Valley of Glaciers Experience With Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s captivating Valley of Glaciers. This immersive experience combines a scenic drive along the stunning Turnagain Arm with a Portage Lake cruise, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Portage Glacier. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – explore the awe-inspiring Explorer and Middle glaciers up close, and discover the wealth of native Alaskan wildlife at the renowned Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders that make Alaska a truly remarkable destination. Intrigued? Let’s delve further into the details of this remarkable experience.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Anchorage.

Key Points

• Scenic drive along Turnagain Arm showcasing the dramatic Alaskan landscapes, including Beluga Point and Bird Point.
• Captivating cruise across Portage Lake to observe the majestic Portage Glacier up close.
• Exploration of the Explorer and Middle glaciers, providing insight into the region’s glacial evolution.
• Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to observe native Alaskan species and learn about conservation efforts.
• Comprehensive experience that combines stunning natural scenery, glacier exploration, and wildlife observation in the Kenai Peninsula.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a scenic drive down Turnagain Arm, with stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point to take in the stunning vistas.

Next, guests embark on a cruise across Portage Lake to view the majestic Portage Glacier up close. The tour then explores the nearby Explorer and Middle glaciers, providing an opportunity to witness the power and grandeur of these natural wonders.

Lastly, the tour visits the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where visitors can see a variety of native Alaskan wildlife, including lynx, wolves, and reindeer, up close and in their natural habitats.

This diverse itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive experience of the region’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Scenic Turnagain Arm Drive

The scenic drive down Turnagain Arm takes travelers on a breathtaking journey along the rugged coastline, offering stunning vistas of the Cook Inlet and the distant Chugach Mountains.

Along the way, the tour makes stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point, where guests can admire the unique geological formations and search for wildlife, such as beluga whales and bald eagles.

The drive showcases the dramatic landscape of the Kenai Peninsula, with towering cliffs, glacial rivers, and vast stretches of wilderness.

This scenic portion of the tour provides a picturesque introduction to the natural wonders that guests will experience throughout the day, setting the stage for the immersive glacier and wildlife experiences to come.

Portage Lake Glacier Cruise

From the docks of Portage Lake, travelers embark on a captivating cruise that brings them up-close with the majestic Portage Glacier, a stunning natural wonder that dominates the landscape.

As the boat glides across the serene waters, guests are treated to breathtaking views of the glacier’s towering walls of ice, its brilliant blue hues contrasting against the surrounding mountains and forests.

The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, sharing the fascinating history and geology of the glacier.

Passengers have the chance to witness the glacier’s dynamic nature, as they observe chunks of ice calving off and crashing into the lake.

This immersive experience offers a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of Alaska’s glacial landscapes.

Exploring Glaciers

Exploring the dynamic glaciers of Alaska offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the power and grandeur of these natural wonders up close. From the massive walls of ice to the mesmerizing patterns of crevasses and seracs, these glacial landscapes captivate the senses and inspire a deep appreciation for the forces that have shaped the region over millennia.

During the Valley of Glaciers tour, guests have the chance to explore the Explorer and Middle glaciers, gaining a firsthand understanding of their evolution and the impact of climate change. Whether gazing in awe at the towering walls of ice or witnessing the calving of massive blocks, this glacial adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Alaska.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center serves as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals, providing them with rehabilitation and a permanent home. Visitors to the center can observe a variety of native Alaskan species, including lynx, wolves, reindeer, and more, in their natural habitats and learn about the center’s efforts to protect and preserve these animals.

The tour highlights include:

• Seeing the majestic gray wolves as they roam their enclosure
• Watching the playful lynx explore their wooded habitat
• Observing the reindeer as they graze on the tundra

Learning about the conservation efforts to protect these species.

Appreciating the center’s mission to rehabilitate and rehome injured wildlife.

Tour Logistics

Booking a spot on this comprehensive tour is straightforward, with confirmation provided at the time of reservation.

The tour is accessible for strollers but not wheelchair users, and service animals are allowed. Groups are capped at 10 travelers per excursion, ensuring an intimate experience.

The air-conditioned transportation includes bottled water and snacks, providing a comfortable journey.

With hassle-free transfers to and from Anchorage hotels, the logistics of this tour are designed with convenience in mind.

Whether you’re seeking an easy-to-book adventure or a personalized experience, this Valley of Glaciers tour checks all the boxes, making it an appealing option for visitors to the Alaskan wilderness.

Customer Reviews

This tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a Badge of Excellence and an impressive 5.0/5.0 rating across Viator and Tripadvisor based on 123 customer reviews.

Travelers rave about the highlights of the experience, including:

• The scenic drive down Turnagain Arm and the stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point
• The awe-inspiring Portage Glacier cruise
• Exploring the majestic Explorer and Middle glaciers
• The opportunity to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife at the Conservation Center
• The convenience of hassle-free transfers and inclusion of air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and snacks

With its combination of breathtaking natural scenery and wildlife viewing, this tour consistently delights customers and delivers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Pricing Details

The Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour is priced at a reasonable from €214.15, offering a Lowest Price Guarantee and allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. This all-inclusive excursion provides great value, with air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and snacks included. The pricing structure is as follows:

Item	Price
Adult	€214.15
Child	€189.00
Senior	€214.15

Travelers can rest assured they’re getting the best deal, as the tour operator guarantees the lowest price. With easy cancellation policies, booking this glacier and wildlife experience is a hassle-free way to explore the stunning Alaskan landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides bottled water and snacks, but you’re welcome to bring additional items to enjoy during the excursion.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounted rates for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 15% discount. Seniors aged 65 and up also get a 15% discount on the tour price.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos throughout the tour. Cameras and photography are welcome on the glacier exploration, lake cruise, and wildlife viewing portions of the experience.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour typically spends around 1 hour at Beluga Point and Bird Point, 1-2 hours cruising Portage Lake, 1-2 hours exploring the Explorer and Middle glaciers, and 1 hour at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Is There an Option for a Private or Customized Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private or customized tour. Travelers can book a private tour with the operator, which offers more flexibility in the itinerary and allows for a personalized experience.

Recap

The Valley of Glaciers Experience offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, from the stunning Turnagain Arm drive to the up-close encounters with Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

This tour provides an immersive exploration of Alaska’s glacial landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts seeking to discover the region’s breathtaking beauty.