Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive

5.0 (21 Viator reviews) 4 hrs Whittier area

The M/V Chugach Express brings guests face-to-face with Blackstone Glacier.
Guests get up-close to Beloit Glacier.
A waterfall cascades down from a glacier into Blackstone Bay
The M/V Glacier Quests explores Beloit Glacier with guests
A mountain goat with its kid are scene on the mountainside on the Glacier Quest Cruise.

Photos: Viator · 1 more on Viator

About this activity

Drive the Seward Highway along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier. The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more!

You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving.

Itinerary

  1. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

    Add travel time from Anchorage to Whittier at 90 minutes each way. From Girdwood to Whittier, allow 45 minutes. We recommend taking the 11:30 AM tunnel entrance at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to access Whittier in time for the Glacier Quest Cruise. The tunnel is open thirty minutes past the hour for access to Whittier. After your cruise, the tunnel opens on the hour to depart Whittier until 11:00 PM.

  2. Prince William Sound · 240 min

    The Glacier Quest Cruise travels 45 miles into Blackstone Bay where seven glaciers and glistening waters provide a spectacular panoramic view from the mountain peaks above to the turquoise saltwater sea below. Please check-in one hour before cruise departure time.

What's included

  • No Seasickness Guarantee - Our smooth cruising catamarans & the calm waters of Prince William Sound.
  • Wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, oyster crackers, Julienne vegetable salad, cheese stick, fruit snack, and a Peppermint Pattie. Request Vegetarian Chili or Kids’ Meal 48 hours prior
  • Smoke-free vessels - We do not allow any form of tobacco, marijuana, vape or e-cigarettes.
  • ADA Accessibility limited - Please call regarding your specific needs so we can assist you.
  • Restroom on board
  • Coffee, hot tea, and ice water are available.

Not included

  • Gift Shop items are available for purchase on board to share with family back home.
  • Warm your spirits with our signature hot drinks or try our Glacier Ice Margarita. Our full-service bar features Alaskan ales on tap, wine, a full selection of spirits and liquors.
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

10:00 AM Drive Anchorage to Whittier, allowing 1.5 hours travel time. 11:30 AM Travel through North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. 12:00 PM Arrive, Whittier. Check-in and board cruise by 12:55 PM.

End point: 10:00 AM Drive Anchorage to Whittier, allowing 1.5 hours travel time. 11:30 AM Travel through North America's longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. 12:00 PM Arrive, Whittier. Check-in and board cruise by 12:55 PM.

Good to know

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0/5

21 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star20
  • 4 star1
  • 3 star0
  • 2 star0
  • 1 star0

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

177 RV rentals with pickup within 60 miles of the center of Whittier; showing the top 6.

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Whittier (Viator lists this tour under Whittier; it has no meeting-point coordinates).