Portage Glacier Cruise Experience 1 hr drive from Anchorage

4.8(137)1 hFree cancellationBy Portage Glacier Cruises

About this activity

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

What's 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

Meeting and pickup

Please check in 5–10 minutes before your scheduled departure at the queue area in front of the M/V Ptarmigan.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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.

Cancellation policy

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

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