Prince William Sound
Alaska
Tucked into the southern coast of Alaska, Prince William Sound is a spectacular wilderness area encompassing tidewater glaciers, fjords, secluded beaches, and more. Visitors are drawn to these remote waters to marvel at the marine life and coastal scenery and try a range of outdoor adventure activities, from sea kayaking, fishing, and whale watching to backcountry skiing and scuba diving.
One of the best ways to explore Prince William Sound is with a sightseeing glacier cruise. You’ll get up close and personal to towering tidewater glaciers and have the opportunity to spot sea otters, bald eagles, Dall’s porpoises, seabirds, and more. Sightseeing cruises set out from Whittier, Cordova, and Valdez and ferries run between the three main towns. You can also hike, bike, raft, fish, ski, or just explore the villages in Prince William Sound.
- A must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Be sure to bring along extra layers; the weather on the sound tends to be cool and wet.
- Many sightseeing boat tours of Prince William Sound are wheelchair accessible.
Prince William Sound is an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska located along the southern coast of Alaska, on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula. The sound is an easy hour drive from Anchorage, or you can take the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery route, which offers daily summer service from Anchorage to Whittier. The train ride typically takes 2.5 hours each way, leaving ample time for a sightseeing cruise.
Visit Prince William Sound during the summer months for the mildest weather and the best chances of seeing whales and other marine life. With fewer crowds and mosquitos, fall can be a pleasant time to visit the region. In winter, Prince William Sound offers backcountry skiing adventures, and the surrounding mountains often stay snow-covered through May.
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Prince William Sound. Humpback whales can be viewed anytime during the summer months, but viewings are more likely May through July. Orcas live in the sound year round, so they can be spotted anytime of year. Whales typically don’t hang out near the glaciers, so take a specific whale watching tour for the best chances of spotting whales.
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