Things to do in Valdez

Our most recommended things to do in Valdez

Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

Valdez: 6-Hour Columbia Glacier Cruise

Take a 6-hour journey through Prince William Sound, featuring a visit to the Columbia Glacier area. Jump on the chance to view history in the making and retreat back into the Chugach Mountains. Embark on a sightseeing cruise and explore first Port Valdez. Learn about early explorers, oil shipping, commercial fishing, and pass by cascading waterfalls down the coastal mountains. Travel through the Valdez Narrows and enjoy a hot soup lunch to prepare for the adventure ahead. Head through Prince William Sound and try to catch sight of seals, sea otters, sea lions, porpoise, Orca, Humpback Whales, puffing, bald eagles, and more. Enter into Columbia Bay and don your warm layers and winter gear. Discover a world surrounded by ice, largely untouched by people. Return in time to explore the Valdez community and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

From Valdez: 7.5-hour Meares Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Enjoy a cruise through the Prince William Sound, spot bald eagles, orcas, and visit the advancing Meares Glacier on a 7.5-hour adventurous cruise through the heart of the area. Begin your day by exploring Port Valdez where you will learn about early explorers, oil shipping, and commercial fishing. Cruise by waterfalls cascading down coastal mountains as you travel the calm waters of the Sound to Unakwik Inlet. Encounter marine birds and wildlife at incredible locations on the water. Look out for sea otters, sea lions, and porpoises. Watch out for wildlife including majestic humpback whales and sea birds such as puffins. Spend some time relaxing on the boat in front of the Meares Glacier and witness some calving activity, where the ice falls into the ocean. Be served lunch as you depart Meares Glacier. Pass a bullhead sea lion Haulout, to watch the sea lions resting before returning to Valdez at 5:00 PM.

Anchorage: 11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

Anchorage: 11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

Day 1- 8 am, Set out to discover the wilderness of Alaska, with a stop in Talkeetna before reaching the Alaska Range. Catch a glimpse of Denali en route. We camp for 3 nights at close to Denali NP. Day 2- Discover the impressive nature of Denali by bus. This exclusive bus ride is offered by the national park, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Day 3- Have the option of some free time with activities or hiking! Your guide will help you plan today. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking around Denali National Park Day 4- Drive the famous Denali Highway to the Maclaren River Lodge. Surrounded by alpine landscape, this wilderness resort is truly off the beaten track and offers a fabulous taste of Alaskan hospitality. Enjoy the evening overlooking the beautiful Maclaren River - soaking in the pristine sites of the Alaska Range. An included dinner at the lodge is provided. 1 night - lodge 3 person bunk rooms. Day 5- Adventure across the Denali Highway and head south through the Thompson Pass. Hike the Worthington Glacier, before arriving in Valdez. Set up camp, explore this cute Alaska port side town, and settle in for the evening. 2 nights - camping.  Day 6-This included kayaking tour offers an intimate experience at one of Alaska's beautiful marine state parks. Take a water taxi ride to Shoup Bay. Paddle up a fjord that has been revealed by a retreating glacier, past a nesting colony of black-legged kittiwakes, along a lush, waterfall-laden coastline, and up towards the face of the glacier. Enjoy a short walk on the beach and a lunch spot with a marvelous glacier view. This evening, enjoy a meal out - self pay at a local Valdez favorite!  Day 7- Depart Valdez for the "infamous" McCarthy Highway drive - that showcases the stunning Alaska landscapes of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Camp inside the park for 3 nights opposite the small access village of McCarthy. This evening  enjoy the quaint town of town of McCarthy for dinner - self paid. Camp for 3 nights along the Kennicott River. *Please note that this campsite is a backcountry camp amidst stunning scenery with limited facilities. Day 8- Hike in the Wrangell Range! From McCarthy take an optional visit to the old copper mining town of Kennicott or walk along the Kennicott and Root glaciers. For a more more challenging walk, opt for a visit to the Bonanza Mine. Day 9-Take a flight today with beautiful views of the glaciers, or sign up for some ice climbing. Activities paid/booked with your guide. Day 10-Drive the beautiful Glenn Highway towards Glacier View. Hike the trails in the Tahneeta pass or sit on the covered porch sipping a glass of wine. Enjoy an included farewell meal and a soak in the outdoor hot tub! 1 night - lodge twin share. Day 11- Lazy morning and breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Anchorage. Arriving midday, explore the trails and sights of Anchorage. Tour ends at approx 5pm.

Valdez: Columbia Glacier Sea Kayak Day Tour

Valdez: Columbia Glacier Sea Kayak Day Tour

Experience the best paddling, wildlife, and ice in Alaska on a day trip to the Columbia Glacier. Paddle among the wildest, most impressive scenery around and see the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound. Meet your guide at the meeting point in Valdez and receive a safety briefing and paddling tips. Then, board a boat and cruise to the Columbia Glacier. Paddle among ancient, freshly calved ice and land on newborn beaches. With massive tide swings and ever-changing calving rates, every day is different in the Columbia Glacier zone. Enjoy a lunch break and continue to paddle around the wildest place you’ve ever known. After your adventure, board the boat and cruise back to Valdez.

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What people are saying about Valdez

Overall rating

4.9
(20 reviews)

A highlight of our trip, a beautiful ship, nice seats, lots of space, everything very clean (even the toilet at the end). The crew is very friendly and unobtrusive, we saw seals, harbor seals, small whales, etc., the trip to the glacier was very impressive. Coffee, tea, water and lemonade are free. There was a choice of two soups with a bagel and chocolate biscuit, all included.

Very impressive trip into Columbia Bay. Very relaxed atmosphere on the ship and lots of space. Lunch was totally OK. Everything was very well supervised and explained with in-depth knowledge by the captain and his very helpful and friendly team. Absolutely recommended! It was a great day!

Wonderful cruise, excellent guide. It was great to take time to see the glacier and wildlife, not feeling like we were in a hurry at all. Highly recommend this tour.

wonderful experience. great attention from all the staff. very comfortable boat.

Combination wildlife and glacier, enough time spend for both.