How does “the tunnel” work?
The Anton Anderson Memorial tunnel connects Whittier to Portage Glacier Road. It is the only way in and out of the town of Whittier. The one way tunnel opens each direction once per hour, with the tunnel into Whittier open on the 30 minutes past the hour, every hour (ex. 12:30, 1:30, 2:30) and the tunnel out of Whittier on the top of the hour(12:00, 1:00, 2:00). The tunnel costs $13 dollars to enter Whittier for a passenger car, with no charge upon exiting Whittier. There is no cell service once you turn off the Seward Highway onto the Portage Road until you go through the tunnel, so it is important to be on time. If you miss your designated tunnel, it is 45 minutes before the next tunnel and you may miss your departure or stand-by time may be charged. Be safe and enjoy this unique aspect of life in Whittier, Alaska!
For more information:
See Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel schedule here-
https://www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/index.shtml.
How do I get there from Anchorage?
Take the Seward Highway south out of Anchorage, and turn left onto Portage Glacier Road. Plan to be at the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel 30 minutes after the hour. We recommend starting your navigation by Girdwood at the latest, as there is no cell service on Portage Glacier Road.
SUMMER – expect construction and give yourself at least 30 minutes extra drive time
WINTER – expect winter driving conditions. Recommended to have an all wheel drive vehicle.
What clothing should I wear?
Dress for the weather! Bring rain gear and warm layers. All of our vessels have heated cabins, but the best views of glaciers and wildlife will be from our outer decks, so dress for the outside. Any adventure on the water is going to be 10-20 degrees cooler than on shore. Even if it is not raining your waterproof coat acts as a wind breaker. Shoes are equally important. Closed toe, good sole and water resistant is what we recommend for sightseeing. For our March and April cruises we recommend snow boots, good for snow, rain, and the cold! The more prepared you are, the better time you will have (we promise).
What should I bring?
Warm clothes, camera, water bottle, and a sense of adventure!
What is the weather like in Whittier?
Prince William Sound is located in a temperate rainforest, which means one thing – lots of rain! Glaciers thrive in cool, cloudy areas with lots of precipitation, which is why Whittier is such an ideal place to view tidewater glaciers. Bring waterproof layers – our tours operate rain or shine.
What wildlife can I see?
Frequent sightings on our trips include sea otters, black-legged kittiwakes, bald eagles, and harbor seals. Sea Lions can be seen at certain times of the year. Some of our longer trips might see black bears or tufted puffins, depending on the time of year. When we are lucky in the summer months we can look for humpback whales, and of course, orca are rare and well-loved visitors. The only thing that we can absolutely guarantee about wildlife is that every day will be different!
How close does the boat get to the glaciers?
Typically, we will try to approach the glacier within one-quarter mile, a safe distance that gives us space to manoeuvre the boat in the event of a large calving. You will be surprised at how close a quarter mile will feel in the face of these massive glaciers! In some instances, heavy amounts of glacial ice in the water will mean that we must view the glacier from further away, but our captains will always work to get you the best and safest view of our tidewater glaciers.
In the spring time there is normally a significant amount of ice in the water so our viewing distances might be farther away.
Will I get seasick?
Lazy Otter Charters operates in Prince William Sound, a body of water that is protected from open ocean swells by our many miles of coastline and islands. In fact, Prince William Sound features the only tidewater glaciers in this area of Alaska that can be reached without passing through open waters. While we still can experience strong winds, your chances of getting seasick are far, far less in Prince William Sound than they would be out of any other nearby harbors.
How safe are the boats?
Our boats are all operated by experienced USCG-licensed captains and are subject to regular drills, training, and inspections. Each vessel is equipped with life rafts, life jackets, first aid equipment, emergency position indicating radio beacons, and fire fighting supplies, for the event of any unlikely emergency. Alaska tour vessels have some of the highest safety standards of any region, and we at Lazy Otter Charters take pride in the safety of our fleet.
How much should I tip the crew?
If you thought your crew did a great job, a gratuity for your hard-working Captain and crew is a wonderful gesture. Our Captains and crew work hard to not only ensure your safety but also aim to provide you with exceptional service and information. We suggest a tip of $10–$20+ per person in your party, depending on the length of the tour and the quality of the service you received.
For water taxi we recommend tipping $10+ per person on your tour.
Of course tipping is not mandatory but it is very much appreciated.
Is there cell phone service on the water?’
Once we leave Whittier we like to think that we are “out in the wild” and there is very little cell service so it’s a great opportunity to unplug and enjoy scenery. Turn your phone on airplane mode and take some beautiful photos! We do have charging stations on board all our boats so you never run out of battery.
While we don’t have much cell phone service, our captains are equipped with communication devices and marine radios so we can always communicate in case of an emergency.
Is there any food or drinks on the trips?
For our sightseeing tours we offer tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soft drinks!
Summer Tours we provide a boxed lunch with a sandwich and other goodies!
*If notified in advance, we can accommodate for most dietary restrictions.
Our spring and fall tours do not provide a box lunch but do provide a variety of snacks.
Water taxis do not provide any food or drinks.
Do you have to meet a minimum passenger amount to run?
