Valdez Cruise Port Guide

One of the most popular excursions is a glacier cruise into Prince William Sound to witness the colossal Columbia Glacier or the advancing Meares Glacier. These full-day boat tours offer incredible opportunities to see glaciers calving and spot wildlife like sea otters, seals, and whales. For those preferring a land-based adventure, a trip to Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, about a 45-minute drive from the port, allows you to walk within a quarter-mile of the glacier's face. In town, you can visit the Solomon Gulch Hatchery to see thousands of salmon during spawning season or explore the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive to learn about the town's compelling history, including the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.

A scenic drive along the Richardson Highway will take you to Thompson Pass, located about 25 miles from Valdez. This area is known for its stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, and beautiful alpine meadows. The drive itself is a destination, offering dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains and Keystone Canyon. Another key nearby destination is the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, approximately a 45-minute drive from the port, where you can easily access and view a massive glacier from designated trails and viewing platforms.

Cruise ships dock at the Valdez Container Terminal, which is located about 1.5 miles from the main town center and the small boat harbor. While the walk is flat and scenic along the shoreline path, many cruise lines and tour operators provide shuttle buses to transport passengers into town. The port area itself is industrial and does not have passenger amenities, but everything you need is a short distance away in town. Ships typically dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not required.

The official currency in Valdez is the US Dollar (USD). Other currencies like the Euro are not accepted, so it's best to have US dollars for any transactions. ATMs are readily available at local banks and in some larger stores throughout the small downtown area. Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted at nearly all restaurants, shops, and tour providers, making them the most convenient payment method for most visitors.

Valdez is a very safe, small town with a low crime rate, and visitors can feel secure exploring the downtown area independently. The primary safety concerns are related to the natural environment. When hiking, be aware of your surroundings and make noise to avoid surprising wildlife, particularly bears. If you are participating in a glacier viewing tour, always follow the captain's instructions, as glaciers can calve unexpectedly. Always dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as hypothermia can be a risk even in summer if you get wet and cold.

The cruise season in Valdez, from May to September, brings mild and often wet weather. Summer high temperatures typically range from 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C), while nighttime lows can dip into the 40s (around 7°C). Valdez is located in a temperate rainforest, so rainfall is common throughout the season; it is wise to expect overcast skies and periods of rain. Visitors should pack waterproof jackets, pants, and comfortable, sturdy footwear. Dressing in layers with fleece or wool is essential to stay comfortable as conditions can change rapidly throughout the day.

The downtown area of Valdez is compact and easily explored on foot. For destinations further afield, options are more limited as there is no public bus system, and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are generally unavailable. Several local taxi companies operate in town for short trips. Most popular shore excursions, such as a Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises tour or a visit to Worthington Glacier, will include transportation as part of the package. These tours typically depart from the small boat harbor, which is a short shuttle ride or a 20-minute walk from the cruise dock.

Shopping in Valdez is centered in the downtown area and near the small boat harbor, offering a variety of quaint, locally-owned shops and galleries. The focus is on authentic Alaskan products and unique souvenirs rather than large commercial brands. Popular items to look for include smoked salmon, ulu knives, local art depicting the stunning scenery, and crafts made from local materials. You can also find books and memorabilia related to the town's history with the 1964 earthquake and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Prices are fixed, and there are no duty-free shopping opportunities.