Prince William Sound Glacier Tour – Whittier

The Prince William Sound Glacier Tour from Whittier offers a captivating adventure through one of Alaska’s most stunning natural landscapes. Aboard sturdy catamarans, visitors can witness the majestic glaciers and diverse wildlife that inhabit this remarkable region. With knowledgeable captains providing expert guidance, the tour promises an unforgettable experience complete with a delicious lunch and seamless booking process. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the unique perspectives it provides on the breathtaking wonders of Prince William Sound.

Key Points

• Scenic cruise through Prince William Sound to view majestic glaciers and diverse wildlife aboard a stable catamaran.
• Hearty lunch featuring Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder and a full-service bar with signature Glacier Ice Margarita.
• Convenient 1.5-hour drive from Anchorage with transportation options and $13 Whittier Tunnel fee.
• Seamless booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a smoke-free and ADA-accessible experience.
• High recommendation rate of 93% with 833 positive reviews for an enjoyable and well-organized cruise experience.

Tour Overview

The Whittier Glacier Tour offers a scenic cruise through Prince William Sound, providing up-close views of majestic glaciers and an opportunity to witness diverse wildlife.

Aboard stable catamarans, guests can enjoy a seasickness-free experience, thanks to the calm waters of the sound. The professional narration by the captain enhances the tour, sharing insights and information about the local environment.

With a maximum capacity of 250 travelers, the tour maintains social distancing measures, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

The tour’s high recommendation rate of 93% and 833 positive reviews attest to its quality and the memorable experiences it provides.

What to Expect

Guests can expect a thoroughly enjoyable and well-organized cruise experience on the Whittier Glacier Tour.

Upon arrival at the Cliffside Marina, they will embark on a stable catamaran and set sail into the scenic Prince William Sound. The captain’s knowledgeable narration provides context and enhances the experience.

Travelers will witness breathtaking glaciers, diverse wildlife, and the region’s natural beauty.

Onboard, guests can indulge in a delicious lunch, sip beverages from the full-service bar, and take advantage of amenities like USB charging stations and restrooms.

The crew’s attentive service ensures a memorable journey for all.

Cuisine and Refreshments

A delightful array of culinary delights awaits travelers aboard the Whittier Glacier Tour.

Guests are served a hearty lunch including Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, fresh salad, cheese sticks, and fruit. Vegetarian and children’s options are available upon request.

To complement the meal, self-serve coffee, hot tea, and ice water are provided. For those seeking a libation, a full-service bar offers alcoholic beverages such as the signature Glacier Ice Margarita and Alaskan ales.

USB charging stations and restrooms ensure a comfortable experience throughout the journey.

Amenities and Facilities

To complement the culinary offerings, the tour vessels are equipped with a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers.

These include self-serve stations for coffee, hot tea, and ice water, as well as a full-service bar offering alcoholic beverages like the signature Glacier Ice Margarita and Alaskan ales.

Onboard restrooms and USB charging stations at every table cater to passengers’ needs.

The vessels are also smoke-free and ADA accessible, ensuring accessibility for all.

These thoughtful touches enhance the overall enjoyment of the glacier tour experience.

Getting to Whittier

How does one get to Whittier, the starting point for the Whittier Glacier Tour? Whittier is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. Travelers have several transportation options to reach Whittier:

Method	Duration	Cost
Driving	1.5 hours	Varies
Bus	2 hours	$40-$60
Train	1.5 hours	$50-$80
Shuttle	1.5 hours	$50-$75

The Whittier Tunnel, the only road access to the town, has a $13 fee per vehicle. Parking is available at the Cliffside Marina, the departure point for the glacier tour. Arriving early is recommended to account for traffic and tunnel delays.

Crew and Service

The crew members on the Whittier Glacier Tour are attentive and ensure guest needs are met throughout the excursion.

They are knowledgeable about the local environment and wildlife, enhancing the overall experience.

The captain provides professional narration, offering insights into the history, geology, and ecology of Prince William Sound.

The crew’s friendly demeanor and willingness to engage with guests create a welcoming atmosphere.

Positive feedback from previous travelers highlights the crew’s ability to create a memorable and enjoyable tour.

The seamless coordination of the crew contributes to the smooth operation of the glacier cruise.

Guest Experiences and Highlights

Guests who embark on the Whittier Glacier Tour are consistently left in awe by the breathtaking views of the glaciers and the diverse wildlife sightings they encounter.

Many highlight the unforgettable experience of witnessing calving glaciers, as well as the thrill of spotting sea lions, otters, and other marine life.

The high-quality food, particularly the renowned smoked salmon chowder and warm cookies, is also a standout for guests.

With exceptional crew members who provide knowledgeable and friendly service, the Whittier Glacier Tour earns overwhelmingly positive reviews, cementing its status as a must-do activity for any Alaskan itinerary.

Booking and Cancellation

Seamless booking for the Whittier Glacier Tour can be done through the company’s website or by calling their reservation line.

The booking process is straightforward, allowing guests to select their preferred tour date, time, and any special meal requests.

The tour offers:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
2. Convenient parking options at the Cliffside Marina, with transportation and tunnel fare not included in the tour price.
3. Flexibility to arrive at the meeting point by 10:30 AM, with a recommended departure from Anchorage at 9:00 AM.
4. A smoke-free and ADA-accessible experience, ensuring a comfortable journey for all guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted on the tour. The package includes a provided lunch, as well as self-serve coffee, tea, and a full-service bar for alcoholic beverages. Guests are advised to refrain from bringing their own consumables.

Do I Need to Wear Any Special Clothing or Gear?

The tour operator recommends warm, layered clothing and comfortable, non-slip footwear. Weatherproof outerwear is also advised, as the tour operates in an outdoor, maritime environment subject to changing weather conditions.

Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for Children?

The tour has no age limit and welcomes all children. However, it is recommended that parents assess their child’s ability to sit through the 3.5-hour tour. Strollers and child safety seats are permitted.

Can I Take Pictures and Videos During the Tour?

Passengers are welcome to take pictures and videos throughout the scenic glacier cruise. The catamarans offer ample space and stability to capture the stunning natural landscapes, wildlife, and glacial activity during the tour.

What Is the Refund Policy for Cancellations?

The tour operator offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their booking within this timeframe.

The Sum Up

The Prince William Sound Glacier Tour from Whittier offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and delectable cuisine, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors seeking to explore one of the state’s most picturesque regions. Seamless booking and high guest satisfaction make this tour a top choice for those seeking a memorable Alaskan experience.