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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English
- Climate: Subarctic
- Timezone: America/Anchorage
- Population: Approximately 2000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Whittier is from late spring to early fall for mild weather and access to outdoor activities.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Whittier generally follow the United States visa requirements. Citizens of visa waiver countries such as the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and others can enter the US for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. US citizens do not require a visa. Visitors from countries not eligible for visa waiver must obtain a visa before travel. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for visa waiver travelers. Visa on arrival is not available for the US.
About Whittier
Whittier, Alaska, is a unique and captivating destination nestled on the edge of Prince William Sound. This small town is famous for its singular living arrangement where most residents live in a single large building called Begich Towers. Surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, Whittier offers visitors breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It serves as a gateway for exploring the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, with numerous boat tours available to see glaciers, marine life, and fjords. The town’s remote location and dramatic landscape make it a favorite spot for adventurers and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, including seals, whales, and bald eagles. The combination of rugged wilderness and a close-knit community atmosphere gives Whittier a charm unlike any other Alaskan town. Its accessibility through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, adds to its allure. Whittier is perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
1. Prince William Sound - A spectacular fjord with glaciers, wildlife, and crystal-clear waters ideal for boat tours and kayaking. 2. Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel - The longest highway tunnel in North America, connecting Whittier to Anchorage through a one-lane, 2.5-mile tunnel. 3. Begich Towers - The unique residential building where most of Whittier’s population lives, symbolizing the town’s distinct lifestyle. 4. Blackstone Bay Glacier - Accessible by boat, this glacier offers stunning views and opportunities for photography and exploration. 5. Whittier Harbor - A bustling port area where visitors can catch wildlife cruises, fishing charters, and enjoy scenic waterfront views.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Whittier can engage in glacier and wildlife cruises, kayaking through pristine waters, fishing for salmon and halibut, hiking nearby trails with panoramic mountain views, and exploring local history. Adventure seekers can try scuba diving or paddleboarding in the sound. The town also offers opportunities for photography, bird watching, and visiting local shops and eateries. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Whittier Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Alaska
- Duration Range: Custom Durations
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Whittier is from late spring to early fall for mild weather and access to outdoor activities. Pack warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Respect local wildlife and natural habitats. The town is small, so bring cash or cards but be aware some places may have limited payment options. Safety tips include being prepared for sudden weather changes and following guidance on wildlife encounters. Plan transportation in advance due to the tunnel schedule and limited ferry services.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $180
16 Available Tour Excursions in Whittier
Ease back into reality as you join your knowledgeable 'Hoperator' for a fun filled cruise ship transfer and tour from the Whittier Cruise Terminal to Anchorage. Taste your way through the Alaska craft beverage scene while taking in the mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and grandeur that is ALASKA.
Price: $399.00
Duration: 8 hours
Explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska on this Whittier Cruise Transit Tour. Begin your journey with a convenient pick-up from your cruise ship and enjoy breathtaking views at Portage Lake, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Beluga Point. Experience the serene beauty of Potter Marsh and visit Earthquake Park, all while soaking in the natural wonder of the region. Conclude your tour with a drop-off at your Anchorage hotel, enriched with unforgettable memories of Alaska's majestic scenery. - Scenic tour through iconic Alaskan landscapes - Visit wildlife conservation center and see local fauna - Convenient pick-up from your cruise ship and drop-off at your hotel - Ideal for travelers looking for a quick yet comprehensive Alaskan experience
Price: $1,350.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
This is one of the most amazing drives of your vacation! ...I'm Kel Thompson, the owner/operator and your tour guide! Yes, I do all my own tours (and stunts!) I've guided over 10,000 guests for multiple companies in my career here in Alaska and now offer my own private tours in an amazing new Mercedes Sprinter! Before guiding I was a standup comedian and combine humor with a fervent love of Alaskan history, and this all goes into your cruise transfer, which goes through the historic Anton Anderson tunnel and down the mountain lined Turnagain Arm! Along the way, we'll pull out for photo stops and a coffee if you would like! (Time permitting.) I am very flexible and want to make this part of your journey just as fun and memorable as the rest of your vacation! I have limited availability so book early and message me any special requests via the app you booked on! (I can accommodate private groups up to 10 people per tour.) I look forward taking you from Whittier to Anchorage!
