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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

46 Reviews 4.72 out of 5 stars Based on 46 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Anchorage, USA

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On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Just an hour’s scenic drive from Anchorage along the breathtaking Seward Highway, Portage Glacier offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Board the M/V Ptarmigan, a custom-built sightseeing vessel designed for optimal glacier viewing, including a heated cabin with expansive windows and an open-air top deck.

During the one-hour cruise, you’ll glide across the waters of Portage Lake, journeying past cascading waterfalls and steep mountain cliffs. Get up close to the towering wall of Portage Glacier, and with a bit of luck, witness the thrilling sight (and sound!) of calving ice. A U.S. Forest Service ranger provides expert narration, sharing fascinating insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife.

This budget-friendly and family-friendly tour operates daily from mid-May to mid-September, with five departures to fit your schedule. This is the perfect stop to experience one of the state's most iconic glaciers.

Please note: Transportation to/from Anchorage NOT INCLUDED

What's Included

  • Admission fee
  • Heated indoor cabin + open-air viewing deck
  • 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake
  • Food & beverages (available for purchase on board the M/V Ptarmigan)
  • Bring your own camera or binoculars so you don’t miss a thing
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1500 Byron Glacier Road
Girdwood, AK 99587, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Portage Glacier

Cruise across the icy waters of Portage Lake aboard the purpose-built M/V Ptarmigan, specially designed to navigate glacial conditions, as you journey toward the dramatic face of Portage Glacier. As you glide past floating icebergs and cascading waterfalls, enjoy panoramic views from the vessel’s open-air deck or comfortable indoor cabin while engaging narration brings the surrounding landscape to life. This scenic cruise offers a rare opportunity to get up close to one of Alaska’s most iconic glaciers, where you can witness its towering blue ice and the ever-changing natural beauty of this remarkable environment.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible (limited space, notify in advance)
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
  • No outside alcohol or smoking onboard

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-5663403P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.72
46 reviews

Average 4.72 out of 5 stars based on 43 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
35
4 stars
5
3 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Admission fee
  • Heated indoor cabin + open-air viewing deck
  • 1-hour cruise on Portage Lake
  • Up-close views of Portage Glacier
  • Onboard narration
  • English-language tour
  • Food & beverages (available for purchase on board the M/V Ptarmigan)
  • Bring your own camera or binoculars so you don’t miss a thing

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 144 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AKDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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