Portage Glacier Cruises

Table Of Content

• Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska
• Do any cruise ships leave from Anchorage?
• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Cruise Lines Using Whittier Cruise Port
• Take in the majestic beauty of Alaska’s Portage Glacier on this unforgettable cruise and tour
• Tour Itinerary
• View Alaska’s magnificent Portage Glacier on this unforgettable one-hour cruise

If you need transportation, there is one departure daily that includes roundtrip travel from Anchorage and a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway to the head of Turnagain Arm. Turn east on the Portage Glacier Road and drive about five miles to the shore of Portage Lake, with parking and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Whittier, Alaska

Matt’s passion for the region shines through as he takes photographs of every group at each stop, leaving guests with lasting memories of their adventure. With his expertise, guests are able to gain a deeper appreciation for the stunning beauty and rich wildlife that Alaska has to offer. As the tour progresses, Matt skillfully points out various natural wonders, such as waterfalls and eagles, along the way, ensuring that guests don’t miss any of the highlights. He shares interesting facts and statistics about the landscape, water, trees, and wildlife encountered during the tour, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Do any cruise ships leave from Anchorage?

Cruise across iceberg-dotted Portage Lake for an up-close view of spectacular Portage Glacier aboard our custom sightseeing vessel, the mv Ptarmigan. Located just an hour from Anchorage, this glacier cruise is a must-do tour and is perfect for the whole family. Forest representative within a heated cabin or open-air topside viewing deck. An option with transportation to/from Anchorage is also available if you don't have your own transportation. Only one hour from Anchorage, this is a perfect tour if you’re looking to get up close to a glacier but don’t have a lot of time or don’t want to spend too much money.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Many offer views of glaciers, historic collapsed mines, and snow-capped mountains. If the weather cooperates, you can rent bikes and take a ride downtown or try taking in the views along the bike trails surrounding the city. The closest airport to the Whittier cruise terminal is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), about a 90-minute drive away. You’ll find many taxis and ride-share services at the airport to get you to Whittier, but be prepared. The port adheres to high-security standards, so you should leave plenty of time for luggage and bag checks and metal detector scans. You should know where your cruise ship is docked and which terminal you should report to ahead of time.

The tour operator has taken care of the logistics, so guests can simply focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and educational information provided by the knowledgeable tour guide. Once Portage Lake freezes solid, people regularly ski, hike, ice skate or ride bikes about three miles to the vicinity of Portage Glacier. Be aware that this is “wild” ice with no official monitoring for safety or thickness, and the glacier face continues to calve during winter without warning.

If you want something more cosmopolitan, spend some time in Anchorage. You can enjoy shopping in designer stores and exploring the city’s many art galleries and souvenir shops. You will also find a surprising number of restaurant options, from basic fast food chains to independently-owned, world-class restaurants. Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. Continuing the adventure, participants of the Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour will embark on a captivating journey through a carefully crafted itinerary. Guests will find that the logistics of the Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour are well-organized and convenient, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The Alaska App

Our guide explains everything you need to know about the port and surrounding area. Visitors on the Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour are often delighted by the abundant wildlife sightings along the scenic Turnagain Arm. This picturesque stretch of water is home to a variety of Alaskan wildlife, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.

Tour Itinerary

Before or after your cruise, which lasts approximately 1 hour, you’ll stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. You’ll get up close with Alaska wildlife, since the center is home to injured or orphaned animals, from muskox to grizzly bears, then, make the return trip to Anchorage. At Portage Lake, you’ll board the MV Ptarmigan, for the hour-long boat ride among icebergs and up to the glacier. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.

View Alaska’s magnificent Portage Glacier on this unforgettable one-hour cruise

49th State Brewing is an excellent option for trying local beer and picking up a souvenir. During your voyage, you may dock at other ports, like Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port. Each port will offer its own unique attractions, from picturesque fjords and glaciers to historic Alaskan landmarks. Next, the tour visits the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where participants can observe and learn about native animals up close. The tour includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where visitors can observe and learn about a variety of animals. Take a cruise aboard the mv Ptarmigan to within 300 yards of Portage Glacier for fantastic views of the blue-white icebergs that decorate Portage Lake.

With the cooler temperatures, you can also expect more active wildlife, especially bears preparing for winter hibernation. Seating is also very limited inside the terminal, so passengers with mobility concerns should check with their cruise lines for assistance. The tour price includes pickup and drop-off, gratuities, and all activities mentioned in the itinerary. Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat during the Portage Glacier cruise. The restroom ensures that guests have access to facilities during the duration of the cruise, providing convenience and comfort. Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour.

Cruising across Portage Lake, you’ll quickly see why Portage Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. Standing just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age, you’ll watch for fractures of ice break off the glacier and crash into the water below. Finish up with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for the opportunity to view wildlife up close. To sum it up, the Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour offers an incredible adventure for nature enthusiasts. With a knowledgeable tour guide named Matt, visitors can learn about the local ecosystem and enjoy breathtaking views of Portage Glacier. If you exit the Anchorage airport at the North Terminal, you’ll get a taxi near the arrivals area; from the South Terminal, you’ll get a ride near departures.

We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Some tours are aimed directly at wildlife viewing, so you will be taken by vehicle or boat to try and get up-close views of bears, moose, bald eagles, and other species native to the state. Hikers can enjoy the stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness from the top of the trail.

Continue south on the road as it curves around the lake another 1.6 miles to the marina for Portage Glacier Cruises. This tour combines the Portage Lake Cruise with roundtrip transportation from Anchorage and a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. They use Whittier Cruise Port or other nearby ports, including Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Juneau Cruise Port, Ketchikan Port, or Skagway Port.

The Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour has garnered numerous positive reviews and recommendations from visitors who have experienced its captivating sights and knowledgeable tour guide. Guests express satisfaction with the knowledge and enthusiasm of the tour guide, Matt, who enhances the appreciation of the magnificent sites with his extensive knowledge of local history and landscape. Visitors particularly enjoy the superb views offered during the cruise along the leading edge of Portage Glacier.

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Once booked, please visit our Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding weather issues and cancellations. Plus, what to do in the surrounding area to make the most out of your visit. At the Portage Day Lodge, you'll have time to purchase lunch or a snack (at your own expense) and shop for Alaskan artwork and gifts in the gallery. Spring brings the return of milder temperatures in the 30° to 50° F range. There are no shops or restaurants inside, but there are a few stores and small cafes nearby.