Boating and Wildlife Viewing

Lu-Lu Belle Glacier Wildlife Tours. The "Limousine of the Prince William Sound," Valdez-based Lu-Lu Belle sets sail on small-group whale-watching and wildlife-viewing cruises that also goes up close to the massive Columbia Glacier. Cruises last about seven hours. There's a snack bar onboard, but it's good to pack a lunch, too. Valdez, Alaska, 99686. 800/411–0090; www.lulubelletours.com. $140.

Sound Eco Adventures. Woman-owned and -operated, Sound Eco can guide you through Prince William Sound almost any way possible. From helicopter to kayak, whale watching to hiking adventures, the company employs a team of expert navigators well versed in the history, flora, and fauna of the region. The boat is fitted with an eco-friendly outboard engine, and trips are limited to six to minimize the environmental impact. Valdez, Alaska, 99686. 907/835–8687; www.soundecoadventures.com. From $75.

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises. This outfit conducts two different Prince William Sound glacier and wildlife-viewing tours. The nine-hour Meares Glacier Excursion takes in the glacier but also detours to spots where orcas, harbor seals, and other sea creatures are often sighted. Lunch and late-afternoon soup are provided. A light snack is served on the seven-hour Columbia Glacier Cruise, which also makes wildlife-viewing stops. Both tours include commentary about local commercial-fishing operations, the Alyeska Pipeline terminal, the 1964 earthquake, and defunct gold mines. Valdez, Alaska. 866/867–1297; www.stanstephenscruises.com. $165 Meares tour, $132 Columbia tour.