Portage Glacier Cruise a Self-Guided Tour

Experience the Astounding Majesty of an Alaskan Glacier

A truly ideal tour for the independent traveler. The Portage Glacier Cruise provides the chance to get out of the city of Anchorage and journey along the scenic Turnagain Arm.

Our shuttle will embark on a journey south to Portage Glacier Lodge at Portage Valley where you can enjoy a meal and exciting hiking opportunities along the Trail of Blue Ice and Byron Glacier Trail. Be sure to take the Portage Glacier Cruise to see one of Alaska’s most well-known glaciers.

Price: $49.50 each way or $99 roundtrip

Included: Round-trip shuttle service to Portage with a tour of Turnagain Arm. Pick up and drop-offs at appointed locations.

Excluded: The price of the Portage Glacier Cruise is not included. Plan for $45.00 pp for cruise ticket. Tickets can be purchased here. If you plan to rent a bike, keep in mind there will also be a bike rental fee.

To Book: Scroll to the bottom of this page.

Things to Do

Venture across Portage Lake on the MV Ptarmigan to the face of Portage Glacier for an unforgettable up close and personal experience with one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers. Take in the sheer awesome face of this mighty Ice Age glacier from just 300 yards away. Watch for ice that often breaks off and crashes dramatically into the water below!

Please note it is a 2.5 mile hike from the shuttle drop-off point to the cruise departure point. Bike rentals are available in Anchorage, but be aware the shuttle will only be able to accommodate up to 4 bikes during each trip to Portage. If you are interested in renting a bike for this tour, please see our Self-Guided Bike Tours page for more information.

What You Can Expect

On the way to Portage Lodge, we provide a tour of the dramatic shoreline of Turnagain Arm as we travel down the Seward Highway.  Once we arrive at the lodge, you are free to explore on your own all that Portage Valley has to offer.

While this tour offers a unique opportunity to get out on your own and explore the area, it is not for those who are not confident hikers/bikers. Be sure to take into consideration the time it takes to travel between the shuttle stop and cruise departure point when planning your journey. You will be on your own and will need to prepare accordingly – you don’t want to miss your shuttle or the cruise!

If you want to take the cruise, be sure to plan ahead so that you have plenty of time to do the cruise and be back in time for the shuttle.

Please do not take food on any of your adventures around the area as it will attract unwanted attention from wildlife. Most people bring along bells that jingle or talk to their partner so animals are not snuck up on. Nobody likes to be spooked. They will not bother you if you don’t encourage them.

Your adventure includes a Turnagain Arm Tour with highlights listed below.

HIGHLIGHTS

Beluga Point

A popular photo stop with rich archaeological history. Enjoy panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the chance to see Dall sheep and Beluga whales surfacing just off the rocky outcropping. Beluga whales are often sited during the latter part of July through August when the salmon are spawning in the area streams.

Portage Valley
Enjoy breathtaking views of Explorer Glacier which overlooks a serene lake. Then it is on to the next stop for a 10 minute walk into a rainforest that leads to an overlook looking down on Portage Lake and its many glaciers that surround it. Here you will leave the group and continue to the Portage Lodge to purchase you cruise ticket and get directions down to the boat or begin your journey down one of the areas popular trails.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS TO ENJOY ON YOUR OWN WITH PROPER PLANNING

Portage Glacier Lodge
Built in 1956, this rustic lodge features a cafeteria style restaurant and gift shop. Family-run and operated, it is the only place to eat in the valley. If you plan to explore the valley you may want to grab a bite before or after you head out. The Lodge closes at 5 pm so plan accordingly.

The Trail of Blue Ice
The Trail of Blue Ice is a 5 mile lightly trafficked trail that ventures through forests, along lakes and ponds, and offers some amazing views of the mountains and glaciers in the area. The trail is best used from May until September for those who are confident hikers and bikers.

Byron Glacier
Byron Glacier trailhead is near Portage Lake. It’s approximately 0.8 miles from the trailhead to a popular viewing point. The walk along the trail is well-groomed and mostly flat with some small hills. When you reach the viewing area you will find benches to rest before you head back. We usually say its 20 minutes to walk, 20 minutes to gawk and 20 minutes to get back. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and plan for the weather.

Begich Boggs Visitor Center
The visitor center features exhibits on the geology and glaciers of the area as well as an award-winning movie shown in the center’s own theatre. There are also observation decks and telescopes on Portage Lake.

CHOOSE FROM THREE DEPARTURES DAILY

Please plan your Portage Valley Cruise and Self Guided tour according to the amount of time you want to spend in Portage Valley – you will notice each tour offers a different amount of time to explore on your own.

Departure times are 10 am, 11 am and Noon.