WHITTIER FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Glacier Quest: High‑speed Passage Canal Run Into Blackstone Bay’s Tidewater Glaciers
A 3.75‑hour catamaran cruise from Whittier into Prince William Sound to view ten glaciers, dramatic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife—this guide explains timing, meeting, and what to expect.
Glacier Quest: High‑speed Passage Canal Run Into Blackstone Bay’s Tidewater Glaciers.
From the Cliffside Marina in Whittier a high‑speed catamaran slices into Passage Canal, carrying passengers through Prince William Sound toward glacier‑filled Blackstone Bay. The Glacier Quest Cruise visits a string of tidewater and alpine glaciers, offers frequent wildlife viewing, and frames the region’s stark mountains, waterfalls and sea cliffs for dramatic, close‑range encounters with calving ice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Blackstone Bay & Ten Glaciers
The cruise travels through Passage Canal into Blackstone Bay, where passengers encounter multiple tidewater and alpine glaciers—up to ten glaciers are on the cruise route—offering up‑close views of ice cliffs and the chance to witness calving.
Sea Life, Shore Birds and Marine Mammals
Keep watch for sea otters, Steller sea lions, whales, bears, mountain goats and a kittiwake bird rookery on the cliffs; the route’s varied shoreline and offshore waters concentrate opportunities to see wildlife from the vessel.
High‑speed Catamaran Through Scenic Fjords
The trip is run aboard a high‑speed catamaran that covers roughly 45 miles through Prince William Sound, allowing a fast transit between Whittier and the glacier fjords while maximizing time in Blackstone Bay.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
You depart the sheltered harbor at Cliffside Marina and look back toward Whittier glacier as the boat threads Passage Canal. The captain steers toward Blackstone Bay, where tidewater glaciers such as Blackstone and Beloit and alpine ice like Tebenkof and Northland come into view along towering shorelines. The vessel positions for close looks at ice faces and waterfalls; passengers watch for the cracking and ‘pop’ of calving ice while scanning for otters, whales and cliff nesting birds.
THE ROUTE
Blackstone Bay & Ten Glaciers
The cruise travels through Passage Canal into Blackstone Bay, where passengers encounter multiple tidewater and alpine glaciers—up to ten glaciers are on the cruise route—offering up‑close views of ice cliffs and the chance to witness calving.
THE WILDLIFE
Sea Life, Shore Birds and Marine Mammals
Keep watch for sea otters, Steller sea lions, whales, bears, mountain goats and a kittiwake bird rookery on the cliffs; the route’s varied shoreline and offshore waters concentrate opportunities to see wildlife from the vessel.
THE VESSEL
High‑speed Catamaran Through Scenic Fjords
The trip is run aboard a high‑speed catamaran that covers roughly 45 miles through Prince William Sound, allowing a fast transit between Whittier and the glacier fjords while maximizing time in Blackstone Bay.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Photo I.D. is required for check‑in; bring any required identification and arrive in time for the posted check‑in window at Cliffside Marina.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Glacier Quest Cruise?
The cruise duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
Meeting and check‑in take place at Cliffside Marina, 100 West Camp Rd, Whittier, Alaska 99693.
What wildlife and birds might we see?
Passengers commonly look for whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears and numerous seabirds, including a kittiwake rookery on the cliffs.
Which glaciers does the cruise visit?
The route includes views of multiple glaciers such as Tebenkof, Northland, Blackstone and Beloit, among others on the cruise itinerary.
Are coach or rail transfers available?
Yes—coach transfers and combined coach & rail itineraries are offered on the published schedule, with check‑in points and return times noted in the itinerary.
Do I need to pay tunnel toll or parking?
Tunnel toll and parking are not included with the cruise unless otherwise noted in your booking details.
What vessel does the trip use?
The cruise is operated on a high‑speed catamaran to cover the route through Prince William Sound.