Anchorage Tours
Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour
4.5

Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour

By Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
Recommended by 91% of travelers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 5-99, max of 14 per group
Duration: 5h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Entry/Admission - Portage Glacier
  • Entry/Admission - Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • 546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
    We park in front of the red trolley on the corner of 4th and F street. Usually we pull up next to the hot dog vendor.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36672P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Please provide hotel information at booking
    • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 36672P1

    From
    $239.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
      We park in front of the red trolley on the corner of 4th and F street. Usually we pull up next to the hot dog vendor.
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours
      990
      Anchorage, Alaska
      Joined in November 2010
    • DayTrip16124815216
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful time with great tour guides to and from the glacier! Made everything enjoyable and fun.
      Amazing experience! Ben and Carl were both extremely accommodating and informative tour guides and the glacier was an amazing sightseeing opportunity. It was so nice to be driven all the way there and back with stops along the way and back to see different views and photo opportunities. I would highly recommend booking this tour as it is extremely well worth it to have them take you to the glacier and tell you a bunch of interesting information about Alaska. We will definitely be booking through Alaska’s Finest Tours and adventures for any future upcoming Alaskan adventures.
      Written January 12, 2025
    • randolphd2025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awesome tour - Awesome tour guide
      Melissa was a wonderful and very helpful tour guide. She did a wonderful job explaining facts and history of the area. She also took us to some wonderful places and assisted in taking photographs. We did not feel rushed and we had a great time, enjoying the experience. I highly recommend this tour. The sausage and chocolate was delicious.
      Written January 1, 2025
    • lailaaQ2757NO
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing tour!! Highly recommend!!
      It was amazing, the glacier itself is beautiful and a really cool adventure to do. To make this even better, Ben the driver was amazing and Alisa the guide in the glacier itself was AMAZING! She explained everything, let us have time for pictures and in the big frozen lake she let us just play and have fun for a bit before heading back, it was a wonderful experience and i recommend it to everone!
      Written December 24, 2024
    • N1567OBmanuelal
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best tour in alaska/anchorage!
      Our guide Melissa was awesome 10/10💘 it was really fun and the views were just amazing, our guide stopped in the right places for us to take the best pictures
      Written December 3, 2024
    • edilynm2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent!
      Michelle was so friendly, the tour was very informative as well. Thank you! We enjoyed the tour and the company so much ❤️
      Written December 1, 2024
    • Climber41919046572
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very good
      Great tour, would give it a 5/5 but our driver talked WAY too much, like an uncomfortable amount of forced conversation . She wouldnt turn off her mic even when having a private conversation with one of the other tour goers in the copilot seat
      Written November 9, 2024
    • Climber41919046572
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing
      Hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life, absolutely breathtaking views, informative guides, all round 100/100. Our driver Ina was great, straight to the point and not *too* talkative. Our Glacier Guide Alissa was AMAZING in all respects. Do yourself a favour and book this tour
      Written November 9, 2024
    • Extross
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Winter wonderland with Melissa
      It was snowing heavily so it was beautiful even though visibility was restricted. But we got to see a bull moose. But it was Melissa who made it so wonderful, homely and fun in a really comfortable environment. Irwin
      Written November 1, 2024
    • deborahrY624KR
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect in Alaska
      Tour guide was great. Offered tons of information and allowed us to spend ample time in each location. On our way back from the tour, my husband spotted an eagle. She offered to circle back so that we all could see and take pictures (two eagles with a baby eagle and a magpie). The weather was perfect! We also saw Belugas- once you knew what to look.
      Written October 24, 2024
    • 44elainei
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour
      Enjoyed the scenery, the information, the snacks, and our guide, Melissa. She went out of her way to accommodate our group.
      Written October 12, 2024
    • Kathleenstays
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Two very happy Irish souls
      Our trip was absolutely fabulous. Matthew (with 2 ts) was informative, funny and so friendly. The pics he took of us were great and we were clinging onto every word as he spoke so fluently about everything Alaska has to offer. Looking forward to the next tour already.
      Written October 11, 2024
    • X7913HQpaulae
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent service
      Such a quick, on time and convenient way to get from the airport to the Alyeska Resort. Quick response time on phone, text, or email by the main office. Both of our drivers Melissa and Matt were pleasant and personable. I would definitely recommend this company! PGE, Kodiak
      Written October 10, 2024
    • Sunshine11789
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Informative and Entertaining
      Matt was an excellent tour guide. He was very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and entertaining. It was so nice of him to tell us the best picture spots and to take photos of everyone. He made sure to time everything so that we could see the animals when they were the most active at the wildlife preserve. Something else I appreciated was that he was kind to everyone he came across... other tour guides, the cashier at the preserve, etc. We loved seeing the glaciers, rain forest, and preserve. Matt was also great about giving recommendations for where to eat and things to do in Anchorage. The tour was definitely worth the price!
      Written October 8, 2024
    • kobayashid2019
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stunning views
      Even though of the rainy weather our guide Matt was able to make changes on the go to that allowed us to enjoy great views from the confort of the van.
      Written October 7, 2024
    • desireemP3157RB
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous tour!
      Ina was the guide that drove us out and Chris was the guide at the glacier and they were both above and beyond wonderful! This tour was a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint.
      Written October 6, 2024
    See all 990 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles137 reviews
    Excellent
    118
    Very good
    7
    Average
    6
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    4

