Adventure

From Anchorage: Portage Glacier and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

4.8 / 5

24 reviews

Activity provider: 907 Tours
Adventure

From Anchorage: Portage Glacier and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

Activity provider: 907 Tours

From US$ 229 per person

Discover glaciers, wildlife, and spectacular mountain vistas on a full-day tour of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet along the Turnagain Arm. Stop off at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and cruise the Portage Glacier.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Pickup from hotels in Anchorage with the exception of Springhill Suites University Lake and Dimond Center Hotel. There is no pickup service from AirBnb or other residential locations. Please contact the local partner at least 48 hours in advance to arrange a pickup location. Please be ready in the lobby of your hotel at the beginning of the pickup window.
Small group
Limited to 12 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover wildlife in a natural, safe setting at the Alaska Wildlife Center
  • Enjoy a ride into Chugach Mountains for incredible panoramic views
  • Drive the Seward Highway, one of America's scenic by-ways
  • Hear stories and learn local knowledge from friendly Alaskan guides
  • Ride in comfortable, well-maintained vehicles with panoramic windows
Full description
This full-day tour of the Turnagain Arm combines a drive along the scenic Seward Highway, a cruise to Portage Glacier, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive high into the Chugach Mountains. Start with a scenic drive along the Seward Highway down the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, one of the most beautiful places on earth. You will stop in the most picturesque places for photo opportunities and to look out for Dall sheep and Beluga whales. Drive to Portage Glacier for a 1-hour boat trip on board the MV Ptarmigan. The vessel was built especially for the lake and the ride, even in inclement weather, is smooth. A National Park Service Ranger will come on board to explain the local eco-systems and glaciology. Hear how the mountains were pushed up from Oregon! On the way down the valley, pause to watch the salmon run in season. The salmon spawn in clear water in the same place they were born in order to start their life cycle all over again. They come back from the ocean after 4 to 6 years depending on the species. When the salmon are at their highest numbers, Beluga whale chase. Depending on the whim of the whales, you might see them from late July through mid-August. Next you will visit the remarkable Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. In summer, baby musk ox, bison, caribou, and moose will warm the heart of the toughest of men. You will have the opportunity to watch and hear the stories of endangered wood bison, Alaskan brown bear, black bear, moose, caribou/reindeer, lynx, an eagle, great horned owl, and even a porcupine. On your way back enjoy a side trip high into the Chugach Mountains through local neighborhoods for incredible panoramic views of four mountain ranges including Mt. McKinley (weather permitting), Cook Inlet and the city. Learn about local life high above Anchorage on what locals call "the hillside". Lunch will be at a local lodge after the Portage Glacier Cruise (not included in price).  Your expert Alaskan guide will be on hand at all times to describe the phenomenal nature and ecological systems.
Includes
  • All entry fees
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • What to bring/wear on your tour: sturdy shoes (no high heels or flip flops), jacket, hat, sun glasses, sun protection, insect repellent (Alaska has over 47 species of our 'state bird', the mosquito) and camera
  • A minimum of 2 participants are required for this tour to go ahead
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 24 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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Star rating:

Jeremy was an amazing guide who went above and beyond to make our experience memorable! What we saw more in one day, groups did not see on multiple tours! He even made reservations to a local restaurant where 5 of the 11 of us went to dinner together! The food was equally amazing…thanks Jeremy! He was beyond 10 out of 10! I would recommend this group highly!!!

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March 24, 2023

Great little tour with lots of breathtaking sites. Our driver stopped often for photo ops which was nice since she seems to have mastered the spots and the times. She never stayed any spot “too long” The only hitch was poorly maintained bathrooms at one spot and an undercooked lunch at the boat lodge. Even our guide on the glacier (A Ranger) was full of little facts and even a few jokes on our short boat ride. This is one of the best priced Seward highway tours! Highly recommend!

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March 24, 2023

A nicely planned tour that started by being picked up at our hotel by a very friendly and courteous our guid/driver who turned up to be the owner as well. One time events and despite inclement weather, the whole tour went extremely well and on time. Bravo!

March 24, 2023

Product ID: 21027