Anchorage: Prince William Sound Tour with Landing

Explore the Beauty of Alaska from the Air and Ice

The Anchorage: Prince William Sound Tour with Landing offers an exciting 90-minute helicopter adventure that combines aerial sightseeing with an up-close glacier exploration. Operated by Alpine Air Alaska, this tour is perfect for those eager to see Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, including remote glaciers, towering mountains, and pristine waters. The tour departs from Girdwood and includes a landing on a glacier, providing a rare chance to step out onto the ice and take in views few visitors get to experience.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want more than just a flight; the landing on the glacier is a highlight that adds a tangible sense of adventure. The tour’s small group size of up to 3 participants ensures a more personalized experience, while the trustworthy safety record of Alpine Air Alaska, boasting over 30 years of experience, gives added confidence.

While the duration is just 1.5 hours, the sights and activities packed into this short window make it a memorable Alaskan journey. Keep in mind that weight restrictions apply, and the tour uses Robinson R44 helicopters, which seat three passengers per aircraft. For larger groups, multiple helicopters may be used, making this a highly flexible option for friends or small families.

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Key Points

• 90-minute helicopter tour from Girdwood showcasing Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains
• Landing on a remote glacier allows guests to explore the ice directly
• Fly over wildlife such as moose, Dall sheep, and mountain goats spotted from above
• View of a tidewater glacier face, accessible only by helicopter, with potential for glacier calving
• Live English-speaking guide and small group size for a more intimate experience
• Shuttle service from Anchorage and Girdwood available for added convenience

Starting Point and Transportation Options

The tour begins in Girdwood, a scenic town known for its outdoor activities and proximity to wilderness areas. It does not include a roundtrip shuttle from Anchorage by default, but transportation can be added for an extra fee. The shuttle driver contacts guests ahead of time to confirm pickup locations, making the process straightforward for travelers staying in hotels or Airbnbs in both Anchorage and Girdwood.

Scenic Flight over the Chugach Mountains

The adventure kicks off with a climb above the lush Girdwood Valley, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding Chugach Mountains. The pilot guides travelers through the remote backcountry, where towering peaks and hanging glaciers dominate the landscape. The flight provides ample opportunities to spot wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, and mountain goats from above, adding an element of wildlife viewing to the scenic flight.

Glacier Landing and Ice Exploration

One of the tour’s most memorable moments is the landing on a remote glacier, which lasts approximately 15–20 minutes. This short but impactful stop allows passengers to step out onto the ice, walk around, and take in the magnificent icy landscape. The glacier is a unique feature accessible only by helicopter, making this part of the tour particularly special. Guests should be prepared for cold conditions and wear suitable footwear, as the ice terrain is uneven.

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Viewing the Tidewater Glacier Face

After the glacier exploration, the helicopter takes an extended return flight over Prince William Sound. Here, the focus shifts to viewing a massive tidewater glacier face from close range, a sight only achievable via air. The pilot guides the helicopter near the glacier’s face, where travelers can observe the dramatic ice formations and, if conditions are right, witness glacier calving—a spectacular event where chunks of ice break off into the sea.

Marine Wildlife and Natural Wonders

As the helicopter glides over the sound, marine wildlife may be visible below, including seals and sea birds. The flight offers a rare perspective on the region’s natural beauty, combining mountains, glaciers, and waters in one smooth, coordinated experience. The views are panoramic, giving a sense of the vastness and wildness of Alaska’s landscape.

Safety and Experience Quality

Alpine Air Alaska has built a strong reputation over three decades, emphasizing safety and expertise. The Robinson R44 helicopters are well-maintained, and the pilots are experienced local guides who excel at pointing out features of interest. The small group size enhances safety and allows for personalized attention, making this tour suitable for travelers seeking an intimate, high-quality experience.

Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is wheelchair accessible and strictly limited to three participants per helicopter, ensuring comfort and safety. For groups larger than three, multiple helicopters are used, which maintains the tour’s small-group feel. Travelers over 300 lbs should contact the office for weight accommodation options, as each seat has a 290 lbs weight limit.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking is flexible: travelers can reserve now and pay later, keeping plans adaptable. Cancellations are straightforward, with full refunds available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. This flexibility makes it easier to plan an Alaska adventure without worry, especially if weather or other factors require rescheduling.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This helicopter tour is ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers eager for up-close glacier views and bird’s-eye perspectives of Alaska’s wild landscape. It suits those comfortable with small aircraft and helicopter landings on icy terrain. While the experience is brief, the intensity and uniqueness of the glacier landing make it a truly memorable outing.

Final Thoughts on the Prince William Sound Helicopter Tour

This 1.5-hour helicopter adventure from Girdwood offers a fantastic blend of scenic flying and glacier exploration. The landing on a remote glacier elevates the experience from a simple flight to an authentic Alaskan adventure. The expert guidance, safety focus, and intimate group size make this tour especially appealing for those who want a personalized, safe, and exhilarating journey.

While it’s a shorter tour, the visual and experiential richness more than makes up for the limited duration. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a high-impact, scenic experience that combines aerial views with ice exploration and a glimpse of Alaska’s wild side. For anyone wanting to see the glaciers and mountains from above and on the ice, this tour stands out as a compelling choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the tour included?
Roundtrip shuttle from Anchorage is not included but can be added for an extra fee. The shuttle service from hotels or Airbnbs in Anchorage and Girdwood is available with prior arrangement.

How long is the helicopter tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including flying, glacier landing, and the return flight over Prince William Sound.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, the flight often offers sightings of moose, Dall sheep, and mountain goats from above, along with potential marine wildlife like seals seen during the sound portion.

What is the maximum weight per seat?
Each helicopter seat has a 290 lbs weight limit. Guests over 300 lbs should contact the office for special arrangements.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How many people are in each helicopter?
Each helicopter seats three passengers, ensuring a small, more personal experience.

What safety measures are in place?
Alpine Air Alaska boasts over 30 years of operational experience and a strong safety record. The helicopters are well-maintained, and pilots are experienced local guides.

Can I book for a group of more than three?
Yes, larger groups can be accommodated by booking multiple helicopters. Please contact the office for arrangements for groups of 9 or more.

Is the Glacier landing safe and manageable?
Yes, the glacier landing is conducted by experienced pilots, with safety as a top priority. Guests should be prepared for cold weather and uneven terrain.

What should I wear or bring?
It’s advisable to wear warm, layered clothing and suitable footwear for walking on ice. The tour provides an unforgettable glacial experience in a safe setting.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby