Whale Watching Anchorage Alaska offers an exciting gateway to Alaska's marine wildlife and unforgettable coastal landscapes. Charge your camera, bundle up for changing conditions, and get ready to search for humpback whales, orcas, and other iconic species while enjoying an experience that often becomes the highlight of any Alaska itinerary.
From Whittier, just 60 miles from Anchorage, embark on Alaska's legendary 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound. Aboard modern, stable high-speed catamarans, travel through Passage Canal and Esther Passage to College Fjord, where tidewater glaciers flow directly into the sea and marine wildlife outnumber people in every direction.
Prince William Sound is home to orca whales, humpback whales, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and Dall's porpoises. A complimentary meal — Alaska smoked salmon chowder, hearty vegetarian chili, or a kids' hotdog meal — is included in the ticket price. A no-seasickness guarantee and multiple departure options (Whittier direct, Anchorage transfer, or Alyeska Resort transfer) make this the most comprehensive Alaska glacier and wildlife cruise available.
From $260 per person · Free cancellation · Instant confirmation
Meeting point varies depending on the option booked. Options include: meet at Whittier directly, Anchorage roundtrip transfer, or Alyeska Resort roundtrip transfer. Full details are provided at time of booking. Note: the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel toll ($13) and Whittier parking ($15–20) are not included.
Availability is limited during peak season · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The tour departs from Whittier, roughly 60–90 minutes from Anchorage by road and through the Anton Anderson Tunnel. Departure time and pickup logistics are confirmed in your booking voucher — read them carefully and build in extra time to avoid missing the coach.
Prince William Sound is one of the coldest maritime environments in Alaska. Even in midsummer, wind chill near the glaciers can feel significantly below the air temperature. Thermal base layers, a waterproof shell, hat, and gloves are all essential for comfort on deck.
A deli-style lunch is provided onboard, so you do not need to bring food for the day. Hot drinks are also available. If you have dietary restrictions, note them at the time of booking so the operator can accommodate you.
The full experience — transfers, cruising, and wildlife time — spans approximately 8–9 hours. It is a long day by any measure, but the route covers extraordinary variety. Most guests find the length entirely justified by what they see.
Prince William Sound hosts orcas, humpbacks, Dall's porpoises, sea otters, Steller sea lions, puffins, and dozens of seabird species. The naturalist guide will help identify everything you encounter, so you leave with real knowledge of what you've seen, not just photographs.
"Twenty-six glaciers and orcas. That's the short version. The long version is that this is one of the most extraordinary days I've ever spent outdoors. Prince William Sound is staggeringly beautiful and the wildlife — orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, puffins — never felt distant or brief. The crew narrated beautifully throughout. A day I'll remember for the rest of my life."
"We've travelled a lot but this cracked our top five days outdoors — and we live in New Zealand, so that's saying something. The scale of College Fjord is humbling. The orcas surprised everyone on board by surfacing right next to the hull. Our guide was fantastic — warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely delighted by every sighting, which is infectious."
"I nearly didn't book this because of the coach transfer from Anchorage, but the crew made that part enjoyable too — good commentary on the drive. Once we were on the water I forgot about the logistics entirely. The glacier walls close up are surreal. We had humpbacks alongside us for the better part of an hour across the day. Absolutely worth it."
"The deli lunch is included and it's genuinely decent — I mention it because we were out for nearly nine hours and arriving hungry would have been a problem. The wildlife encounters were everything we hoped for and then some: orcas, Dall's porpoises riding the bow wave, sea lions hauled out on rocks, and glacier after glacier. Remarkable value for a full day on the Sound."
"I work in marine conservation and I'm hard to impress with whale watching tours. This one impressed me. The guide was clearly a specialist — she spoke about orca social structure and humpback vocalisations with real depth. The scenery in Prince William Sound is extraordinary, and the boat was comfortable even in choppier conditions. A genuinely excellent operator."
Anchorage is one of Alaska's premier whale watching destinations. The tour offered by Phillips Cruises & Tours carries a 4.9-star rating from 149 verified traveler reviews and is operated by experienced local guides. Whale sightings are frequent, and the scenery adds an extraordinary backdrop to every encounter. Most guests rate this among their top Alaska experiences.
Whale sightings are highly frequent in Anchorage's waters during the summer season (May–September), with humpback whales particularly common. Orca, Dall's porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles are also commonly spotted. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, the experienced crew actively positions the vessel for the best possible encounters.
Dress in warm, waterproof layers regardless of the weather forecast. Even on sunny days, temperatures on the water are significantly cooler than on shore. A waterproof outer layer, fleece mid-layer, hat, and gloves are strongly recommended. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. Binoculars are provided on most tours, but a camera with a zoom lens is a great addition.
Yes — this tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Always check the booking confirmation for the most up-to-date cancellation terms. Booking through GetYourGuide provides additional purchase protection and a secure booking process with instant confirmation.