    TX13SR13
    Humble, TX378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was the perfect short trip, one hour cruise, only $49 but they give a veteran’s discount of 10% so $44. Only an hour drive from Anchorage and free parking at the boat launch.

    Boat cruise is narrated and you cruise right up to the glaciers and get to experience glaciers first hand including holding a piece of glacier ice they fish out and even taste a piece of it if you want. Boat allows plenty of time to take pictures with the glacier in the background. Since it is a lake you don’t see the wildlife you would see on the ocean glacier cruises but you also don’t get the boat rocking or swaying. Very smooth cruise with inside or on top seating. We did see some sheep on the mountain so I suggest wherever you go in Alaska to bring binoculars.

    In addition to the cruise, there is a parking area between the ticket/gift shop and boat launch where you can hike to one of the glaciers. Easy trail, one mile in and one mile back. Worth the short hike.
    Written September 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Arjun V
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    We took this tour on our first day in Anchorage. Matthew was our tour guide.

    The trip was very well organized. We started promptly on time, and Matthew provided an engaging commentary as we drove from Anchorage to Portage Glacier. He continued to provide information during the cruise when we saw Portage Glacier and happily helped all families take pictures at the best angles. He was also very knowledgeable about where the animals would be easily seen in the Wildlife Center, which helped us view each animal successfully. On the way back to Anchorage, Matthew continued to provide interesting stories about his time in Alaska. The coach and boat were very clean and high quality. In addition, the itinerary was appropriately timed and allowed for a comfortable and engaging experience.

    Overall, the experience was overwhelmingly positive and is highly recommended by us.
    Written July 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Andreas Paepcke
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Solo
    This tour is perfect if you won't be going on a multi-day glacier viewing cruise, yet wish to have the experience in a half-day excursion. A van leaves from downtown Anchorage, and proceeds south, along the Seward Highway. Groups are small, and the driver explains features along the way. My chauffeur/narrator was Matthew, and he was excellent. He explained what we saw at levels that I would never have touched driving the route in my own car.

    The ice experience is of the Portage Glacier from a boat on an inland lake. The lake was created by that glacier. The van arrives at the boat just about when it leaves. Matthew had the timing perfect. The crew of the ship delivers their own narration, specifically about that area.

    Along the way the tour van stops at a refuge for large animals, which is worth visiting in its own right. On view are Musk Ox, bears, wood bison, wolves, and more. A wonderful experience of wildlife you are unlikely to encounter without hiking into back country.

    Matthew stopped several times along the way for special smaller sights. For example, we saw salmon at the very end of their journey back to their spawning grounds.

    The tour was a great experience!
    Written August 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    DrParticle
    Liverpool, NY630 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Family
    Unfortunately due to weather we could not go to the glacier, but still a quick look at all that this part of Alaska has to offer. Unfortunately, our guide so pompous and acted more like a drill Sargent ordering us around down to how many minutes we can stay and even herding us through his pre selected photo op spots. He was knowledgeable but in the wrong profession.

