Valdez is a water-first town: the harbor opens onto Prince William Sound, and the sea state decides what you can do. The one listing here, a cruise to Meares Glacier, takes you across the sound to a tidewater glacier, where calving ice and sea life depend on calm water.
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Top-Rated Valdez Alaska Tours & Experiences
Meares Glacier Excursion from Valdez
A boat trip across Prince William Sound to Meares Glacier, a tidewater glacier that sheds ice into the water. Check the length and what is included, such as food, and bring warm layers, since the air near the ice stays cold.
These experiences in Valdez Alaska are popular with travelers and tend to sell out, especially during peak season, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Browse more Valdez Alaska tours on Viator →
Why We Picked These Tours
Valdez lies at the head of a deep fjord, ringed by the Chugach Mountains and known for heavy snow, glaciers and the southern end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The single listing holds 4.9 from 152 reviews at $206, an unusually strong record, so it is the clear first stop for visitors.
The current town was rebuilt a few miles from the original site after the 1964 earthquake, so there is more modern construction than you might expect, with the harbor and the Valdez Museum as the main community spaces.
Reading the sea
Prince William Sound weather changes fast. Calm mornings can turn choppy by afternoon, and fog or wind can shorten or cancel sailings. Wildlife on the way commonly includes sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and, in season, humpback whales, orcas and puffins; sightings are never guaranteed.
Choosing Where to Stay in Valdez
Stay in town near the small boat harbor, within reach of the museum, the fish hatchery and restaurants. Anchorage is about 300 miles away, a drive of five to six hours over the Richardson Highway and Thompson Pass, so most visitors plan at least one night.
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry also links Valdez with other Prince William Sound ports, which suits slower, flexible itineraries.
When to Go to Valdez
Summer is the main season, with long daylight from May to September and the best chance of calm water. Fall brings color on the mountainsides and fewer visitors, while winter is a snowy time for skiers and snowmobilers, with few glacier cruises.
Shoulder-season days are shorter and rougher, so cruises are less frequent; check availability early.
What Valdez Tours Cost
The cruise costs $206. That reflects a full boat excursion with a captain and crew, and it is the main paid experience in town. Check what is included, and whether meals or park fees are extra.
Before You Book in Valdez
Wear layers, a windproof jacket and a hat, because wind near the glacier can feel much colder than in town. Many Viator listings can be cancelled free about a day ahead, and weather cancellations may be handled separately, so read the policy.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens and a charged phone, and eat before you board if food is not included, as galley options on small boats can be limited.
Which Valdez Tour Fits You
The area’s other attractions, such as Worthington Glacier beside the Richardson Highway and the Solomon Gulch hatchery, can be visited by car at little cost. The boat cruise is the only way to reach Meares Glacier.
If you want a different glacier, other cruises in the sound visit Columbia Glacier, so compare destinations and trip lengths before you commit.
Quick Questions About Visiting Valdez
What is the top-rated tour in Valdez?
The Meares Glacier cruise holds 4.9 from 152 reviews at $206, and it is the only listing on this page.
How far is Valdez from Anchorage?
About 300 miles, roughly five to six hours by road. Most visitors stay at least one night rather than attempt a same-day round trip.
What wildlife can I see near Valdez?
Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, bald eagles and, in season, humpbacks and orcas are common in the sound. Sightings vary with weather and time of year.
When is the best time to take the glacier cruise?
Summer, from about May to September, offers the longest daylight and the most reliable sailing conditions. Fog and wind can still alter plans.
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