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Columbia Glacier Cruises

Tickets & tours

Columbia Glacier Tickets

Review your options for exploring Prince William Sound. Standard cruises take 6 hours, while extended tours visit different glacier faces.

Scenic view of a glacier and snow-capped mountains across icy water.Most booked

Boat tour6 h4.9 (301)Free cancellation

Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez

This 6-hour tour explores the fjords and passageways of the Prince William Sound in route to South-central Alaska's largest tidewater glacier – Columbia Glacier. Your...

  • Lunch: Served around 12:00 PM is a light soup lunch.
  • Light refreshments: Complimentary coffee, tea and water.

From$186per person

Best for: scenic glacier and wildlife viewing

A tour boat floating in icy water near a large glacier.Top rated

Boat tour8 h4.9 (152)Free cancellation

Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez

This 7.5 to 8 hour excursion is ideal for the traveler who is looking to discover all of what Prince William Sound has to offer – amazing glaciers and exciting...

  • Snacks: A bagel snack is served around 10:30 AM
  • Light refreshments: Complimentary coffee, tea and water served all day.
  • Lunch: A lunch is served around 1:30 PM

From$206per person

Best for: extended prince william sound exploration

Orcas swimming near a Kenai Fjords tour boat with snowy mountains behind.Best value

Boat tour6 h4.9 (2,186)Free cancellation

Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

This 6-hour cruise explores Kenai Fjords National Park and visits an actively calving tidewater glacier in beautiful Aialik Bay. Our experienced captains will narrate...

  • All taxes and fees included
  • Use of binoculars
  • Reserved seating in the heated cabin

From$287per person

Best for: calving glaciers and marine wildlife

Promotional graphic for a Whittier to Anchorage land transfer tour.

Combo6 h to 7 h4.8 (212)Free cancellation

Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife&Glacier tour to Anchorage

Make the most of your final day in Alaska with a scenic sightseeing experience designed specifically for cruise passengers departing from Whittier. Instead of heading...

  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • All Fees and Taxes

From$199per person

Best for: cruise passengers heading to anchorage

Tour photoSmall group

Guided tour8 h4.9 (86)Free cancellation

Matanuska Glacier Guided Hike from Anchorage with Gear Included

Embark on a mesmerizing Matanuska Glacier Hike, expertly guided for an immersive adventure through Alaska's icy wonders. With the added convenience of a small group...

  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Protection gears

From$329per person

Best for: walking directly on a glacier

Tour photo

Day trip4 h 30 min4.8 (173)Free cancellation

Wildlife Conservation Center & Portage Valley Glaciers

Embark on a scenic journey along the Turnagain Arm. View breathtaking Scenery, keeping a lookout for Beluga whales, Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles, and the occasional bear!...

  • Bottled water
  • Entry Ticket to Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Professional Guide

From$119per person

Best for: quick sightseeing from anchorage

Prices vary by operator and booking platform. They typically start around $180 for adults.

What will it cost your group?

Enter your group and compare totals on both platforms. From-prices; children are priced as adults unless the listing gives a child rate.

OptionViator totalGetYourGuide total
columbia glacier cruise$186Compare
meares glacier excursion$206Compare
kenai fjords cruise$287Compare
whittier to anchorage transfer$199Compare
matanuska glacier hike$329Compare
portage valley wildlife tour$119Compare

Viator and GetYourGuide side by side

Compare the top-rated boat tours departing from Valdez.

OptionDurationViator fromGetYourGuide fromRatingBest for
columbia glacier cruise6 h$186Compare4.9 (301)scenic glacier and wildlife viewing
meares glacier excursion8 h$206Compare4.9 (152)extended prince william sound exploration
kenai fjords cruise6 h$287Compare4.9 (2,186)calving glaciers and marine wildlife
whittier to anchorage transfer6 h to 7 h$199Compare4.8 (212)cruise passengers heading to anchorage
matanuska glacier hike8 h$329Compare4.9 (86)walking directly on a glacier
portage valley wildlife tour4 h 30 min$119Compare4.8 (173)quick sightseeing from anchorage

How to choose

  • If you want the standard 6-hour Columbia Glacier route: book the
    Scenic view of a glacier and snow-capped mountains across icy water.
    Columbia Glacier Cruise from Valdez6 h 4.9 (301)from $186
    .
  • If you prefer to see an actively advancing glacier: choose the
    A tour boat floating in icy water near a large glacier.
    Meares Glacier Cruise Excursion from Valdez8 h 4.9 (152)from $206
    .
  • If you are based in Seward rather than Valdez: consider the
    Orcas swimming near a Kenai Fjords tour boat with snowy mountains behind.
    Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise6 h 4.9 (2,186)from $287
    .
  • If you want to hike on the ice near Anchorage: book the
    Tour photo
    Matanuska Glacier Guided Hike from Anchorage with Gear Included8 h 4.9 (86)from $329
    .

Ticket questions

How much does a Valdez glacier cruise cost?

Adult tickets for a 6-hour public cruise cost approximately $180. Children's tickets are usually around $90. Prices may fluctuate based on the specific operator and the booking platform. See our full breakdown in Cruise Cost Breakdown.

Are meals included on the cruise?

The inclusions vary by operator. The standard Columbia Glacier Cruise often includes a light soup lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and water. A cash snack bar is typically available on board for extra items.

Do I need to book my tour in advance?

Yes, you should book in advance. The operating season only runs from mid-May through mid-September. Boats have limited capacity, and peak summer dates frequently sell out.

From Viator

Recent reviews

4.9

301 reviews of the columbia glacier cruise on Viator

The best Alaska boat tour I have been on to date. The crew was polite, knowledgeable and eager to assist in any way. The boat was extremely clean and in order. The captain was very educated in all the areas of the tour. Would love to go again.
rodgerb2026-09Viator
It was rainy and foggy the day we went, but we ended up not minding it at all. The fog made everything look magical and this turned out to be a great rainy day activity. Lunch was chowder and a bagel (veg options available). Unfortunately, we did not really get close to the glacier because of all the ice, but even going through the ice was fun.
Kritika_A2026-09Viator
What a great experience! The boat is comfortable, the captain was informative and easy going. We were able to see many types of wildlife. It was very relaxing we would definitely do it again!
209debbit2026-09Viator
columbia glacier cruisefrom $186 on Viator
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