From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch

The From Whittier: Glacier Quest Cruise with Onboard Lunch offers an engaging and scenic exploration of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. This 4 to 11-hour adventure is perfect for those eager to see glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife from a modern high-speed catamaran. With a highly-rated reputation and a 4.8/5 rating based on 98 reviews, this tour combines spectacular scenery, educational narration, and delicious food into one memorable outing.

This cruise departs from Whittier, a charming seaside town accessible via the Anton Anderson Tunnel. Travelers can choose to self-drive or opt for transportation from Alyeska or Anchorage, with flexible options to suit different schedules. The tour stands out for its live onboard commentary from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger, offering insights into Prince William Sound’s natural wonders. The onboard meal options—including Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder or Hearty Vegetable Chili—add a satisfying touch to the experience, especially during the calm waters of Blackstone Bay.

While the average duration varies, the tour is designed to accommodate different preferences, from shorter scenic excursions to more extended explorations, all with excellent reviews for guides and scenery. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for wildlife encounters, glacier views, and an educational experience in a comfortable, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Departs from Whittier: Accessible via the Anton Anderson Tunnel with flexible transportation options.
• Duration: Ranges from 4 to 11 hours, allowing for half-day or full-day adventures.
• Wildlife sightings: Includes sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and seasonally whales and bears.
• Glacier views: Focus on Blackstone Bay, where tidewater and alpine glaciers flow from mountains to the sea.
• Onboard meal: Choices include Smoked Salmon Chowder or Vegetable Chili, served with sides and snacks.
• Expert narration: Live commentary from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger enhances the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Departure from Whittier and the Anton Anderson Tunnel

The tour begins with a journey through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, which connects Anchorage or Alyeska to Whittier. Travelers who self-drive should allow about 1.5 hours from Anchorage. The tunnel opens on the half-hour, making early arrivals or later departures easy to coordinate. Once in Whittier, visitors check in at the Cliffside Marina and Phillips Cruises office an hour before departure.

This scenic route itself is part of the adventure, with impressive views en route and the excitement of crossing one of Alaska’s notable tunnels. Those who add coach transportation can store luggage on the bus for their return trip, adding extra comfort and convenience.

Embarking on the High-Speed Catamaran

Boarding the modern high-speed catamaran marks the start of a comfortable journey through Prince William Sound. The vessel is described as secure and comfortable, ensuring a smooth ride even in variable weather conditions. The cruise is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention and space for everyone onboard.

The boat’s large windows provide panoramic views of glaciers and waterfalls, making photography easy and enjoyable. The capabilities of the vessel allow it to navigate ice-filled waters safely, bringing guests close to the tidewater glaciers for stunning up-close sightings.

Glaciers of Blackstone Bay and Tidewater Calving

The core highlight is Blackstone Bay, a deep-water fjord renowned for its spectacular tidewater glaciers. These glaciers flow from the mountains into the sea, creating dramatic scenery. Watch for chunks of ice calving, which can occur at any moment and produce thunderous sounds, adding to the awe of the landscape.

The glaciers are constantly changing, with some reviews mentioning how close and accessible the views are, thanks to the vessel’s capabilities. The calving process provides incredible photo opportunities, with massive ice chunks crashing into the water.

Wildlife Encounters and Bird Watching

Expect to see local wildlife along the cruise route, including sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles. The waters are teeming with migratory birds like kittiwakes, adding to the vibrant natural scene. During certain seasons, the chance to spot whales and bears increases, especially around the salmon migration.

Wildlife sightings are a consistent highlight, with reviews praising the crew’s efforts to spot and explain the animals’ behaviors. The naturalist onboard and the crew’s attentiveness ensure that wildlife is a major part of the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Onboard Lunch and Refreshments

A key perk of this tour is the included onboard meal. Guests can choose between Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder, served with oyster crackers, vegetable salad, a multi-grain roll, and snacks, or Hearty Vegetable Chili with similar sides. There is also an option to bring your own meal if dietary restrictions or preferences require it, though alcohol is not permitted onboard due to Alaska Liquor Laws.

The lunch adds a relaxing element, allowing guests to enjoy local flavors as they gaze at glaciers and wildlife. Reviews frequently commend the quality of the food and the friendly service onboard.

Educational Narration from a Forest Service Ranger

The live onboard commentary is led by a Chugach National Forest Service ranger. This narration enriches the cruise by providing insights into glacier formation, local ecology, and wildlife behavior. Guests appreciate how guides explain what they’re seeing, making the experience both scenic and educational.

The narration is delivered in English and is praised for being informative without overwhelming. During the trip, the ranger points out specific glaciers, wildlife sightings, and shares local stories that deepen understanding of Prince William Sound’s wilderness.

Wildlife Spotting and Seasonal Variations

The cruise is renowned for wildlife sightings, with sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles commonly seen. In certain seasons, travelers have the chance to observe whales and bears feeding on salmon. The tour’s timing can influence what animals are visible, with some reviews noting excellent sightings of whales, seals, and sea lions.

Even on days with less visible wildlife, the glaciers and scenery remain impressive. The crew’s expertise in wildlife spotting and the calm waters contribute to a satisfying experience regardless of animal encounters.

Meeting Point, Practical Tips, and Group Size

The meeting point varies based on transportation options, but generally, guests check in at the Cliffside Marina in Whittier an hour before departure. For self-drive guests, allow 1.5 hours from Anchorage and plan to pass through the tunnel. The tour is generally small group, which enhances the personalized feel and allows guides to give more attention to each guest.

Guests are advised to bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, hats, gloves, and scarf. Since the weather can change, layers are recommended. Infants are allowed to sit on laps, and service animals are welcome.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

The Whittier Glacier Quest Cruise with onboard lunch offers an authentic Alaskan experience. Its combination of glacier views, wildlife sightings, guided narration, and delicious local food makes it a strong choice for those seeking a comprehensive scenic adventure.

The high praise from nearly 100 reviews confirms the quality of guides, scenery, and overall organization. While some reviews mention long glacier stops or variable wildlife sightings, the consistent positive feedback signals this tour’s overall value.

Suitable for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and families, this cruise delivers a genuine taste of Alaska’s majestic wilderness in a comfortable setting. The flexible duration, small-group atmosphere, and educational commentary further enhance its appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 2-11 can join on a kids’ meal and sit on laps. The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with plenty of wildlife and scenery to engage young minds.

What should I bring for the weather?
It’s recommended to bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, hat, gloves, and scarf. Layers work best, as weather can change quickly in Alaska.

Can I choose my meal onboard?
Guests can select Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder or Hearty Vegetable Chili. If dietary restrictions prevent these options, guests may bring their own meal, but alcohol is not permitted on the vessel.

How flexible are the tour durations?
The tour duration varies from 4 to 11 hours, allowing for shorter scenic trips or longer explorations with wildlife and glacier viewing.

What’s the best way to get to Whittier?
Self-drive guests should allow 1.5 hours from Anchorage through the Anton Anderson Tunnel. Early or late tunnel entries are available, and transportation options from Alyeska or Anchorage include luggage storage.

This Glacier Quest Cruise from Whittier combines stunning natural scenery, wildlife encounters, and local insights, making it a memorable way to experience Alaska’s wilderness.

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