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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

106 Reviews 4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 106 reviews collected by Cool Alaska and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 95% of reviewers
95% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
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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from $59 per person

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Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage Image 1
Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage Image 2
Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage Image 3
Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage Image 4
Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.71) days in advance.
1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
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

Show on Google Maps

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

Book Online

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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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5663403P2

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.78
106 reviews

Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 104 traveler reviews collected by Cool Alaska and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
87
4 stars
12
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 10 (0.71) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Alaska customers.

Filter by:

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.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage?
A:
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).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • 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.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food & beverages (available for purchase on board the M/V Ptarmigan).
  • Bring your own camera or binoculars so you don’t miss a thing.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Alaska. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

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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