Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour

Exploring the rugged landscapes of Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley is an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. This private tour, guided by local experts, takes visitors along the scenic Seward Highway, offering ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and breathtaking vistas. From witnessing the majestic Portage Glacier to riding the Alyeska Scenic Tram, the tour promises personalized experiences that leave guests raving about its flexibility and the knowledgeable guides. But the true highlight might just be what awaits those who venture beyond the standard sightseeing routes.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day private tour allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley, and Anchorage with the guidance of a local expert.

The scenic Seward Highway, designated an All American Road, leads the way to stunning viewpoints perfect for wildlife photography. Guests will have the opportunity to visit Portage Glacier, the quaint town of Girdwood, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see rehabilitated animals up close.

With a flexible itinerary, the tour can be customized to suit the group’s interests for an immersive Alaskan experience.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour’s highlights showcase the region’s natural splendor.

Explore the scenic Seward Highway, an All American Road, with opportunities for wildlife photography.

Explore the scenic Seward Highway, an All American Road, with opportunities for wildlife photography.

Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see rehabilitated animals like wolves, foxes, caribou, and bears.

Cruise on Portage Lake for a close-up view of the iconic Portage Glacier.

Ride the Alyeska Scenic Tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska for panoramic vistas and lunch.

With a flexible itinerary, the tour can be customized to match the group’s interests, ensuring a personalized experience guided by local experts.

Exploring Girdwood and Alyeska

After departing Anchorage, the tour heads south along the scenic Seward Highway, designated an All American Road, toward the mountain town of Girdwood.

In Girdwood, the group has the option to:

1. Ride the Alyeska Scenic Tram to the top of Mount Alyeska, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

2. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants on the mountain, taking in the breathtaking views.

3. Explore the charming town of Girdwood, with its unique shops, art galleries, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This stop in Girdwood allows guests to experience the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness up close.

Cruising on Portage Lake

After leaving Girdwood, the tour continues on to Portage Valley, where guests embark on a cruise across the serene Portage Lake.

The cruise offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the massive Portage Glacier. Guests can spot wildlife like bald eagles, mountain goats, and even bears along the shoreline.

The calm waters of Portage Lake offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the massive Portage Glacier, with wildlife sightings a highlight.

The calm waters of the lake provide an ideal setting for photography. The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing ample time to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

This is a highlight of the tour, offering a unique and breathtaking perspective of the Alaskan wilderness.

Visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Following the cruise on Portage Lake, the tour moves on to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This nonprofit facility is dedicated to conserving Alaska’s wildlife through rehabilitation, public education, and research.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of native Alaskan animals, including:

1. Majestic bears roaming in their natural habitats.

2. Graceful caribou and reindeer foraging for food.

3. Captivating wolves and foxes playing in their enclosures.

The center provides an up-close look at these magnificent creatures and offers insights into their conservation efforts.

This stop offers a memorable wildlife experience during the Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley tour.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The tour accommodates infant seats and collapsible wheelchairs, though it isn’t fully wheelchair accessible despite being stroller accessible.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour operates in all weather conditions. Clients can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

With a 5.0 overall rating from past guests, the tour has garnered positive reviews highlighting personalized experiences and knowledgeable guides.

Notable guides like Dawn and Mike are praised for their informative and accommodating service, providing visitors with an immersive exploration of Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley.

Testimonials and Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Tour, awarding it a remarkable 5.0 overall rating across 8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Reviewers highlighted:

1. The tour’s personalized experiences and knowledgeable guides, including Dawn and Mike, who were praised for their informative and accommodating service.

2. The stunning natural beauty of the Scenic Seward Highway and Portage Valley, with ample opportunities for wildlife photography.

3. The flexibility of the itinerary, which allowed for customization based on group interests, such as the optional Alyeska Scenic Tram and Portage Lake Glacier Cruise.

The Sum Up

The Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley Private Tour offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to explore stunning landscapes, spot wildlife, and witness the majestic Portage Glacier. With a focus on personalized experiences, this customizable tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive Alaskan experience.