Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive

Whittier , United States

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For guests in Anchorage or Girdwood with their own transportation, this 5-hour cruise offers a smooth cruise to view dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound.

The cruise route covers 140 miles and features areas such as Port Wells, Esther Passage, College Fjord or Blackstone Bay. Due to weather, ice flows, and wildlife activity, our captains adapt to these changing conditions to provide the best cruise experience, while keeping your safety and comfort a top priority. Your friendly and attentive crew will strive to make this cruise a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation.

Our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee assures every guest will cruise in comfort while enjoying your cruise. All cruises are operated on first-class high-speed catamarans that provide an extremely stable cruise and can smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and ice flows to reach the face of massive glaciers.

Available options

Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive

What's included

Smoke-free vessels

No Seasickness Guarantee - or your money back!

Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, fresh Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and York Peppermint Pattie. Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal on request 48 hours prior.

USB Charging Stations at every table. Wifi is NOT available.

ADA Accessible providing a safe and comfortable way for everyone to see the glaciers.

Restroom on board

Coffee, hot tea, and ice water.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Travel time from Anchorage to Whittier is 90 minutes. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes. Please plan your day with this travel time in mind. (The cruise portion is 5 hours.)

All cruises depart from Whittier, AK. Bring your photo I.D. and check in at least one hour before your cruise departs. Being late may cause the cancellation of reserved seats and/or an entire reservation.

To reach Whittier, you will travel through North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel allows one-way traffic access to and from Whittier on a strict schedule. The tunnel opens going to Whittier thirty minutes past the hour (9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM). We recommend the 10:30 AM tunnel opening for your cruise to allow time to park and check in. Transportation to Whittier, tunnel toll, and parking fee are not included. After your cruise, the tunnel will be open hourly, on the hour, until 11:00 PM.

Explore spectacular Prince William Sound to see dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife on our first-class high-speed catamarans. Enjoy narration from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger who shares interesting details about the history, geography, glaciers and wildlife we see during the cruise.

Every cruise features our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee! With the calm waters of Prince William Sound and our smooth cruising catamarans, you can enjoy a comfortable experience without worry.

We serve wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder with coleslaw style salad, multigrain roll, oyster crackers, cheese stick, fruit snack and a peppermint pattie. If you prefer hearty vegetarian chili (GF), request it when booking or message us at least 48 hours before travel.

Paid parking is available in a public lot located on Whittier Street, close to the Cliffside Marina.

Photo I.D. is required at check-in to receive your boarding cards. All guests must be on board by 11:45 AM

Explore the town of Whittier, Alaska as you stroll along the harbor boardwalk, visit local shops and restaurants, the Prince William Sound Museum (admission not included) or hike a local trail.

When you are ready to depart Whittier, the tunnel will be open on the hour, every hour until 11:00 PM.

What's not included

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel toll

Gift Shop items are available for purchase on boat.

Does not include parking fees of $10-$15.

Does not include transportation to Whittier.

Warm your spirits with our signature hot drinks or try our Glacier Ice Margarita. Our full-service bar features Alaskan ales on tap, wine, a full selection of spirits and liquors.

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All crew and guests must wear a mask or face covering per current COVID-19 procedures.

Be mindful of the space around you for social distancing

Meeting point

IMPORTANT! Our cruises depart from Whittier, approximately 1.5 hours south of Anchorage. We suggest departing Anchorage by 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to arrive in Whittier 1-hour before boarding begins.

Important notes

Allow at least 1.5 hours to drive from Anchorage to Whittier. Our cruises depart from the Cliffside Marina, 100 West Camp Road, Whittier, AK 99693. Present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. at check-in. We recommend departing Anchorage at 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM tunnel opening which allows time to explore our quaint seaside cafes, shops, and museum, park and check-in for your cruise. Tunnel ($13) and parking fees ($10-$12) are not included.
- -
The drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway is spectacular. There are numerous photo stops along the way and summer tends to have road construction delays, so having extra time to enjoy the sights is well worth it on this National Scenic Byway. Before reaching Whittier, you will travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This is North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. The one-way tunnel operates on a schedule and everyone going to Whittier needs to pay a tunnel toll and be in line at 30-minutes past the hour for transit to Whittier. We recommend allowing 1.5 hours travel time from Anchorage to Whittier and planning for the 10:30 AM tunnel opening. After exploring Whittier and Prince William Sound, you may find it useful to know that the tunnel opens on the hour until 11:00 PM.
- -
Upon arrival in Whittier, drive one mile to the Cliffside Marina. Phillips Cruises and Tours is located at the far end of the parking lot in a building with a red roof and our yellow-triangle 26 Glacier Cruise logo. Proceed directly to Phillips Cruise "Express Check-In" located on the observation deck behind the ticket office. Present your photo I.D. and mobile ticket here to receive your cruise boarding pass, meal card for lunch, and a map indicating where your seats are located on the vessel. All guests must be on the cruise by 11:45 AM.

- -
If you need assistance, please call us at 907-276-8023.

About Whittier

Whittier is a unique and picturesque town in Alaska, known for its dramatic mountain backdrop and charming small-town atmosphere. It's a gateway to stunning natural wonders and offers a blend of history, adventure, and tranquility.

Top Attractions

Begich Boggs Visitor Center

This visitor center offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It's a great starting point for hiking and nature trails.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Portage Glacier

A stunning glacier that can be viewed from the Begich Boggs Visitor Center or by boat tour.

Nature 1-3 hours depending on activity Free to view, boat tours cost extra

Whittier Tunnel

The Anton Anderson Tunnel is a unique tunnel that connects Whittier to the Seward Highway. It's a marvel of engineering and offers a scenic drive.

Historical 20-30 minutes for the drive through Toll fee applies

Whittier Museum

This small museum offers a glimpse into the town's history, including its role during World War II and its unique geography.

Historical 30-60 minutes Moderate

Blackstone Bay

A beautiful bay offering opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and scenic photography.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free to explore, kayak rentals cost extra

Must-Try Local Dishes

Alaskan Salmon

Freshly caught salmon, often grilled or smoked, is a must-try in Whittier.

Dinner Contains fish

King Crab

Alaskan king crab is a delicacy, often served steamed or in crab legs.

Dinner Contains shellfish

Reindeer Sausage

A local specialty made from reindeer meat, often served as a sausage.

Snack Contains meat

Baked Alaska

A classic dessert featuring layers of ice cream and sponge cake, topped with meringue.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Wildlife viewing Dog sledding Scenic drives Coffee shop visits Museum tours Museum visits

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Whittier for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is relatively mild, and the days are long, providing ample time to explore the natural beauty.

10°C to 15°C 50°F to 59°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Whittier is a small, safe town with a low crime rate. However, visitors should always take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when driving in winter conditions

Getting there

By air

Anchorage International Airport • 90 miles (145 km)

By train

Whittier Station

By bus

Anchorage

Getting around

Public transport

The town is small, and most attractions are within walking distance.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Limited availability of ride-sharing apps

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Whittier Portage Valley

Day trips

Anchorage

90 miles (145 km) • Half day to full day

Alaska's largest city offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.

Seward

30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day

A charming coastal town known for its fishing industry, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.

Girdwood

20 miles (32 km) • Half day to full day

A picturesque mountain town offering year-round outdoor activities and stunning scenery.

Festivals

Whittier Summer Festival • July Northern Lights Festival • Winter months

Pro tips

Visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Center for stunning views and educational exhibits
Take a boat tour to see Portage Glacier up close
Explore the Anton Anderson Tunnel for a unique driving experience
Check out local art galleries and museums for a taste of Alaskan culture
Try local seafood dishes, especially salmon and king crab