
Book Portage Glacier Cruises Near Anchorage
Witness the majestic beauty of Portage Glacier with a scenic cruise departing from Anchorage. Glide across the serene waters of Turnagain Arm while viewing the towering glacier face and surrounding Chugach National Forest peaks. This iconic Alaska experience offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife spotting, including eagles, whales, and bears in their natural habitat. Travelers can compare multiple tour operators to find the perfect blend of comfort, education, and adventure. Whether seeking a peaceful morning departure or an evening twilight cruise, these excursions provide a unique perspective on one of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes. Book your journey today to explore the raw power and tranquility of this glacial wonder.
Tourteller Selected
We've carefully curated the top activities.




Small groups discover glaciers and wildlife on one one of the most intriguing road trips you will ever experience. A local expert will narrate on your 8 hour day tour from Anchorage, Alaska. Free hotel pickup and drop-off included 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Turnagain Arm tour from Anchorage Po...
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Free hotel pickup and drop-off
- Live commentary on board
- Long-time Alaskan guides
- Transport by Sprinter vans
- Lunch
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Portage Glacier
- Chugach State Park
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience the Big Outdoors and Portage Glacier Cruise! See the amazing beauty that surrounds Anchorage. This special tour does not follow any set route. Nor does it follow a time table. Use your time wisely by going into the wilderness to see wildlife and view glaciers. Summer only: an option, o...
- Driver/guide and scout
- Confirmation by PicTours Alaska with all Add-On Selected will be emailed to valid purchase
- Entertainment
- Live commentary on board
- Stop to Purchase Food-Meal
- Ptarmigan ship - price will be excluded from ticket if not specifically selected while booking.
- Glacier Cruise ship upgrade may be added directly from PicTours Alaska's website. May-Sep Only
- Alaska Railroad
- Flattop Mountain
- Beluga Point
- Byron Glacier Trail
- Chugach State Park
- Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
- Bird Creek
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Portage Glacier
- Chugach National Forest
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Discover Alaska in unmatched style and comfort. With this tour, your journey becomes part of the destination—led by seasoned local guides, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and elevated by luxury Mercedes transport. From guaranteed wildlife sightings to glacier-fed valleys and hidden gems, ever...
Take a ride on the M/V Ptarmigan across Portage Lake. View icebergs floating on the lake, observe cascading waterfalls, and note steep mountain cliffs along the way to Portage Glacier. From within the heated cabin offering large windows or the open-air viewing deck, see the face of the glacier and s...
- 1-hour glacier cruise
- Heated cabin seating
- Open-air viewing deck
- Food and drinks
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.”
All Related Tours & Activities
Products loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.When comparing the 16 tour options we track across booking platforms, prices generally fall between $219 and $430, with a median of $244. The full spread ranges from about $164 to $1,024. For travelers seeking value, our data highlights that Glacier Tour experiences average $195 while maintaining an excellent rating of 4.85 stars, making them a strong budget-friendly choice compared to the broader category.
Most tours last between 3 and 8 hours, with a median duration of 6 hours. This allows enough time for scenic viewing and wildlife spotting without requiring a full day commitment. If you are looking for a shorter experience, be aware that only a small fraction of the available options fall on the lower end of this spectrum.
Yes, privacy is a notable feature in this market. Roughly 25% of the options we compare (4 out of 16) are designated as private tours. This is a higher share than many standard sightseeing categories, allowing groups who prefer exclusive guides and flexible pacing to find suitable listings among the choices.
Guides and tour materials are available in 5 languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French. Since 100% of the options are guided tours, language accessibility is consistent across the board, though specific guide availability may vary by date.
Inclusions vary by operator, but the most common features are:
- Guide Included: Available in roughly half (56%) of the options.
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: Offered by about one-fifth (19%) of tours.
- Snacks Included: Provided by approximately 19% of the listings.
- Cruise Access: Explicitly included in about 12% of the options.
Always check the specific itinerary details, as some operators charge separately for transport or meals.
A significant portion of the market prioritizes sustainability. Roughly 62% of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly. While these tags indicate operator policies rather than third-party certification, they suggest that many providers use low-impact vessels or follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.
Booking ahead is advisable because roughly 12% of the options (2 listings) are flagged as likely to sell out. Quality is consistently high across the category; the tours hold an average rating of 4.78 stars based on 3,944 combined reviews. Travelers frequently mention "great guides," "beautiful scenery," and "exquisite tourism" in their feedback, indicating a reliable standard of service.
Yes, but visibility is often blocked by city lights. Travel to nearby parks like Chugach State Park for clearer views during winter months.
Yes, the municipal tap water meets all safety standards and is perfectly safe for drinking without filtration or boiling.
Pack layers including rain gear and warm fleece. Summer temperatures vary widely, so versatile clothing is essential for comfort.