The sightseeing tours have a minimum of 4 on the High Velocity (comfortably accommodate up to 6 passengers) and 15 on the Voyager (comfortably accommodate up to 27 passengers). If you are a party of less than the minimum you can book the boat exclusive, or we may match you with other like-minded travelers.
Do you offer children’s rates?
We do not offer a children’s rate. We have so few seats to sell so all seat fares are the same. Children 3 and under are not charged, but must be accounted for in the total passenger count.
How many people can fit on the water taxi?
Water taxi is based on a per mile rate, for up to 6 people, each way. If there are more than 6 people, then it is a per person rate. The High Velocity can accommodate up to 6 passengers and the Qayaq Chief up to 22 passengers/ 18 with kayaks.
Can I bring my dog/pet on board?
As far as pets go – only registered service animals are allowed onboard the sightseeing vessels. Advance notice is required.
Dogs are allowed on the water taxi, but must not be allowed on the seats. Advance notice is required
Is Lazy Otter an environmentally conscious company?
We are honored to hold the Adventure Green Certification, reflecting our deep commitment to being environmentally conscious. This means we are careful with our waste, active in supporting organizations that protect the Prince William Sound, and we aim to use products on board that are good for the environment.
We are also proud to be a Whale Sense partner, guaranteeing that our interactions with wildlife adhere to the highest standards for responsible, respectful, and safe viewing practices.
Join our efforts to reduce plastic waste! Please bring a refillable water bottle for your trip. You’ll love the bonus: the water in Whittier is famous, having won national awards—it’s Award-Winning Whittier Water!
Organizations we work with:
Prince William Sound Regional Citizen Advisory Council
Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation
Prince William Sound Science Center
Alaska Sea Life Center
Adventure Green Alaska
https://whalesense.org/
What happens if the weather is too bad to go out?
Prince William Sound typically offers a sheltered and calm adventure, but we are certainly not immune to bad weather. We often see storms roll through, and our Captains may deem conditions unsafe for passengers due to high winds. We are constantly monitoring the forecast and will ideally inform you in advance. However, the weather around Whittier changes quickly, meaning a storm can blow in sooner than expected. If we are unable to make a decision until the morning of your trip, rest assured that safety is our priority. If we cancel your tour because of weather, we will provide a full refund and offer suggestions for other activities to fill your time.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to reserve your trip. The remaining balance is due at departure.
Cancel 15+ days before your trip: Full refund minus a 5% credit-card processing fee.
Cancel 8–14 days before your trip: You will receive a 50% refund of your deposit.
Cancel within 7 days of your trip: No refund — the deposit is forfeited.
Weather cancellations: If the Captain determines conditions are unsafe or unacceptable, we will either reschedule your trip or refund your deposit in full.
Can I fly my drone?
We do not allow drones on any of our standard tours, primarily for passenger safety and to uphold our commitment to responsible wildlife viewing. We may make exceptions for clients on dedicated photography tours or private charters, but this requires prior written approval from management, and all flying will be heavily restricted and must be from the boat.
How safe are the boats?
Our boats are all operated by experienced USCG-licensed captains and are subject to regular drills, training, and inspections. Each vessel is equipped with life rafts, life jackets, first aid equipment, emergency position indicating radio beacons, and fire fighting supplies, for the event of any unlikely emergency. Alaska tour vessels have some of the highest safety standards of any region, and we at Lazy Otter Charters take pride in the safety of our fleet.
Is there stuff to do if I catch an earlier tunnel?
In the summer time there is lots to do in Whittier! You can go for a short hike up Portage pass trail, Horsetail Falls trail, or walk along the water front! You can enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the cafes or restaurants in town or do some souvenir shopping. Whittier also has a museum and historic walk if you’re interested in the history of our unique town. Whittier is a very, very small town but we always recommend people come earlier to explore.
In the winter, spring and fall there are very limited things open. We have one restaurant in town, The Anchor in, it has dinner style food and is a true “Whittier Experience.” If you’re coming in before a tour during this time we do recommend eating before entering though the tunnel.
Are boat tours open during the Northern Lights season?
Yes! While many operators close for winter, Lazy Otter Charters begins our spring sightseeing tours in March. This is the perfect time to visit because you can see the Northern Lights at night and take a glacier cruise during the day.
Can I see a glacier in the spring?
Absolutely. Spring is one of the most beautiful times to tour Prince William Sound. Our springtime boat tours offer beautiful scenery, snowy mountain peaks, and an excellent opportunity to see a tidewater glacier without the busyness of summer. It is a popular daytime activity for travelers visiting Alaska for the aurora.
IF WE HAVEN’T ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION HERE, DON’T HESITATE TO CALL.
We are happy to chat to fill in details before or after you book.
Is there stuff to do if I catch an earlier tunnel?
In the summer time there is lots to do in Whittier! You can go for a short hike up Portage pass trail, Horsetail Falls trail, or walk along the water front! You can enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the cafes or restaurants in town or do some souvenir shopping. Whittier also has a museum and historic walk if you’re interested in the history of our unique town. Whittier is a very, very small town but we always recommend people come earlier to explore.
In the winter, spring and fall there are very limited things open. We have one restaurant in town, The Anchor in, it has dinner style food and is a true “Whittier Experience.” If you’re coming in before a tour during this time we do recommend eating before entering though the tunnel.