Alaskan Glacier Boat Tour with Phillips Cruises & Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the trip involves mostly sitting or standing with minimal physical exertion.
Overview
Discover close encounters with towering glaciers and abundant wildlife on a private boat tour in Alaska’s Prince William Sound with Phillips Cruises & Tours. Enjoy panoramic views, warm hospitality, and rich local insights on this unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
Details
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s Prince William Sound aboard Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC's private glacier boat tour departing from Anchorage, Alaska. This exclusive journey takes visitors through stunning fjords, past towering glaciers, and into close proximity with abundant local wildlife in one of the most pristine environments in the United States. Prince William Sound, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, is the perfect backdrop for a unique outdoor adventure that blends sightseeing with natural history. The vessel is designed for comfort and optimal viewing, featuring multiple decks, large panoramic windows, and outdoor pontoon areas that allow guests to explore different vantage points throughout the tour. Whether you prefer the warmth indoors with complimentary hot drinks or the fresh, crisp air atop the decks, the experience is tailored for every guest’s comfort and curiosity.
Phillips Cruises & Tours is an integral part of Alaska’s outdoor recreation scene, showcasing the state's glaciers, wildlife, and Chugach National Forest in an immersive way that few other tours can offer. The knowledgeable captain and crew share stories, facts, and ecological insights that enhance the journey, helping guests spot sea lions, otters, seals, and even black bears. This private tour also emphasizes sustainability and ecosystem preservation, providing an educational angle alongside the breathtaking views. Meals and beverages reflect friendly hospitality, with warm lunches and snacks complementing the incredible scenery. From the 26 glaciers visited to the cascading snowmelt waterfalls and glacier-carved fjords, every moment on this tour is an unforgettable adventure for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a remarkable outdoor experience in Alaska.
Trail Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop quickly on the water, so bring multiple layers to stay comfortable.
Bring a raincoat
Weather can be unpredictable in Alaska, especially rain—pack water-resistant outerwear.
Use binoculars for wildlife viewing
Binoculars are available for rent and greatly enhance spotting seals, sea lions, and birds.
Choose your deck wisely
Multiple decks offer different experiences; top decks are exposed but offer best views, lower decks are warmer and ideal for families.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- The quiet narrows of Esther Passage for secluded wildlife spotting
- Blackstone Bay for close glacier encounters with fewer crowds
Wildlife
- Steller sea lions
- Harbor seals
History
Prince William Sound has long been home to indigenous Alutiiq peoples, and the glaciers here have shaped local ecosystems and cultural heritage for centuries.
Conservation
Phillips Cruises & Tours actively promotes sustainable tourism practices to protect the Prince William Sound's fragile ecosystem and support ongoing research and preservation efforts.
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Top deck for wide panoramic shots
- Pontoon areas for close-up glacier and wildlife photos
- Bow of the boat for forward-facing glacier perspective
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Allows adaptability to fluctuating temperatures on the water.
all specific
Waterproof rain jacket
Protects against rain and wind typical in coastal Alaska.
spring|summer|fall specific
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife and glacier viewing during the tour.
all specific
Warm hat and gloves
Necessary for warmth on exposed decks during cooler months.
spring|fall|winter specific