Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises stands as a cornerstone of the Valdez tourism community, operating as a family-owned tour operator since 1971. This long history, which began with Stan and Mary Helen Stephens chartering a single 26-foot vessel, has evolved into a highly-regarded company known for its comprehensive tours of Prince William Sound. The company's deep roots in the community are not just a matter of longevity; they were forged during the pivotal moments of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, where Stan Stephens' vessels were among the first on the scene, assisting with response efforts. This commitment to the preservation and appreciation of Prince William Sound continues to be a core tenet of their operations today. Offering a variety of Alaska cruises, the company has established a strong reputation, reflected in its consistently high customer ratings.

The Onboard Experience

Customers consistently praise the quality of the vessels and the professionalism of the crew. The boats are described as clean, well-maintained, comfortable, and spacious, which is a significant factor on tours that can last between six to nine hours. This ensures that even on days with inclement weather, passengers have ample comfortable indoor seating with large windows for viewing. The crew, noted to be entirely Alaskan, is frequently highlighted for being friendly, accommodating, and exceptionally knowledgeable about the area's geology, history, and wildlife. Captains, with an average of 25 years of experience, are commended for their skillful navigation, often bringing the vessel remarkably close to glaciers and wildlife, and for providing engaging, informative commentary without it feeling dry or uninteresting. This educational component covers a wide range of topics, including early explorers, mining history, commercial fishing, and the lasting impact of the 1964 earthquake and the oil spill.

Tour Offerings and Highlights

Stan Stephens primarily offers two signature boat tours, each designed to showcase different facets of Prince William Sound.

Columbia Glacier Cruise

This is the shorter of the main tours, typically lasting around 6 hours. It focuses on the immense and rapidly changing Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America. As one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world, it is in a state of dramatic retreat, offering a dynamic and powerful viewing experience where visitors can witness history in the making. The journey through Columbia Bay is characterized by navigating through a field of icebergs, some of which can be astonishingly large. While this tour is more condensed, it still provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and a thorough narration of the region's history. A light meal is typically served on this cruise.

Meares Glacier Excursion

For those with more time, the 7.5 to 9-hour Meares Glacier tour offers a more in-depth journey. A key feature of this trip is seeing the Meares Glacier, which is unique because, unlike most Alaskan glaciers, it is currently advancing. This longer duration allows the captain to spend more time seeking out wildlife along various shorelines. Many reviewers who opted for the longer trip expressed satisfaction with their choice, feeling it provided a more complete experience and a better chance to see a wider array of animals and witness glacier calving. This excursion generally includes a more substantial meal, such as a hot serving of chicken alfredo, and often a second offering like clam chowder later in the trip.

The Positive Aspects: What Customers Love

Based on extensive feedback, several key strengths make this travel agency a top choice for visitors to Valdez.

• Exceptional Wildlife Sightings: The company has a stellar reputation for finding wildlife. Captains are adept at spotting animals and will pause the journey to allow for extended viewing and photo opportunities. Commonly sighted animals include humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, Dall's porpoises, bald eagles, and various seabirds like horned and tufted puffins.
• Proximity to Glaciers: A major highlight is the captain's ability to navigate safely and closely to the faces of the glaciers. Passengers frequently report getting within a half-mile or even a quarter-mile of the ice, allowing them to hear the thunderous sound of calving ice and appreciate the immense scale of the glaciers.
• Superior Customer Service and Amenities: The thoughtful details set Stan Stephens apart. They provide binoculars for passenger use, informational brochures with wildlife identification charts, and onboard libraries. The inclusion of complimentary meals, coffee, and water is also a significant plus, enhancing the comfort of a long day on the water.
• Local Expertise: The commitment to hiring an all-Alaskan crew provides an authentic experience. The crew's firsthand knowledge and personal stories add a layer of depth to the narration that is difficult to replicate.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, prospective customers should consider a few points to ensure the trip aligns with their expectations.

• Tour Duration and Suitability for Children: The cruises are long, ranging from 6 to over 9 hours. For some travelers, particularly families with very young children or toddlers, this can be a challenging amount of time to be on a boat. While the boats are spacious, there are no specific amenities designed for toddlers, and the day may feel lengthy for them.
• Weather and Visibility: Alaskan weather is notoriously unpredictable. Fog, rain, and cold temperatures can impact the experience. While the crew does an excellent job regardless of the weather, poor visibility can obscure views of the glaciers and surrounding mountains. Customers should dress in warm layers and be prepared for any conditions.
• Wildlife is Not Guaranteed: Although sightings are frequent, wildlife operates on its own schedule. The timing of your trip can influence what you see. For example, whale migrations are seasonal, and sightings may be less common at the very beginning or end of the tourist season.
• Cost: These specialized glacier tours represent a significant financial investment. While most customers find the experience to be well worth the price, it is a key budgetary consideration for travelers planning their Alaskan itineraries.

Conclusion

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises offers one of the most reputable and well-executed tour experiences in Valdez. With a deep, family-run history and a clear dedication to customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship, they provide an outstanding platform for witnessing the grandeur of Prince William Sound. For travelers seeking breathtaking glacier tours and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, facilitated by a knowledgeable and passionate crew, this company is an excellent choice. The primary considerations are the long duration of the trips, which may not be suitable for all travelers, and the inherent unpredictability of Alaskan weather and wildlife. Nonetheless, for those prepared for a full-day immersion into one of Alaska's most stunning natural environments, Stan Stephens delivers a memorable and highly valued adventure.