Columbia Glacier Guides — Planning a Trip from Valdez
Planning guides for Columbia Glacier: cruise or kayak, when the season runs, what the ice will actually let you see, and how to reach Valdez.
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Book the Columbia Glacier & Wildlife Cruise from Valdez
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The Best Time for a Columbia Glacier Tour
The Valdez day-boat season runs roughly mid-May to mid-September. What each month gives you — daylight, wildlife, ice conditions, crowds and cancellation risk.
Read guide →Columbia Glacier Cruise vs Kayak
Six warm hours on a heated boat, or nine hours at sea level among the icebergs. How the two Columbia Glacier trips differ on cost, comfort, wildlife and what you remember.
Read guide →How to Get to Valdez, Alaska
There is no day trip to Columbia Glacier from Anchorage. The three ways into Valdez — a 300-mile drive, a 45-minute flight, or the ferry — and which suits your trip.
Read guide →Things to Do in Valdez Beyond the Glacier
What to book on your spare Valdez day: sheltered sea kayaking, a remote beach and rainforest walk, and the drives worth doing before you leave town.
Read guide →What to Expect on a Columbia Glacier Cruise
The day-of guide: where to check in, what the six hours actually look like, why the boat stops short of the glacier, and exactly what to wear.
Read guide →Which Columbia Glacier Tour Is Right for You?
Cruise, kayak or the Meares alternative — how the five tours out of Valdez actually differ on time, cost, comfort and whether you see a calving face.
Read guide →Looking to book? See the featured tour →
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