Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

In the heart of Prince William Sound lies Valdez, a hidden gem offering an unforgettable adventure with its 6-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise.

Set out on a journey that will take you through a mesmerizing landscape, where the historic retreat of the Columbia Glacier and the ice-filled bay unfold before your eyes.

Brace yourself for encounters with an array of marine wildlife, from playful seals and otters to majestic sea lions and, if you’re lucky, the breathtaking sight of whales swimming gracefully through the pristine waters.

As you cruise along the shoreline, be captivated by the cascading waterfalls and let the live tour guide immerse you in the rich history and natural wonders of the region.

And that’s just the beginning. Stay tuned to discover the mouthwatering surprises and hidden treasures that await you on this remarkable journey.

Good To Know

• The Columbia Glacier Cruise in Valdez offers a 6-hour journey through Prince William Sound, with the opportunity to witness the historic retreat of the Columbia Glacier and experience the ice in the bay.
• The cruise provides the chance to view a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and more.
• Guests can enjoy cruising along the shoreline of Prince William Sound to see cascading waterfalls and learn about the rich history and natural history of the area.
• The journey includes a hot soup lunch to prepare for the chilly adventure, as well as additional amenities such as a snack bar, gift shop, and complimentary beverages.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

The activity details for the Columbia Glacier Cruise experience include free cancellation, a 6-hour duration, availability of a live tour guide in English, and wheelchair accessibility.

Guests have the peace of mind knowing that they can cancel their reservation without any charges, as long as it’s done within the specified timeframe.

The cruise lasts for 6 hours, providing ample time to explore and enjoy the stunning sights of Prince William Sound.

An experienced tour guide, fluent in English, accompanies guests throughout the journey, providing informative commentary and answering any questions that may arise.

Plus, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that individuals with mobility needs can fully participate in and enjoy the experience.

The cancellation policy and wheelchair accessibility are just a few of the features that make the Columbia Glacier Cruise a convenient and inclusive adventure.

Experience Highlights

After familiarizing yourself with the activity details of the Columbia Glacier Cruise, it’s time to dive into the experience highlights that await you on this captivating journey.

Here are four unforgettable moments you can look forward to:

1. Witness the historic retreat of Columbia Glacier and the ice in the bay: Get up close and personal with one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world as you witness its majestic retreat and the massive ice formations floating in the bay.

2. View marine wildlife such as seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and more: Keep your camera ready as you cruise along Prince William Sound, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, otters, sea lions, and even majestic whales.

3. Enjoy cruising along the shoreline of Prince William Sound to see waterfalls: Enjoy the beauty of the Alaskan coastline as you cruise along Prince William Sound, taking in breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls that tumble down the coastal mountains.

4. Learn about the rich history and natural history of the area: Dive into the captivating stories of Valdez’s history, from early explorers to the oil shipping industry and commercial fishing. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the natural history of the area, making this journey not only visually stunning but also intellectually enriching.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with Columbia Glacier wildlife and the fascinating history of Valdez.

Full Description of the Journey

Set out on a captivating 6-hour journey through the pristine waters of Prince William Sound on the Columbia Glacier Cruise. Witness the awe-inspiring retreat of the Columbia Glacier and learn about the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

This journey takes you on an exploration of Port Valdez. Learn about early explorers, oil shipping, and commercial fishing. Cruise along the shoreline and keep your eyes peeled for cascading waterfalls down the coastal mountains.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to spot seals, sea otters, sea lions, porpoise, Orca, Humpback Whales, puffins, and bald eagles.

Don’t forget to bundle up in warm layers and winter gear as you enter Columbia Bay, a world surrounded by ice.

After the cruise, take the time to explore the community of Valdez and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Inclusions

Included in the Columbia Glacier Cruise are a light lunch consisting of soup, a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies, complimentary beverages such as coffee, tea, lemonade, and water, and the convenience of a snack bar and gift shop for additional purchases. The cruise amenities ensure that passengers are well taken care of throughout the journey. The tour guide expertise provides valuable insights into the history and natural wonders of the area.

Here are four key inclusions that enhance the Columbia Glacier Cruise experience:

1. Light Lunch: Passengers can enjoy a satisfying meal onboard with a selection of warm soup, a bagel with cream cheese, and delicious cookies.

2. Complimentary Beverages: Refreshments are provided throughout the cruise, including coffee, tea, lemonade, and water, ensuring that passengers stay hydrated and energized.

3. Snack Bar and Gift Shop: For those who want to indulge in additional treats or purchase souvenirs, the cruise offers the convenience of a snack bar and gift shop.

4. Expert Tour Guide: Passengers can benefit from the extensive knowledge and expertise of the tour guide, who shares fascinating information about the area’s history, wildlife, and natural features.

With these inclusions, passengers can relax, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and learn from the tour guide’s expertise, creating a memorable and enriching Columbia Glacier Cruise experience.

