Glacier Cruise & Wildlife Discovery

General Rates

Adult: $159

Child: $139

Under Age 2-12

Duration

5.5 Hours
Indoor & Outdoor Viewing

Heated cabin + open-air deck
Location

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Up-Close Glacier Views

Get right to the glacier face
Accessibility

Fold up wheelchairs and folding stroller-accessible
Family Friendly

Great for all ages

Activity details

Depart downtown Anchorage and enjoy a beautiful drive along one of America’s most scenic highways—the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm—on your way into Alaska’s wild outdoors. Your first stop is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a 200‑acre sanctuary where rescued and orphaned Alaskan animals, including brown bears, muskox, bison, wolves, and moose, live in spacious, natural habitats. Families will love seeing these iconic animals up close while learning about wildlife conservation in a safe and welcoming setting.

After your wildlife visit, continue to scenic Portage Lake, where you’ll board the MV Ptarmigan for a relaxing, narrated one-hour boat ride. Cruise past cascading waterfalls and floating icebergs as you journey to within a few hundred feet of the impressive face of Portage Glacier. With a little luck, you may even hear the exciting crack and splash of glacier ice calving into the water.

This fun and easy combination of wildlife encounters, scenic sightseeing, and glacier cruising makes for a memorable Alaska day trip—perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure from Anchorage.

What's Included

Round-trip transportation from Downtown Anchorage
Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
1-hour cruise to Portage Glacier
Up-close views of Portage Glacier
Heated indoor cabin + open-air viewing deck
Onboard narration
English-language tour

Available for Purchase

Food & beverages
(available for purchase on board the M/V Ptarmigan)

Good to Know

Wheelchair accessible (limited space, notify in advance)
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
No outside alcohol or smoking onboard
Service animals allowed, pets are not
Be sure to bring your camera or binoculars so you don’t miss a thing
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time to receive a full refund.

Itinerary

Hotel Pickup

Depart from the Hotel Captain Cook on 5th Avenue; please arrive 10 minutes before the 1:30 PM departure.

Scenic Drive

Take in the awe‑inspiring scenery of the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm, one of Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

See rescued bears, moose, bison, wolves, and muskox in natural habitats.

Portage Glacier Cruise

Board the MV Ptarmigan for a narrated journey bringing you up close to Portage Glacier and stunning cascading waterfalls.

Return to Anchorage

Take a scenic drive back with optional photo stops (time permitting).

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?
The Portage Glacier Cruise is approximately one hour long, including the scenic journey across the lake and time spent viewing the glacier and surrounding landscape.
What should I bring onboard?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing suited for the weather, a camera, binoculars, and any snacks or drinks you’d like to enjoy on board. While we don’t sell food or drinks, you’re welcome to bring your own. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses!
What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise operates in most weather conditions, but Portage Glacier Cruises reserves the right to cancel or delay the trip due to severe weather or safety concerns. In such cases, guests will be offered a full refund or rescheduled for another departure.
Is parking available?
Yes, there is parking available at the dock, but we recommend arriving early during peak times to secure a spot.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Guests should be in good health and able to board the boat. If you need assistance boarding or have any special mobility requirements, please notify us in advance. We’re happy to provide support.
Will there be a guide on board?
Yes, the cruise includes onboard narration offering fascinating insights into the history, wildlife, and geology of the Portage Glacier and its surrounding area.
What if I don’t see any wildlife?
While we often encounter wildlife such as mountain goats, bald eagles, and other species, sightings are not guaranteed. Wildlife viewing is a natural experience and can vary, but we promise an unforgettable scenic tour of the glacier and surrounding area.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure to receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Portage Glacier Cruises operates in all weather conditions unless the cruise is canceled by the company due to safety concerns. In the event of a company-initiated cancellation, guests will receive a full refund.