Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Discovery from Anchorage
Description
Depart downtown Anchorage and travel along one of America’s most scenic routes — the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm — into the wilderness beyond. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200-acre sanctuary where rescued and orphaned Alaskan animals such as brown bears, muskox, bison, wolves, and moose roam in naturalistic habitats. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Alaska’s wildlife before continuing to Portage Lake, where you’ll board the MV Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises for an unforgettable, narrated hour-long cruise among cascading waterfalls to within a few hundred feet of the towering face of Portage Glacier. You may even hear the thunderous crack of the glacier calving. This combination of wildlife viewing, scenic driving, and glacier cruising creates a compact and unforgettable Alaskan day trip, perfect for nature lovers and first-time visitors alike.
Tour Options
Itinerary
As you explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, you'll have the chance to see some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, wolves, wood bison, muskox, elk, caribou, and other native species living in spacious natural habitats. Along the way, you'll learn about the center’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for orphaned and injured animals while enjoying exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. All of this takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chugach Mountains, creating an unforgettable Alaska experience.
As you cruise across the iceberg-dotted waters of Portage Lake aboard the MV Ptarmigan, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Portage Glacier, towering mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's fascinating glacial history, discover local wildlife, and gain insight into the ever-changing landscape shaped by Alaska's vast icefields. This scenic cruise offers an unforgettable close-up look at one of Alaska’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
I would not recommend this “tour.” it started and ended on time and took a where we expected to go, but that’s really all you can say for it. Our driver didn’t greet us, give us the order of the itinerary or even let us know when a bathroom stop might be. Overall, it was very poorly organized. When we arrived at the first destination, the wildlife preserve another passenger looked at me and said “where are we??” 🤣 I only knew because I have been there before so I was able to help.
It was overbooked and canceled as there was no seat in the van for me and few other people when we showed up on time
Great trip covering both the wildlife at the conservation area, the drive along the Seward Highway and the cruise to Portage Glacier. Great commentary along the route. Would definitely recommend.
Portage Glazier Cruises is really great. Our driver, Matthew 'Mateo', makes the trip exciting to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and then to Portage Lake for the Glazier Cruise. Along the drive there he provides great information from start to finish, he knows the route really well, we learned a lot. I hesitated at first to book this through Viator because I was debating to just drive a rental instead, but afterwards I was glad I booked this instead for me and my family. If you have doubts, trust me, this is the way to go, it's totally worth it!
Our guide Matthew was kind and informative, and so were the staff on the glacier cruise. It's harrowing to see the historic photos of the glacier compared with its current size due to modern man-made climate change.
Wonderful experience! Absolutely beautiful scenery! Informative and friendly tour guide! I definitely recommend!
Our glacier cruise tour was absolutely unforgettable! The scenery was breathtaking, and seeing the glaciers up close was an experience we'll never forget. Every part of the trip was well organized and enjoyable. A special thank you to our bus driver and guide, Matt. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. He shared interesting facts about the area, kept everyone entertained, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. His enthusiasm and passion made the experience even more memorable. If you're thinking about taking this glacier cruise tour, I highly recommend it—and if you're lucky enough to have Matt as your guide, you're in for an amazing experience!
