Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive
Overview
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.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ 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
Itinerary
Meeting & End Point
Find Hotels in Whittier
Good to Know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Known For:
Day Cruises in Whittier, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Whittier, Coffee Cruises in Whittier, Sightseeing Cruises in Whittier, Road Trip in Whittier, Lunch Cruises in Whittier, Half-day Tours in Whittier, Catamaran Cruises in Whittier, Audio Guides in Whittier, Private and Luxury in Whittier, Water Tours in Whittier
Special Instructions
Present your mobile ticket and photo I.D. at check-in.
10:00 AM DRIVE ANCHORAGE TO WHITTIER - All cruises depart from the Cliffside Marina, 100 West Camp Rd, Whittier, AK. We suggest departing Anchorage at 10:00 AM and allowing 1.5 hours to reach the Whittier tunnel entrance at 11:30 AM. The drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway is a spectacular route designated a National Scenic Byway. Plan extra travel time for photo stops and summer road construction delays.
To reach Whittier, all guests will travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, North America’s longest shared rail and vehicle tunnel. The one-way tunnel operates on a rotating schedule, and everyone must be in line by 30-minutes past the hour to enter the tunnel going to Whittier. The fee for the tunnel ($13) and parking ($10-$12) is not included. In Whittier, public parking is available on Whittier Street, a short walk from our office.
12:00 PM GLACIER QUEST CRUISE - To receive your boarding cards for the cruise, proceed to Phillips Cruise "Express Check-In" located on the observation deck near the boarding zone in the Cliffside Marina. Present your photo I.D. and a mobile ticket to receive your cruise boarding pass, meal card for lunch, and a map indicating the location of your reserved seat. All guests must be on the Glacier Quest Cruise to Blackstone Bay by 12:55 PM.
A hot lunch will be served shortly after the cruise departs to reach Blackstone Bay, home to seven glaciers and numerous towering waterfalls. Watch for wildlife along the way and learn about Prince William Sound as the Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration. Every cruise includes our No Seasickness guarantee!
5:00 PM DRIVE WHITTIER TO ANCHORAGE - After exploring Whittier and Prince William Sound by boat, enjoy Whittier. The tunnel opens every hour for 15 minutes to allow traffic to depart Whittier. The last tunnel closes at 11:00 PM.
If you need assistance, please call us at 907-276-8023.