Alaska's Most Accessible Glacier Experience

Portage Glacier Cruises offers Alaska's most accessible glacier viewing experience aboard the specially-built MV Ptarmigan. This 80-foot vessel provides the only boat access to Portage Glacier, navigating among floating icebergs on pristine Portage Lake just one hour from downtown Anchorage.

The hour-long narrated cruise approaches within 300 feet of the massive Portage Glacier, where passengers witness the dramatic blue ice formations and listen for the thunderous sounds of glacial calving. Experienced local naturalist guides share insights about glacier formation, wildlife, and the unique ecology of this glacial environment.

The MV Ptarmigan features a fully enclosed, heated cabin with expansive panoramic windows and an outdoor observation deck for optimal glacier viewing. Built on-site to U.S. Coast Guard specifications, the vessel ensures comfort and safety while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and hanging glaciers.

Multiple tour options accommodate different schedules and interests. The cruise-only option provides pure glacier viewing, while combination packages include wildlife viewing at the adjacent Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Transportation packages from Anchorage eliminate driving concerns and include scenic highway commentary.

Daily departures at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM ensure flexibility for visitors. The drive from Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway adds to the adventure, passing through Turnagain Arm and offering mountain and coastal views.