In short
- Columbia tours feature a massive, miles-long field of floating icebergs.
- Meares tours visit an advancing glacier that actively drops ice.
- Columbia cruises take roughly 6 hours, while Meares takes 8 hours.
In this article
Choosing the right glacier tour depends on what you want to see. Columbia Glacier is famous for its rapid retreat and dense iceberg fields. Meares Glacier stands out because it is actively advancing and calving large chunks of ice directly into the ocean.
What is the main difference between Columbia and Meares Glacier?
Columbia features a massive field of floating icebergs, while Meares offers a clear path to an advancing ice wall.
Since the early 1980s, Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 10.5 miles. This rapid melting leaves a dense, miles-long iceberg field in Columbia Bay. Boats cannot safely reach the glacier's face. Meares Glacier is one of the few advancing tidewater glaciers in Alaska. Boats can sail close to its face to watch active calving.
| Feature | Columbia Glacier | Meares Glacier |
|---|---|---|
| Current State | Retreating rapidly | Advancing |
| Key Sight | Miles-long iceberg field | Actively calving ice face |
| Tour Duration | 6 hours | 8 hours |
How long do the glacier cruises take?
A standard Columbia Glacier cruise takes about 6 hours, while the Meares Glacier cruise lasts 8 hours.
Both tours depart from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor and travel through Prince William Sound. The 6-hour Columbia trip covers an 80-mile round trip. The Meares excursion ventures further into the Sound, requiring up to 8 hours.
How much do the glacier cruises cost?
Columbia Glacier tours cost around $180 for adults, while Meares Glacier tours start near $206.
Prices change by season and operator. A standard 6-hour Columbia public cruise charges about $180 per adult and $90 per child. The longer 8-hour Meares tour costs slightly more. Both options generally include complimentary hot drinks onboard.
Will I see ice calving into the ocean?
You are much more likely to see active calving at Meares Glacier.
Because Columbia Glacier has a dense iceberg field, large vessels stop far from the terminus. You will navigate through thousands of floating icebergs instead. Meares Glacier allows boats to approach the tidewater face directly. Guests frequently watch large blocks of ice crash into the water.
Do both tours show marine wildlife?
Yes, both cruises navigate Prince William Sound and offer high chances of spotting marine animals.
On either route, captains watch for sea otters, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions. The Columbia Bay iceberg field provides floating resting spots for seals. You might also spot humpback whales or bald eagles on both trips.
Which glacier cruise is right for me?
Choose Columbia to see sprawling icebergs, or Meares to watch ice fall from an advancing face.
If you prefer a slightly shorter day and want to photograph blue ice floating in the water, book the 6-hour Columbia trip. If you want a longer day on the water and prioritize seeing ice calve off a tall glacier face, book the Meares tour.
Questions travellers ask
Can large boats get close to Columbia Glacier?
No. The massive, miles-long iceberg field left by the glacier's rapid retreat blocks large vessels from safely reaching the active face.
What should I pack for either glacier cruise?
Bring a windproof and waterproof outer jacket, warm gloves, a hat, and binoculars. Temperatures drop significantly when the boat approaches the glacial ice.
Are meals included on the tours?
The 6-hour Columbia tour typically provides a light soup lunch. The 8-hour Meares tour includes a morning bagel snack and a later lunch.
