Columbia Glacier Boat Tour & Wildlife Viewing in Valdez
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended; tour involves some standing and boat movement.
Overview
See colossal icebergs and abundant wildlife on an intimate 8-hour Columbia Glacier boat tour. Enjoy expert insights and even sample ancient glacier ice.
Columbia Glacier Sightseeing Tour
8 Hours • Private Charter • Up to 6 People
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a personalized 8-hour adventure to Columbia Glacier, where you can explore at your own pace. Witness breathtaking icebergs, diverse wildlife, and learn about the area's rich history from your local captain. With only six passengers, enjoy an intimate experience, including collecting ancient iceberg ice for your drinks.
A Private Tour of Columbia Glacier in Prince William Sound
Rates
- Private Charter: $1,100
About
Come join us on an 8-hour excursion to Columbia Glacier. We’ll navigate around Glacier Island at your pace, seeing what you’d like to see. Want to stay at the sea lion haul out a little longer? No problem. Want to watch the orcas until we can’t see them anymore? No problem. We have key areas we want to bring you to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince William Sound, but we want you to enjoy your personal cruise.
Come join us on an 8-hour Columbia Glacier Tours excursion to Columbia Glacier and navigate around Glacier Island.
As Columbia Glacier floats up and down with the tide, it cavs and creates a seemingly endless path of huge icebergs. Enjoy a ride through this floating ice field observing the wildlife that uses this habitat as their home, some of the wildlife viewed on this tour are sea otters, sea lions, seals, orcas, humpback whales, dall porpoises, puffins, eagles, along with many more possible birds and mammals.
During the Columbia Glacier Tours you will learn about a natural history of the area from your local captain. Learn about how the glacier formed huge moraines and is now rapidly receding and what is changing in the landscape. Along with the natural history learn about the early explorers of the region, the history of gold rush and about how the Columbia Glacier influenced the Exxon Oil spill.
The Columbia Glacier is located 30 miles from Valdez, about an hour boat ride, and is the largest tide water glacier in Prince William Sound, encompassing over 400 square miles. Enjoy a comfortable and Columbia Glacier Tours personal 8-hour Columbia Glacier Tours on our 30′ boat with only 6 passengers. We will even stop midway through the cruise and collect a small icebergs, called a growlers, and chip ice cubes for your drinks. There is nothing better than 10,000 year old piece of ice in your drink!
Because we only take 6 passengers on our tours we can take the extra time the group may want at one location. Want to stay at the sea lion haul out a little longer? No problem. Want to watch the orcas until we can’t see them anymore? No problem. We have key areas we want to bring you to enjoy the natural beauty of Prince William Sound, but we want you to enjoy your personal cruise.
Cost: $1050 for whole boat, up to 6 people. Tour Departs 8:00am and returns at 4:00pm
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Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Weather can change quickly on the water; bring warm, waterproof layers.
Bring binoculars
Wildlife sightings are common but require a keen eye from deck.
Stay hydrated
Carry water onboard to stay comfortable during the 8-hour trip.
Protect your camera
Use a waterproof case or bag to keep gear safe from spray.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seal
- Bald eagle
History
Valdez was a key port during the Alaska Gold Rush and was notably affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, shaping local conservation efforts.
Conservation
Operators emphasize low-impact travel and educate guests on preserving the fragile glacial and marine ecosystems of Prince William Sound.
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Adventure Hotspots in Valdez
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and warm against wind and spray on the boat.
summer specific
Sturdy shoes
Non-slip shoes improve safety on wet decks.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife and glacier viewing from the boat.
Reusable water bottle
Maintains hydration during the long sightseeing tour.