Port Valdez, Alaska – Alaska Guide

Port Valdez in Detail.

Getting There

Get to Valdez.

About

Port Valdez is a 13 mile long, glacier carved fjord that runs almost exactly east-west, in to the Chugach Mountains. The town of Valdez sits on its north shore while the Alyeska Marine Terminal resides on the south shore.

In May as many ten humpback whales have been counted entering Port Valdez, other years none. Dall’s porpoise may occasionally enter Port Valdez. While seals, sea lions, and sea otters are year round residents of Port Valdez.

In June-July Port Valdez can be pack with seiners catching pink salmon.

History

Named on June 16, 1790 by Don Salvador Fidalgo for the celebrated Spanish naval officer Antonio Valdes y Basan. Having been adopted by Captain Vancouver, the name came into local use (Wagner, 1937, p. 420).