Columbia & Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez

Columbia & Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez -- On board this 9 hour journey you will have a chance to view ice calving from Meares Glacier as well as the huge icebergs at Columbia Glacier. Enroute you will view the wildlife of the Sound including Bull Head Sea Lion haulout.

Learn about the mining, oil, earthquake, and fishing history and hear stories about the first people to explore and live in the Sound.

On board lunch and an afternoon snack is served.

Special Schedule Notes

There are no tours on the following dates:
June: Tuesdays, 3, 5, 6, 10, 13 & 24
July: Tuesdays, 1, 9, 11, 17, 19, 22 & 29
August: 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 22, 23, 25, 29 & 31

Helpful Hints

We recommend that all guests bring binoculars, cameras, and plenty of film.

We recommend that customers dress in warm layers of clothes, as the temperatures at the glaciers will generally be in the mid 40's.

We are able to accommodate travelers with physical disabilities/limitations. Please mention any needs to us at the time of booking so we can accommodate you. Please note that both our Columbia Glacier Cruise and the Columbia and Meares Glacier Cruises are fully wheelchair accessible.

Special dietary requests should be made at the time of booking.

Free transfers from RV Parks in Valdez upon request.

Outlets are available on-board for recharging camera batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children go and what are the rates?
We welcome children of all ages on all of our trips! Child rates apply to ages 3 to 12. Children ages 2 and under are free. We encourage parents to bring snacks and lunch items for their children if the meals we serve will not be satisfactory for them.

How big are the boats and how many people can they hold?
We have three vessels. We have a 60-foot, 50-passenger fiberglass Westport, an 80-foot, 150-passenger fiberglass Westport and an 82-foot, 150-passenger aluminum catamaran built by All American Marine. We like to limit our passenger counts to around 40 on the 60-foot boat and 130 on the other two vessels. All of our vessels are United States Coast Guard inspected and have on board enough life jackets and life rafts for everyone, including child sizes.

What are the meals, are they included, and is there a vegetarian option?
All prices include meals. On our 6.5 hour Columbia Glacier Cruise we serve a bowl of clam chowder with a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies. On our 9.5 Columbia & Meares Glacier Cruise and our 10.5 Hour Whale & Wildlife Discovery Cruise, we serve a hot chicken alfredo on a bed of rice that is served with steamed vegetables, dinner roll, and cookies. We serve an afternoon snack of clam chowder and crackers. We offer vegetarian options on all of our trips. If you have other dietary needs, we suggest you bring an alternative that meets your requirements. You may bring your own snacks as well; we just ask that you avoid bringing large coolers. Small coolers are fine to bring on board. We serve complimentary coffee, hot tea, lemonade, and water all day long.

Can I fly to Valdez and still take a cruise?
Yes, there are flights to Valdez. The airline company is ERA aviation and generally there are three flights a day. You must plan on staying a night in Valdez either pre- or post-flight, as the timing of their schedule and ours is very close, depending on the tour.

Where can I stay in Valdez?
There are many, many hotels, bed & breakfasts, RV parks, and cabin rentals.

Valdez, Alaska

Valdez is the perfect destination to visit if you want to experience all Alaska has to offer -- sport fishing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, hiking, museum visits, and glacier and wildlife cruises into the calm waters of Prince William Sound.

Situated at the head of a deep, glacial carved fjord in the northeast section of Prince William Sound, Valdez is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. They are the most heavily glaciated mountains in the Northwest. Valdez is the northernmost ice-free port in North America.

The town covers 274 square miles. The population is approximately 4,100.

Valdez is host to over 870 RV sites located in 7 RV Parks. Valdez has 7 hotels offering 441 rooms, and over 30 Bed and Breakfasts. Valdez is a great place for families to travel - we have activities and programs for children of all ages.

Valdez hosts many festivals and annual events including: Valdez Fish Derbies, July 4th Celebrations, Last Frontier Theater Conference, Gold Rush Days, Softball & Basketball Tournaments, Ice Climbing Festival, Chugach Mountain Festival with the World Free Skiing Competition, Mayor's Cup Cross Country Snowmobile Race, Mountain Man Snowmobile Hill Climb Competition, Alaska Big Mountain Masters Extreme Snowboard Competition, Alaska Local Snowboard Competition, KVAK Winter fest & Frosty Fever, and much more!

Valdez, unlike many other Alaskan coastal communities, can be reached by land, air and water.

Valdez has great summer weather. The average temperature is 53.5, our average high is 61 and our average low is 46.

This tour does not include hotel or B&B pickups, but pre-arranged free pick-up MAY be available from RV Parks in Valdez upon request; details will be on your E-Ticket. Rate includes all taxes and fees. Child prices apply to ages 3 to 12; children 2 and under are free. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-321-3633.