Tucked at the head of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, Whittier is one of Alaska’s most striking and unusual cruise ports — a tiny town surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. Whether you’re embarking, disembarking, or making a shore excursion stop here, this guide will help you arrive prepared and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Arriving by Ship
Whittier sits about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, accessible through one of the longest highway tunnels in North America — the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which alternates between rail and road traffic. Most cruise passengers arrive at the small but functional Whittier cruise terminal, which handles vessels from mid-May through September during Alaska’s cruising season.
If you’re starting or ending your cruise here, you’ll almost certainly need to connect with Anchorage, either for flights or for exploring Alaska’s largest city. Booking a private transfer in advance saves you the stress of coordinating transport on embarkation day. A dedicated driver service can get you smoothly between Anchorage International Airport and the Whittier pier. 🎟 Book: Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port For those who want more than just a ride, a guided tour option that combines the cruise transfer with stops along the Seward Highway — one of America’s most scenic drives — gives you both practicality and adventure in a single booking. 🎟 Book: Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer and Private Tour
Things to Do in Whittier
Don’t let Whittier’s small size fool you — the natural world here is on a scale that dwarfs the town itself. Prince William Sound is the main attraction, and getting out on the water should be your first priority.
Kayaking in the sound puts you at eye level with sea otters, harbour seals, and the occasional humpback whale. Several outfitters run guided sea kayak tours departing directly from the harbour, and no prior experience is necessary. Glacier cruises are enormously popular here — a boat tour into the sound lets you get genuinely close to calving tidewater glaciers, particularly in the western arm of the sound near Blackstone Bay.
On land, the Portage Glacier is accessible via a short drive through the tunnel and is absolutely worth the detour. The Whittier History Museum, housed inside Begich Towers — the remarkable single building where most of Whittier’s permanent residents actually live — offers a fascinating and slightly surreal look at life in one of America’s most unusual communities. If you’re up for a walk, trails above the town reward hikers with sweeping views over the harbour and surrounding mountains.
Local Food
Whittier’s dining scene is modest but satisfying, with fresh seafood naturally taking centre stage. Varly’s Swiftwater Seafood is the most beloved local institution — a no-frills counter serving halibut, shrimp, and salmon pulled straight from Alaskan waters. Fish and chips here are the real deal, eaten ideally with a view of the harbour.
The Lazy Otter Café at the small boat harbour is a reliable spot for coffee, sandwiches, and quick bites between excursions. For a proper sit-down meal, the Inn at Whittier serves dinner with a surprisingly polished menu that leans into Alaskan ingredients — king crab, wild salmon, and locally foraged accompaniments. If you’re a fan of smoked salmon, pick up a vacuum-packed portion from any of the harbour-side vendors to take home; it travels well and makes an exceptional souvenir.
Shopping
Whittier isn’t a shopping destination in the traditional sense, but there are a handful of spots worth browsing. The harbour area has small gift shops selling Alaska-themed goods — look for locally made jewellery incorporating Alaskan jade and gold, as well as hand-stitched items by Native Alaskan artisans. These genuinely crafted pieces stand out against the mass-produced souvenirs you’ll find elsewhere on Alaska itineraries.
If you’re passing through during a longer shore stop, Anchorage (accessible via the tunnel) offers far more retail variety, including galleries featuring serious Alaskan artwork and wildlife photography. The downtown Anchorage markets are particularly strong for authentic indigenous crafts.
Practical Tips
A few things worth knowing before you step off the ship:
- The tunnel operates on a schedule, alternating between rail and road use with 30-minute cycles. If you’re renting a car or joining a tour that requires driving, check the tunnel schedule in advance to avoid unexpected waits.
- Weather changes fast. Even on a sunny morning, temperatures in Whittier can drop sharply and rain arrives without warning. Pack waterproof layers regardless of the forecast.
- Cell service is limited in and around Whittier, so download offline maps before you arrive and confirm your tour pickup details in advance.
- The season is short. Nearly all services, restaurants, and tour operators operate only from May to September. Book glacier cruises and kayak tours as early as possible — these sell out weeks ahead.
- Bears are real. If you’re hiking trails above town, make noise, travel in groups, and heed any posted warnings near the trailheads.
Whittier may be one of Alaska’s smallest cruise ports, but it punches well above its weight in terms of natural drama and authentic character. Arrive with a loose plan, get yourself on the water, and let Prince William Sound do the rest — it rarely disappoints.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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