Price: $950.00
Duration: 1 hours
For guests in Anchorage or Girdwood with their own transportation, this 5-hour cruise offers a smooth cruise to view dynamic glaciers and a variety of wildlife, surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Prince William Sound. The cruise route covers 140 miles and features areas such as Port Wells, Esther Passage, College Fjord or Blackstone Bay. Due to weather, ice flows, and wildlife activity, our captains adapt to these changing conditions to provide the best cruise experience, while keeping your safety and comfort a top priority. Your friendly and attentive crew will strive to make this cruise a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. Our industry-exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee assures every guest will cruise in comfort while enjoying your cruise. All cruises are operated on first-class high-speed catamarans that provide an extremely stable cruise and can smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and ice flows to reach the face of massive glaciers.
Price: $259.17
Duration: 5 hours
Drive the Seward Highway along the scenic Turnagain Arm to Whittier. The Glacier Quest Cruise takes you from the quaint seaside town of Whittier to glacier-filled Blackstone Bay, a dramatic deep-water fjord where two tidewater glaciers and several alpine glaciers await. Keep an eye out for sea otters, Steller sea lions, bears, mountain goats, whales, and more! You will see several glaciers, including Tebenkof Glacier, named for Mikhail Demitrievich Tebenkof, an outstanding surveyor whose maps were the first charts of Alaska’s waters published in 1852. Northland Glacier rests majestically, clinging to the edge of the towering mountain. Blackstone and Beloit are tidewater glaciers that have carved a steep pathway to reach Prince William Sound’s saltwater. Cruise up close to these massive glaciers to watch for telltale signs of movement signaled by the distinct “pop” of glacier ice calving.
Price: $216.20
Duration: 4 hours
Discover Alaska’s breathtaking beauty on the Whittier Cruise Transit Tour, perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families with children. This scenic journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your cruise ship, followed by unforgettable stops at Portage Lake, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Point, Potter Marsh, and Earthquake Park. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning mountain vistas, learn about Alaska’s unique wildlife, and gain insider insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. Whether you're snapping photos of moose and bears or simply taking in the serenity of the landscape, this tour offers a rich and memorable Alaskan experience. End the day with a relaxing drop-off at your Anchorage hotel or the airport, carrying with you lasting impressions of Alaska’s majestic wilderness.
Price: $1,000.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Discover Alaska’s beauty in just one day with our one-way Whittier Cruise Transit Tour with only your group! Enjoy scenic stops at Portage Lake, the Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Point, and more. We will also provide individual pictures with professional camera.We’ll pick you up from your cruise in Whittier and drop you off at your Anchorage hotel. Book now for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure!
Price: $1,250.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Discover Alaska’s beauty in just one day with our Whittier Cruise Transit Tour! Enjoy scenic stops at Portage Lake, the Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Point, and more. We will also provide individual pictures with professional camera.We’ll pick you up from your cruise in Whittier and drop you off at your Anchorage hotel. Book now for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure!
Price: $229.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Our shuttle to Anchorage is an amazing journey through the Chugach Mountains and along the Turnagain Arm where the beauty of Alaska will not disappoint! Look for Beluga Whales, Sea Otters, and Dall Sheep as we wind our way into Anchorage. Our first stop will be the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife, you'll see Brown and Black Bears, Moose, Wood Bison, Wolves, Caribou, and many other species. As we arrive in Anchorage we'll stop by a Chocolate factory and Gift shop and enjoy some sweet samples. Our next stop is Alaska Sausage and Seafood to sample fresh Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage then on to Earthquake Park and finally Lake Hood (the largest Sea Plane base in America) and watch these amazing pilots take off and land. This is truly a wonderful tour that you will thoroughly enjoy and talk about for years to come. At the end of the tour, we will drop you off anywhere in Anchorage at your request!
Price: $199.00
Duration: 6 hours
This tour includes a stop at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The nonprofit center's mission is to preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People. Offering a unique experience for you to learn and explore the traditional and contemporary ways of Alaska’s Indigenous cultures. More than a museum, the Center is a place to engage and interact–to ask questions and discover. Your visit will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native Games demonstrations, exhibits, traditional Native dwellings, films and more. The tour ends in Anchorage dropping at the Anchorage Airport, downtown, and midtown Anchorage.
Price: $89.00
Duration: 5 hours
Join us for an unforgettable adventure with our Whittier Cruise Transit Tour! We'll pick you up from your cruise ship in Whittier and take you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Alaska. We'll visit Portage Lake, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Point, Potter Marsh, and Earthquake Park, each offering unique experiences and stunning views. Our tour ends with a drop-off at your Anchorage hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Alaska's beauty. Book your Whittier Cruise Transit Tour today and experience the best of Alaska in just one day!
