26 Glaciers Cruise & Prince William Sound Wildlife Tour from Whittier

The 26 Glaciers cruise from Whittier is the signature excursion at this port, and it ranks among the most spectacular boat tours in all of Alaska. Over the course of five to six hours, you will travel deep into Prince William Sound, passing by 26 named glaciers packed into College Fjord and Harriman Fjord. Massive tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into the water, harbor seals rest on floating ice, and the sheer density of glacial scenery is unlike anything else accessible from an Alaska cruise port.

Whittier sits on the western shore of Prince William Sound, protected from the open Gulf of Alaska by a ring of islands and mountains. This geography creates remarkably calm waters for a boat tour, which means less seasickness risk and more comfortable viewing conditions than ocean-facing routes. The sound is also one of the most glacially active regions in the state, with glaciers flowing down from the Chugach Mountains in almost every direction.

What to Expect

Your tour begins at the Whittier waterfront, where the operator maintains a check-in terminal near the cruise ship berth. After boarding, the boat heads east into Prince William Sound, weaving through island passages and along forested shorelines. A naturalist or narrator provides running commentary on the geography, wildlife, and history of the area.

The transit itself is scenic, with snow-capped peaks rising from the waterline and the occasional wildlife sighting breaking up the narration. Sea otters are commonly spotted within the first 30 minutes, floating in kelp beds near the shore. Bald eagles perch on spruce trees along the route, and the captain will point out Steller sea lion haul-outs on rocky outcroppings.

As the boat enters College Fjord, the glacier concentration becomes extraordinary. This fjord was named by the 1899 Harriman Expedition, and the glaciers along its walls were given the names of Ivy League and Seven Sisters colleges: Harvard, Yale, Smith, Bryn Mawr, and others. These are not distant, hard-to-see features. The glaciers descend from the mountains on both sides of the fjord, some reaching all the way to the waterline, and you will see them continuously as the boat travels deeper into the fjord.

The highlight is the approach to Harvard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound. Harvard Glacier is roughly one mile wide at its face and towers several hundred feet above the waterline. Unlike many glaciers in Alaska that are retreating, Harvard has been advancing in recent years, actively pushing forward and calving enormous chunks of ice. The captain will position the boat a safe distance from the face and hold for 20 to 30 minutes, giving you ample time to watch for calving events, photograph the blue ice, and listen to the glacier’s constant groaning and cracking.

The boat then enters Harriman Fjord, where additional glaciers come into view, including Surprise Glacier, which is known for particularly active calving. The floating ice in this area can be dense, with bergy bits and small icebergs drifting through the channels.

Throughout the cruise, a hot meal is served in the boat’s dining area. The combination of a warm lunch, glacier viewing, and wildlife sightings makes for a well-rounded day that does not require any physical exertion beyond walking around the boat.

The Glaciers

The 26 glaciers on the route include a mix of tidewater glaciers (flowing into the ocean), alpine glaciers (visible on mountainsides), and piedmont glaciers (spreading out at the base of mountains). Here are the most notable:

• Harvard Glacier: The crown jewel of the tour. One mile wide, several hundred feet tall at the face, and actively advancing. Calving events here produce massive waves and spectacular ice falls that echo through the fjord.
• Yale Glacier: Located near Harvard, Yale Glacier is heavily crevassed and presents a dramatic face of blue and white ice. It has retreated significantly in recent decades, creating a striking contrast with Harvard’s advance.
• Surprise Glacier: In Harriman Fjord, known for frequent and dramatic calving events. The relatively narrow fjord amplifies the sound of falling ice.
• Bryn Mawr Glacier: A smaller tidewater glacier along College Fjord with a beautiful blue face.
• Smith Glacier and Vassar Glacier: Part of the Seven Sisters group along the western wall of College Fjord.

The sheer number of glaciers visible on this route is what sets it apart from other Alaska glacier cruises. Rather than traveling a long distance to see one or two glaciers, you are moving through a landscape where ice is the dominant feature in every direction.

