Welcome To
Portage Glacier Cruises

Find out why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska's most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruising across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, you'll stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age and watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below.

Learn More About Portage Glacier

mv Ptarmigan Highlights:
  • mv Ptarmigan is the only boat operating on Portage Lake
  • on-board Narration
  • fully enclosed, heated cabin
  • expansive windows for enhanced viewing
  • topside view deck offers a great vantage point for watching the glacier "calve," and for visitors to enjoy the fresh air
  • holds up to 144 passengers
  • 80-foot vessel was built on site at Portage Lake to U.S. Coast Guard specifications
  • 6.5-foot draft for minimal environmental impact
  • operates on national forest service lands of the Chugach National Forest and is operated under a special-use permit from the USDA Forest Service
  • the mv Ptarmigan's sound system cannot be heard from the shore, ensuring preservation of this naturally peaceful setting for wildlife and for other visitors
  • hull designed for safety in ice-filled waters
  • operates daily mid-May through mid-September
    		•
    Want to spend more time exploring Alaska?
    Gray Line Alaska offers a variety of multi-day packages, Denali rail tours and sightseeing options throughout Alaska and the Yukon.
    Click here for more details

    Book Your Vacation

    2021 Schedule
    May 15 - September 15
    Departures: 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm

    Book your tour online or call us at 1.800.544.2206. Online bookings must be made at least 5 days in advance and phone reservations one day in advance. For same day sales, please purchase tickets on site at the Portage Glacier Café. For more information, call 907.783.2687.

    Save $5 on Your Portage Glacier Cruise
    Credit card sales available on-site.




    Click for a larger map.
    Click for a larger map    		     Driving Directions to Portage Glacier:
    • Take the Seward Highway south from Anchorage.
    • Take a left on Portage Glacier Road (milepost 78.9) approximately 48 miles out of Anchorage.
    • Travel 5 miles to fork in road; take the right-hand fork and travel a 1/2 mile. Turn left at the Portage Glacier Cafe (401 Portage Lake Loop) to purchase tickets.
    • 1500 Byron Glacier Road, Girdwood, AK 99587
    Safety is our top priority

    Please be assured that we have made the necessary preparations to sail in a manner that complies with local and state guidance in order for guests to safely experience the beauty of Portage Glacier. Our operational and cleaning procedures have been expanded with extra care and attention focused on the well-being of our guests and our employees.


    Portage Glacier Cruises 30th Anniversary 1989 to 2019