THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail from Valdez for a 6-hour cruise through the fjords of Prince William Sound to witness the dramatic calving of Columbia Glacier up close. Spot sea otters, seals, and eagles as the glacier carves the landscape and shapes this wild Alaskan frontier.
Set sail from Valdez for a 6-hour cruise through the fjords of Prince William Sound to witness the dramatic calving of Columbia Glacier up close. Spot sea otters, seals, and eagles as the glacier carves the landscape and shapes this wild Alaskan frontier.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises · Valdez, Alaska
At dawn, the chill of Prince William Sound settles quietly around Valdez, Alaska, as the cruise vessel sets out to explore one of the largest tidewater glaciers in South-central Alaska: Columbia Glacier. The slow swell of the fjords beckons, the sharp outlines of snow-dusted ridges scanning the horizon while the vessel slips between towering icebergs—each a silent sentinel shaped over millennia. Columbia Glacier looms ahead, actively calving slabs of ice into the deep blue, sending the water into rhythmic ripples and thunderous splashes that sharpen the senses.
easy.
6 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels since the tour involves sitting and light movement on the boat.
Depending on ice conditions and safety, the boat navigates close enough to witness large icebergs and the glacier’s face but maintains a safe distance from calving areas.
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult on the tour.
Common sightings include sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles, puffins, porpoises, and occasionally whales.
A light soup lunch is served around midday, with complimentary coffee, tea, and water available throughout.
Yes, the vessel and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.
Dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer, as temperatures near the glacier are notably cooler and winds can be strong.
Prince William Sound has long been navigated by native Alutiiq people, who relied on its rich marine life for sustenance before commercial exploration began.
The tour operator emphasizes sustainable practices to protect the fragile marine environment, including respecting wildlife distances and limiting impact in sensitive areas.
Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises
Book directly with Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now