About This Tour
For guests with their own transportation, this 5.25-hour cruise brings you face-to-face with dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. The cruise route covers 120 miles in Western Prince William Sound while being surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. Your friendly and attentive crew will strive to make this cruise a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee assures every guest will cruise in comfort while enjoying your cruise. All cruises are operated on first-class high-speed catamarans that provide an extremely stable cruise and can smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and ice flows to reach the face of massive glaciers.
Photo Gallery
Guests approaching Yale Glacier on the bow of the M/V Klondike Express
The M/V Bravest visits Yale Glacier in College Fjord
A pod of orcas explores Prince William Sound
Guests enjoy the up-close experience of seeing Harvard Glacier and listening to the popping and cracking of the ice.
TopTours Insights
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive
This 5-hour cruise takes you through Prince William Sound, navigating glaciers and wildlife-rich waters. It's ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable journey with included amenities like chowder and hot drinks, and features a restroom on board.
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What's Included
What's Not Included
Additional Information
Meeting Point
IMPORTANT! Our cruises depart from Whittier, approximately 1.5 hours south of Anchorage. We suggest departing Anchorage by 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to arrive in Whittier 1-hour before boarding begins.
Special Instructions
Allow at least 1.5 hours to drive from Anchorage to Whittier. Our cruises depart from the Cliffside Marina, 100 West Camp Road, Whittier, AK 99693. Present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. at check-in. We recommend departing Anchorage at 9:00 AM and taking the 10:30 AM tunnel opening which allows time to explore our quaint seaside cafes, shops, and museum, park and check-in for your cruise. Tunnel ($13) and parking fees ($10-$12) are not included. - - The drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway is spectacular. There are numerous photo stops along the way and summer tends to have road construction delays, so having extra time to enjoy the sights is well worth it on this National Scenic Byway. Before reaching Whittier, you will travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This is North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. The one-way tunnel operates on a schedule and everyone going to Whittier needs to pay a tunnel toll and be in line at 30-minutes past the hour for transit to Whittier. We recommend allowing 1.5 hours travel time from Anchorage to Whittier and planning for the 10:30 AM tunnel opening. After exploring Whittier and Prince William Sound, you may find it useful to know that the tunnel opens on the hour until 11:00 PM. - - Upon arrival in Whittier, drive one mile to the Cliffside Marina. Phillips Cruises and Tours is located at the far end of the parking lot in a building with a red roof and our yellow-triangle 26 Glacier Cruise logo. Proceed directly to Phillips Cruise "Express Check-In" located on the observation deck behind the ticket office. Present your photo I.D. and mobile ticket here to receive your cruise boarding pass, meal card for lunch, and a map indicating where your seats are located on the vessel. All guests must be on the cruise by 11:45 AM. - - If you need assistance, please call us at 907-276-8023.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours, LLC, a local water sports provider.
What's included?
This tour includes Smoke-free vessels, No Seasickness Guarantee - or your money back!, and Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, fresh Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and York Peppermint Pattie. Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal on request 48 hours prior.. Additional amenities and services are included. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. All necessary equipment is provided by the tour operator.
Will I receive instant confirmation?
Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.
What to expect on this tour?
This water sports experience lasts approximately 5 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Smoke-free vessels and more.
What's the best time to do this tour?
Morning and early afternoon are typically the best times for water activities, as conditions are usually calmer and visibility is better.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability requirements vary. Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Please check the tour details or contact the operator if you have concerns about swimming requirements.
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