Valley of Glaciers Experience With Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour

The "Valley of Glaciers Experience With Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Tour" offers travelers an unforgettable journey through Alaska’s stunning landscapes. Guests can expect a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, with breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and opportunities to spot local wildlife. The highlight, however, is a captivating cruise on Portage Lake, allowing visitors to witness the majesty of glaciers up close. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as the tour also includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Key Points

• Scenic drive along Turnagain Arm with stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point for wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Cruise on Portage Lake to observe Explorer and Middle glaciers up close.
• Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see native Alaskan animals like lynx, wolves, and reindeer.
• Highly rated tour with knowledgeable and friendly guides, praised for its informative nature and stunning views.
• Accessibility considerations, including private transportation and stroller-friendly but not wheelchair-accessible.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Valley of Glaciers Experience is a small-group tour that showcases the stunning natural scenery of Alaska’s Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley.

With 97% of 193 reviewers recommending it, the tour offers a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point, and a cruise on Portage Lake to see Explorer and Middle glaciers.

Visitors can also explore the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to view native Alaskan animals like lynx, wolves, and reindeer.

Hassle-free round-trip transfers from Anchorage hotels and an air-conditioned vehicle make this an accessible and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions and Logistics

While bottled water, snacks, and a lunch stop are available for purchase, the tour includes air-conditioned private transportation.

The small-group tour has a maximum of 11 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am, with pickup details communicated the evening before.

Participants have the option to reserve now and pay later for the $225.00 per person tour price.

Tour Experience and Guide Feedback

Guides like Jeremy are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, as participants enjoy the informative nature of the tour and the breathtaking scenery along the route.

Wildlife sightings of moose, bears, and eagles further enhance the experience, while the visits to the glaciers and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center are described as memorable and awe-inspiring.

Positive reviews highlight the tour’s ability to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural wonders of the region.

Despite occasional weather-related cancellations and missed wildlife encounters, the overall experience is overwhelmingly praised by participants.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.9 based on 193 reviews, customers consistently praise the Valley of Glaciers Experience tour.

Common themes highlight the tour’s beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and memorable experiences. Participants enjoyed wildlife sightings along the route and described the glacier and wildlife center visits as breathtaking.

While some reviews noted cancellations due to weather and missed wildlife encounters, the majority of feedback emphasizes the informative nature of the tour and the stunning views.

Pricing and Booking Information

The Valley of Glaciers Experience tour starts at $225.00 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. The tour operator will provide pickup details the evening before the tour, which runs approximately 8 hours starting at 8:00 am.

Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller friendly, accommodating a maximum of 11 travelers.

Customers enjoy hassle-free round-trip transfers from their Anchorage hotel.

While some reviewers note cancellations due to weather and missed wildlife sightings, the tour overall boasts a 4.9-star rating from 193 reviews, with 97% of participants recommending the experience.

Scenic Drive Along Turnagain Arm

The scenic drive along Turnagain Arm takes travelers on a breathtaking journey through the heart of Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes.

Winding roads hug the rugged coastline, offering panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and the vast, sparkling waters of Turnagain Arm.

Stops at Beluga Point and Bird Point provide opportunities to observe wildlife, like beluga whales and bald eagles, and soak in the tranquil beauty of the region.

The drive showcases the raw power and majesty of Alaska’s wilderness, leaving visitors in awe of the state’s natural wonders.

Portage Lake Cruise and Glacier Viewing

After the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, the tour then takes guests on a cruise across the serene Portage Lake.

The highlight of this portion is the up-close viewing of the Explorer and Middle glaciers. Participants can marvel at the towering ice walls and listen for the thunderous calving of the glaciers.

The cruise provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the raw power and grandeur of these natural wonders.

The tranquil lake setting offers a peaceful respite before continuing on to the next stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

After the serene cruise on Portage Lake, the tour then takes visitors to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

This wildlife sanctuary provides an up-close encounter with Alaska’s native animals, including lynx, wolves, and reindeer. Guests can observe the animals in their natural habitats and learn about the center’s efforts to rehabilitate and protect these species.

The wildlife viewing is described as a memorable and breathtaking experience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who offer informative commentary about the animals and the conservation center’s mission to preserve Alaska’s wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 11 travelers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.

Are Children of All Ages Permitted on This Tour?

The tour is stroller accessible, but it’s not specified if children of all ages are permitted. The maximum group size is 11 travelers, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated for Exploring on One’s Own?

The tour doesn’t specify how much free time is allocated for independent exploration. However, it includes several stops and activities, leaving limited time for guests to wander on their own during the approximately 8-hour tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for Additional Activities?

The tour overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. It’s an 8-hour experience starting at 8:00 am, with no indication of flexibility for additional activities beyond the scheduled inclusions.

Can the Pickup Location Be Customized Beyond the Listed Anchorage Hotels?

The tour offers pickup from Anchorage hotels, but additional pickup locations may be available upon request. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about customizing the pickup location beyond the listed options.

The Sum Up

The "Valley of Glaciers Experience" offers a captivating journey through Alaska’s natural wonders. Travelers can enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes, from the breathtaking Turnagain Arm drive to the up-close glacier encounters on Portage Lake. The wildlife viewing at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center completes this unforgettable adventure, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of this remarkable destination.