Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez: Glacier Faces, Whales & Prince William Sound Wildlife
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to move around a boat and stand on deck for periods is required.
Overview
Board a Valdez cruise that trades harbor views for the vertiginous face of Meares Glacier and a day of wildlife sightings in Prince William Sound. This full-day excursion pairs glacier drama with eagle, otter and whale encounters.
Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez: Glacier Faces, Whales & Prince William Sound Wildlife
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The bow of the boat parts Prince William Sound like a blade, spray washing the rail as Valdez slides away — an aluminum town clasped to the mountains — and the open water pulls you toward blue cliffs of ice. Within two hours the skyline changes: spruce gives way to rock, and the air cools as the glacier’s breath reaches out. At the face of Meares Glacier the vessel slows; the hull creaks in a quiet that feels deliberate, and the glacier’s vertical ice wall hovers large enough to make human chatter recede.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures at the glacier are typically 10–15°F cooler than Valdez; wind and spray make a warm mid-layer and shell essential.
Bring binoculars
A 7–10× binocular brings distant whales, puffins and eagles into sharp view from the deck.
Protect camera gear
Use waterproof cases or rain covers—sea spray and sudden rain are common on the sound.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at the Stan Stephens office one hour before departure to complete check-in and hear safety briefings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otter
- Bald eagle
History
These waters have been used for generations by Indigenous peoples and later by commercial fishermen and cruisers; Meares Glacier and the surrounding fjords reflect both natural change and human maritime history.
Conservation
Prince William Sound is sensitive to oil and plastic pollution; operators follow strict wildlife-distance rules and encourage leave-no-trace practices to protect marine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Valdez
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Blocks wind and spray while keeping you comfortable at the glacier face.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
Retains heat when exposed on deck and during colder weather windows.
Binoculars (7–10×)
Needed to spot distant wildlife and pick out glacier details from the boat.
Waterproof bag or dry sack
Keeps electronics and extra layers dry on a wet, changeable voyage.