Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska

From US$59 per person

Book tickets

You book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.

4.8 / 5 from 137 reviews on Viator

Per booking: Up to 15 people
Language: English
Rating on Viator: 4.8 / 5 · 137 reviews

About this tour

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

Accessibility, as stated by the supplier

Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible surfaces
Wheelchair-accessible transport
Stroller accessible

Limits the supplier notes

Accessible spaces, vehicles or departures are limited

The supplier asks you to tell them your needs when you book.

“Wheelchair accessible (limited space, notify in advance)”The supplier’s own words

Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.

Itinerary

View itinerary · 1 stop

1
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.(1 hr)

Know before you go

Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.

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

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

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From US$59 per person

Book tickets

You book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.

4.8 / 5 from 137 reviews on Viator

Location & contact

Area: Anchorage, Alaska
Meeting point: Please check in 5–10 minutes before your scheduled departure at the queue area in front of the M/V Ptarmigan
Contact: Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.

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