In short
- Adult tickets cost around $180; child tickets are roughly $90.
- Prices usually include a light lunch and hot drinks.
- Bring extra cash for onboard snack bars and gratuities.
In this article
Budgeting for a Columbia Glacier tour is straightforward once you know the base ticket prices. Most public day cruises last about six hours and depart directly from the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. Here is exactly what you get for the price and what you should expect to pay out of pocket.
What is the standard Valdez glacier cruise cost?
Adult tickets start around $180, while child tickets are approximately $90.
Prices vary slightly by operator and change over time. These rates cover a 6-hour public cruise departing from Valdez. The journey takes you 80 miles round-trip through Prince William Sound to view the massive Columbia Glacier iceberg field.
| Ticket Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult (6-hour cruise) | From $180 |
| Child (6-hour cruise) | From $90 |
Are meals included in the cruise ticket?
Yes, a basic meal like a light soup lunch is usually included in the ticket price.
Operators typically serve this meal around 12:00 PM. Complimentary hot beverages, including coffee and tea, are also provided throughout the trip. Water is available at no extra charge.
Can I buy extra food on the boat?
Yes, cruises feature onboard snack bars selling soda and small snacks.
These snack bars are often cash-based. If you have specific dietary restrictions, you should pack your own specialty foods or extra snacks. Small coolers are permitted on board.
Are tips included in the ticket price?
No, gratuities for the captain and crew are not included in the base fare.
You will need to pay for tips out of pocket at the end of the tour. Cash is the easiest way to tip the crew for their 6-hour service.
Are there other costs to reach the cruise?
You must pay for your own transportation to Valdez.
Driving from Anchorage takes 5-6 hours via the Richardson and Glenn Highways, requiring rental car and gas expenses. Alternatively, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Whittier costs extra and varies by vehicle size.
Do longer glacier cruises cost more?
Yes, an 8-hour excursion to the nearby Meares Glacier generally costs more than the 6-hour Columbia Glacier tour.
Prices for the longer Meares trip start from $206. That tour includes a morning bagel snack and a lunch served later in the day. Both options offer extensive marine wildlife viewing.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to pay extra for binoculars on the boat?
High-quality binoculars are highly recommended, but you must bring your own. They are not provided or rented out on the standard Columbia Glacier cruise.
Is alcohol included in the price?
No. Furthermore, personal alcohol is strictly prohibited on board the public cruise vessels.
How much does a child ticket cost for the Columbia Glacier cruise?
Children's tickets for the 6-hour public cruise are roughly $90.
