Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour
Description
Take a Shuttle down Turnagain Arm and Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska on an outing that showcases the state's striking geographical features and abundant native wildlife. Spot hanging glaciers and Dall sheep as you drive along Turnagain Arm, then take an unforgettable cruise right up to the face of Portage Glacier. • Shuttle Guided Tour along the Turnagain Arm, one of the worlds greatest scenic drives. • One hour cruise to the face of Portage Glacier with Park Service Ranger. • Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conversation Center to view Alaska's most spectacular animals up close. • Be prepared to walk through the Wildlife Center and be shuttled from Wildlife Center to Glacier. • A shuttle will pick you up off the boat at 5:30 p.m. for your ride back to Anchorage with picturesque photo stops.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Experience the sheer awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier on your one-hour cruise aboard the mv Ptarmigan. Standing just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watching for icebergs to break off the glacier and crash into the water below. You will find out why Portage Glacier is Alaska's second most visited attraction.
At the 140-acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, jaws drop in awe-even those of longtime Alaskans. AWCC’s mission is to provide refuge for orphaned, injured and ill animals-those that can’t survive in the wild. The center also educates visitors about Alaska’s Wildlife. Some animals you will see are brown bears, black bears, wolf pack, wood bison, moose etc...
Take our breathtaking ride down the Seward Highway voted top scenic byways in America where you will view awe-inspiring stops along Turnagain Arm. Alaska's Seward Highway climbs over mountain passes where you're surrounded by jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks, rain forests, crystal lakes and the Pacific Ocean. This highway truly is, a photographer's dream. Potter Marsh marks the end of city views and the beginning of wilderness—it's absolutely a "birder's" paradise! While driving along this road, we stop at many opportunities with ample time to take in the breathtaking views that will make your soul sing.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weather in Alaska can change rapidly, so please dress accordingly
- Please provide hotel information at booking
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Reviews(407)
Brooks was an amazing, knowledgeable tour guide. He took us to a glacier lake and went over and above. Definitely recommend!
Great tour, very enjoyable trip. The twirling Bear at the conservation center was pretty cool as was the boat ride to the glacier. Very friendly driver/guide
Our Portage Glacier Cruise & Wildlife Discovery Tour was such a fun and memorable experience! We had the opportunity to see moose, reindeer (we must’ve missed Santa! 😉), brown and black bears, caribou, and so much more. I truly appreciate attractions like this that use their proceeds to rehabilitate animals, provide safe breeding habitats, and always put the animals’ well-being first—whether that means returning them to the wild or giving them a safe, comfortable home for the rest of their lives. Afterward, we took a short drive to board the Ptarmigan for our Portage Glacier Cruise. The captain and crew were incredibly welcoming and got us up close and personal to a magnificent glacier and several breathtaking waterfalls. A special shout-out to our motorcoach driver and guide, Matthew, who did a fantastic job narrating the drive. He pointed out interesting landmarks, shared local history, and let us know where to keep an eye out for free-roaming moose, bears, and even beluga whales. We were lucky enough to spot a moose peeking out from the trees on our drive back, and as a bonus, we also saw a majestic bald eagle standing guard over its nest—such an incredible sight! It was a fun, educational, and scenic day that I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting Anchorage, Alaska.
Wonderful day filled with knowledge, enjoyment and laughs. Our guide was personable and accommodating and the cruise commentator was hilarious.
Weather is unpredictable. Wear a jacket. Portage Glacier and surrounding areas are awesome. Have your camera ready!
The group was small, we enjoyed the wonderful views and also shared experiences with people from our group. The driver was friendly and knowledgeable about the trip, the story of our view and the Alaskans’ culture, Great experience!
Amazing to do. You are on very old ice and everything is exciting
Our excursion was cancelled due to weather (high winds) concerns, so while we were disappointed and they did NOT offer to refund our $$, they did take us to another resort area for a tram ride, it was beautiful there. They were determined to fill the allotted time with sights. (Totally different than original plan) So good guide, Brad, but mixed reviews. We were with a nice group, a big plus.
Beautiful scenery. Gary, our guide, was super knowledgeable and friendly. We had a wonderful excursion. Portage Glacier tour is a must.
Very personable and knowledgeable tour guide! We traveled to all of the hot spots that were on our list. I would book again if I visit Anchorage again.
