Skip the overpriced ship excursions. Lazy Otter Charters is right here in Whittier — smaller groups, flexible itineraries, and real Alaska wilderness. We welcome passengers from all cruise lines including Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, and more.
Coming In On A Cruise Ship?
🧊 Tidewater Glaciers · 🦦 Wildlife · 🚢 All Cruise Ships Welcome · 📅 Sister owned
Your Ship Brought You to Whittier. We'll Show You Why It's Worth It.
Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound — one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in North America. You have a limited window in port, and we know exactly how to make every minute count. Our small-group tours take you up close to tidewater glaciers, into prime wildlife habitat, and onto real Alaskan beaches — the kind of experience you simply can’t get from the cruise ship.
Lazy Otter Charters has been operating out of Whittier since 1994. We know these waters, we know the wildlife patterns, and we know how important it is that you’re back at the dock on time. We keep a close eye on every ship schedule and plan our departures around yours.
Tours We Recommend for Cruise Passengers
Port times vary by ship and itinerary — reach out before your cruise and we’ll match you with the right departure time. These are the two tours cruise passengers love most:
Our Recommended Tour
Blackstone Glacier Half Day Tour- 4 Hours
A focused half-day adventure into Blackstone Bay — one of the most dramatic glacier destinations in all of Prince William Sound. Perfect if your port time is shorter.
- ✓ Blackstone Bay tidewater glaciers
- ✓ Waterfalls, icebergs & calving ice
- ✓ Rich wildlife habitat throughout
- ✓ Timed around ship arrivals & departures
- ✓ Beach landing included
- ✓ Great for families & first-timers
Click below to book on our tour!
Interested in what else we have to offer? See out other tour options!Click HERE
Getting From Your Ship to Our Dock
We’re located at the end of Harbor Road — look for the green roof. Two terminals, both easy to get to:
🚢 Princess Cruises Terminal
🚶 About a 10-minute walk
Walk directly along the harbor to our dock. No shuttle, no extra cost — just a pleasant waterfront stroll with Prince William Sound views the whole way. You can’t miss us.
🚢 Glacier Creek Terminal - NCL Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal
🚌 ~5-minute shuttle or 45 minuet walk
A shuttle connects the Norwegian terminal to the harbor. The $10 pass covers you all day long — so you can ride back after your tour without paying again. Easy and affordable.
“If you are on a cruise, don’t pay the silly prices the cruise companies demand — go to Lazy Otters. It was a great day on the water of Prince William Sound.”
— Verified TripAdvisor Review
Take a Piece of Whittier Home
Before you head back to your ship, stop by our gifts collection right here at the harbor. Everything we carry is made by Alaskan locals — many of them from Whittier itself. No mass-produced airport souvenirs here. Just real, handcrafted work by the people who actually live in this incredible place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a tour will fit in my port time?
Port times vary by ship and itinerary, so we always recommend reaching out before your cruise. Tell us your ship’s scheduled arrival and departure time and we’ll recommend the right tour. We keep a close eye on ship schedules and plan our departures around them.
I’m on Princess Cruises. How do I get to you?
The Princess terminal is about a 10-minute walk from our dock at the end of Harbor Road. Just follow the harbor waterfront — look for the green roof. No shuttle needed, no extra cost.
I’m on Norwegian Cruise Line. How does the shuttle work?
The shuttle from the Norwegian terminal to the harbor is about a 5-minute ride and costs $10 for an all-day pass. That means you can ride it back anytime after your tour — no need to pay again. If you’re feeling up for a walk, it takes about 45 minuets to get from the cruise ship terminal to our shop.
Can I book in advance before my cruise?
Yes — and we highly recommend it, especially during peak summer months when cruise ships are in port. You can book online anytime, call us at 907-694-6887, or send us an email. Walk-ups are welcome when space is available, but advance booking guarantees your spot.
Are beach landings really included?
Yes! Our vessels are specially designed for beach landings — you actually go ashore in true Alaskan wilderness, not just view it from the boat. This is something most ship excursions simply cannot offer.
Ready to Book? Reserve Your Spot Before You Set Sail.
Tours fill up fast when cruise ships are in port. Book ahead to guarantee your group a spot — or contact us with your ship’s schedule and we’ll help you plan the perfect day.
Walk-ins welcome when space is available · End of Harbor Road, Whittier · Look for the green roof