Meares Glacial Excursion takes guests from Valdez to the Meares Glacier by means of the Prince William Sound. The nine-hour tour operates between June through August each year. Captains drive the boats close enough to the shoreline for glimpses of sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, humpback whales, orca whales, porpoises, eagles, and puffins. On-board discussions include the history of the sound from early explorers to today's current events. Meal service during the cruise consists of lunch as well as a soup snack. Tour operator Stan Stephens Cruises has 34 years of experience in the area. The company assisted the State of Alaska with ferrying people to the site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Captain Fred Rodolf operates Lu-Lu Belle Tours, which takes passengers to the Columbia Glacier in Prince William Sound May through August. One of the sites on the cruise is the TransAtlantic Alaskan Pipeline in the Port of Valdez. Length of the cruise ranges from five hours to seven hours. Much of the time frame depends on what whales or animals may be out for viewing. The cruise will go off course to follow whales should they become visible. A snack bar is on board in addition to baked goods the crew prepares in the galley. Private cruises accommodate up to 50 people.
Pangaea Adventures provides up-close tours with activities off the boat. Guides prepare foods such as salmon and halibut caught by guests. Safety is always important during cruises. Head guides have training in wilderness medicine as well as rescue techniques. The four-day, three-night Glacier Escape Mothership Charter Cruise visits Shroup Glacier and Columbia Glacier. A sea lion colony is observable on Glacier Island. Galena Bay has a population of bald eagles that is in view of guests. Activities during the day include sea kayaking, hiking, and beach walks. All kayak equipment as well as bedding, on-board accommodations, meals and guide services are part of the purchase price. A longer eight-day, seven-nights cruise called Whales and Ice Expedition Cruise Alaska is also available. The cruise has the same amenities as the Glacier Escape Mothership Charter and gives guests a longer opportunity to participate in activities and wildlife spotting.