    On the good side, he did manage an alternate up the Alyeska Ski Mountain. I would have rather spent more time on the scenic coast than just a ride up and back the mountain.
    Written August 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    tracysE6340FH
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Matt was an excellent guide took a lot of time to show us and tell us all about anchorage ! We made a lot of stops for some beautiful photo opportunities and even a walk in the rain forest.
    Glacier tour was the absolute best we were so close to the waterfalls and the glacier 100 percent recommend taking time to enjoy the experience.
    The wildlife park is up and coming worth the visit just to see the bears and buffalos and Matt knew the history on how they all came to the park!
    This was a great tour and the information he provided makes me want to plan a separate trip to explore this area! Drive alone is just breathtaking!
    Thanks Matt perfect end to a fantastic trip with the grandson!
    Written July 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Bao L
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2023 • Solo
    It's a great tour. You get to see a lot of cool stuff: the tide on the ocean, the animals at the zoo, the salmons, the glaciers, etc. During the tour, the tour guide (Matthieu) will teach you all you need to know about Anchorage/Alaska. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and also funny and will volunteer to take very good photos for you at every location. It was a shame I didn't have any cash with me to tip him at the end of the trip because I felt he had done so much for all of us. All in all, it was an excellent trip for me and it helped me learn a lot more. Thank you.
    Written September 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jeremy C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    Our tour guide Matt was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and knew all the best places to stop! We got amazing pictures and got to see a bear, Dall sheep, and the portage glacier. He also knew when the bears would be the most active at the sanctuary and brought us back to our hotel at the end of the tour! We would highly recommend this tour for anyone with limited time in Anchorage. Best excursion of our trip to Alaska! Thank you so much for showing us all the beauty of Alaska.
    Written June 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    cowboysoup
    Atlanta, GA48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    We got incredibly lucky on this tour, in a number of ways. First, we were the only ones on the tour for the day. Second, and more importantly, we had Matt as our guide. He grew up in the area, and has done a ton of exploring on his own. He knows, loves, and respects the area, and it showed. Because it was just the 4 of us, he was able to spend extra time with us, providing exceptional insight into each of our stops. Because of his insight, we saw Dall Sheep, Moose, Beluga Whales, and several eagles in the wild. The Glacier part was exceptional as well. In fact we saw something they hadn't seen in 10+ years - A moose at lakes edge. They weren't sure how she got there (probably swam) but she was there. The Glacier was amazing, as was it's story. At the conservation center, Matt was relentless in finding the bears, trekking back and forth over trails until he found them for us to see. This tour was worth every penny, and in large part due to Matt. Book this, and request Matt, and ask him about Moosin'.
    Written June 11, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Amusementparkguy
    Pataskala, OH1,470 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    Since this was my first time in Alaska, there were a couple things on my list of what I wanted to do. Seeing a glacier was on top of that list. This tour was highly recommended, and I chose to go with this one. Our tour guide and bus driver from Anchorage, Chris, did an outstanding job telling us various facts and answering questions we had. He made the trip that much more with his personality and knowledge.

    The glacier experience was incredible. The scenery was breath-taking!! We did not see any calving of the glacier, but we could see numerous icebergs floating in the water as a result of recent calving. The waterfalls along the way were fabulous as well. This is a must-do!

    The tour ended with a stop to a Wildlife Preserve. This was an added bonus to the tour as we could see many animals native to Alaska, some of whom were rescue animals being nursed back to health.
    Written June 22, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    LJD1413
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    Our tour guide, Matt, was amazing and made this tour one of the highlights of our trip. He was a wealth of knowledge and made sure everyone in our group had a wonderful day. Matt was excellent at pointing at the best photo spots and always offered to take everyone's pictures (an important item in my book!) We enjoyed being on a smaller tour vehicle and appreciated the extra scenic stops as time allowed. This a beautiful area of Alaska and should not be missed!
    Written July 9, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour provided by Alaska's Finest Tours & Cruises - Tours

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