Where is Prince William Sound,Whittier, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Prince William Sound is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between Valdez and Whittier and is situated along the Gulf of Alaska coast. It is famous for its glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and scenic boat tours.

Prince William Sound Location Map,Whittier, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Prince William Sound

  • Glacier Viewing – Stunning tidewater glaciers, including Columbia and Harriman glaciers.
  • Kayaking & Boating – Explore fjords, coves, and coastal wildlife in pristine waters.
  • Wildlife Watching – Spot whales, sea otters, seals, eagles, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
  • Scenic Cruises – Guided tours providing breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and islands.
  • Hiking & Shore Excursions – Trails and beach landings offering exploration of remote coastal landscapes.
  • Fishing Opportunities – Saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut, and other Alaskan species.
  • Photography & Scenic Vistas – Panoramic views of icebergs, mountains, and wildlife-rich waters.

Prince William Sound Facts

Official NamePrince William Sound
LocationWhittier, Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, USA — Gulf of Alaska / Chugach Mountains coastline
Latitude & Longitude60.7500° N, 148.5000° W
Total AreaApprox. 10,000 square miles (≈25,900 km²) of water, fjords, islands, glaciers, and coastal wilderness
Established / OpenedNatural geographic feature; historically used by indigenous peoples and later explored by European settlers
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (Chugach National Forest surrounding areas) & Alaska Department of Natural Resources; marine areas under multiple conservation programs
RegionGulf of Alaska / Southcentral Alaska / Chugach Mountains / Coastal marine ecosystem
AddressPrince William Sound, Whittier, AK 99693, USA
Zip Code99693
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptGlacial fjords, marine wildlife, islands, kayaking, boating, fishing, scenic cruises, remote wilderness, coastal ecology
Main Sections / AreasWhittier harbor, Valdez area, Columbia Glacier, Harriman Fjord, Knight Island, Hinchinbrook Island, bays, inlets, and waterways
Famous AttractionsColumbia Glacier, tidewater glaciers, whale and sea otter viewing, kayaking tours, fishing excursions, scenic cruises, remote islands, hiking in coastal fjords
Annual VisitorsApprox. 150,000–200,000 visitors (mainly via cruises and day tours)
Entry Fee TypeNo park entry fee; fees apply for guided tours, cruises, and marina access
Ticket Price RangeBoat tours and glacier cruises: ~$100–$300 per person depending on operator and length; kayak rentals ~$50–$150 per day
Ticket OptionsGuided glacier cruises, kayaking tours, fishing charters, wildlife excursions, self-guided boating, scenic photography trips
Best Time to VisitSummer (June–August) for calm waters, wildlife viewing, and glacier accessibility; shoulder seasons (May & September) for fewer crowds and Northern lights in fall
Nearby AirportWhittier Airport (via Anchorage, ANC) – ~60 miles (97 km); Valdez Airport (VDZ) – ~55 miles (88 km)
TransportationCar via Seward Highway and Alaska Route 1, ferry service from Whittier to Valdez, guided boat tours, kayaking, small aircraft charter, hiking trails along fjords
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach

Distances from Prince William Sound to Nearby Landmarks

  • Valdez, AK – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Columbia Glacier – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Harbor Point – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Bligh Reef – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Whittier, AK – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Chenega Glacier – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Green Island – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Valdez Glacier – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Blackstone Bay – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Hubbard Glacier – 200 km (124.3 mi)
  • Bligh Reef Trail – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Eagle Glacier – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Prince William Sound Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Shoup Bay – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Slate Island – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Valdez Arm – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Port Valdez – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Herring Bay – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Columbia Bay – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Felix Cove – 30 km (18.6 mi)