Finding Your Ideal Alaska Glacier Adventure

If you’re planning an Alaska vacation, beholding the wonder of glaciers is probably high on your list of activities to enjoy. Glaciers form over centuries and change over time, making them a sight to behold and experience, whether it’s your first visit to Alaska or a return trip to witness the unforgettable beauty of these natural wonders. Choosing your optimal Alaska glacier adventure depends on your ideal activity level, viewing preferences, and expectations. We’re here to share options for how to see glaciers in Alaska to help you identify the experience that will become the focal point of your Alaska vacation.

Comparing Alaska Glacier Adventures

Comparing Alaska vacation ideas that allow you to explore the extraordinary wonders of glaciers in various ways will help you understand your options and get the most from your experience. Whether you choose to view Alaska’s majestic ice formations by water, air, or on foot, an unforgettable adventure is guaranteed.

Cruises

Glacier cruises combine the intimacy of close-up views with the comfort of a vessel. On the water, you can get incredibly near to massive tidewater glaciers, hear the ice cracking, and witness marine life in its natural habitat. Because of our specific operating area, we are the only boat tour that can claim calm waters, allowing you to travel over miles of beautiful Alaska waters to explore ice-filled bays and deep-water fjords without the worry of motion sickness.

Hiking

Guided hikes offer a hands-on adventure with personal views of powerful geological features. While some excursions utilize a helicopter for access, many are reached by ground transportation or boat. Trekking across the ice requires physical preparation and safety gear like helmets and crampons. It is important to note that while summer is the most popular time to visit, certain features, such as deep ice caves, are often only safe to experience during the winter months.

Flightseeing

Flightseeing provides a bird’s-eye view of multiple glaciers and vast icefields that are otherwise inaccessible. While some tours use floatplanes, the majority of these aircraft are equipped with wheels and attached skis, allowing them to land and take off directly from the surface of a glacier. While flightseeing covers substantial ground, you may trade the intimate, face-to-face wildlife encounters found at sea level for these grand aerial perspectives.

Which Experience Fits Your Travel Style?

To help you decide which of these Alaska tours is right for you, consider these factors:

  • If you prioritize comfort and accessibility, a glacier cruise allows you to see the most variety with the least physical strain.
  • If you want a physical challenge, a guided hike puts you directly on the ice for a tactile experience.
  • If you want to see the scale of the wilderness, Flightseeing offers the quickest way to see the sheer magnitude of the icefields.

Experience Excellence with Phillips Cruises & Tours

A Phillips Cruises & Tours glacier cruise is an essential addition to any Alaska itinerary. Our 26 Glacier Cruise and Glacier Quest Cruise allow you to travel in total comfort while getting incredibly close to magnificent glaciers and local wildlife.

Because we navigate the protected, calm waters of Prince William Sound, we can offer a no-seasickness guarantee, ensuring every guest enjoys the journey. We are also committed to providing a premier experience for all travelers:

  • Accessibility: Our entire fleet offers ADA-accessible bathrooms and baby changing stations.
  • Wheelchair Friendly: Three out of our four boats are designed for easy wheelchair access without the need to lift chairs over a “lip” or doorsill.
  • Custom Seating: All vessels feature removable seats at tables to comfortably accommodate guests in wheelchairs.

Don’t wait to book the experience that will become the highlight of your vacation. Schedule your unforgettable Alaska glacier adventure today.

Image credit: – Juno Kim