Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Portage Glacier
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.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
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...
Options
Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour
What‘s Included
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
389 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour experience
Steven L,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brad was an excellent tour guide! He was very personable, knowledgeable and friendly! The tour includes seeing the wildlife sanctuary and the glacier. I would definitely recommend the tour if you’re looking to see exceptional sites quickly but thoroughly.
Portage cruise
Denise M,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brad, the driver from anchorage, was terrific. He kept us informed and entertained the entire time. The stop at the conservation center was really fantastic and the cruise was beyond our expectation.
Portage Glacier Ferry Tour
Z2491VFjackieb,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The scenery is spectacular with the huge waterfalls coming down the mountain into Portage lake. The captain pulled the ferry up to one of the waterfalls so u got an upfront and personal view of the waterfall. The amazing experience for our family is we were at the glacier 29 years ago. At the time you could see the glacier from across the lake without going on a ferry as u have to today. Admission fee is reasonable and length of tour is adequate. Staff was very nice, polite and knowledgeable. Crowd size was adequate, however a school tour with about 30 teenagers put a damper on the tour. Ferry restrooms were clean. Overall the tour is worth going on.
Very enjoyable! Great...
Dawn C,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very enjoyable! Great guide who was very knowledgeable and gracious making many stops and ensuring we had ample opportunity to take in the viewers and wildlife.
Excellent tour!
935beth,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding, knowledgeable tour guide! Many locations & breathtaking views packed into this tour. Excellent value & I highly recommend it.
Recommend it
Daniel S,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice half day Tour - Gary did a great job- funny guy - the glasiert is spectacular - everything well organized
Beautiful Way To End Our Alaskan Trip
Karla V,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were at the end of a cruise and needed a tour to fill our final day in Anchorage. It was easily walkable to the downtown pickup site. Our driver and guide, Gary, was knowledgeable and took us down the beautiful Seward Highway to an animal conservation center and finally to the Portage Glacier cruise which was fantastic! The boat got us right up next to the glacier and we saw a bear and goats in the cliffs. It is a lot of driving and the weather changed dramatically which was a surprise. Prepare for cold and rain and wear layers including hat/gloves. The boat is heated and snacks/drinks are available. The tour lasted from 1-6:45 pm. We were much more knowledgeable about the area after our trip!
The experience was...
Daniel N,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was awesome! Gary was like a traveling encyclopedia! He was so knowledgeable about SO many different topics. He was truly amazing!
Alaska adventure
877deem,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience. They got us up close to the glacier. Fantastic guide
tranquil and beautiful
Wen-Chiao,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was entertaining , breathing taking, and beautiful. Highly recommended
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Operated by Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises