Tours

Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour

Best Tour

5.75

1-14 people

Anchorage, Alaska

Bus Tour

About This Experience

Journey through Alaska’s wild beauty with a scenic drive, up-close glacier cruise, and wildlife sanctuary visit. Witness calving glaciers, spot eagles and bears, and capture stunning mountain vistas—all in one unforgettable 5.5-hour adventure.

Highlights

The Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild beauty, where majestic landscapes and iconic wildlife come together in one unforgettable journey. The tour is not just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing Alaska’s untamed nature up close, with expert guides leading you through the diverse terrain.

One of the standout features of this tour is the Portage Glacier Cruise, where you’ll witness the sheer power of a glacier as it calves and sends huge chunks of ice crashing into the water. There’s something profoundly humbling about seeing such a massive, ancient glacier in person—an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Equally memorable is the visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which offers the rare chance to see some of Alaska’s most iconic animals in a natural setting. From the towering bison to the elusive brown bears, the sanctuary offers a closer connection with wildlife that many travelers only dream of experiencing. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation.

In addition to the wildlife and glaciers, the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm is an adventure in itself. The ever-changing views of snow-capped mountains meeting the waters of Cook Inlet provide a dramatic backdrop that will stay with you long after the tour ends. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the stunning Alaskan landscape, ensuring that you leave with memories to last a lifetime.

What truly makes this tour special is how it blends adventure, education, and natural beauty into one seamless experience. It’s the perfect way to explore Alaska's wilderness in a single afternoon, with every moment offering something awe-inspiring and unique.

What's Included

Guided Van Tour: A scenic drive along Turnagain Arm with expert commentary on local wildlife and history.

Portage Glacier Cruise: A one-hour boat cruise to Portage Glacier aboard the Motor Vessel Ptarmigan, bringing you close to this colossal glacier.

Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Entry to the 200+ acre sanctuary where you’ll see iconic Alaskan wildlife like moose, bison, and bears.

Scenic Return Transportation: A relaxing drive back to Anchorage with photo stops at picturesque locations along the way.

These inclusions ensure that you get the full Alaskan experience with wildlife sightings, breathtaking scenery, and expert guidance throughout the tour!

Not Included

Gratuities for your guide (optional but appreciated).

Meals, snacks, or drinks, though they will be available for purchase during the tour.

Personal souvenirs or purchases.

Additional beverages or snacks beyond what’s provided on the glacier cruise.

These items are optional, allowing you to bring your own snacks or make additional purchases during the tour, but are not part of the tour package itself.

What to Bring

Here’s a list of items you should bring with you to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour:What to Bring:1. Comfortable Clothing & Shoes: Wear layered clothing suitable for outdoor activities, and sturdy shoes for light walking.2. Light Jacket or Outer Layer: Weather can be unpredictable, even in summer, so be prepared for varying conditions.3. Camera: Capture the breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and glacier views.4. Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun, especially during the glacier cruise and scenic drive.5. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the tour.6. Snacks: Optional, but bringing a light snack can be a great way to stay energized.7. Binoculars: For bird and wildlife watching, especially during the scenic drive and at the Wildlife Conservation Center.8. Personal Identification: Have any necessary identification or tour tickets (printed or digital) ready for check-in.These essentials will help you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready to make the most of your Alaskan adventure!

Meeting Point

Alaska's Finest Tours and Adventures, 509 W 3rd Avenue

Itinerary

Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour Itinerary

12:30 PM – Meet at Our downtown office.

Location: 509 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK

Directly across the street from the Downtown Hilton Hotel

1:00 PM – Begin Scenic Van Drive Along Turnagain Arm

Enjoy the stunning mountain views and waters of Cook Inlet.

Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles, Dall sheep, and possibly beluga whales as your guide shares interesting facts along the way.

1:45 PM - Scenic Stops along Turnagain Arm

Driving along Turnagain Arm you will stop at viewpoint(s) to enjoy the scenery, spot wildlife and have a quick photo opportunity.

2:15 PM - Stop at Explorer Glacier

Once in Portage Valley, you stop at Explorer Glacier Viewpoint where you can enjoy the wonderful scenery. Your guide will provide facts about Portage Valley and the Glaciers around.

2:45 PM - Arrive at Portage Lake

After arrival at Portage Lake prepare for your boat cruise to the glacier.

Get ready for a one-hour ride on the Motor Vessel Ptarmigan to get up close to the breathtaking Portage Glacier. Be on the lookout for dramatic calving ice!

3:00 PM - Begin Portage Glacier Cruise

Step aboard the Motor Vessel Ptarmigan with a heated cabin and open-air top deck. Discover the marvels Portage Valley offers as you cruise across Portage Lake. Get up close to the towering face of Portage Glacier. Enjoy listening to the onboard narration as you learn fascinating insights into Alaska’s natural wonders in the Chugach National Forest and Portage Valley.

3:30 PM – Cruise Back from Portage Glacier

Enjoy the peaceful return trip across Portage Lake, taking in the spectacular glacier views one last time.

4:15 PM – Depart for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Take in the beautiful scenery of Chugach National Park as you drive out of Portage Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife, you never know when you’ll see a moose.

4:30 PM - Arrive at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Spend about 1 hour exploring the sanctuary.

See iconic Alaskan animals like moose, bison, bears, and more in their natural environment.

Take some time to walk around, snap photos, and learn about the center’s wildlife conservation efforts.

5:30 PM – Begin Scenic Drive Back to Anchorage

Relax and enjoy the scenic drive back to Anchorage.

Your guide may make a stop in Girdwood to drop customers off or Pick-up, but will may make stops at some of the most picturesque locations for photo opportunities along the way.

6:45 PM Arrive Back at 509 W 3rd Ave

End the tour back at the starting point, with plenty of time to reflect on your incredible Alaskan adventure!

This agenda is designed to help you stay on track and may be modified at driver discretion should weather or traffic delays happen, this is so you can fully enjoy every moment of your Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour!

Check-in Details

For the Glacier & Wildlife Explorer Tour, it’s important to plan ahead for check-in to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. Check-In Details: Arrival Time: Please arrive at our office at least 30 minutes prior to the tour start time (1:00 PM). This will give you time to check in, meet your guide, purchase any food or beverages from Urban Wilderness Cafe and get settled before departure. Location: The meeting point is at 509 W 3rd Avenue, Anchorage, AK, directly across the street from the Downtown Hilton Hotel. What to Bring: Have your confirmation email or ticket ready (printed or on your mobile device) for check-in. Be sure to dress appropriately for outdoor activities and the changing weather. Arriving early ensures that you have plenty of time to get ready, ask any last-minute questions, purchase any food or beverages at our affiliate cafe, Urban Wilderness Alaskan Fare Coffee & Tea. Please be prepared to embark on your Alaskan adventure right on schedule!

Good to Know

Age requirement: 5+ years

No Wheelchair or strollers

About the Operator

Alaska’s Finest Tours and Adventures Anchorage, Alaska

Operated by Alaska’s Finest Tours and Adventures

Duration: 5.75

Group size: 1-14

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

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