26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive From Anchorage, AK

Tucked away in the heart of Alaska’s majestic wilderness lies the 26 Glacier Tour, a breathtaking excursion that promises to captivate visitors from Anchorage. Departing from the quaint town of Whittier, this ADA-compliant cruise takes passengers on a journey through the Chugach National Forest, where they’ll witness the awe-inspiring calving of glaciers and have the chance to spot Alaskan wildlife. With professional narration, comfortable amenities, and a no-seasickness guarantee, the tour offers a comprehensive and flexible experience. However, the true allure of this adventure lies in the opportunity to take in the pristine wilderness of Alaska – a chance to connect with nature that may just leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• The 26 Glacier Tour departs from Whittier, Alaska, located about 90 miles from Anchorage, with a scenic drive time of 1.5 to 2 hours.
• The tour offers an opportunity to observe towering glaciers calving into pristine fjords and spot diverse Alaskan wildlife, including bald eagles, seals, and whales.
• The tour operates on ADA-compliant vessels that provide a comfortable and worry-free experience, with amenities such as USB charging stations, coffee, tea, and a hot lunch.
• Visitors must pay a $13 toll for the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and additional parking fees of $10 to $15 in Whittier.
• The Chugach National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the United States, offers a diverse range of natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls to untamed wilderness.

Overview of the 26 Glacier Tour

The 26 Glacier Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring glaciers of Prince William Sound from the comfort of a boat.

Departing from Whittier, Alaska, the tour takes travelers on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Chugach National Forest, showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.

During the cruise, guests can observe massive, icy glaciers calving into the pristine waters and spot diverse Alaskan wildlife, such as whales, seals, and bald eagles.

The tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable, with ADA-compliant vessels, a no-seasickness guarantee, and amenities like USB charging stations and a hot lunch.

With a maximum of 14 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate and personalized way to explore one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders.

Inclusions and Amenities

This tour offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for all travelers. From the ADA-compliant vessels to the no-seasickness guarantee, the operators have prioritized the needs of their guests. Aboard the smoke-free boats, visitors can enjoy professional narration by a Chugach National Forest Service ranger, as well as USB charging stations, coffee, tea, and a delicious lunch featuring wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, salad, fruit, and a snack. With a restroom on board, travelers can relax and fully enjoy the stunning glacial landscapes of Prince William Sound.

Inclusions	Benefits
ADA Accessibility	Inclusive for all travelers
No-Seasickness Guarantee	Worry-free experience
Smoke-Free Vessels	Clean, comfortable environment

Exclusions and Additional Costs

While the tour includes a range of amenities, there are some additional costs and exclusions travelers should be aware of.

Transportation to the meeting point in Whittier, AK isn’t provided, and visitors will need to pay the $13 toll for the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. Parking fees in Whittier can range from $10 to $15.

Plus, alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the tour price.

Despite these exclusions, the tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the stunning glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound. Travelers can enjoy the professional narration, on-board amenities, and a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking Alaskan scenery.

Tour Group Size and Cancellation Policy

A small tour group size of 14 travelers or fewer ensures an intimate and personalized experience. The tour company offers a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Tour Group Size	Cancellation Policy
Maximum of 14	Full refund up to
travelers per	24 hours before
tour	start time

This policy allows guests to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties. The small group size enhances the overall quality of the glacier tour, ensuring each traveler receives personalized attention and an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Meeting Point and Departure Time

The tour departs from the meeting point in Whittier, Alaska at 12:30 pm. This convenient departure time allows guests ample time to arrive and get settled before the cruise begins.

The meeting point in Whittier is easy to access and offers several parking options nearby. To reach the meeting point, visitors can either drive themselves or utilize the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which has a $13 toll fee.

Once at the meeting point, guests can look forward to:

1. Boarding the ADA accessible, smoke-free vessel.
2. Enjoying professional narration by a Chugach National Forest Service ranger.
3. Utilizing the on-board USB charging stations.
4. Indulging in the provided lunch of wild Alaska smoked salmon chowder, salad, fruit, and snacks.

Getting to Whittier From Anchorage

Travelers can easily make their way from Anchorage to Whittier, the departure point for the glacier cruise, by taking the scenic Seward Highway.

The approximately 90-mile drive along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Once in Whittier, visitors must pass through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined road and railroad tunnel in North America. The $13 toll for the tunnel is an additional cost not included in the tour price.

Travelers should also budget for parking fees of $10-$15 in Whittier.

Experiencing the Chugach National Forest

Once aboard the boat, travelers embark on an immersive journey through the breathtaking Chugach National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the United States.

Stretching across nearly 17 million acres, the Chugach offers a diverse array of natural wonders, from towering snowcapped peaks to serene glacial fjords.

As the boat glides through the calm waters, passengers are treated to mesmerizing views of cascading waterfalls, calving glaciers, and vibrant wildlife such as:

• Majestic bald eagles soaring overhead
• Playful sea otters diving in the waves
• Breaching humpback whales and pod of orcas
• Curious harbor seals lounging on the rocky shores

This unforgettable experience provides a firsthand glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska’s pristine wilderness.

Sights and Wildlife on the Cruise

As the tour boat glides across the tranquil waters, passengers marvel at the diverse array of natural wonders that unfold before their eyes.

Towering glaciers calve massive chunks of ice that splash into the pristine fjords, while curious harbor seals and otters pop up to investigate the vessel.

Bald eagles soar overhead, surveying the stunning landscapes. The onboard park ranger provides insightful commentary, pointing out the unique geological features and the thriving ecosystem.

Whales are often spotted breaching the surface, their majestic bodies cutting through the glassy waves. Passengers are treated to a front-row seat to Alaska’s incredible natural beauty, leaving them awestruck and inspired by the sheer power and grace of this untamed wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours. It departs at 12:30 pm and provides ample time for travelers to view the stunning glaciers and observe Alaskan wildlife in Prince William Sound.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, children are allowed on the glacier cruise tour. The tour is ADA accessible, accommodating visitors of all ages and abilities. Families can enjoy the scenic views and wildlife together on this safe and convenient cruise.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour vessels have onboard restrooms, but they do not provide alcoholic beverages – those must be purchased separately.

Will There Be Staff to Assist Me on the Boat?

Yes, the cruise provides a professional Chugach National Forest Service ranger who will provide informative narration throughout the tour. Plus, the smoke-free vessels are ADA accessible, ensuring staff assistance for all travelers on board.

How Accessible Is the Vessel for People With Disabilities?

The vessel is ADA accessible, with features like USB charging stations and a restroom on board. A Chugach National Forest Service ranger provides professional narration to assist all travelers, including those with disabilities, in enjoying the glacier cruise safely.

Recap

The 26 Glacier Tour offers a comprehensive and unforgettable experience in Alaska’s pristine wilderness.

Passengers can witness the awe-inspiring calving of glaciers, spot local wildlife, and explore the magnificent Chugach National Forest.

With ADA-compliant vessels, professional narration, and a no-seasickness guarantee, the tour provides a comfortable and inclusive journey through one of Alaska’s most stunning natural landscapes.