From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Valdez, Alaska, and looking for a way to see some of the most breathtaking natural sights the area has to offer, this 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise might just be the highlight of your visit.

Operated by Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, this full-day adventure offers a fantastic combination of stunning glacier views, abundant wildlife, and insider stories that bring the landscape to life.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are the opportunity to witness the advancing Meares Glacier up close — especially when calving ice into the ocean — and the chance to spot a variety of marine wildlife, from playful sea otters to majestic whales. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to share stories that deepen your understanding of the area’s natural environment.

One consideration worth noting is that the tour runs rain or shine, so packing appropriate clothing is essential. Also, while the tour is quite lengthy, it offers excellent value for those interested in wildlife and glaciers in a single trip. This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic nature encounters, are comfortable on a boat for several hours, and want a well-rounded day of adventure and relaxation.

This experience made our article of 3 Best Boat Tours & Cruises In Valdez (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Stunning Glacier Views: Get up close to Meares Glacier, one of the area’s most impressive ice formations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot whales, sea otters, seals, puffins, and more with expert guides.
• Beautiful Scenery: Cruise past waterfalls, bays, and coastal mountains, soaking in Alaska’s natural beauty.
• Educational Experience: Learn about the area’s natural history from your crew.
• Full-Day Adventure: Enjoy a well-paced 7.5-hour trip with included meals and plenty of time on the water.
• Practical Planning: Weather-appropriate clothing and binoculars will maximize your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

The cruise begins in Valdez, a charming port town known for its dramatic landscapes and history of exploration and oil shipping. You’ll meet your crew behind the Best Western Hotel in Valdez or use a transfer service from nearby RV parks. The meeting point is conveniently located, but be prepared for a short walk down a dock ramp that might be steep depending on the tide. Boarding assistance is available, making it accessible for most travelers, including those with mobility limitations.

Morning Exploration of Port Valdez

Your day kicks off with a brief introduction to the area’s history — early explorers, the importance of oil shipping, and the region’s fishing industries. This contextual background enriches your understanding of the landscape you’re about to explore, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Cruising Prince William Sound

Once on board, the real adventure begins. The calm waters of Prince William Sound are perfect for a relaxing cruise. As you leave port, you’ll pass cascading waterfalls tumbling down rugged coastal mountains. These waterfalls are a visual treat, constantly changing as the weather shifts, offering perfect photo opportunities.

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Wildlife Watching

One of the trip’s high points is wildlife spotting. Expect to see bald eagles soaring overhead, sea otters floating on their backs, playful seals, and perhaps even orcas and humpback whales. Passengers often comment on how many animals they encounter — with some reviews noting “Sehr viel Zeit auf dem Wasser und sehr viele Tiere gesehen!” (“A lot of time on the water and a lot of animals seen!”).

Marine birds like puffins also make appearances. The crew is adept at pointing out these creatures and sharing interesting facts about their habits and habitats, elevating the experience beyond mere sightseeing.

The Meares Glacier Visit

The centerpiece of the trip is the visit to Meares Glacier, a massive, advancing ice formation that extends into the ocean. As you approach, you’ll witness the glacier’s grandeur and might even see calving activity where chunks of ice fall into the water — a dramatic display of nature’s raw power. We loved the way the glacier’s blue hues contrasted with the stark white ice and dark waters.

This part of the cruise offers a rare chance to see a glacier in motion, which is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Many travelers find this to be a highlight, with reviews praising the “really great day trip” experience and the opportunity to spend significant time observing the glacier.

Lunch with a View

While cruising near Meares Glacier, you’ll enjoy a tasty lunch served onboard. The included meal features a late lunch, a bagel snack in the morning, and a dinner roll — simple but satisfying, especially considering the spectacular scenery around you. Watching the landscape pass by while munching adds to the relaxed, immersive feel of the trip.

Wildlife at the Bullhead Sea Lion Haulout

On the return leg, you’ll pass the Bullhead Sea Lion Haulout, where dozens of sea lions rest on rocks. It’s a lively scene that illustrates the importance of these haulouts as vital resting spots. It’s also a favorite spot for wildlife enthusiasts, as you might see the sea lions basking or vocalizing.

Ending the Day

The cruise wraps up around 5:00 PM back in Valdez. The overall experience leaves many feeling they’ve gained a genuine appreciation for Alaska’s natural beauty and the creatures that inhabit it.

Practicalities and Value

This tour is priced at $194 per person, which includes a variety of amenities like coffee, tea, lemonade, water, and snacks. The included guide and multilingual map add value, providing insights that enrich your understanding of the local environment. You can also purchase additional snacks or souvenirs at the gift shop.

While hotel pickup isn’t included, the meeting point is straightforward to find. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for a range of travelers to enjoy this day out.

Weather and Clothing

Given that the tour runs rain or shine, packing layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes is a smart move. Alaska’s weather can shift quickly, so being prepared ensures you stay comfortable and can focus on the incredible sights.

Duration and Group Size

At 7.5 hours, it’s a full but comfortable day with plenty of time on the water. The number of travelers varies, but the experience generally feels intimate enough to ask questions and get personal attention from the guides.

What We Loved & What to Consider

Travel reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One reviewer noted, “Es hat alles gepasst! Es hat uns super gefallen!” (“Everything fit! We really enjoyed it!”). The ability to see multiple types of wildlife and the glacier calving activity makes this cruise a memorable adventure.

On the flip side, the long duration might be tiring for some, especially those prone to seasickness or who dislike cold weather. It’s also worth noting that this is a nature-focused trip, so if you’re seeking indoor activities or a more leisurely pace, this might not be your best choice.

This cruise is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those curious about glaciers and wildlife in Alaska. It offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and educational commentary. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy being on the water will find it highly rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $194, this 7.5-hour experience delivers a hefty dose of Alaska’s natural wonders. The chance to get close to a glacier in motion, combined with the variety of wildlife sightings, makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive day in Prince William Sound. The guides’ expertise and the spectacular scenery ensure you’ll come away with unforgettable memories.

If you’re prepared for weather variability and enjoy wildlife and natural landscapes, this cruise offers excellent value and an authentic taste of Alaska’s wild side.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at a designated meeting point behind the Best Western Hotel in Valdez, but transfers to/from RV parks in the area can be arranged.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, rain gear, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, long pants, cash, a charged smartphone, binoculars, and closed-toe shoes. Weather can change quickly.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but be aware a ramp is used to access the dock, which can be steep depending on the tide. Assistance is available.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, the cruise takes place regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.

How long is the boat on the water?
The total duration of the tour is 7.5 hours, including time for wildlife viewing, glacier visit, and meals.

Are meals included?
Yes, snacks in the morning, a late lunch, and a dinner roll are included. Additional snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase.

Can I see whales?
Yes, whales such as orcas and humpbacks are possible sightings during the cruise, along with many other marine animals.

This cruise from Valdez is a finely balanced day of adventure, scenery, and wildlife — perfect for those eager to experience Alaska’s raw, glacial beauty firsthand.

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