Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage
Description
Just an hour’s scenic drive from Anchorage along the breathtaking Seward Highway, Portage Glacier offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built sightseeing vessel designed for optimal glacier viewing, including a heated cabin with expansive windows and an open-air top deck. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll glide across the waters of Portage Lake, journeying past cascading waterfalls and steep mountain cliffs. Get up close to the towering wall of Portage Glacier, and with a bit of luck, witness the thrilling sight (and sound!) of calving ice. A U.S. Forest Service ranger provides expert narration, sharing fascinating insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. This budget-friendly and family-friendly tour operates daily from mid-May to mid-September, with five departures to fit your schedule. This is the perfect stop to experience one of the state's most iconic glaciers. Please note: Transportation to/from Anchorage NOT INCLUDED
Tour Options
Itinerary
Cruise across the icy waters of Portage Lake aboard the purpose-built M/V Ptarmigan, specially designed to navigate glacial conditions, as you journey toward the dramatic face of Portage Glacier. As you glide past floating icebergs and cascading waterfalls, enjoy panoramic views from the vessel’s open-air deck or comfortable indoor cabin while engaging narration brings the surrounding landscape to life. This scenic cruise offers a rare opportunity to get up close to one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers, where you can witness its towering blue ice and the ever-changing natural beauty of this remarkable environment.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible (limited space, notify in advance)
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- No outside alcohol or smoking onboard
- Service animals allowed, pets are not
- Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars so you don’t miss a thing
- Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time to receive a full refund.
Reviews(77)
The boat was very clean and roomy. The crew was courteous and friendly. The views of the glacier were exceptional.
Dress appropriately. Binoculars should be considered. Great tour, very informative. We went in the summer and it was warm until we got close to the glacier and it got REALLY REALLY COLD!
Great tour. Be sure to bring your sweatshirt! The glacier was stunning and beautiful and the drive from Anchorage was breathtaking.
Typical tourist excursion. Expect crowds and lots of people from cruises and land tours. Sailing up to the glacier was nice and the crew/staff were very friendly. Overall this was our least favorite activity during our stay in Anchorage, although it was good.
My family is not a huge boat cruise family so this was a quick cruise to see a glacier and reasonably priced. We enjoyed our time!
Great cruise. Great picture opportunities and very knowledgeable about the landmarks. Would definitely recommend. Loved It.
Excellent experience, the guide was very knowledgeable and informative. We sat on the top level and had a wonderful experience.
I had a great experience and it was one the most beautiful sceneries ever !! Not only was the view beautiful , our guide “Jo” was so funny and super cool!
Great cruise to go on with kids. Just enough for the kids to see something amazing without getting bored. Also, it didn’t take away a chunk of the day. The crew was amazing, especially our caption Chad!
A fantastic short trip from Anchorage. It’s about an hour from Anchorage so you’ll have to take care of transportation if not part of a tour. Wonderful experience. Great narration and very helpful crew!
