Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez

The Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez offers an incredible full-day adventure through Prince William Sound for just $195.14 per person. With a duration of approximately 8 hours, this tour is ideal for travelers eager to see Alaska’s iconic glaciers and wildlife. It departs from Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises’ office at 112 N Harbor Dr at 9:00 am, making it easy to plan your day. The tour features complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, and water, with a delicious lunch served around 1:30 pm. Bookings are made about 95 days in advance on average, emphasizing its popularity.

This tour is particularly suitable for those interested in exploring Prince William Sound’s natural beauty, with the bonus of learning about local mining and fishing history from knowledgeable guides. The group size is limited to 145 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience. One key advantage is the flexibility for dietary needs—a vegetarian option is available, though bringing personal snacks is encouraged for those with specific restrictions. Despite the possibility of rain or fog, reviews confirm that the scenery and wildlife sightings remain breathtaking, making this a dependable choice for an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Key Points

• Full-day cruise lasting approximately 8 hours starting at 9:00 am from Valdez.
• Includes a hearty lunch and snacks with complimentary beverages throughout the day.
• Wildlife sightings often include eagles, puffins, harbor seals, sea otters, whales, and sea lions.
• Guides share insights into Prince William Sound’s history, geology, and ecology.
• The glacier viewing at Meares Glacier features dramatic ice calving and vibrant blue ice.
• Suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed, but children must be accompanied by adults.

Exploring Prince William Sound on a Full-Day Cruise

This full-day adventure begins at Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in Valdez, where check-in takes place an hour before departure. The cruise navigates Prince William Sound, a vast, scenic body of water known for its glaciers and wildlife. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with plenty of space for sitting and viewing, which helps when weather conditions are less than perfect.

Travelers on this tour get a chance to see glaciers and wildlife up close. The boat slows down at key moments to allow for wildlife sightings, including otters, Stellar sea lions, porpoises, and harbor seals on ice floes. The highlight is the imposing Meares Glacier, where ice falls from the face create thunderous sounds, providing a mesmerizing spectacle. The glacier’s shades of blue and the caving phenomena are frequently praised in reviews.

Wildlife Encounters: Otters, Whales, and Puffins

One of the biggest draws of this cruise is the abundant wildlife. The guides are praised for their knowledge and patience, often slowing the boat to maximize viewing opportunities. Common sightings include bald eagles, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and humpback whales. Some reviews mention orcas and dolphins as additional highlights during the trip.

The wildlife spotting is often described as plentiful and enjoyable, with ample time given to observe and photograph animals. The crew’s expertise helps to make these moments informative and engaging, adding depth to the experience beyond just viewing the scenery.

Meares Glacier: The Main Attraction

The journey to Meares Glacier is the core of this cruise. Approaching the glacier, the massive ice face comes into view, with ice falling off and calving providing a sensory thrill. The colors of the ice, ranging from bright white to deep blue, are especially noticeable during the calm, clear weather.

Guests are encouraged to stay on deck or inside to enjoy the spectacle of the glacier. Many reviews mention that despite weather conditions, the views remain stunning and the sound of ice cracking adds an unforgettable element to the visit. The length of time spent at the glacier is sufficient for photos and quiet contemplation.

Food and Refreshments on Board

A delicious lunch is served around 1:30 pm, often described as generous and satisfying. A snack of bagels is available earlier, around 10:30 am, and complimentary coffee, tea, and water keep everyone refreshed throughout the day.

While the lunch receives mostly positive comments, some mention that the quality could be improved, describing it as “just okay”. There is a cash snack bar onboard offering additional snacks and sodas for purchase, which is good to know if you prefer more variety or special treats.

The Guides and Crew: Professional and Knowledgeable

The crew and guides are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and ability to share interesting information. The captain’s narration is often highlighted as informative, with details about local history, geology, and wildlife.

Notably, Captain Amanda and other crew members have received high praise for their WARMTH and expertise, ensuring passengers feel well looked after throughout the trip. The willingness to answer questions and go off course for wildlife sightings makes the experience more personal and memorable.

Weather Considerations and Travel Conditions

While weather can vary, reviews demonstrate that rain or fog does not significantly detract from the experience. Many travelers mention that even in less-than-ideal weather, the views and wildlife sightings still impress. The boat’s comfortable interior allows for cozy viewing, and calm seas contribute to a smooth ride.

Travelers should prepare for variable weather conditions, bringing appropriate clothing, especially rain gear if needed. The tour’s flexibility and the crew’s expert handling help ensure a positive experience regardless of weather.

Logistics and Meeting Arrangements

The meeting point is at Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, 112 N Harbor Dr, Valdez. The check-in occurs one hour before the 9:00 am departure, streamlining the start of the day. The return is back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The group size is capped at 145 travelers, which balances social atmosphere with spacious comfort. The tour is suitable for most people, with service animals allowed and children needing adult supervision.

The Experience’s Overall Value

At $195.14 per person, this full-day cruise offers a comprehensive look at Prince William Sound’s glaciers and wildlife. The length of the tour, combined with the delicious food, expert guides, and stunning scenery, makes it a solid choice for those wanting an authentic Alaskan adventure.

While some reviews note that lunch could be better, the wildlife sightings and glacier views consistently receive high praise. The easy booking process and clear itinerary make it accessible for most travelers, especially those planning advanced reservations.

The Best for Nature Enthusiasts and Curious Explorers

This cruise is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs interested in Alaska’s natural wonders. The comfortable boat, informative guides, and spectacular sights combine to create a memorable day on the water.

While weather can sometimes be unpredictable, the overall experience remains impressive and fulfilling. Expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, witness glacier calving, and learn about the area’s history all in one smooth, well-organized trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The full-day cruise includes lunch, snacks, and light refreshments like coffee, tea, and water. The wildlife and glacier viewing are part of the experience, with guides providing commentary.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with departure at 9:00 am and returning to the starting point in Valdez.

Is there any flexibility for dietary restrictions?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available, but travelers are encouraged to bring their own meals or snacks if they have special dietary needs.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are permitted onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

Is weather a concern?
While weather can vary, many reviews confirm that scenery and wildlife sightings remain impressive even in rain or fog. The boat’s interior seating provides a comfortable viewing area.

How should I prepare for the trip?
Bring appropriate clothing for variable weather, including rain gear if needed. Arrive early for check-in and wear comfortable footwear suitable for boat decks.

Who operates this tour?
This excursion is provided by Stan Stephens Cruises Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, known for their professional staff and reliable services.

This Meares Glacier Cruise from Valdez promises a spectacular day filled with glacier vistas, wildlife encounters, and historical insights, making it a top choice for travelers looking to experience Alaska’s natural splendor.