Price: $199.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Our Whittier to Anchorage Wildlife Small Group Tour is a curated tour experience so that you can see the best of Alaska in a day. Our Alaskan guide will arrive right at the Port for pick up in Whittier and , you'll travel comfortably and style in a fully equipped new Van *Enjoy a guided tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, with over 250 acres of all the Alaska animals. Entrance fees are included. * Short break in Girdwood for lunch. ( lunch fees optional). *Scenic views and vistas in Portage Valley with a guided walk up to Byron Glacier *Stop at Beluga Point for photos and watch for Dahl Sheep and the Bore Tide. * Finish your tour in Anchorage, with a drop off at your preferred location and a short tour through the city with our recommendations for dinner as well.
Price: $197.00
Duration: 6 hours
Our Whittier to Anchorage direct transfer offers a stress-free, scenic end to your cruise vacation. We provide timely, direct service to the Anchorage Airport, scheduled to match cruise ship disembarkation. No waiting, no confusion—just a smooth and reliable ride to catch your flight with confidence. What truly sets us apart is the experience: enjoy panoramic views along the Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic drives, from the comfort of a modern, climate-controlled motorcoach. Our friendly, professional driver-guides offer light narration, sharing local highlights and stories as you travel. With cruise-coordinated timing, professional service, and a focus on guest comfort and convenience, we turn your transfer into one last memorable part of your Alaskan journey.
Price: $77.00
Duration: 1 hours
On this tour you will be taken to some of the most spectacular locations along the Seward Highway from Whittier to Anchorage. Our guide will be looking for ways to make each and every experience unique and exciting from stopping at creeks to see the Salmon run, we will be on the look for Alaska wildlife in the wild!!! This tour will be guided by Alaska locals with exceptional customer service to meet and exceed all of your expectations!
Price: $399.00
Duration: 7-8 hours
Step off your cruise in Whittier and turn your transfer into an Alaskan adventure. Journey along the breathtaking Seward Highway, where glaciers, mountains, and the sparkling Turnagain Arm create unforgettable scenery. Your professional driver-guide shares stories of Alaska’s Indigenous traditions, gold rush history, and the quirky beginnings of Whittier. A highlight is visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to bears, moose, bison, and more in natural habitats. The tour concludes with convenient drop-offs in Anchorage—at the airport or downtown—making this the most memorable and stress-free way to begin the next chapter of your Alaska journey.
Price: $89.00
Duration: 3 hours
Travel from Whittier to Anchorage with a scenic twist. This half-day tour includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where you can observe native animals in their natural habitats. Enjoy panoramic views during a tram ride at Alyeska Ski Area and drive along the stunning Turnagain Arm. With convenient pickup from the Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal, this transfer is both hassle-free and enriching. Ideal for cruise passengers looking to explore Alaska's wildlife and scenery before heading to Anchorage. - Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, including wildlife and tram stops - Includes entrance fees, snacks, and bottled water - Pickup from Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal and drop-off at Anchorage hotels or airport - Maximum group size of 10 travelers for a personalized experience **I cannot include the prices for entrance to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center ($30) or Tram ($50) because I don't know the size of the group, so these will have to be paid by guests.
Price: $2,250.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Whittier’s cuisine is heavily influenced by fresh seafood from Prince William Sound. Signature dishes include fresh salmon, halibut, crab, and other shellfish prepared in local restaurants. Dining is casual and focuses on hearty, fresh Alaskan fare. Popular local spots serve fish and chips, chowders, and grilled seafood. Visitors should try fresh-caught salmon dishes and local specialties like halibut tacos. Restaurants often emphasize sustainable seafood and local ingredients.
Getting Around
Whittier is accessible by car through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel from Anchorage, which operates on a schedule alternating traffic directions. It is also reachable by ferry and boat. Within Whittier, the town is small and walkable, with limited public transportation. Taxis and shuttles are available. Renting a car is recommended for exploring surrounding areas. Travel costs can be higher due to the remote location and limited services.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Whittier is from late spring to early fall for mild weather and access to outdoor activities. Pack warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Respect local wildlife and natural habitats. The town is small, so bring cash or cards but be aware some places may have limited payment options. Safety tips include being prepared for sudden weather changes and following guidance on wildlife encounters. Plan transportation in advance due to the tunnel schedule and limited ferry services.
Culture & Customs
Whittier’s culture is shaped by its remote Alaskan setting and close community. Residents value self-reliance, friendliness, and respect for nature. Social customs include casual greetings and a laid-back attitude. Important local events include summer festivals celebrating fishing and maritime heritage. Visitors should respect private property and local wildlife regulations. Environmental stewardship is a key cultural norm, with emphasis on leaving no trace and supporting sustainable tourism.
