, but may not accommodate all dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cruise Suitable for Young Children?
The cruise appears suitable for young children, as it is wheelchair accessible and provides a light lunch. However, families should consider the 6-hour duration and prepare children for the potential for cold, windy conditions.
Can I Book the Cruise as a Private Group?
Yes, the cruise can be booked as a private group. Private group bookings are available, allowing you to customize the experience and enjoy the tour with just your group.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the cruise operator offers discounted rates for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID. These discounts can be applied at the time of booking, providing savings off the regular per-person price.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Cruise?
No, guests are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages on the cruise. The activity overview states that guests may bring snacks and drinks, but specifically notes that alcohol is not permitted.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Valdez After the Cruise?
The itinerary states that after the cruise, guests return to Valdez for community exploration and dinner at a local restaurant. However, the exact amount of time allotted for exploring Valdez is not specified.
The Sum Up
The Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of Prince William Sound. Guests can expect to spot diverse marine wildlife, learn from knowledgeable guides, and indulge in a hot soup lunch while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Chugach Mountains and the retreating Columbia Glacier. This excursion is a must-see for those seeking an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Valdez