When most people picture an Alaskan glacier, they imagine towering walls of ice, deep crevasses, and brilliant shades of blue. But not all glaciers are the same. One of the biggest distinctions in Alaska is between tidewater glaciers and land-based (valley) glaciers—and understanding the difference makes it even more exciting to explore them by helicopter.
What Is a Tidewater Glacier?
A tidewater glacier flows directly into the ocean. Instead of ending on land, its face meets saltwater, where massive chunks of ice regularly break off in dramatic events known as calving. These glaciers are constantly shaped by tides, waves, and ocean temperatures, making them some of the most dynamic and visually striking glaciers in the world.
In Alaska, tidewater glaciers are especially famous for:
- Sheer ice faces rising straight from the sea
- Active calving, where ice crashes into the water below
- A rich marine ecosystem at their base, often dotted with floating ice
What About Valley (Land-Based) Glaciers?
Valley Glacier
Valley glaciers, by contrast, flow down mountain valleys and end on land. While they don’t calve into the ocean, they showcase incredible surface features—crevasses, icefalls, meltwater streams, and bright blue glacier pools in summer. These glaciers are ideal for landings, short walks, and close-up exploration on the ice.
Both types are spectacular, but tidewater glaciers offer something truly unique: the rare opportunity to experience glaciers, mountains, and the ocean all in one place.
Experience Tidewater Glaciers on Alpine Air Alaska’s Prince William Sound Tour
On the Prince William Sound Tour with Alpine Air Alaska, you’ll fly beyond the road system into one of Alaska’s most wildlife-rich and glacier-packed regions. This tour is designed for travelers who want maximum time in the air, unmatched scenery, and a true sense of Alaska’s scale.
What makes this tour different:
- Extended flight time – Enjoy 60 minutes of flight time, the longest of any tour, giving you more time to explore deep into Prince William Sound
- Remote glacier landing – Land and spend 30 minutes exploring a remote glacier, far from crowds and roads
- Tidewater glacier views – See massive glaciers flowing straight into the ocean, often with floating ice below
Wildlife Spotting From Air and Ice
Prince William Sound is one of the best places in Alaska to see wildlife from above. Depending on the day and conditions, guests may spot:
- Brown and black bears roaming coastal areas
- Moose in alpine valleys
- Dall sheep and mountain goats clinging to steep, rocky slopes
- Marine mammals like seals and sea otters resting on ice floes
- And occasionally even whales surfacing in the sound below
With a helicopter, you can cover far more ground than by boat or road, giving you a front-row seat to Alaska’s incredible diversity—mountains, glaciers, and ocean wildlife all in a single flight.
Why Prince William Sound Is So Special
The magic of Prince William Sound lies in how everything comes together: towering mountains, tidewater glaciers, remote islands, and thriving wildlife. It’s a place where glaciers meet the sea and where every flight feels like a true expedition.
If you’re deciding between glacier tours, the Prince William Sound experience stands out for travelers who want longer flight time, dramatic tidewater glaciers, and the chance to see both land and marine wildlife in one unforgettable adventure.
Ready to see the difference for yourself?
Book Alpine Air Alaska’s Prince William Sound Tour and experience Alaska the way few people ever do—from the air, on the ice, and above the ocean.