Whittier Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Whittier Shore Excursions
Whittier
Whittier to Anchorage Land Transfer Tour With AWCC
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 199.00
Whittier
Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 197.00
Whittier
Whittier to Anchorage Half Day Transit Tour From the Port
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 199.00
Whittier
Alaska Crafted Tour and Cruise Transfer- Port of Whittier
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 399.00
Whittier
Whittier Cruise Shuttle Tour with Multiple Stops
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 229.00
Whittier
Whittier to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 77.00
Whittier
Whittier to Anchorage Cultural Exploration
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Whittier
Private Whittier Cruise Transfer & Scenic Tour for Large Groups
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1350.00
Whittier
Up to 10 Person Whittier to Anchorage Private Cruise Transport
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 975.00
Whittier
Private Guided Tour Whittier Cruise pick up
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1250.00
Whittier
Glacier Quest Cruise Self Drive
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 216.20
Whittier
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise, Self-Drive
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 259.17
Whittier
Private Whittier Cruise Transit Tour With AWCC
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1000.00
Related destinations to Whittier
What should a first-time visitor know about visiting Whittier?
Visitors arriving for the first time will find a compact, dramatic day ashore framed by glacier-carved peaks and calm inlets. Whittier shore excursions typically centre on short wildlife cruises that slip through the protected waters of Prince William Sound, offering close views of calving glaciers, harbour seals, sea otters and seabirds; binoculars are recommended. The town itself is small and easy to walk, with a single main street and a short waterfront area. Expect changeable weather, bring layered clothing and waterproofs, and allow extra time for boat boarding or the single access tunnel into town.
What are the top attractions to see during a visit?
A handful of highlights define the visit: scenic boat trips into Prince William Sound, glacier viewpoints, and wildlife-watching around tidewater bays. Whittier tours often include passage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a memorable overland approach, plus visits to the harbour, marina and short coastal walks. Photo opportunities are plentiful at glacier faces and sheltered coves where seals and sea otters gather; seabirds provide extra colour. Small museums, local craft stalls and interpretive signs explain the area’s maritime and military past, and a brief stroll along the waterfront yields good views without strenuous hiking.
How do half-day and full-day excursions differ?
Choosing between half-day and full-day options depends on interests and weather. Whittier shore excursions short in duration usually focus on quick wildlife cruises, town exploration, or brief kayak trips that fit tight cruise schedules and still offer glacier glimpses. Full-day outings expand the range to more remote fjords, extended glacier encounters, guided hikes or multi-stop wildlife watching with greater shore time and a higher chance of spotting large mammals. Bring layers and a packed lunch, and note that some protected areas restrict shore landings to safeguard habitat.
What cultural and historical context should I expect in Whittier?
Local culture reflects a frontier past shaped by military logistics, rail development and maritime livelihoods. Whittier tours commonly touch on the town’s World War II origins as a strategic port and the later construction of a tunnel and rail link that transformed access. Community life remains compact, with residents historically living near the waterfront in a small cluster of buildings; seasonal visitor numbers swell in summer. Exhibits, interpretive panels and short guided walks explain the interplay between industry, nature and daily life, offering context for the dramatic landscape visitors see from boats and shore.
What kind of nature and scenery can I expect on shore excursions?
The landscape around Whittier is dominated by steep, glacier-sculpted ridges plunging into deep, calm waters that form a mosaic of fjords and bays. Whittier shore excursions emphasise this raw, glacial scenery alongside vibrant marine life: tidewater glaciers calve ice into the Sound while seals, sea otters and a variety of seabirds frequent the waters. Inland slopes are clothed in dense spruce and alder, often dusted with snow even in summer. Photographers and naturalists will appreciate constantly changing light, reflections and close-up wildlife opportunities, so bring binoculars and a weatherproof camera cover.
What are the local food and dining options like?
Dining in Whittier leans toward simple, fresh seafood and casual cafés serving grilled salmon, halibut and locally sourced ingredients when available. Whittier tours sometimes include light refreshments aboard, but the town’s small size means options are limited and queues can form at peak times. Carrying a refillable bottle and some snacks for excursions is sensible, especially for full-day trips. Bakeries and deli-style counters offer quick takeaways, while a short stroll along the harbour will reveal small eateries where crab cakes, chowders and smoked fish often feature on the menu.
What activity levels should travellers expect on excursions?
Activity levels vary widely, from gentle sightseeing cruises to strenuous kayak or hike-focused days that demand fitness and experience. Whittier shore excursions often provide low-effort options ideal for families, older travellers or those preferring seated wildlife viewing, while guided kayak trips and multi-hour hikes require moderate to high fitness, balance and stamina. Weather and sea conditions can increase difficulty, so check pre-trip briefings and be honest about mobility limits. Carry motion-sickness remedies if prone, wear sturdy footwear for any shore landings, and allow extra time for boarding and tendering operations.
How accessible is Whittier for travellers with reduced mobility?
Access to Whittier is unique, with a single road and tunnel approach and a compact waterfront within easy walking distance of most berths, but accessibility varies by operator and vessel. Whittier tours may offer wheelchair-accessible boats or ramped boarding, yet tendering to smaller coves and shore landings can present steps and uneven surfaces. Town pavements are short but can be icy or wet. Passengers requiring assistance should contact their cruise line or local operator ahead of time to confirm mobility provisions, transfer equipment and any special assistance available.
When is the best time of year to visit Whittier?
Peak season runs through late spring to early autumn, when extended daylight, milder temperatures and calmer seas make boat travel and wildlife viewing more reliable. Whittier shore excursions are most plentiful between May and September, offering the best chance to see calving glaciers, migrating birds and marine mammals, though conditions remain changeable and rain is common. Shoulder months can offer quieter visits and good light for photography, but some services reduce frequency outside high season. Pack waterproofs, warm layers and flexible plans to make the most of variable weather patterns.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore independently?
Deciding between guided and independent options hinges on priorities such as interpretation, safety and flexibility. Whittier tours provide naturalist commentary, trained crew, and access to protected areas or landing sites that may require permits or local knowledge, making them ideal for first-time visitors and those keen to learn. Independent exploration suits travellers wanting a self-paced stroll, photography or simple harbour views, but options are limited by vessel availability, weather and protected area rules; some coves and beaches are best reached with experienced guides to avoid disturbing wildlife or entering hazardous terrain.
Which cruise lines visit Whittier?
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara will all visit Whittier this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Whittier in 2026?
Whittier will be visited by Noordam, Zaandam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Coral Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Norwegian Jade, Westerdam, Azamara Pursuit, Island Princess, Grand Princess and Royal Princess.