Wildlife Along the Route

Prince William Sound supports abundant marine life, and the calm waters and sheltered fjords concentrate animals in viewable areas:

• Sea Otters: The sound is home to thousands of sea otters, and you will see them throughout the route. Watch for mothers floating with pups on their bellies and groups cracking shellfish.
• Harbor Seals: Found resting on icebergs near glacier faces. Prince William Sound has a significant harbor seal population, and the floating ice near Harvard and Surprise glaciers is a prime viewing area.
• Humpback Whales: Feeding in the sound from late spring through early fall. Sightings are common on the transit portions of the route, and the captain will stop for extended viewing when whales are present.
• Steller Sea Lions: Haul-outs are located on rocky outcroppings along the route. Males can weigh over 2,000 pounds, and the colonies are noisy and impressive.
• Bald Eagles: Nesting throughout the forested shoreline. You will likely see dozens over the course of the trip.
• Dall’s Porpoises: These fast, playful marine mammals sometimes ride the bow wave of the boat, putting on a show for passengers on the forward deck.

Tour Operators

Two companies operate glacier cruises from Whittier:

• Phillips Cruises and Tours: The operator of the famous 26 Glacier Cruise, which has run continuously since 1983. Their high-speed catamaran covers more ground than a traditional vessel, allowing the tour to reach both College Fjord and Harriman Fjord in a single trip. The boat is large and comfortable, with indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a full galley, and a gift shop. A hot meal is included. This is the most popular glacier cruise from Whittier and the one most travelers choose.
• Major Marine Tours: Also operates glacier cruises from Whittier, with a reputation for excellent onboard meals (prime rib is their signature). Their boats are well-appointed and their narrators knowledgeable. They offer both full-day and slightly shorter routes, giving some flexibility in scheduling.

Both operators run professional operations with experienced captains and crew. The choice between them often comes down to departure times and meal preferences.

Who This Is For

This is one of the most broadly appealing excursions in Alaska. Because you are a passenger on a large, comfortable boat, it requires no physical fitness or outdoor skills.

This cruise works well for:

• First-Time Alaska Visitors: If you want a single excursion that captures the essence of Alaska’s glacial landscape, this is among the best choices at any port.
• Families: The combination of wildlife, calving glaciers, and a warm meal makes this a hit with all ages. The boat has indoor seating, restrooms, and snack service for comfortable conditions regardless of weather.
• Older Travelers: Easy boarding, comfortable seating, accessible restrooms, and a heated cabin make this excursion fully accessible to travelers with limited mobility.
• Glacier Enthusiasts: The density of glaciers on this route is unmatched by any other single-day tour in Alaska. If glaciers are your primary interest, this is the tour to prioritize.
• Photographers: The continuously changing scenery, calving events, wildlife, and ice fields provide nonstop photo opportunities over the full five to six hours.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

Book independently with Phillips Cruises or Major Marine Tours. Cruise lines sell the same tours at a markup, and since Whittier is typically an embarkation or disembarkation port, the standard reason for booking through the ship (guaranteed return) is less relevant. You will save money and often have more options for departure times by booking direct.

If Whittier is a regular port of call on your itinerary rather than a turnaround port, confirm your ship’s docking schedule carefully with the tour operator to ensure the tour fits within your port time.

What to Bring

• Warm Layers: A fleece or down jacket, warm hat, and gloves are essential. Temperatures near the glaciers can drop 15-20 degrees below what you experience on the dock.
• Waterproof Jacket: Even if rain is not forecast, wind and mist near the glaciers can soak you quickly on the outdoor deck.
• Binoculars: Highly recommended for wildlife viewing and glacier detail. The difference between viewing with and without binoculars is dramatic.
• Camera with Zoom: A telephoto lens or camera with strong optical zoom captures glacier calving details and wildlife at a distance.
• Motion Sickness Medication: While the sound is calmer than the open ocean, sensitive travelers should take preventive medication before boarding.
• Cash for Tips: A tip of $10-20 per person for the crew is customary.

Practical Tips

• Stake Out Outdoor Deck Space Early: The best views and photographs come from the outdoor viewing decks. Claim a spot on the upper deck or bow before the boat reaches the fjords.
• Bring Binoculars, Then Bring Binoculars Again: This is not an exaggeration. Binoculars transform this tour from excellent to extraordinary. Borrow a pair if you do not own them.
• Book in Advance for July: The 26 Glaciers cruise is one of the most popular tours in Alaska. July departures should be booked at least two to three weeks ahead.
• Eat the Included Meal: The onboard food is better than you might expect from a tour boat. Take advantage of the included lunch and save your restaurant budget for dinner.
• Watch for Calving at Harvard: Keep your camera ready when approaching Harvard Glacier. Calving events happen unpredictably, and the window from first crack to ice hitting the water is only seconds.