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The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of the native wildlife that call this beautiful state home. The best time to spot wildlife along the Turnagain Arm is during the early morning or late evening hours when animals are most active. To capture stunning wildlife photographs, it’s recommended to use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Plus, patience is key when photographing wildlife, as it may take some time to find the perfect shot.
Navigating Between Anchorage and Whittier
If you want to see this iconic glacier firsthand, you can travel to it from Anchorage in roughly 1.5 hours by car. Although it’s 50 miles southeast of the city, numerous shuttle services offer affordable rides to and from the glacier. Once there, you can even take a boat tour across Portage Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier itself. Venture on a spectacular cruise across Portage Lake, home to Portage Glacier, on this half-day tour. Next, board the mv Ptarmigan, the only boat operating on Portage Lake, for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across an iceberg-dotted landscape to the face of the glacier. On the way back to Anchorage, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you’ll tour this great wildlife sanctuary.
Sea Kayaking and Boat Tours
If you do not have a vehicle, AK Tripping offers private transportation with an experienced local driver for groups of up to 3 in comfortable Subaru Foresters. It’s a short, steep hike to Portage Pass from the Whittier side of the tunnel, with a stunning head-on view of the glacier and its rise into the mountains. Be alert to black bears and go prepared for windy and wet weather. Relax on the 75-minute narrated drive along the Seward Highway -- a Scenic Byway -- skirting Turnagain Arm, picturesque mountains and pristine wilderness. Upon arrival in Anchorage, you'll transfer to the airport or downtown hospitality center, depending on your itinerary. For more casual dining experiences, there are plenty of burger joints and breweries within relatively close proximity to the cruise port.
Portage Glacier Scenic Cruise & Drive
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises - TravelMole
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:49:31 GMT [source]
Summer is the peak tourist season in Alaska, especially in July. With days stretching to as long as 20 hours of sunlight, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. We’re going to take an in-depth look at the popular Alaskan port. For those of you ready to embark on this type of journey, there is a good chance your voyage will involve a stop or even an embarkation departure at Whittier Cruise Port. It’s about a 90-minute drive southeast of Anchorage (and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Anchorage Cruise Port).
Turnagain Arm Wildlife Sightings
For shopping, the port area and downtown core offer plenty of stores. You will not have trouble finding boutique shops selling souvenirs and unique Alaskan art. Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall is located downtown, and it offers five levels.
The Alaska App
Portage Glacier is one of Southcentral Alaska’s most visited places. The drive south takes you along the scenic Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm where you may see wildlife along the way. Board a motorcoach for a 30-minute panoramic drive to scenic Portage Lake. At the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center, you will learn about glaciers, wildlife and the Chugach National Forest. Board the m/v Ptarmigan for an unforgettable cruise, navigating the iceberg-dotted waters to within 300 yards of Portage Glacier. Enjoy the spectacular views and 60-minute narrated tour from a seat in the enclosed lounge or from the open-air observation deck.
Alaska Lodges
This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Anchorage/Seward. Enjoy a narrated tour to Portage, an hour south of Anchorage, along the Seward Highway. Our independent reviews are powered by the third party service Feefo. All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity via our website. For those booking cruise itineraries that make stops in various Alaskan ports, transferring between ports will be handled for you. When booking your cruise, you will discover this is a relatively common occurrence on an Alaskan cruise.
Take in the majestic beauty of Alaska’s Portage Glacier on this unforgettable cruise and tour
(Stay well back from the face!) Conditions can vary dramatically, from sheer glare ice to deep snow to slushy overflow. If you’re prepared for what amounts to a backcountry trip, though, viewing the sparkling, brilliant glacier face on a sunny winter day can be exhilarating. The south side of the lake and the immediate vicinity of the glacier are off-limits. Cruise ships don’t leave Anchorage directly, but most popular cruise lines have cruises that depart from one of the ports close to Anchorage. You will find no shortage of guided shore excursions that enable participants to view some of Alaska’s famed wildlife and terrain. Popular tours include hiking to Crow Pass Trail and Eagle River Nature Center.
Kayaking To Portage Glacier In Alaska - Men's Journal
Kayaking To Portage Glacier In Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Five departure times are available every day, May 15 through September 19, 2024. Come visit Portage Glacier and discover one of Alaska’s most popular attractions. Visit the sheer, awesome face of a mighty Alaska glacier, located just an hour from Anchorage. Cruise across Portage Lake on the mv Ptarmigan, where you’ll stand in awe of a relic of the Ice Age and watch for ice pieces break off the glacier and crash into the water below.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center also receives high praise as it provides an opportunity to see native animals without extensive searching. One of the visitors’ favorite moments is the bonus stop to observe salmon in a creek. Along With enjoying the breathtaking scenery, guests appreciate the opportunity to learn new information and also mention outstanding views of the glacier, wildlife, and nature. For those interested in wildlife photography, Matt provides helpful tips to capture the best shots of the native wildlife encountered during the tour. Your tour begins as you board your deluxe motorcoach for a scenic drive along the Seward Highway to Portage Glacier, part of the Chugach National Forest located south of Portage Lake. Next, you’ll board the MV Ptarmigan, the only boat operating on Portage Lake, for an unforgettable one-hour cruise across iceberg-dotted Portage Lake.
Another draw of Alaskan cruises is the abundance of excursion providers and activities that take advantage of Alaska’s unique outdoor wilderness. As always, make sure you are booking through your cruise line if you are only making a port of call stop in the area. Located just 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, this immersive cultural center allows you to learn more about Alaska’s native population through demonstrations and interactive exhibits. There are also plenty of outdoor adventure activities, including kayaking, jet skiing, and hiking.
This is especially helpful for those with dietary restrictions or specific preferences. Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back at the meeting point, making it easy for them to continue with their day. It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby. Hidden deep within the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska lies a hidden gem that many may not know about – the Portage Glacier Cruise and Wildlife Explorer Tour. Our operational and cleaning procedures have been expanded with extra care and attention focused on the well-being of our guests and our employees.
During summer, most people approach Portage aboard the 80-foot MV Ptarmigan with Portage Glacier Cruises. It’s a fun marine outing, suitable for families with children, known for lively commentary by its guides. The vessel will motor within 300 feet of the craggy face and its royal blue fractures. For weather-free virtual viewing, the visitor center also has many photos and interactive exhibits about Portage Glacier and its stunning retreat over the past century.
Click on the departure time below to learn more and reserve your tour. For same day ticket sales, please purchase them on site at the Portage Glacier Cafe (401 Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587). The most common way to get between Whittier and Anchorage is by car, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also ride the Alaska Railroad, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour scenic train journey.
If you visit in winter, you can try cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park. The 20 miles of maintained trails are open to skiers in the winter but are also suitable for a hike when the snow melts. The park is just over 10 miles from the port, so it’s easy to get to. Those booking back-to-back Alaskan cruises to enjoy everything the most northern state offers will find a cruise transfer relatively simple.
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