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Customer Reviews

Passengers who’ve experienced the Columbia Glacier Cruise have left overwhelmingly positive reviews, praising the captivating scenery, knowledgeable staff, and memorable encounters with wildlife. Customer satisfaction is evident in the numerous reviews, with many describing their experiences as truly unforgettable.

One reviewer, a GetYourGuide traveler from the United States, mentioned the foggy and rainy weather but still commended the captain’s expertise in navigating the sea, the abundance of sea animals, the stunning ice formations, and the great crew.

Another reviewer highlighted the staff’s kindness and excellent customer service, as well as the clean and comfortable boat. They were amazed by the breathtaking scenery, the opportunity to spot wildlife, and the awe-inspiring glaciers.

Transportation

Guests will have access to convenient transportation options for the Columbia Glacier Cruise. Here are four reasons why the transportation for this cruise is exceptional:

1. Comfortable Cruise Boat: Guests will board a comfortable and well-equipped cruise boat that provides a smooth and enjoyable journey. The boat is designed to offer a comfortable experience with spacious seating and panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views throughout the trip.

2. Transfers from RV Parks: For guests staying in RV parks located in Valdez’s core town, transfers to and from the cruise departure point are provided. This convenient service ensures that guests can easily reach the cruise boat without any hassle.

3. Convenient Check-in Location: Guests are required to check in at the office located behind the Best Western Hotel in Valdez, one hour prior to departure. This central location makes it easy for guests to find and ensures a smooth check-in process.

4. Transfers to Valdez Community: After the cruise, guests have the opportunity to explore the Valdez community and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Transfers back to Valdez are provided, allowing guests to conveniently return to their accommodations or continue exploring the area.

With these transportation options, guests can embark on the Columbia Glacier Cruise with ease and focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings along the way.

Value for Money

After experiencing the exceptional transportation options provided for the Columbia Glacier Cruise, let’s now explore the value for money that this unforgettable journey offers.

When it comes to price comparison, the Columbia Glacier Cruise stands out as a highly cost-effective option for exploring the stunning beauty of Prince William Sound. With a duration of 6 hours, this cruise provides ample time to witness the historic retreat of the Columbia Glacier, spot marine wildlife such as seals, otters, sea lions, and whales, and enjoy the breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls along the shoreline.

The inclusion of a hot soup lunch adds to the value, ensuring that guests are well-prepared for the chilly adventure. The affordable price of the cruise, combined with the incredible experiences and sights it offers, make it a fantastic choice for those seeking an unforgettable journey without breaking the bank.

Helpful Feedback

What are some of the helpful feedback from customers who’ve experienced the Columbia Glacier Cruise? Here are four key takeaways from customer reviews:

1. The captain’s knowledge: Many customers praised the captain’s expertise and extensive knowledge about the area. They appreciated the captain’s ability to provide interesting facts and insights about the history and natural history of the region.

2. Wildlife sightings: Numerous customers mentioned the incredible wildlife sightings during the cruise. From seals, otters, sea lions, to whales and more, passengers were thrilled to witness a variety of marine animals in their natural habitat.

3. Stunning scenery: Customers raved about the breathtaking scenery throughout the journey. They were in awe of the cascading waterfalls, majestic glaciers, and the historic retreat of the Columbia Glacier. The cruise provided ample opportunities for passengers to take in the beauty of Prince William Sound.

4. Excellent service: Many reviews highlighted the exceptional service provided by the crew. Customers appreciated the friendly and attentive staff, who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. The crew’s professionalism and willingness to answer questions added to the overall satisfaction of the customers.

Common Questions

What Is the Maximum Capacity of the Boat for the Columbia Glacier Cruise?

The boat for the Columbia Glacier Cruise has a maximum capacity, but without context it is unknown. Age restrictions may apply. Please refer to the specific details of the cruise for more information on boat capacity and age restrictions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

There are no age restrictions for the cruise. Guests of all ages can enjoy the journey. They can also indulge in a light lunch consisting of soup, a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies, along with complimentary coffee, tea, lemonade, and water.

Is There a Restroom Available on Board the Boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board the boat. The Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise ensures that passengers have access to onboard facilities, including a restroom, for their comfort and convenience throughout the journey.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. This is particularly helpful for those with dietary restrictions. However, the cruise also provides a light lunch consisting of soup, a bagel, cream cheese, and cookies.

Is There a Guide Available to Answer Questions During the Cruise?

Yes, there is a guide available during the cruise to answer questions. They will provide information about the rich history and natural history of the area. Wildlife sightings during the cruise include seals, otters, sea lions, whales, and more.

The Sum Up

To sum it up, the Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise offers a thrilling and unforgettable adventure through the stunning natural beauty of Prince William Sound.

Guests have the opportunity to witness the historic retreat of the Columbia Glacier, encounter a variety of marine wildlife, and learn about the rich history and natural history of the region.

With excellent customer reviews and high recommendation, this cruise promises to be a truly remarkable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

You can check if your dates are available here: