The Matanuska Glacier Tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of Alaska’s most impressive natural wonders. With its stunning ice formations and expert guides, this 3-hour experience promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. For just $115 per person, visitors can venture deep into the heart of the glacier, discovering its unique features and learning about its fascinating history. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time glacier-goer, this tour is sure to leave you in awe of the sheer power and beauty of this natural marvel.
Key Points
- The Matanuska Glacier Tour is a 3-hour excursion that includes a 2-hour guided expedition on the glacier, showcasing features like ice falls, moulins, and deep crevasses.
- The tour costs $115 per person and provides transportation from NOVA Alaska Guides to the glacier terminus, with additional entry fees ranging from $25 to $45.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or people over 75, and drones are prohibited to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
- Participants are recommended to wear warm clothing, bring sunglasses and a camera, and be prepared for cool temperatures during the family-friendly hike.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 36 reviews, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides, smooth transportation, and the unique glacier features explored.
Tour Overview
The Matanuska Glacier Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore one of Alaska’s most stunning natural wonders.
Priced at $115 per person, the 3-hour tour includes a 2-hour guided expedition on the glacier. Guests are picked up from NOVA Alaska Guides and transported to the glacier terminus, where they’ll hike across the icy landscape.
Along the way, they’ll witness glacier features like ice falls, moulins, and deep crevasses, all while learning about the glacier’s formation and geology from an expert guide.
The tour also allows visitors to fill their water bottles with fresh glacier water.
Looking for more options in Glacier View? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Pricing and Booking
How much does the Matanuska Glacier Tour cost? The tour is priced at $115.00 per person.
The Matanuska Glacier Tour is priced at $115.00 per person.
The 3-hour tour includes a 2-hour guided tour on the glacier. Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.
Entry fees to Matanuska Glacier Park are additional, costing $45 for adults, $25 for teens, and $30 for Alaska residents, military, and seniors.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or people over 75. Guests can book the tour through the NOVA Alaska Guides website or by contacting the company directly.
Itinerary and Highlights
Starting from the NOVA Alaska Guides meeting location, guests embark on a 15-minute van ride to the terminus of the Matanuska Glacier.
The guided tour on the glacier itself lasts 2 hours, during which guests can experience the glacier’s unique features like ice falls, moulins, and deep crevasses.
The hike is suitable for families, and the expert guide shares insights about the glacier’s formation and geology.
Guests can also fill their water bottles with fresh glacier water, a unique opportunity to taste the pure, glacial source.
Transportation and Meeting Point
Guests embark on a 15-minute van ride from the NOVA Alaska Guides meeting location to the terminus of the Matanuska Glacier. The transportation is included in the tour, providing a hassle-free way to access the glacier.
Once at the glacier, guests enjoy a guided tour led by an expert guide. The two-hour glacier hike takes visitors through the stunning features of the ice, such as ice falls, moulins, and deep crevasses.
The tour then returns to the meeting point via the 15-minute van ride, concluding the Matanuska Glacier experience.
More Great Tours NearbyGear and Recommended Items
The tour provides all the necessary gear for guests to comfortably explore the Matanuska Glacier. Visitors don’t need to bring their own equipment, as it’s included in the tour. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour company recommends the following items:
| Recommended Items | Notes |
| — | — |
| Warm Clothing | Layers are essential for the glacier’s cool temperatures. |
| Sunglasses | Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. |
| Camera | Capture the stunning glacial features and landscapes. |
| Sunscreen | Apply liberally to prevent sunburn. |
Drones are not allowed, as they can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and wildlife. With the right gear, guests can focus on exploring the glacier’s wonders.
Park Entry Fees and Restrictions
Matanuska Glacier Park charges per person for entry: $45 for adults (17+), $25 for teens (13-16), $30 for Alaska residents, military, and seniors (65+).
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 and people over 75 years.
Recommended items include:
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Warm clothing
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Sunglasses
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Camera
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Sunscreen, water, jacket, and warm shoes
Drones aren’t allowed.
The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:10, with multiple guides on larger tours.
The terrain includes an easy walk/hike over variable glacier terrain, with slippery rocks and ice.
Tour Guide Information
Expert guides lead the Matanuska Glacier tours, sharing their deep knowledge of the glacier’s formation and geology. With a typical guide-to-client ratio of 1:10, these expert instructors provide a personalized experience, ensuring everyone can learn and explore at their own pace. The guides’ passion shines through as they point out the glacier’s unique features, from ice falls to moulins and crevasses. Their expertise elevates the tour, transforming it into an educational and captivating adventure.
| Guide Quality | Transportation | Value for Money |
| — | — | — |
| 5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Friendly, knowledgeable | Smooth van rides | Excellent experience |
Customer Feedback and Ratings
According to the provided information, customers have overwhelmingly positive reviews for the Matanuska Glacier Tour.
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 36 reviews.
Key highlights include:
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Excellent transportation rating of 4.8/5
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Great value for money rating of 4.6/5
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Positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and the ease of the hike, especially on sunny days
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Reviewers noted the tour’s suitability for families and the opportunity to experience unique glacier features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?
Yes, guests can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour doesn’t provide any meals or refreshments, so packing a lunch or snacks is recommended to have during the 2-hour guided hike on the glacier.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It involves a 2-hour guided hike over variable glacier terrain, including slippery rocks and ice, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. Participants must be able to navigate uneven surfaces.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Walk-In?
It’s recommended to book the Matanuska Glacier Tour in advance, as walk-in availability may be limited. Reserving ahead ensures availability and secures your spot on the tour. The tour can sell out, especially during peak seasons.
What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel?
According to the details provided, travelers can cancel their Matanuska Glacier Tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows for hassle-free changes to travel plans.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour offers discounts for seniors aged 65 and over, who can get the Alaska resident rate of $30. However, there don’t appear to be any student discounts listed.
The Sum Up
The Matanuska Glacier Tour offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of Alaska’s most impressive natural wonders. Priced at $115 per person, the 3-hour adventure includes a guided expedition showcasing the glacier’s stunning features, such as ice falls and deep crevasses. With a high customer rating, this family-friendly tour is a must-do for those seeking a unique outdoor experience in Alaska.
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