Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage
Description
Depart downtown Anchorage for a fast and scenic getaway to one of Alaska’s most iconic and accessible glaciers. Travel along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm and into Portage Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, hanging glaciers, and lush temperate rainforest. Upon arriving at Portage Lake, board the MV Ptarmigan for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across iceberg-dotted waters to the towering face of Portage Glacier. While conditions on the lake can vary, the journey offers unparalleled views of the glacier and surrounding landscape. Throughout the cruise, onboard deckhand staff provide engaging narration about the area’s glacial history, wildlife, and natural features. With round-trip transportation included and a total duration of just 3.5 hours, the Portage Glacier Express delivers a high-impact Alaska experience perfect for guests with limited time or anyone wanting a quick, immersive adventure from Anchorage.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Travel the scenic and stunning Seward Highway as you make your way about 50 miles south of Anchorage. Drive along the Turnagain Arm, a waterway famously named by Captain Cook. Pass by scenic areas with migratory birds, mountain goats along roadside cliffs, and keep your eye for the "bore tide" phenomenon, all while receiving narration from your guide along the way to Portage Lake.
Once you arrive at the Portage Glacier Cruises boat site, take in the scenery of Portage Lake, where you are surrounded by glaciers and lovely views. You will board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built vessel and only boat on Portage Lake, which will take you to the face of Portage Glacier. Glid across the lake and surround yourself with cascading waterfalls, spy for mountain goats on the peaks above, and enjoy time both inside the heated main deck with 360-degree views or on the top deck with open air, unobstructed viewing of the beauty that surrounds you. The cruise includes engaging narration about the local flora, fauna, history of the area, and interesting facts about glaciers and cultural significance of the Portage Valley.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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(11)
Breath taking views! Wonderful Portage Glacier cruise experience! Loved that the vessel got super close to the glacier! Thanks Matt!
We rode the van to a boat to Portage Glacier. It was amazing! The narration was excellent, and the views were breathtaking! Highly recommend!
Great experience, awesome friendly people. Enjoyed the whole package.
INCREDIBLE views on the drive from Anchorage, great boat ride right up to the glacier, and knowledgeable and informative guides all around. I learned so much about the geography and history of the area. The ease of the trip with the van transport was a great bang for your buck, and I couldn't recommend this excursion more!!
I definitely recommend this tour! Our driver & boat captain, George was really funny & engaging! He narrated the sites on the hour drive on way to the boat, which made that so much more than transportation! The ride on the boat was fantastic, we got up very close to the glacier and even got to see it calve! Our tour was sold out that day but the boat did not feel full or crowded at all. There was plenty of room around the rails for everyone to see and take pictures. I’ve already made notes on my personal itinerary that I share with friends that this is a must do!
We have been in Anchorage Alaska for two days and it hasn't stopped raining keeping us indoors.. So we decided to go and have alook at a glazier, we would be able to see it whether it was raining or not. Turned out to be a great day and would recommend this tour if you just want to go on a boat for an hour in whatever weather is.
Excellent experience, the commentary was interesting and fun. We had good weather and the views were incredible.
Just the right amount of time; 1 hour drive each way along the spectacular Turnagain Arm and one hour on the boat. Driver and boat personnel were friendly, funny and professional. Great half day tour.
I only had a short time in Anchorage and this was perfect. Scheduling was easy and pick up site was very close for me. George our driver/ narrator/tour guide was awesome. Most importantly was the boat tour. The boat had upper open air deck or lower climate-controlled deck which made it nice for everyone. The lake was a nice blue color and surrounded by mountains. The views were stunning. On one side the mountains were snow covered and green foliage on the other. The glacier was pretty large and had a blue tint. The crew pulled a piece of ice from the water and we could see how compacted it was. I learned so much about glaciers.
Tour guide George was excellent he was entertaining and informative! The whole crew did a really good job.
